This study was performed to develop, validate, and document a pragmatic set of dynamic performance test procedures that are suitable for making first-order appraisals and evaluations of the handling performance of light trucks, vans, and truck chassis-based recreational vehicles under realistic highway driving maneuvers.

Specific vehicles considered included a Class A motor home, Class C motor home, VW Van, Pickup and Camper, and a four-wheel drive Jeep Wagoneer. Each vehicle was simulated on an updated hybrid computer to aid in development of test procedures. Vehicle physical properties were measured during the program for use in the computer simulations. The procedures were then validated and refined via testing. A set of six procedures was developed. The procedures are braking in a turn, sinusoidal steer, trapezoidal steer, trapezoidal steer while braking, road roughness in a turn, and crosswind sensitivity. Summary data from the verification testing are presented.