"Towing a trailer can be dangerous" youtube video

Lynnmor wrote:

WTP-GC wrote:
It states that 60% of the weight should be forward of the axle. On a 5000 pound TT, that equates to 3000 pounds tongue weight.

Nope, better recheck your math. Of course lengths enter into the equation so there is no way to give an exact answer, but you missed it altogether.

Agreed. Just because 60% of the weight is forward of the axle doesn't imply that it's all on the tongue. Most likely, it isn't, but, it "could" be. Need more loading information and the trailer dimensions for an accurate loading estimate.

Chum lee

The one thing I saw in that video, like others said, is the fact the model trailer is a pole. In the real world, trailers are usually a lot wider than that. So, what is not mentioned is that, not only should you have 60% of your weight forward of the trailer axle, but that weight should also be fairly evenly distributed from side to side.

60% forward is great, but if it's all on one side of the trailer, you are still going to have the trailer attempting to wag the tow vehicle. Ask me how I know this. ;-)

Cheers!
Mike

WTP-GC wrote:
It states that 60% of the weight should be forward of the axle. On a 5000 pound TT, that equates to 3000 pounds tongue weight.

Nope, better recheck your math. Of course lengths enter into the equation so there is no way to give an exact answer, but you missed it altogether.

WTP-GC wrote:

dodge guy wrote:

WTP-GC wrote:
Been posted and discussed on here just shy of a zillion times. Dumb video. It would be helpful if you were towing a pole trailer without brakes in a straight line with a Mustang on a treadmill. Otherwise, it's just another marketing gimmick and eye-grabbing display at a trade show. The entire thing is over-dramatized.

Wrong! it gives a good visual of what an improperly setup truck/trailer can do. doesn't matter what the TV is or what the trailer is or where its at. It still does it!

I never said that it doesn't demonstrate the forces at play or how improperly loaded trailers can behave. But the video itself is just ridiculous. It states that 60% of the weight should be forward of the axle. On a 5000 pound TT, that equates to 3000 pounds tongue weight. Yes, I'm sure that's not what they mean, but where does that arbitrary number even come from? Does it come from the treadmill test? Also, the model car is tethered to the front of the treadmill (ie no self-propulsion or steering control). And the trailer axles appear to be half-way up the trailer frame...another slam against real-world conditions. They over-simplify a topic to over-dramaticize it.

If anyone needs to see real-world towing characteristics, there are plenty of videos on YouTube that show actual vehicles pulling actual trailers.

If the trailer is properly loaded then yes 60/40 is the right number. And no they don`t want 3000lbs tongue weight. your drawing conclusions on something that isn't possible and making an argument on something that you yourself know is not right.

Its still a good video that shows improper loading characteristics.

dodge guy wrote:

WTP-GC wrote:
Been posted and discussed on here just shy of a zillion times. Dumb video. It would be helpful if you were towing a pole trailer without brakes in a straight line with a Mustang on a treadmill. Otherwise, it's just another marketing gimmick and eye-grabbing display at a trade show. The entire thing is over-dramatized.

Wrong! it gives a good visual of what an improperly setup truck/trailer can do. doesn't matter what the TV is or what the trailer is or where its at. It still does it!

I never said that it doesn't demonstrate the forces at play or how improperly loaded trailers can behave. But the video itself is just ridiculous. It states that 60% of the weight should be forward of the axle. On a 5000 pound TT, that equates to 3000 pounds tongue weight. Yes, I'm sure that's not what they mean, but where does that arbitrary number even come from? Does it come from the treadmill test? Also, the model car is tethered to the front of the treadmill (ie no self-propulsion or steering control). And the trailer axles appear to be half-way up the trailer frame...another slam against real-world conditions. They over-simplify a topic to over-dramaticize it.

If anyone needs to see real-world towing characteristics, there are plenty of videos on YouTube that show actual vehicles pulling actual trailers.

NOT a dumb video since there is a sway discussion and talk about all kinds of hitches and sway controls almost daily. This video simply demonstrates the real problem.

WTP-GC wrote:
Been posted and discussed on here just shy of a zillion times. Dumb video. It would be helpful if you were towing a pole trailer without brakes in a straight line with a Mustang on a treadmill. Otherwise, it's just another marketing gimmick and eye-grabbing display at a trade show. The entire thing is over-dramatized.

Wrong! it gives a good visual of what an improperly setup truck/trailer can do. doesn't matter what the TV is or what the trailer is or where its at. It still does it!

Been posted and discussed on here just shy of a zillion times. Dumb video. It would be helpful if you were towing a pole trailer without brakes in a straight line with a Mustang on a treadmill. Otherwise, it's just another marketing gimmick and eye-grabbing display at a trade show. The entire thing is over-dramatized.

Not exactly scientific. Or if it was it wasn't explained. What was the weight ratio between the car and the trailer? What was the ratio between the model car and a real car? Was it the same as the ratio between the model trailer and a real trailer? On and on.
Not arguing with the premise. Just saying.

Yeah, it’s been posted before. But always good for those that have never seen it.