RE: [A/S] Digest Number 2364

["dan dodd" <dandodd1@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I would question that 4-5 times the 100# weight of the bikes/rack. 

From kinematics: 
Time "T" is measured in seconds

Distance "D" is measured in feet

Velocity "V" is D times T

Acceleration "A" is V times T measured in ft/sec-sec; 
i.e. Earth's gravitational acceleration is 32.2 ft/sec-sec

D is A times T squared divided by 2

To get a rear end trailer force 4 times the 100# on the back of the
Airstream, you would have to accelerate/decelerate the rear up/down motion
of the trailer (pivoted about the axles) 128.8 ft/sec-sec over a distance of
about one foot (estimated rear end vertical travel as it pitches up and
down). In addition, the tires and shock absorbers will reduce some of the
acceleration resulting in a lower force. 

On the other had, it doesn't take a lot of force over a long drive on a
bumpy road to separate an Airstream's rear end. Airstreams were designed to
be lightweight and not designed to carry extra weight back there. Therefore,
I wouldn't do it either. 

Dan