Towed Tractor Rollover

[BKBoiss]

This has been a great thread. I've never had any towing problems probably because I load correctly and stay on the back roads at a slow speed. Today, while towing I paid a little more attention and have a question. I think--but am not sure--that the trailer brakes engaged a bit before the truck brakes did. Is this possible? I have a 2011 Toyota Tundra with the tow package and I have a "tow/haul" mode button that I presumed just lowered the shift point. Not much mention in the owner's manual. Any thoughts?

I have no clue about Toyota but I do know when my brother bought me a new Peterbilt I mentioned to him one day that it felt like the trailer brakes would grab before the trucks did. Apparently it's how they are setting up some of the new trucks now to help avoid jack knifed accidents.

And yes if you start fish tailing a little brake or "spike as we call it" on THE TRAILER ONLY should help pull you straight. Of course if you are on ice NEVER do that or you will most likely end up in an awful mess faster than you can say oh crap.

On ice I have been pushed down hills skidding many times especially if your running jeep and pole setups or jeep and rack setups the minute they go out of line with the truck they want to pass. We have a trick around here called throwing out the anchor. If you know your truck good enough you throw your trailer in the snow bank let it get you back under control and to a reasonable speed then pop it back on the road before you slow to much and end up stuck. This is of course running off road hauling logs and I wouldn't try it on the freeway but you get the idea.

 

[sixdogs]

Yes, I have a brake controller and my trailer has electric brakes .

 

[aczlan]

If the brake controller is set aggressively, its normal for the trailer brakes to grab first unless you are braking hard.

Aaron Z

 

[truckdiagnostics]

Yes, I have a brake controller and my trailer has electric brakes .

Trailer Brake Controller Comparison Review Video | etrailer.com
Not all brake controllers are equal. Didn't read the above link real well, but basically there is time delay that apply the brakes in the trailer harder at first. My guess is that is what you are feeling. It is also real important that your brake controller is installed and set up correctly!

 

[MF283]

This is a question for you experienced guys. What should you do if your trailer start fishtailing? I have only very limited towing experience but based on one event while transporting upright piano (high CG) stepping on brake (no hard braking) stabilized the trailer instantly. My guess is that braking removes energy from the system while acceleration would add energy flipping the trailer.

CCWKEN nailed it, hit the gas & pull it out, then slow down as needed. Trailer brakes set aggressively can be a scary experience as well, had a trailer snatch a 1 ton plumb into the opposite lane years ago, after that experience, i checked the setting each time when towing the trailer.

Ronnie

 

[Garandman]

Trailer Brake Controller Comparison Review Video | etrailer.com
Not all brake controllers are equal. Didn't read the above link real well, but basically there is time delay that apply the brakes in the trailer harder at first. My guess is that is what you are feeling. It is also real important that your brake controller is installed and set up correctly!

The brake controller on our Ford Transit is adjustable. Haven't used it yet because we've only used older, surge trailers.

 

[sixdogs]

Trailer Brake Controller Comparison Review Video | etrailer.com
Not all brake controllers are equal. Didn't read the above link real well, but basically there is time delay that apply the brakes in the trailer harder at first. My guess is that is what you are feeling. It is also real important that your brake controller is installed and set up correctly!

This is a great and informative link.

 

[jk96]

This is interesting b/c I have a 1999 Ford 3/4 ton and a 20' eqp trailer as well as a 24' bumper pull camper. I, too, can feel a bit of a push from semis passing, but no pucker factor. Mine is a CC long bed, so I think that helps. I've heard similar towing horror stories. Maybe I'm just lucky? FWIW, we took the camper all over the USA last summer. Generally ran 70-80 mph. Maybe weight is a factor. My camper is only about 6500 to 7 k loaded up. Also, I use WD hitch on camper but not on eqp trailer.

There were often times I was loaded close to max GVWR or GCWR. An extra set of rear wheels and moving the weight from the bumper to the bed made all the difference.

 

[tcartwri]

Sway is also a function of speed. And the magic number is right around 55 mph where things will exponentially get out of control.

The hardest thing to manage is to NOT over correct the steering on the truck. You want very small slow corrections. Speaking from experience.

 

[PJ The Kid]

I was always taught to control it very similar to tank slap on a motorcycle. If you freeze up or get rigid it will make it worse, stay loose and fluid and calm and decelerate slowly until back in cotrol.