On 20 Jun 2008 at 17:09, Randall wrote:
> I don't know WHY tongue weight is so important;
Very intriguing question. If I had to guess, I'd say it isn't the
tongue weight per se, but the location of the c.o.m. in front of the
axle. This would have a profound effect on its natural period of
oscillation around a vertical axis centered on its axle. It also
affects how its weight is transferred to the towing vehicle. When
lateral momentum (or its cousin, centrifugal force) pushes the
trailer mass sideways, a front-loaded trailer will push the rear of
the towing vehicle that way too. On a rear-loaded trailer it will
push the rear of the towing vehicle the opposite way. The transition
between the two behaviors will be very sharp as the weight is shifted
front to rear.
--
Jim Muller
jimmuller@rcn.com
'80 Spitfire, '70 GT6+
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