Watch the angle you approach a turn

[vasnipe]

While verifying delivery driver routes above Charleston, WV my co-worker and I came across quite a sight. A U-Haul moving truck bridged in a turn. This neighborhood is full of switchback turns that were hard enough to navigate in a car. I had just made the remark that they would require a wide swing, in this case to the right, to be able to make the turn when we came across these unfortunate guys. The front wheels are up on the pavement, the rear wheels are in the dip and the bumper is firmly grounded.
This could happen to any kind of RV rig, not just a moving truck.
By the way, I have dragged my motorcycle carrier on a steep driveway approach similar to this. I learned the hard way.
Sorry about not zooming in on the truck, but I wanted to show just how difficult the approach could be with the narrow road and all.

Hope this helps someone.

Chris in Virginia

[wrvond]

That's why ya gotta get a runnin' start at it!

[kz08h5]

This why I cringe every time my wife says "you can get through there". She drives a Mini Cooper.

[ependydad]

Obviously, we don't have much to go on- but what were this moving van's options?

The only thing I'm seeing is, upon approaching the driveway- seeing the significant uphill & possibility of bottoming out, driving past the turn to a proper turn around and approaching the hill from the other side.

[B47]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Obviously, we don't have much to go on- but what were this moving van's options?

The only thing I'm seeing is, upon approaching the driveway- seeing the significant uphill & possibility of bottoming out, driving past the turn to a proper turn around and approaching the hill from the other side.

I believe you answered your own question.

[vasnipe]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Obviously, we don't have much to go on- but what were this moving van's options?

The only thing I'm seeing is, upon approaching the driveway- seeing the significant uphill & possibility of bottoming out, driving past the turn to a proper turn around and approaching the hill from the other side.

That was my thought.
They could have gone around the neighborhood and approached from the other direction. We had gone past that particular spot earlier and had looped back to go there when we saw them blocking the way. Still a great big ouch.
Funny thing was I saw a couple of pretty good size Class A rigs perched in the same neighborhood. Who knows how they do it, but I would not drive a rig in there.

Chris in Virginia

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by B47

I believe you answered your own question.

It seems I did- more curious if there was anything I was missing.

This one hits home for me. I am on the hook to help my sister move her camper again- it sits incredibly low and I've already drug her rear stabilizers a few times in the couple of moves that I did for it so far.

I know there's no magic pill/option- just curious if there are any other ideas.

[B47]

Originally Posted by vasnipe

While verifying delivery driver routes above Charleston, WV my co-worker and I came across quite a sight. A U-Haul moving truck bridged in a turn. This neighborhood is full of switchback turns that were hard enough to navigate in a car. I had just made the remark that they would require a wide swing, in this case to the right, to be able to make the turn when we came across these unfortunate guys. The front wheels are up on the pavement, the rear wheels are in the dip and the bumper is firmly grounded.
This could happen to any kind of RV rig, not just a moving truck.
By the way, I have dragged my motorcycle carrier on a steep driveway approach similar to this. I learned the hard way.
Sorry about not zooming in on the truck, but I wanted to show just how difficult the approach could be with the narrow road and all.

Hope this helps someone.



Chris in Virginia

Chris - just wondering and couldn't tell from your profile, but is verifying delivery routes your occupation ?

I once saw something about either UPS or Fedex planning all their delivery routes so their drivers don't have to make left turns if it's possible to avoid them.

I never thought about it,but I guess avoiding left turns pays off in saving time and money for them.

[Batts-toy]

I think I would have taken that turn on an angle allowing 1 rear tire through the dip at a time, that way the first tire is climbing the other side before the second tire goes into it.

[wilem]

Originally Posted by Batts-toy

I think I would have taken that turn on an angle allowing 1 rear tire through the dip at a time, that way the first tire is climbing the other side before the second tire goes into it.

unless you have a locking differential when one rear tire leaves the ground you are still stuck.but if the bumper isn't hung at least you can roll back. a partial application of the emergency brakes sometimes will help Transfer torque to the other wheel but vehicles over 7200 usually have a drive shaft brake assy. my point being he still aint going up in there.

[vasnipe]

Yup. Working for UPS for a couple of years mapping and verifying routes. Every day is different. That is why I carry my camera. Who knows what we will see next...