When turning suddenly while pulling doubles, which trailer is most likely to tip over?

When making a sudden turn while pulling doubles, the second trailer is most likely to tip over due to its position at the back of the combination. The dynamics of turning create a situation where the outer trailer swings out more compared to the first trailer, which is closer to the cab and thus has a more stable turning radius.

As the rear trailer responds to the centrifugal force during the turn, it has a greater tendency to lean and potentially tip over, especially if the turn is sharp. Additionally, the positioning of the axles and the distribution of weight play significant roles in this scenario. The farther a trailer is from the pivot point (the truck), the more it is susceptible to tipping, as there is less support from the front trailer to help maintain balance.

In contrast, the first trailer benefits from being closer to the truck, which offers more stability during turns. This area of physics is crucial for drivers to understand in order to manage the risks while maneuvering larger vehicle combinations. Therefore, recognizing that the second trailer bears the most risk of tipping in a sudden turn is essential for safe driving.