This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Effects of Trailer Hookup Practices on Passenger Car Handling and Braking
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
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 results described herein pertain to the observed effects of hitch load, load leveling (via weight distributing type hitches), and tow car tire inflation on modifying the tow vehicle understeer gradient and its sensitivity to lateral acceleration. Abrupt reductions in understeer were observed which increased the tendency for jackknife. Front/rear tire pressure differentials (front lower than rear) have a significant beneficial influence when the hitch load is high. Effects of these hookup variables on trailer swing mode stability and combination vehicle stopping distance are also presented.
Recommended Content
| Technical Paper | DEVELOPMENT OF MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE HITCH LOAD BOUNDARIES FOR TRAILER TOWING |
| Technical Paper | Determination of Trailer Stability Through Simple Analytical Methods and Test Procedures |
Authors
Citation
Klein, R., Johnston, D., and Szostak, H., "Effects of Trailer Hookup Practices on Passenger Car Handling and Braking," SAE Technical Paper 780012, 1978, https://doi.org/10.4271/780012.Also In
References
- Ludtke N. “Survey of Suspension Systems on Vehicle Towing Travel and Camper Trailers, Vol. XI.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration June 1974
- Reese T. J. “Engineering Principles of Weight-Equalizing and Sway-Resistant Hitches.” “Travel Trailer Towing,” SAE SP-259 January 1965 1 6
- Johnston D. E. Zellner J. W. Ashkenas I. L. “Handling Test Procedures for Passenger Cars Pulling Trailers. Vol. II: Technical Report.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration June 1976
- “Passenger Car and Light Truck Steady State Directional Control Response Test Procedures.” SAE Proposed Recommended Practice XJ266 1977
- “Brake System Road Test Code - Passenger Car-Trailer Combinations.” SAE Recommended Practice J134a December 1970 March 1973
- Klein R. H. Szostak H. T. “Effects of Weight Distributing Hitch Torque on Car-Trailer Directional Control and Braking.” Systems Technology, Inc. October 1977
- Bundorf R. T. “Directional Control Dynamics of Automobile-Travel Trailer Combinations.” Paper 670099 SAE Automotive Engineering Congress Detroit January 1967