The influence of tongue weight of a trailer-mounted recreational vehicle on steering stability

The influence of tongue weight on a Trailer-Mounted Recreational Vehicle (TMRV) is studied. A multi-body dynamic model of the TMRV was established, three typical vehicle stability tests were carried out. Tongue weight had different effects on the tractor and Recreational Vehicle (RV). According to different loads, the critical tongue weight range was given. In addition, the tongue weight of the existing models was optimized and suggestions for improvement were put forward. The analysis results show that the tongue weight should be within a reasonable range which can ensure the tractor understeer and keep the lateral stability of the RV.