Francesca Knowles wrote:
Any vehicle towing, regardless of size, is susceptible to additional hazards if brakes are suddenly applied, most notably jackknifing. While formulaic calculations of stopping distance won't correct for that hazard, every prudent driver must. Distances are greatly increased if one understands that keeping the rig straight while stopping depends on careful control/application of the brakes. Sudden, hard braking must be avoided.
I think that is likely misleading at least and downright incorrect at worst. While it certainly is true that one needs to aware of potential jack-knifing, you are implying that hard braking is "going to result" in that. That is, in many if not most cases, incorrect. Some tests have shown that in fact a combined rig ( truck and trailer ) with the tow vehicle having ABS and the trailer having properly adjusted and functioning brakes, can actually stop shorter than the tow vehicle alone. The idea is, "the trailer brakes stop the trailer", and in this combined scenario, the forward weight transfer of the trailer as down force on the rear of the tow vehicle, helps keep the truck level, and it's four tires more evenly planted on the roadway.
I would have no hesitation to going to a full on ABS assisted stop with either of my trucks, towing any of my trailers, if needed.
I would suggest anyone reading these posts to think about this, and also to take your truck and trailer out to a deserted road and do some practice panic stops.
Francesca Knowles wrote:
In my opinion, when towing, both lower traveling speed and greater distance between followed vehicles are simple measures tending toward maximum control of the vehicle combination, especially when it comes to safely stopping it.
I do agree with this, and routinely practice this. Added following distance and slower speeds simply make good sense. Especially in my case as often I have live animals ( horses ) in my trailer, so the possibility of shifting loads, etc are greater than a static tied-down load.
