05/15/2008
When a truck and trailer are not in use, does the weight of the trailer damage the truck?
by Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Dear Tom and Ray:
Please settle an argument here at the fire station. We have a Ford 550 pulling a 25-foot box trailer (gross vehicle weight 10,000 pounds). Here’s the question: When this truck and trailer are not in use, does the weight of the trailer damage the truck? Are we causing damage to the leaf springs or suspension of the truck by leaving the sitting trailer attached for long periods of time? Is it necessary to unhitch the trailer when it’s not used? Thanks for your input, and I hope to keep my money. — Mike, Virginia Beach (Va.) Fire Department
TOM: Well, you don’t tell us which side you came down on, Mike. So, while we appreciate the $20 you slipped into the envelope, we’ll just have to pocket it and tell you the truth.
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