What is the commercial vehicle term for the habit of swinging wide on turns?

What is the commercial vehicle term for the habit of swinging wide on turns?

• A. Off tracking
• B. Oversteer
• C. Understeer
• D. Drafting

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is off tracking. On a multi-axle commercial vehicle like a tractor-trailer, the rear wheels don’t follow the exact same path as the front steering wheels when you turn. As the cab pivots, the trailer’s wheels sweep a different, often wider arc, so the back end seems to swing out or “cut” wider than the front would on a simple car turn. That extra sweep requires more turning space and careful positioning to avoid curbs or other vehicles. It’s not about tire grip or yaw behavior (that would be oversteer or understeer), and it’s not about following another vehicle (drafting). Off tracking is the term that describes this habit of the rear end not tracing the same path as the front during turns.

The idea being tested is off tracking. On a multi-axle commercial vehicle like a tractor-trailer, the rear wheels don’t follow the exact same path as the front steering wheels when you turn. As the cab pivots, the trailer’s wheels sweep a different, often wider arc, so the back end seems to swing out or “cut” wider than the front would on a simple car turn. That extra sweep requires more turning space and careful positioning to avoid curbs or other vehicles. It’s not about tire grip or yaw behavior (that would be oversteer or understeer), and it’s not about following another vehicle (drafting). Off tracking is the term that describes this habit of the rear end not tracing the same path as the front during turns.