On vehicles with trailers, rear drive wheel braking skids can cause what effect?

On vehicles with trailers, rear drive wheel braking skids can cause what effect?

• A. The towing vehicle pushes the trailer sideways
• B. The trailer can push the towing vehicle sideways
• C. The trailer pushes the towing vehicle forward
• D. There is no effect

Answer: (B)

When a trailer is involved, braking forces from the trailer are transmitted through the hitch to the towing vehicle. If the trailer’s rear wheels lock and skid, the trailer tends to slide or yaw sideways relative to the road. That sideways motion at the connection point creates a sideways reaction on the drawbar, which can push the towing vehicle sideways. In short, the trailer can push the towing vehicle sideways. This isn’t about the towing vehicle pushing the trailer sideways, nor about the trailer pushing the towing vehicle forward, and there is indeed an effect when the trailer wheels skid.

When a trailer is involved, braking forces from the trailer are transmitted through the hitch to the towing vehicle. If the trailer’s rear wheels lock and skid, the trailer tends to slide or yaw sideways relative to the road. That sideways motion at the connection point creates a sideways reaction on the drawbar, which can push the towing vehicle sideways. In short, the trailer can push the towing vehicle sideways.

This isn’t about the towing vehicle pushing the trailer sideways, nor about the trailer pushing the towing vehicle forward, and there is indeed an effect when the trailer wheels skid.