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The objective of this paper is to evaluate the dynamic performance of pickup truck - trailer configurations, using performance measures adopted by Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE). The pickup truck models are selected based on the US truck classification that segregates trucks on the basis of the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). Three different types of trailers - gooseneck trailer, pintle hook trailer and three-axle trailer with parametric hitch - are utilized in this study. The truck-trailer configurations will be evaluated for static rollover threshold, load transfer ratio, rearward amplification, friction demand, lateral friction utilization, high speed, low speed and transient off tracking and three-point handling performance. These measures are based on definitions from Canada’s heavy vehicle weights and dimensions study.

The rigid-ring tire model is a simplified tire model that describes a tire's behaviour under known conditions through various in-plane and out-of-plane parameters. The complex structure of the tire model is simplified into a spring-mass-damper system and can have its behaviour parameterized using principles of mechanical vibrations. By designing non-linear simulations of the tire model in specific situations, these parameters can be determined. They include, but are not limited to, the cornering stiffness, vertical damping constants, self-aligning torque stiffness and relaxation length. In addition, off-road parameters can be determined using similar methods to parameterize the tire model's behaviour in soft soils. By using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) modeling methods, validated soil models are introduced to the simulations to find additional soft soil parameters.