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Trailer Sway - Two Thoughts

To: Walt Boeninger <Walt@chekov.mayfield.hp.com>
Subject: Trailer Sway - Two Thoughts
From: Derek Harling <derek.lola@sympatico.ca>
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 22:29:21 -0400
One - 
Walt Boeninger wrote: 
> ..but if you want the ultimate in sway control, check out:
> http://www.hensleymfg.com/

OK - I've spent 1/4 hr reading the advertising blurb on the "Hemsley
Arrow" and pondering the pictures - now can someone please explain what
it actually does - or rather how it is supposed to do it. The
pseudo-technical language doesn't really say anything. The basic linkage
doesn't do anything I can figure out - but what are the smaller
auxiliary links? - shock absorbers? - friction stays?

Two - 
To me trailer stability is proper axle location and proper driving. Both
the center of gravity and lateral center of pressure [cross winds] must
be ahead of the axles centerline. Weight is easy to move, but if
necessary check if you can move the axles - often it can be done. If you
can't move the axles then over-compensate on the forward weight and jack
up another link on the load equaliser - but watch out for reduced tow
vehicle rear weight/traction. 

Proper driving? - much of it is like good race car driving - look well
ahead - don't get caught having to lift or even worse brake while
actively turning - this just causes tow vehicle oversteer. Keep some
positive tractive effort [accelerator] while turning or on uneven
pavement or while passing/being passed by  big trucks - you'll get
stability - just like your race car - same basic reasons.

Above all - be gentle in the wet. And remember that the tow vehicle rear
wheels are usually under-tired for the job unless you have a dually.
More for contact patch than weight reasons.

A good rig will get MORE stable as you increase from 50 to 70 mph. If it
doesn't - then correct whatever basic problem you've got.

Looking forward to responses!

Derek

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