10 years ago I was towing my 28' coachman to myrtle beach... Typical summer Friday afternoon on a busy hwy 30 miles from the beach. I was traveling at 45 mph in solid traffic when some jerk from the left lane veered into my lane (because I had left a proper cushion in front). Just then all the brake lights in front lit up and everyone was panic stopping. I jammed my brakes - did that quick mental calculation... And realized I was good - I had room to stop. (That's a good feeling)
Whew - then I remembered the tractor trailer combo behind me! I glanced into my mirror and did another calculation - and told my wife to brace! The truck shortened my trailer 4'. He rode over the bumper and frame and just crushed the back wall - rolling up the sides. The impact wasn't severe rather a shove.
The trailer was totaled - the truckers insurance paid for a hotel and all was good. My pickup truck had no damage... That I could see - 6 months later the rear differential ate a bearing... And I found a broken snap ring from the limited slip clutch pack that was the culprit. I guess the impact was a little harder than I thought! Their insurance couldn't be convinced to buy me a new differential!
Joe
