Trailer snaking accident

[PeteB]

I have survived a few attempted tail-wags, by simply backing off the throttle and holding the wheel steady (with well clenched buttocks).

 

That conjures up a vision! How do you manage this in a LandRover?

[josharb87]

Scary Jrose!

 

Over here, to do the BE licence, you have to pass a theory test first, some snippets of info from the book about nose weight:

 

Empty, nose weight on the tow car is "normally" recommended around 30-50kg, loaded 70-90kg

you can use your bathrooms scales and a stick to measure the nose weight.

If you have negative nose weight (back heavy) and are stopped by the police, you will not be allowed to continue your journey-its that dangerous!

 

 

Years back working with a mate, we had an 18ft(?) trailer with tw150 on, and a load of wood, couldn't go above 30 without it snaking, moved a handfull of rings from the back of the trailer to the front and even a few onto the back of the truck and could then easily do 60.

[Treeation]

Bloody Hell Jo, really glad you and anna are ok. Must of been terrifying as well as all your equipment getting smashed up..hope you get a good payout from insurance....did you get down to glasto at all or did you just sack it off?

[jrose]

Again, thanks for all the replies

 

Me and Anna are fine, came down to Glastonbury on Saturday and been down there since.

 

One thing I am glad I did above all others is put myself through the B+E test, I know far too many people who tow with the normal license and having the trailer ticket has taken any of the worry out of am I insured, or for that matter legal when the police turned up on scene!

 

So anyone towing ANYTHING be it under or over 750kg, I'd urge to invest a few hundred quid in the licence as it may save you tens of thousands should something like this happen!

[mowingjamie]

best advice yet! b&e test only costs a few hundred quid, only get pulled over once and its paid for itself! never mind insurance etc if something did ever happen...

[Stephen Blair]

I don't understand the accelerating out the problem.

To me it will just mean you will have to go through it again when you slow down . And if there was something wrong faster makes things worse, maybe it's ok on a test track on an air field but not heading down a bust rd or motorway.

I've towed since I was 17 and never had anything snake, just take it easy.

Glad you are ok!

[Stoatally]

Blimey Joe! Glad to hear you and your other half are ok. Shame about the truck but at least they can be replaced

[SteveA]

I don't understand the accelerating out the problem.

To me it will just mean you will have to go through it again when you slow down . And if there was something wrong faster makes things worse, maybe it's ok on a test track on an air field but not heading down a bust rd or motorway.

I've towed since I was 17 and never had anything snake, just take it easy.

Glad you are ok!

 

I once towed a caravan and it started snaking going downhill.... accelerated hard and it settled down. Luckily it was a clear road, otherwise what can you do apart from driving as gentle as possible & clenching your butt cheeks?

cheers, steve

[treefootom]

http://www.justdriving.net/driving-theory-test-question-bank/vehicle-loading.html

 

See question 2. It is generally advised NOT to accelerate, gentle deceleration without the use of brakes.

[richy_B]

I could see how accelerating out of it on going up hill would work but not on the flat or downhill. You don't want to turn a 50mph snaking trailer into a 60+mph snaking trailer.