RV Dangling off bridge

Bryan! How ya' been? Hope all is well.

I would agree with your assessment.

bka0721 wrote:
Since accident investigation is what I use to do for a living I would introduce the following scenario. The driver of the Ford Explorer was traveling forward in the left lane (#1), traveled into the breakdown lane, either inattentive (use your own imagination) or to avoid traffic slowing in front of it and attempted to slow down with the rear weight pushing the tow vehicle and both vehicle drove up the side of the Jersey Barrier causing the Driver, in the Ford Exlorer to suddenly try to avoid driving over the barrier by providing steering input to the right. The direction of the trailer continued forward with frame and rear axle overcoming the edge of the Jersey Barrier as the Explorer then begin to rotate clockwise due to the input and rear weight of the trailer. The Tow Vehicle coming to rest on the roadway, rear wheels off the ground due to the Teeter Totter effect from the weight of the trailer over the Jersey Barrier. Travel Trailer came to rest, still coupled to the Tow Vehicle (anchor luckily) resting on the Jersey barrier, partially suspended (supported) off the Jersey Barrier. Driver Exited from suddenly fowl smelling Tow Vehicle to view Travel Trailer parking situation.

b

This guy is so lucky...

Since accident investigation is what I use to do for a living I would introduce the following scenario. The driver of the Ford Explorer was traveling forward in the left lane (#1), traveled into the breakdown lane, either inattentive (use your own imagination) or to avoid traffic slowing in front of it and attempted to slow down with the rear weight pushing the tow vehicle and both vehicle drove up the side of the Jersey Barrier causing the Driver, in the Ford Exlorer to suddenly try to avoid driving over the barrier by providing steering input to the right. The direction of the trailer continued forward with frame and rear axle overcoming the edge of the Jersey Barrier as the Explorer then begin to rotate clockwise due to the input and rear weight of the trailer. The Tow Vehicle coming to rest on the roadway, rear wheels off the ground due to the Teeter Totter effect from the weight of the trailer over the Jersey Barrier. Travel Trailer came to rest, still coupled to the Tow Vehicle (anchor luckily) resting on the Jersey barrier, partially suspended (supported) off the Jersey Barrier. Driver Exited from suddenly fowl smelling Tow Vehicle to view Travel Trailer parking situation.

b

Must be Firestones ;)

coolmom42 wrote:
What is that hanging down off the left rear of the RV? Sewer hose?

Yep. He was just trying to dump his tank without attracting too much attention.

When considering how lucky they are, just imagine if this had happened about 8 miles south on the same road....on the Sunshine Skyway.

PartyOf Five wrote:
Looks like a blowout on the rear driver side

The LR tire was definitely flat when the TV was pulling forward to return the rig to the pavement.

In general, what direction would a TV/ trailer tend to move towards if a LR tire were to blow out?

PartyOf Five wrote:
Looks like a blowout on the rear driver side

That's what I thought. Very good chance the rear axle was significantly overloaded.

If you look at the trailer windows, on one side there is a pair like for a bunkhouse model. Thus my assumption about the model, although it might be a little older than the current models.

Either way, a LOT of trailer for the Explorer.

Looks like a blowout on the rear driver side

I believe the trailer is a Tracer Air 205Air, UVW somewhere around 4000 depending on the year. The length is 24’ 8” .