4x4ord wrote:
ExxWhy wrote:
4x4ord wrote:
There are two ways of increasing safety while traveling in a vehicle. One way is to prepare for an accident.... therefore seat belts; car seats; air bags; helmets etc. If I was planning on a head on collision I'd definitely insist everyone wear their helmet. The other way is to avoid the accident in the first place. Driving a crew cab diesel pick up pulling a fifth wheel you will be far less likely to loose control and crash than towing a TT with a van.
I'm quite skeptical of that statement. What do you base that on? Are there some sort of accident stats you can quote?
I don't have any stats ... I base my opinion on what I would consider common sense. The fifth wheel being coupled at the rear axle of the truck or slightly ahead has a huge advantage over coupling a trailer 4 feet behind the rear axle. As soon as the truck starts to move left with a fifth wheel the front of the trailer gently follows to the left. With a tag trailer the truck moving left causes the front of the trailer to initially swing slightly right before following left. The additional pin weight put on a fifth wheel (better weight distribution) reduces the likely hood of trailer sway being initiated from the trailer bouncing on uneven road surfaces or curving roads. Under emergency braking situations or steering maneuvers the fifth wheel has less leverage acting on the back of the tow vehicle to push it out of control. The better towing mirrors, heavier suspension, better wheel braking as well as engine braking of a heavy duty pick up vs a van or SUV are all safety factors.
My experience tells me people pulling a fifth wheel with a diesel drive considerably faster than all other people towing. Making them considerly more dangerous.
