<VV> Re: Trailer rotation

[Padgett]

>  We had loaded it nose forward because it's a convertible and things 
> seemed OK but on a downhill stretch of freeway we got into an 
> uncontrolable oscillation and spun 270 degrees.

Sounds like either a single axle trailer or a dual axle with low pressure 
in one or more tires. I always called them speed wobbles and can be real 
scary. Some say to accelerate out (speed band is not large) but I prefer to 
lift and let the rig slow.  I always had a separate control for the trailer 
brakes and applying them only would usually damp any sway. Is the type of 
thing you need to rehearse in your mind so not thought is needed.

Trailer tires are made much stiffer than passenger car tires and passenger 
car radials on a car trailer are really not a good idea since the movement 
of the tire can help an oscillation get started. If necessary to use 
passenger car tires, inflate to the maximum allowed.

Does point out the need to know where the car on the trailer balances, get 
the tongue weight right, and check the trailer tire pressure regularly.

That said, I pulled a Corvette all around the midwest with a LeMans Station 
Wagon and remember getting a bit of wobble when a tire went flat but 
nothing like you described.

Would not let one bad experience put you off, just learn from it.

Padgett