Trailer comes unhitched, kills 1.

valhalla360 wrote:

TNGW1500SE wrote:

My boat trailer had hydraulic brakes and there was a small safety cable that applied the brakes if the trailer came loose. On my TT I had electric brakes. If the trailer came loose, no brakes would be applied. Looks like there could be some kind of system that applied the brakes if the trailer came loose.

Trains apply the brakes by default. The air holds the brakes "open". If an air line blows, the brakes are applied. Trailers are the other way around. Might be something to learn from trains.

Still wouldn't prevent all deaths but seems reasonable to investigate.

It's pretty much standard on TT to have an emergency brake system (for a few decades). If the rig separates a separate small cable pulls a pin and the battery on the TT energizes the brakes.

Given your level of concern over this issue, I strongly suggest you get an RV tech out to show you how yours works or install one if it isn't present.

It's been a few years since I had the TT but I don't remember a break away cable and even if there was that is still depending on the batteries being charged. Could be a better design I'd think.

Now I'm in a class A. I installed a tire monitoring system and replace tires at 6 years of age. I check all my lights and brakes regularly and inspect all suspension components. I have a checklist we go over before the RV moves and check it off EVERY time.

Hey, I'm not saying that something freaky might have happened to cause this accident but you've seen the people towing 10K pounds with a old beat up truck. You've met the driver, who is just starting out who hasn't got a clue other than where the key goes. The guy who can't back into the campsite. People should really have to pass a test to drive (or tow) RV's. No matter what the size is.