08-07-2012, 07:47 PM
Tuga makes several good points. The turning radius will decrease somewhat but as importantly, in a VERY sharp turn, is that you are not dragging the tag sideways which is hard on the tires and the suspension. The rear axle is trying to be pulled sideways by the tag so they are fighting each other. In some cases, the clearance lost by the rear squat when the tag isn't supporting any weight can become a serious issue.
In the case you site, it might have helped or it could have made matters worse. Without being there, it is hard to tell. It certainly would have allowed a slightly tighter turning radius BUT if the rear wheels started to slip off into a ditch, the tag being down could help provide extra stability to avoid slipping into the ditch. There are so many variables to take into consideration when you get into a tight situation that it really takes a lot of concentration, playing what if's, and, in the end, may still be a crap shoot.
In the case you site, it might have helped or it could have made matters worse. Without being there, it is hard to tell. It certainly would have allowed a slightly tighter turning radius BUT if the rear wheels started to slip off into a ditch, the tag being down could help provide extra stability to avoid slipping into the ditch. There are so many variables to take into consideration when you get into a tight situation that it really takes a lot of concentration, playing what if's, and, in the end, may still be a crap shoot.