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Old February 21st 08, 05:37 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Eric Greenwell
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Posts: 1,096
Default Towing stability studies

scooter wrote:

I have a trailer that happily tows at 80mph and has behind a number of
tow vehicles. I am currently towing with a short wheelbase Volvo
SUV. This trailer is uniquely low, but seems to self damp when a semi
passes or the wind gusts and has an aerodynamic fin. I have always
suspected it has something to do with the fin to trailer wheel moment
vs trailer wheel to hitch moment. I have never had to play with
weights etc. The wheel placement is different than the Cobras which
seem to be more centered.

Picture athttp://www.illunis.com/Files/trailer.jpg

Scott


Link should be Picture at http://www.illunis.com/Files/Trailer.jpg


How much does the trailer and glider weigh? I suspect it's quite light,
as the forward wheel placement generally works against stability. I'm
reminded of a couple trailers Roger Frank built years ago.

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Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
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