CDL Vehicle Combination Practice Test

Which statement regarding "bobtail" tractors is accurate?

1. They stop faster than loaded combination vehicles

2. They can take longer to stop than a combination vehicle loaded to maximum gross weight

3. They are easier to maneuver

4. They have better braking systems

The correct answer is: They can take longer to stop than a combination vehicle loaded to maximum gross weight

The statement that bobtail tractors can take longer to stop than a combination vehicle loaded to maximum gross weight is accurate because a bobtail tractor, which is a tractor operating without a trailer, often lacks the added weight that provides the necessary stopping force. The fact that they are lighter means they have less momentum, but when it comes to stopping distances, weight distribution and the braking systems come into play. A loaded combination vehicle typically has the benefits of a more balanced braking system designed to handle significant loads, which improves its stopping performance. Additionally, the braking systems on loaded combination vehicles are often more robust to handle the higher mass, making it easier for those vehicles to stop quickly compared to a bobtail, especially in emergency situations. Ultimately, the lighter weight of a bobtail may not translate to better stopping power due to insufficient braking systems and weight dynamics, clarifying why this statement is accurate in context.