Why should the trailer hand brake not be used to straighten out a jack-knifing trailer?

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Using the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jack-knifing trailer is not advisable because it can exacerbate the situation rather than resolve it. When a trailer begins to jackknife, it means that the trailer is swinging out to the side relative to the towing vehicle. Engaging the trailer hand brake during this moment can lead to a significant increase in the angle between the vehicle and the trailer, which can cause the trailer to skid even more. This not only makes recovery more difficult but can also lead to a complete loss of control.

The hand brake applies additional braking force specifically to the trailer wheels, which can lock them up and cause them to skid. This added skidding action can worsen the jackknife situation, making it harder to regain control of the vehicle. Therefore, using the hand brake in this scenario is counterproductive, as the goal should be to regain control rather than create more instability.

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