Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.

If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

A novel hitching control method was developed to improve the tracking ability of a towed trailer. Steering controls of trailers wheels has been used to get better tracking performance of a trailer. However, the control needs steering mechanism of trailer wheels, consequently cannot apply to conventional trailers. The idea proposed in this paper is that the tracking ability of a trailer can be enhanced by moving a hitching point of a tractor, thereby the control is applicable to any conventional trailer. This paper describes background of the development of the control, theoretical examinations of hitching position control, and checking of the control through computer simulations. Finally advantages and disadvantages of the hitching position control were discussed.