Effect of Lateral Slope and Loading Pattern on Static Stability of Single Axle Trailer

Abstract

Single axle trailers are most common means of transportation in rural areas. For maintaining stability of tractortrailer system, it is necessary to ascertain different factors and forces which disturb equilibrium during transportation. The effect of operating conditions and design parameters of single axle trailers on its stability were analysed using scaled physical model under static conditions. Static load tests on varying slopes were carried out using scaled physical model to determine the variation in load pattern on the trailer tyre and its hitch point. The angle of inclination along with the normal load influenced the load shift from outer wheel to inner wheel, causing instability of the tractor-trailer system. The axle position had a paramount effect on vertical hitch load. Hitch length and axle position were two major design considerations that ensured proper distribution of normal load. A normal load less than 4273 N, and the centre axle position of trailer was safe operating conditions for tractor-trailer system at lateral slope (angle of inclination) of less than 15 degrees.