Safe driving with the extra-long glider trailer: a professional’s perspective
“Above the clouds, freedom must be boundless” – glider pilots are familiar with that uplifting feeling as they soar through the air. The view from a bird’s-eye perspective makes the pre-flight tension quickly fade away.
But before a glider can defy gravity, thorough preparation is needed. Transporting the glider with a trailer plays an essential role. This can be quite an adventure when you have a 16-metre rig, which rivals an articulated lorry in size. It is all the more surprising that, while there are many tips for the ideal gliding experience, there is little information about ‘safe driving with a glider trailer’. What should you look out for when towing a trailer? Which aids make transport easier? How can road safety and comfort be improved?
Safe travels, perfect flights
Lukas Hilbers, instructor at the gliding club AKAFLIEG Braunschweig, has the answers. Whether heading to the airfield, a competition, or the workshop – members drive an average of 15,000 kilometres a year with the glider trailer.
As a general rule, an experienced glider pilot should always be present for the first journeys with the glider trailer. “The size of the trailer is a challenge that is often underestimated. Especially navigating tight corners can cause problems, as the rear end swings out considerably, while the inner wheel tends to cut the corner. In addition, the light but large body is susceptible to side winds and easily begins to sway. Here the AKS 3004 anti-snaking coupling (AL-KO VT stabiliser coupling) is helpful. Thanks to its four friction pads, it eliminates the onset of snaking and pitching movements. In an emergency, this allows the rig to be stabilised more quickly.”
Hilbers also recommends that his students fit side marker lights on the trailer, so that other road users can better judge the length of the rig. It is equally important to ensure that the suspension and shock absorber – especially on older trailers – are still fully functional.
Comfortable, fatigue-free driving
When it comes to the comfort of the glider trailer, he has a clear view: the comfort of a good trailer results from its easy-to-use fittings and good driving characteristics. High inherent stability and a low tendency to sway are important. This ensures that even long journeys can be completed without fatigue.
Especially in poor weather, the expert advises against harsh braking and taking corners too fast, as the trailer may otherwise experience excessive overrun and start to skid. An effective solution, which can save up to five metres in braking distance, is the self-adjusting AAA Premium Brake (AL-KO Automatic Adjustment). Hilbers explains: “With this brake, you can enjoy even greater driving comfort, as gentle braking prevents the trailer from overrunning abruptly.”
Looking ahead, Hilbers would welcome a kind of ‘park distance control’ that indicates obstacles near the trailer when reversing. “That would certainly provide a significant boost in both comfort and safety.”
Thanks to safe driving with the glider trailer, nothing stands in the way of a perfect flight.
