A New Dual Hitch Trailer Concept for Improved Stability and Reverse Maneuverability

A dual hitch trailer with caster steerable wheels is developed to improve reverse maneuverability and to eliminate the potentially dangerous forward yaw oscillation mode between tow vehicle and trailer. High speed maneuverability, a common deficiency of small trailers of the dual hitch type, is achieved by the use of a patented “mass restraint system” which enables necessary side forces to be developed by the trailer tires during such maneuvers. A mathematical model is developed to analyze the lateral stability of this trailer system and indicates significant improvements over past dual hitch and single ball hitch trailers. Test results on an experimental trailer are included for verification of the model and also to demonstrate the importance of the mass restraint system for high speed maneuvering.