Yes, the tow truck driver dragged the TV sideways. That's how the ruts were created. I did not do any of the deep ruts. As I said, as soon as the wheels lost grip I stopped, put the TV in park and called for help. The winch line lifted the front end of the TV a few (several) inches and dragged it sideways and forward. So the pull was sideways, inclined up and forward, all at one time and from one attachment point.
rhagfo - yes, the TV did sink initially when the wheels started to spin. It sunk a bit and as soon as that happened I stopped. the 5'r sunk a little and you can follow the inside path that it followed. The ruts dug by the 5'r, about the middle of it's tire arc, are a couple of inches deep. I am assuming that at that point the sideways stress bent the hanger and also broke the side belts on the one tire. I KNOW that the tire was not bulged before as I was just under the RV not less than three weeks ago when I was setting up at the first camp spot we were parked at in the campground.
I will take some pics of the king pin and use a square to make sure that it was not bent or damaged.
Thanks all for reading and posting to this thread. You are greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Mike
