Lost control when towing?
Purpose of this post is for me to learn something, If you don't have first hand experience with a towing accident and you do respond please extend all the courtesies as if it were you that this happe...
Forum Discussion
I've had a couple scares.
One day I had to get back across the DFW metroplex when there was a strong gusty wind from the south.
On the interstate, I realized quickly that the wind was pushing the back of the TT (a previous 28 ft bunkhouse) into the other lane. I was towing a 5,800 lb trailer with a F-150. The truck rear end was also being shoved to the side. This was with a very high quality anti-sway WD hitch.
I got off the freeway, and drove the 65 miles home along city streets at less than 30 mph.
Another was going up I-95 about 15 months ago. My truck alarmed, and I realized the alarm was that the electrical connector between the truck and trailer had disconnected. There was a strong wind from the ocean side. Since I had no trailer brakes, it took a while to get the rig slowed down. When I first tried to brake the truck, the trailer tried to pass me. So I more or less coasted to a stop - on I-95 40 miles south of Daytona - during Bike Week - with traffic that would be a nice rush hour most places.
The interesting thing is that an 18-wheeler must have realized what my problem was, and pulled in behind me - blocking the bikers from rushing past me on the shoulder. Once I got down to where I could brake, he pulled around and went on with a friendy wave.
I now use one of those twist tie gear tiedowns around the connector to it locked to the truck.
One day I had to get back across the DFW metroplex when there was a strong gusty wind from the south.
On the interstate, I realized quickly that the wind was pushing the back of the TT (a previous 28 ft bunkhouse) into the other lane. I was towing a 5,800 lb trailer with a F-150. The truck rear end was also being shoved to the side. This was with a very high quality anti-sway WD hitch.
I got off the freeway, and drove the 65 miles home along city streets at less than 30 mph.
Another was going up I-95 about 15 months ago. My truck alarmed, and I realized the alarm was that the electrical connector between the truck and trailer had disconnected. There was a strong wind from the ocean side. Since I had no trailer brakes, it took a while to get the rig slowed down. When I first tried to brake the truck, the trailer tried to pass me. So I more or less coasted to a stop - on I-95 40 miles south of Daytona - during Bike Week - with traffic that would be a nice rush hour most places.
The interesting thing is that an 18-wheeler must have realized what my problem was, and pulled in behind me - blocking the bikers from rushing past me on the shoulder. Once I got down to where I could brake, he pulled around and went on with a friendy wave.
I now use one of those twist tie gear tiedowns around the connector to it locked to the truck.
