Attention: TDR Forum Junkies although most of realize this, that extra weight behind you can really be dangerous if you find yourself in a hard braking situation. a long, long time ago, i was pulling through the mnts of nc with about 12000 lbs of turf equip to be delivered the next day. i was driving a [gasp] ford centurion 4 door dually and casually making my way to my motel that night. on the four lane rd, just before my exit, was a caution light on my side and a blinking red light on the other side. i noticed a flatbed pulling up to the light on his side and assumed he would stop, well he didnt. as soon as i saw him start moving forward, i knew that he was going to pull right out in front of me and began to brake. i had about 100 yards between his truck and mine, but that didn't seem to be enough. [i forgot to mention that the roads were wet from rain that day] when i applied more brake, the trailor brakes began to lock and literally pushed me right into his path. i remember reaching down and trying to turn the tr brakes down, and hold onto the wheel at the same time. ill say this for the ford, it took a good hit. i hit him in the last tr axle dead on. if for some reason i would have gone three feet to the left or right i would have gone right under his deck. the lesson learned is that no matter how good your truck and trailor brakes are, if your trl weighs more than your truck, and you have a panic stop situation, you are going to be pushed forward at a surprisingly fast and scary way. why i didnt jacknife, well im still not sure, i would say it was my great driving skills, but i know that would be a lie. it was just luck. and after all everyone that makes a living on the road would tell you luck[and good equip] is all you have.
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