[TR] TR3 trailer towing/design

[pethier at comcast.net]

From: "Nolan" <opposumking at verizon.net>
> A trailer sways because its nose is pointing one way, and then the other. 
> This can be from weak trailer tire sidewalls (low tire pressure), sloppy 
> trailer suspension (common), wiggly hitch mount, and inadequate tires on the 
> tow vehicle (very common).
> 
> Various factors can increase the swaying tendancy.  The shorter the distance 
> between the hitch and the trailer axle(s), the more likely the trailwer will 
> sway.  As well extending the load out from the centroid of the trailer 
> axle(s).  Distance from the hitch to the tow vehicle rear axle rapidly 
> increases leverage on the tow vehicle tires, creating lots of neat sway 
> problems.
> 
> The 10% tongue weight rule of thumb is simply a means of helping ensure you 
> don't load the trailer in a manner that exasurbates the swaying tendancy. 
> Far more important is to ensure the causes of sway are addressed.  Many an 
> otherwise stable trailer sways because the tow vehicle has weak sidewall 
> tires and low tire pressure, and I'm not talking about just the rear tires. 

Absolutely.  Truck tires instead of car tires on the tow vehicle helps, too.  Stiffer sidewalls.  

Maybe a Panhard rod if your leaf-spring truck has side-flex issues.

When you start a left turn in your truck, your trailer actually steers right.  Short truck overhang and long trailer-wheel distance minimizes this.

That's why fifth-wheels tow so nicely:  When you start a left turn in your truck, your trailer actually steers left.

--
Phil Ethier  West Side  Saint Paul Minnesota  USA
1962 Triumph TR4 CT2846L, 1992 Saturn SL2, 1993 Suburban,
1994 Miata C package
pethier [at] comcast [dot] net    http://forum.mnautox.com/forums/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pethier
I decry the textmessagization of the American-English language.