Trailer towing fail captured on video

[Mtn. Lion]

Originally Posted by tfryman

Well, the original Youtube video is almost 3 years old"

Thanks for posting that as I'm unwilling to sell my soul to Zuckerburg for free



I wonder if the wind coming off the truck had an unexpected impact? I do not mean she was being safe. Just curious if the air pressure coming off that rig was the straw that broke the camels back. It kind of looks like the RV trailer and truck/SUV got sucked into the big rig and he got out of shape while going too fast, over corrected and as others mentioned too light of tongue weight.

[CharlesinGA]

The driver posted up on at least one discussion forum about this shortly after it happened. I don't recall the details, but the video does not tell the entire story. The driver would not admit it but I think the generator on the rear did not help the situation at all, and yes, had he quickly locked down the trailer brakes, it probably would have stabilized it. If I recall, part of the issue was that he had found a critical part of his hitch cracked, and something was not set up correctly when it was put back together. It was a long and convoluted story and he quickly tired of defending himself.

Charles

[old40ford]

Originally Posted by tfryman

Yep, captured on video OVER TWO YEARS AGO and posted on Youtube originally. Probably hundreds of posts judging this guy on this forum alone, already in numerous threads.

X2 I was thinking the same thing.

[Piros1]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

The driver posted up on at least one discussion forum about this shortly after it happened. I don't recall the details, but the video does not tell the entire story. The driver would not admit it but I think the generator on the rear did not help the situation at all, and yes, had he quickly locked down the trailer brakes, it probably would have stabilized it. If I recall, part of the issue was that he had found a critical part of his hitch cracked, and something was not set up correctly when it was put back together. It was a long and convoluted story and he quickly tired of defending himself.

Charles

There were plenty of reasons why this happened and I am sure as stated the video doesn't tell the entire story but the truth is it stems from an unbalanced load and the driver. Thank goodness he didn't drag another vehicle into the accident. If you look closely truck and trailer are tied together all the way to the point of being upside down so the hitch didn't fail as stated in one of the comments by the driver. Now was it setup properly no one will know. I will say it is never a good plan to load something on/attached to the rear of a travel trailer. They are somewhat engineered to carry a specific balanced load in the trailer but not on the extremities of the trailer. My best guess was the way it was loaded, the speed at which the driver was pulling it, and the turbulence from the 18 wheeler caused the situation but the drivers lack of knowledge and experience allowed the accident to happen.

I travel a lot and have seen many camper trailers and in the past years cab over campers strewn all over the highway.

[aircommuter]

I think he should have been happy going 65 and not passing. When driving you must be one with your rig. This clearly shows no concept of the rig.

[Rzrbrn]

About 2 seasons ago we were in the right lane of a wide 4 lane going up a steep mountain highway out west, and coming down, across all 4 lanes, was a double axle fifth wheel and truck, both laying on their sides. We could barely get around. Since there were a number of other vehicles stopped we kept going. Point is that crap happens, very fast, sometimes.

[robisinwa]

I had a trailer of gravel that was too heavy towards the back and one side start to do that to me when I hit that 'critical speed' as uHaul calls, nearly crapped my pants. It was around 45-50 mph in my instance.

Almost tipping the lights fantastic once was enough for me to always double check how my load is now before leaving the pit!

[hts1190]

Originally Posted by kdauto

Too much trailer, too little truck? Improper loading? Too much crap hanging on the rear bumper of the trailer causing too little tongue weight? We may never know, the answer is likely a little bit of everything I mentioned.

Stay safe and overestimate your needs and load. Slow down a bit and use common sense.

https://www.facebook.com/RoadTalesPo...A2MTgxNTAxNTU/

Most semis are not below the speed limit and this guy is passing. Some people just have no sense.k

[elees]

Originally Posted by kdauto

Too much trailer, too little truck? Improper loading? Too much crap hanging on the rear bumper of the trailer causing too little tongue weight? We may never know, the answer is likely a little bit of everything I mentioned.

Stay safe and overestimate your needs and load. Slow down a bit and use common sense.

https://www.facebook.com/RoadTalesPo...A2MTgxNTAxNTU/

That's what you call going too fast with too small a truck with too big of a trailer with no anti-sway system installed

[dans1999f-53]

I hate that stretch. Most everyone is flying down that hill. The guard rails tell the story as they are missing or bent up and if raining, I think they speed up

[Dads Toy]

And this is why my Wife will not let me get a camper. OR at least a travel trailer. I am trying to get one so we can have date night again on the weekends. Have a 06 Navigator with big V8 and air ride. Sticker says 8500lbs loaded. So I think we can be safe with anything below 5100lbs. Just hard to find a nice camper in our price range that isn't smoke in or looks like someone has live in it for 20yrs..lol

[mlpeloquin]

Originally Posted by kdauto

Too much trailer, too little truck? Improper loading? Too much crap hanging on the rear bumper of the trailer causing too little tongue weight? We may never know, the answer is likely a little bit of everything I mentioned.

Stay safe and overestimate your needs and load. Slow down a bit and use common sense.

https://www.facebook.com/RoadTalesPo...A2MTgxNTAxNTU/

Look at the speed, wind, and the ratio of the hitch to rear hub and hitch to bumper. If the ratio is under 57 then it is inherently unstable. Add wind and speed the results are obvious. The same is true for all motor homes. Short wheel base vs long overhang is dangerous. Not against the law to design and sell though.

[Big Bender]

I think so. Comments?

[SeattlePirat]

Too much speed and likely rear springs were too soft to handle the tongue. I dont know why those guys pulling trailers always think they have to tow fast.