Experimental Study of the Maneuverability of a Testing Trailer with a Steering Axle at Low Speed Maneuvers

The tractor-trailer combination is one of the articulated vehicular configurations for road cargo transportation most widely used. Due to the length of these articulated vehicles and the coupling geometrical characteristics, they undergo poor maneuverability. In order to obtain a better understanding of the maneuverability, this paper deals with an experimental one-axle semi-trailer coupled to a light duty pick up truck being used to perform some low speed maneuvers. These test maneuvers include stationary and transient turns, as well as slalom type ones, performed while the semi-trailer axle is set directionally straight or steerable. During each maneuver condition, parameters as planar articulation angle, tractor and trailer yaw rates, and the correspondent steering angles were measured. The resulting path and the swept surface required for the maneuvers are used as indicators of the benefits of incorporating a steerable axle to minimize off-tracking, and consequently improve the vehicle's maneuverability.