Re: [A/S] Swinging' from the ball recap

["John P Sargeant" <john.sargeant@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This has been most educational. The only thing else that should be mentioned
is what we mention up here in Canada to our new drivers on winter roads. It
is very easy to get into a spin-out on icy roads, as some have experienced.
The idea though, when your back end starts to think seriously about leading
the procession, is NOT TO PANIC and do the first thing most people do
without thinking ----- hit the brakes.
    First, look where you want to go, not where you may go (over the rail)
    Second, steer in that direction
    Third, Keep you tootsies off the brake pedal
    Forth, Ease up on the accelerator
    Five, when the swing starts to moderate and things start to slow down,
gently apply your brakes. This should cause the trailer brake (which of
course you have set up correctly to go on a moment before your tow vehicle
brake) to cause drag on the rear of your tow vehicle and again cause the
swing to slow down even more.
    Six, Give a small prayer of thanks for safe keeping and journey on.
    Final Word: All this is contingent on you not driving so fast that your
guardian angel has trouble keeping up.Speed, I believe, is the overwhelming
contributor to loss of control while towing.

Sarge