Relative Significance of Parameters Affecting Lateral Stability of Articulated Recreational Vehicles

A seven-degrees-of-freedom model of an articulated recreational vehicle is described and used to determine the relative significance of parameters and of degrees of freedom that affect lateral stability. Thirty-five parameters are used to describe tire-road interactions, roll freedom, suspension systems, geometry, mass distribution, the hitch, the drawbar, and the forward speed. Critical speeds associated with different systems are calculated. Comparisons of these critical speeds lead to conclusions important to the design and safe operation of articulated recreational vehicles.