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Post by schweetcruisers on Feb 15, 2014 8:15:29 GMT -8
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John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
Posts: 1,625
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Post by John Palmer on Feb 15, 2014 9:07:54 GMT -8
In looking over the various "ideas each different state has" about what's safe for weight's and speeds, it apparent that they are just numbers without much actual engineering as to what's really safe when pulling your travel trailer down the road.
Why one state requires brakes at 1500#, and another state says brakes are required at 4000#, what's up with that thinking? When someone pulls out in front of you need adequate braking power to stop safely, period.
I don't think any of us are advocating pulling trailers at 80MPH. What we are saying is, that a rig should not be speed sensitive when towing it at higher speeds. If you have a improperly loaded trailer, it will start to sway, and will continue to get worse as the speeds are increased.
Towing in California at the legal 55 MPH trailer speed limit, when other vehicles are passing you at 75 MPH on the freeway "is just a dumb government idea". But, I can't afford the ticket, and increase in insurance premium, so I try to stay under 60 MPH when towing.
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wiartonwillie
Active Member
Posts: 108
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1953 McGuinness Silver Duke
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Post by wiartonwillie on Feb 15, 2014 11:19:31 GMT -8
Sparky I work in the auto repair business. We also do alignments, on the Dodge trucks we crank the caster up for a better feel on the road. The factory settings are not enough. The trucks ride better after this adjustment. Good luck.
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Post by bigbill on Feb 15, 2014 13:11:13 GMT -8
In today's world your trailer should meet or exceed any laws in any state you are towing through. If in a serious accident it is not the insurance cost you should be worried about it is the thought that you could be jailed on things like vehicular manslaughter or any of the other things that you have heard about in the news plus the civil liabilities that could destroy your entire future. This doesn't occur often but the headaches you save could be your own. Years ago accidents were not investigated like they are today so the likely hood of an illegally equipped vehicle being discovered are much greater today. Also could you live with the thought that you caused serious harm to your family or some one else. Drive safe, make sure your trailer is properly setup then enjoy your vacation. Sorry for the sobering thoughts but they are real.
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Post by vikx on Feb 15, 2014 21:27:21 GMT -8
We had to add a second set of brakes to our 4 horse stock trailer when bringing it into Washington State. (tandem axles) I don't think it ever helped much, but we were legal...
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