Dynamic Behavior of Recreational Vehicles During Braking and Steering

Several techniques have been used to assist in developing an understanding of handling problems associated with braking and steering maneuvers for combination vehicles. The techniques involve analyses of varying complexity including use of large scale computer models. They also include actual vehicle testing where test results are correlated with analytic results. Simplified analyses show that lack of brakes on trailers can cause greatly extended stopping distances when compared with basic tow vehicle or good trailer braking stopping distances. More detailed analyses also show areas of instability which exist for combination vehicles undergoing stopping and turning maneuvers.