RV Trailer Rollover

[Villagerjjm]

I read that the trailer began to sway after it passed a tractor trailer. I know that it may not take much even with the best of hitches and balanced packing. All you need is something to shift to throw off the balance, including partially filled tanks. If you clip the edge of the pavement, it is almost guaranteed that it will be over. The safety features built into the hitch and tow vehicle did their job.... they are ALIVE !!

[A2pfunk]

Wow. I actually feel dumber after reading this entire thread.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by ARICE

If that was on HWY 75 it's not hard to get a bumper pull trailer chucking and swaying on that godforsaken stretch of highway.
We do a pretty good job with 80,000 miles of roads here in Texas but 75 is an embarrassment from the Red River all the way thru Sherman.

This part of 75 on the south end of Sherman is fairly smooth --- MUCH better than Sherman's center and north. I'm blaming the section from mid-Sherman to north of Denison for damaging the frame of my trailer where the 5th wheel pin box is welded on.


This entire section of Hwy 75 is scheduled to be rebuilt to interstate highway standards. They have already drilled core samples where retaining walls and overpasses/bridges will be.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Villagerjjm

I read that the trailer began to sway after it passed a tractor trailer. I know that it may not take much even with the best of hitches and balanced packing. All you need is something to shift to throw off the balance, including partially filled tanks. If you clip the edge of the pavement, it is almost guaranteed that it will be over. The safety features built into the hitch and tow vehicle did their job.... they are ALIVE !!

I'm not sure where you read that. If you're talking about something I wrote, I'll post it here (from post #5) to show how much of a guess that was. "I couldn't testify in court but thinking back, I believe they passed the 18-wheeler and began their oscillating path to the ditch."

[Egalt]

Originally Posted by DieselDrax

Man bun + little/no experience + no WDH w/ sway control = Firewood on the side of the road.

Ok, so the man bun didn't cause the accident, but I would be curious to know if they just hitched up and went without a WDH w/ sway control. Which aren't required on HD trucks but they also don't hurt and may have helped them here.

Ultimately, glad nobody was hurt. Just goes to show how quickly things can do south if you're not careful and don't know how to react if the trailer starts to sway.

200 bonus points for the Man Bun comment - first thing I thought of when I saw the pic.

[MarcH]

Originally Posted by ARICE

If that was on HWY 75 it's not hard to get a bumper pull trailer chucking and swaying on that godforsaken stretch of highway.
We do a pretty good job with 80,000 miles of roads here in Texas but 75 is an embarrassment from the Red River all the way thru Sherman.

Agreed that path of road especially in the right lane is terrible.

[MarcH]

Originally Posted by ARICE

Off topic....did they ever get the lower sections of Eisenhower back open or is it still closed? Was there a month ago and only the top camp ground to the right of the gate was open.

That one section is still closed to campers.

[mharrel]

Originally Posted by MarcH

Agreed that path of road especially in the right lane is terrible.

That section is one of the few times I drive in the fast lane going 15 under the limit. It's bad enough in a car, but with a trailer, it's a killer--and the speed limit is 75!! That whole section is slated to be replaced with 6 lane divided highway. It will then be I 45 from Galveston to Oklahoma.

[RET.LEO]

Some days can just be too windy to move and a good quality WDH and anti sway is mandatory. If you can't do it right..........don't do it!

[Gsykora]

75 through Sherman is a mess. It's one of the bumpiest roads I travel on - huge gaps at the bridge expansion joints. Plus it's a 75 mph road. I hate this road. I can see how you could break the frame on a trailer if you weren't driving slow enough.

[railroaderone]

Inexperience and the loss of air on that side of the camper contributed to the wreck in my opinion.
My .01 cents worth

[Mizterusa]

Wow that is scary..... Now you can really see how cheaply they are made, there's nothing left but the frame!!!