SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING THE STABILITY OF CAR/CARAVAN COMBINATIONS

In this study stability was predicted by means of a simple mathematical model of a car/caravan combination. These predictions were compared with the oscillatory stabilities of several combinations measured in track tests. This work justified the theoretical model, which was then used to determine the relative importance of the various dimensions, weights and tyre characteristics which could be varied. It was found that, to be more stable, a car/caravan combination should include a light caravan with low yaw inertia, adequate drawbar length, short hitch overhang, large car wheelbase, an optimum caravan centre of gravity, and adequate caravan tyre stiffness. A hitch damper was found to stabilise a combination approaching oscillatory instability.

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 221-228

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00387046
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: C132/83, HS-036 358
  • Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Jul 30 1984 12:00AM