TIME FOR A RETHINK ON DRAWBARS

The author presents the advantages of drawbar trailers but emphasises the need for ensuring their stability and safety in view of the increase in the permitted speeds of 60 mph on British motorways. The dynamic behaviour of drawbar trailers is considered, the use of load-sensing values, and the difficulties of brake design. The suggested solution to the braking problems is the use of anti-skid equipment. A description is given of successful "balanced-braked" drawbar trailers which have been used for several years and improvements which have been made to couplings, and handling characteristics. Use of castor action on one make of trailer is discussed. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00203122
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Road Transport Engineeers

  1 Cromwell Place
  London SW1 25F,   England 
• Authors:
  • Dickson-Simpson, J M
• Publication Date: 1981-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 15-17
• Serial:
  • TRANSPORT ENGINEER
  • Publisher: Institute of Road Transport Engineeers
  • ISSN: 0020-3122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Antilock brake systems; Brakes; Braking; Couplers; Design; Drawbar pull; Dynamics; Handling characteristics; Loads; Safety; Sensors; Size; Stability (Mechanics); Trailers
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic characteristics; Handling
• Old TRIS Terms: Antilocking devices
• ITRD Terms: 1461: Anti locking device; 1361: Brake; 1874: Braking; 9011: Design (overall design); 9014: Dimension; 5567: Load; 6120: Sensor; 5930: Stability; 1203: Trailer
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00342424
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 22 1981 12:00AM