Understanding the 'Death Wobble'
9:36
21:22
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At 9:36 in
How Not to load a Trailer. Mistakes that lead to accidents.
What happens here
The presenter moves on to the second dangerous loading scenario: the 'death wobble.' He explains that this occurs when the load is placed too far *back* on the trailer, behind the trailer axles. While this might appear to reduce stress on the truck, it creates an unstable setup. When driving, especially at speed or over bumps, this rear-heavy configuration causes the trailer to fishtail uncontrollably, which can lead to a complete loss of control for both the trailer and the truck. The presenter emphasizes that the trailer's decking behind the wheels is typically meant for light tools, not heavy equipment.
Goal: Identify the cause of 'death wobble' and how to avoid it.
Tools and materials
- Skid Steer — Representing a heavy load
- Trailer PJ Trailers — Demonstrating load placement