Polk’s Simple & Safe Towing Formulas
All too often folks just want to know what their vehicle can safely tow. Manufacturer tow ratings are misleading because these ratings do not account for any additional weight added to the tow...
View ArticleRV 101® – Trailer Sway Part 1 of 2
This is part 1 of 2. I will publish part 2 in the next post – Trailer sway, that sideto-side fishtail movement, (Figure 1) occurs when there is a force perpendicular to the tow vehicle and trailer...
View ArticleRV 101® – Trailer Sway Part 2 of 2
In my last post I discussed what trailer sway is, and I ended the article by listing some of the most important items associated with trailer sway. This week we want to discuss some methods to help...
View ArticleTruck Towing Standard SAE J2807 Update 2013
I first wrote this article back in 2010 and have waited patiently for 2013 to get here so the new SAE J2807 towing standard could be implemented. I have said for years that from a consumer safety...
View ArticleTow Vehicle Rating Facts & Myths
It’s no secret that for years truck manufacturers have competed for truck sales by boasting to have the “best in class” tow ratings. I have always taken issue with this because the consumer is the...
View ArticleRV Consumer e-Magazine – August 2015
Camping season is in full swing and the heat is on so this month’s issue discusses hot weather preventive maintenance tips, consumable items you should always keep in your RV, and how to stay cool in...
View ArticleHitch Receiver Weight Ratings vs. Tow Vehicle Weight Ratings
There has always been confusion over hitch receiver ratings as it pertains to tow vehicle ratings. This confusion applies to both motorhomes towing a dinghy and vehicles towing trailers. For example,...
View ArticleRV Braking Distance
Getting to your favorite camping destination is half the fun as the saying goes, but getting there safely is the most important thing. When you are towing a trailer or driving a motorhome it takes...
View ArticleTrailer Tongue Weight Questions
Question: I read an article you wrote about the ideal ratio of hitch weight to overall trailer weight. The numbers you gave for trailer tongue weight were 10 to 15% of the loaded trailer weight, and...
View ArticleTravel Trailer Tire Ratings – What Does “ST” Mean?
There has always been confusion when it comes to the type of tires used on travel trailers and 5th wheel trailers, or any type trailer for that matter. I think lots of folks are somewhat familiar with...
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