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EZRider · 07-10-2014, 07:12 AM

At noon on June 27, 2014 near Quinter, Kansas, on I-70. Semi was doing 45-50 in a 75. I wanted to do 55-60. As I went around him, an exceptionally strong wind hit me broadside. Started to fishtail; couldn't get out of it. The entire 50' rig did a 180 into the right shoulder, Silverado ended up on its top, travel trailer ended up on its side. Amazingly wife and I and both dogs are all OK.

I'm not a newbie, either. I have about 10,000 miles on this rig, including 50 mph winds across Wyoming. The state trooper told us two semis were literally blown on their sides the week before near the same spot.

I replaced the Silverado with a Mazda5. Our RVing days are over. I only post this because you guys have been very helpful in the past, and I just want to caution everyone to be really careful out there. Although, in this instance, I don't know how I could have been any more careful. Truck and TT were both less than 3 years old, had both been checked out thoroughly before we left, I was at least ten mph under the speed limit, it was a clear day. Sometimes, stuff just happens.

adonh · 07-10-2014, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZRider

At noon on June 27, 2014 near Quinter, Kansas, on I-70. Semi was doing 45-50 in a 75. I wanted to do 55-60. As I went around him, an exceptionally strong wind hit me broadside. Started to fishtail; couldn't get out of it. The entire 50' rig did a 180 into the right shoulder, Silverado ended up on its top, travel trailer ended up on its side. Amazingly wife and I and both dogs are all OK.

I'm not a newbie, either. I have about 10,000 miles on this rig, including 50 mph winds across Wyoming. The state trooper told us two semis were literally blown on their sides the week before near the same spot.

I replaced the Silverado with a Mazda5. Our RVing days are over. I only post this because you guys have been very helpful in the past, and I just want to caution everyone to be really careful out there. Although, in this instance, I don't know how I could have been any more careful. Truck and TT were both less than 3 years old, had both been checked out thoroughly before we left, I was at least ten mph under the speed limit, it was a clear day. Sometimes, stuff just happens.

Sorry to hear this, glad you, wife and dogs or OK. What hitch were you using.

Ron_H · 07-10-2014, 07:23 AM

Glad to hear that everyone walked away okay. Enjoy wherever life takes you next.

**TonyDi** · 07-10-2014, 07:23 AM

Sorry to hear about this. It's not the way anyone would want to end their RV lifestyle. Thank god you and family are okay. Thanks for telling us about your expeience, it may help someone else.

hochmuth1957 · 07-10-2014, 07:26 AM

glad to hear everybody is ok. Sorry about your rig. One if the reasons we went from truck and trailer to a motorhome was me getting tired if the uneasy feeling I got once in a while from stuff passing me or me passing other stuff. Always had a bit of fear something similar would happen. Still working on getting the moho all settled down (sway bars, tire pressures, etc.) but much more relaxed now. Hate to see this end your camping days. Try renting a moho and see if that brings you back.

dwhit · 07-10-2014, 08:29 AM

Very sorry to read of your incident.
I've been victimized by strong winds on I-80 in Minnesota...I slow'd WAY down and stayed there. I don't typically pass vehicles anyway hauling along at 55-60. I could jus' turn-in for the day as I'm unemployed...not so easy if you have a schedule to keep.

EZRider · 07-10-2014, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adonh

Sorry to hear this, glad you, wife and dogs or OK. What hitch were you using.

Equalizer hitch. 2011 Silverado half-ton. 2012 Rockwood 26' TT. I even weighed the whole rig at a truck scale. Everything was within spec. And I had the TT and truck checked out. Had TT wheels repacked with grease, truck oil changed. All systems checked out.

RickO · 07-10-2014, 04:55 PM

Sorry to hear of this. It must have been a life altering experience for sure.

Glad everyone is OK but sorry you're leaving the lifestyle.

Best of luck

Rick

MartySQ · 07-10-2014, 04:59 PM

EZRider, This is so sad. I am grateful you and yours are ok. This is one reason why the journey is the destination in my life....
I plan to never be in such a hurry I can't wait things out, although, as you know being a Kansan... that could be a week or more for the weather to settle.
You enjoyed your ride while you had it. Work at leaving the trauma of this behind you. It could have happened to any sort of rig... Motorhome, or just a car as the trooper stated it took 2 Semi's the week before.

Highway 4x4 · 07-10-2014, 05:48 PM

Sad this ended the RV life for you. Give it some time and you might be back in another way. At least your TV was a big safe one. The wind is something most people don't consider when thinking TV vs TT. Your combo was correct and still got taken out. There are many ways to vacation, enjoy your new one.

wa8yxm · 07-10-2014, 07:26 PM

Well.. I have a feeling that trucker knew something. But beyond that.

Glad to hear "PROPERTY DAMAGE" was the accident type.

Hate the Personal Injury type

REALLY HATE the Fatal types.

wandering1 · 07-11-2014, 06:20 AM

1/2 tons don't control TT's well huh.

Davdeb1 · 07-11-2014, 07:22 AM

First of all, glad you are all OK. The reason semi truck/ trailer will even go, is the surface area ratio from the trailer to tow vehicle. Also the trailer loaded or empty.
I know many folks tow the same way, and you go a lifetime without this happening.
This spring/summer has had some extreme weather. We in Northern Ohio have have had 4 tornados touch down in less than a month. On a relatively calm day I was sitting underneath my awning, heard a strange noise and sat there while my awning vibrated and suddenly flew up in the air up on the roof. It broke cast metal mounting brackets. Must have been a microburst or something.
I wouldn't have believed it had I not been sitting there. An old style Dometic 22 ft awning staked to the ground.
Stuff happens.