in u00d7 6 in but it is preferably preferred that the pads 18 be larger as shown for example in fig1 and 12 the two external support tubes 14 are substantially shorter than the internal telescoping tube 16 as shown in fig1 so that the vehicle when traveling can freely negotiate a complete 90 degree turn if necessary of course while presently preferred materials and dimensions have been disclosed herein for the purpose of thoroughness and to ensure an enabling disclosure those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative materials and dimensions may be selected depending upon desired application and performance criteria without departing from the basic principles of the invention with respect now to fig1 7 more details of the system 10 and its engagement with a truck or other suitable vehicle will become apparent as shown in fig4 on the rear end of the internal telescoping tube 16 is installed a stop plate 22 which closes the end of the tube 16 this plate acts as a stop when the trailer attenuator is being towed when the tow vehicle is pulling the trailer attenuator the plate 22 is larger than the outside dimension of the external telescoping tube 16 b the stop plate 22 and the pintle hook of the tow vehicle share the load during transport of the trailer attenuator as shown in fig4 7 a cross bar 24 is disposed across the system 10 extending through the internal tube 16 and connecting the two external.