You mean there a hitch on the Lightnings?
Whats next, carring stuff

 

I suppose that's true, but the question would be whether the decrease in traction had greater effect than the loss of weight. With a stock engine, I do not find traction a great problem. I'm sure, even in a drag race (which I don't do), that my particular truck will do better without the hitch.



More importantly, for anything other than drag racing, where weight is taken off is as important a consideration as how much weight is taken off. Weight in front of the front axle or behind the rear axle is undesirable, as it increases the polar moment of inertia (picture the bar that high-wire artists use to keep them stable). As shown in the image above, the farther that weight gets from the centerline of the vehicle, the more the vehicle resists direction changes. Additionally, once the rear gives up and the truck goes into oversteer, the pendulum effect causes weight in the back (especially behind the rear axle) to want to keep going around. Removal of the spare and hitch and relocation of the battery help lower the polar moment of inertia.

 

Tim, thank you for that very informative post. I think I understand the physics of the trucks weight transfer a little better now.

 

I am more than willing to get rid of this hitch.

We both live in Ontario so there are no shipping charges etc...

We can meet somewhere.

I can be reached at:

moerom@rogers.com
icq: 70945764