Travel Trailer Towing Theory Test – Answers

Legal & Technical Items – Terminology; Ratings & Masses

1: What do the following abbreviations mean:

2: Are the above items “Actual Masses” or “Ratings”:

© Ratings

3: Are “Tare Mass” & “Ball-loading “actual masses” or “Ratings”:

© Actual Masses

4: The definition of “TARE MASS” for a Travel Trailer is:

(a) The actual mass of the empty travel trailer with all OEM equipment and options fitted – as specified on the Sales Contract – as it leaves the SUPPLIER, with empty water tanks and empty LPG cylinders, and without any luggage or personal effects. This is measured with the jockey-wheel and tyres on the weigh-bridge.

5: What do each of the elements of a tyre designation mean:

6: What is the standard size for a Ball-Coupling:

(a) 50 mm

7: What does ADR stand for:

© Australian Design Rule

8: What does AS stand for:

(a) Australian Standard

9: Does the Tyre & Rim Association Manual give:

© The correct tyre / rim combinations, and the recommended inflation pressures for all tyre sizes, to suit the tyre loading.

10: Are Ball-Couplings suitable for off-road operation:

(b) No

11: Brakes are required on travel trailers:

(c) If the GTM Rating is above 750 kg

12: Break-away brakes are required:

(b) If the GTM Rating is above 2,000 kg

13: ABS (on tow-vehicle) stands for:

(c) Anti-lock Braking System

14: If ABS is fitted to the tow-vehicle, will it also automatically work on the travel trailer:

(a) No

15: The Ball-loading at any time:

(c) Should be around 10% of the travel trailer mass (if not otherwise advised by the manufacturer, in writing)

16: If the Ball-loading is too LIGHT:

(b) The travel trailer/trailer will most likely develop a most dangerous sway (snaking) situation

17: If the Ball-loading is too HEAVY:

(c) Handling, steering and safety will be dangerously impaired, and the tow-bar may fail

18: Heavy items should be stored in the travel trailer:

(c) As close as possible to the axle(s)

19: If the travel trailer tyre pressures are too LOW:

(b) The vehicle will sway and wallow, and the outer edges of the tread will wear out

20: If the travel trailer tyre pressures are too HIGH:

(a) The vehicle will skip and bounce, and the centre of the tread will wear out

21: The travel trailer allowable/legal Pay-load (Load-carrying capacity) is:

(b) ATM Rating – (minus) Tare Mass

22: The left-side and right-side brakes should be:

(a) Regularly checked for wear, and adjusted evenly

23: The travel trailer lamps:

(c) Should be checked for correct operation before setting off on a trip

24: When towing a travel trailer, added or extended mirrors:

(b) Must be used so as to obtain a clear field-of-view along each side of the vehicle

25: When towing a travel trailer, the time and distance needed to accelerate from 60 – 80km/h (compared to just driving the tow-vehicle) are:

(b) Appreciably much longer

26: When towing a travel trailer, the time and distance needed to slow down from 80 – 60km/h (compared to just driving the tow-vehicle) are:

(c) Appreciably much longer

27: When towing a travel trailer around a curve, you should:

(b) Slow down, because of the additional centrifugal force, and risk of swaying

28: Doubling your speed – say from 40 – 80 km/h – will:

(b) Increase the kinetic-energy – and braking distance – by a factor of 4 (four)

29: If you see a B-Double approaching (from the front or rear), you should:

(c) Slow down a little, and firmly hold the steering wheel in case a “sway” starts

30: If the travel trailer starts to “sway” or “snake”, you should:

(c) Don’t panic and don’t make any sudden/severe manoeuvres, but gently slow down, ensuring that you keep steering in the direction that you need to.

Travel Trailer Ratings & Masses