EFFECTS OF TRAILER HOOKUP PRACTICES ON PASSENGER CAR HANDLING AND BRAKING

This paper presents selected results from a full-scale test program aimed at development and validation of test procedures for evaluating car/trailer handling and braking performance. The trailer hitch under consideration is one of the weight distribution type. This hitch utilizes equalizer (or "spring" ) bars attached at the trailer tongue and produces a nose down moment on the tow car and tail down moment on the trailer. Load leveling is not a totally satisfactory solution to the problem of heavy hitch loads. Trailer design should be aimed at minimizing hitch loads consistent with maintaining some positive value of trailer mode damping. Differential tire pressure should be more seriously considered for use with large hitch loads. Tire type changes may be necessary to avoid excessive wear, heat buildup, etc. at underinflated levels. It is suggested that operators of automobiles used for towing trailers minimize hitch load consistent with acceptable trailer damping; minimize load leveling torque consistent with rear tire load rating; use air shocks for additional leveling as necessary and maintain front/rear tire pressure differential (F < R).

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was presented at the SAE Meeting, Detroit, Michigan, February 27-March 3, 1978.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • KLEIN, R
  • Johnston, D
  • Szostak, H
• Publication Date: 1978-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 12 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Braking; Couplers; Damping (Physics); Handling characteristics; Load transfer; Riding qualities; Shock absorbers; Tires; Torque; Traffic crashes; Trailers
• Uncontrolled Terms: Handling
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00178831
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 780012 Preprint
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 27 1978 12:00AM