Patent attributes
The trailer steering mechanism automatically steers the trailer wheels in accordance with the tow vehicle steering and articulation between the tow vehicle and trailer during backing maneuvers to facilitate backing maneuvers and to prevent or greatly reduce the possibility of jackknifing between tow vehicle and trailer. The mechanism includes a pivotally attached steering frame connected between the steerable wheels of the trailer and one or more hydraulic cylinders that, when locked, create a very strong link between the tow vehicle and the trailer and its steering system. An alternative embodiment employs two non-powered hydraulic cylinders in tandem. The cylinders are able to withstand great loads, and more importantly, are able to disengage while under great load without jamming. The cylinders provide links that exert lateral force to the trailer to push or pull the trailer into a turn while backing, in addition to controlling the steering mechanism of the trailer.
