Disaster Strikes

[prstlk]

We have been doing the AL Can and Alaska since the end of May.

We had were winding up a 4 day stay in Denali NP, and the area around it on 6-22. We left our RV Park and drove both the MH and toad to the park visitor’s center around 11:30. Our intent was to leave the MH in the RV lot, take the toad for lunch, and return for the midday sled dog experience which departs from the VC around 1:20 pm.

When we returned to the RV lot shortly after 1 pm the MH was not where I parked it. It had rolled backward some 50+ feet and squarely into the side of a parked SUV.

My first thought was “did I not set the brake” my second thought was “no way it would started rolling as soon as I left the driver’s seat”.

While we were assessing the damage to the SUV (extensive) and the MH (not too bad), a gentleman approached us saying “I saw the whole thing”.

He was walking his two small dogs past our MH our two dogs were barking and jumping, one was in the driver’s seat, and then the MH started to roll backwards. Our assumption, which I think is accurate given the timeline is the dog (don’t know which one as we are waiting forensics i.e. paw prints) pushed the knob down and the brakes released.

Luckily no one was behind the MH when it rolled, no one was in the car that was hit, and in a way hitting the car was a good thing as past that was more downhill, a road, and the train station.

Did all the right things, called a Ranger, full report, note on windshield etc.

For the rest of you consider wheel chocks, brake knob lock outs etc. if you leave pets or people in the MH.

BTW - If you have ever done the roads up here you will understand why the back of the MH is so dirty!

Photos to come soon if I can ever figure out how to get them in here from photobucket. Any help on how would be appreciated.

[CA_POPPY]

Forgive if this is redundant, as I haven't read the entire thread. Some years ago, another member on this forum had a dog that hung herself by her collar on a gear shift knob. After I read that, we never left dogs loose in the RV, or if we did, removed their collars. So hard to think of everything...

[dodge_guy]

Well if it`s going to happen you couldn`t have asked for a more beautiful place for it!

[robertbenita]

Glad it wasn't worse. And you have helped many of us that never would have thought of a pet releasing the brakes. Thanks!

[tropical36]

Bird Freak wrote:

noleakman wrote:
I have an Allison 6 speed trans and I have park !!

Gas coach models do have park.

Not all do, as per say and he's talking about having a parking pawl in the transmission, that will hold the coach, regardless of it's parking brake.
Coaches with a 4L80E GM transmission and weighing over 15K lbs for instance, have auto park and the P only actuates it and nothing more.

[Bird_Freak]

Bird Freak wrote:

GoneRVin wrote:

Bird Freak wrote:
I have never understood why MH manufacture's place the brake release where it is pushed down to release knowing we have kids and pets. All my class 8 trucks were on the dash panel facing driver to be pushed in.

This is designed this way in the event of an emergency, it is a lot easier to find a button to push in instead of trying to pull out.

All the years I was trucking I have never heard that one.:B

I was talking about location not how it works.

[Bird_Freak]

GoneRVin wrote:

Bird Freak wrote:
I have never understood why MH manufacture's place the brake release where it is pushed down to release knowing we have kids and pets. All my class 8 trucks were on the dash panel facing driver to be pushed in.

This is designed this way in the event of an emergency, it is a lot easier to find a button to push in instead of trying to pull out.

All the years I was trucking I have never heard that one.:B

[Bird_Freak]

noleakman wrote:
I have an Allison 6 speed trans and I have park !!

Gas coach models do have park.

[BurbMan]

Thanks guys, learned something about air brakes today!

[GoneRVin]

lanerd wrote:

gfs1943 wrote:
After you set the brake, pump the brake pedal to bleed off your air pressure. The brakes won't release without air.

Exactly!!! The solution is so simple...no clothespins, pvc pipe or any other device is needed. :S

Exactly wrong, once the parking brake is set and you push on the brake pedal you are compounding the brakes. They are equipped with an anti-compounding device, if it fails you will be having a very expensive fix.
If you want to bleed air off, drain your tanks, this will also help get rid of any moisture in your tanks.

[GoneRVin]

Bird Freak wrote:
I have never understood why MH manufacture's place the brake release where it is pushed down to release knowing we have kids and pets. All my class 8 trucks were on the dash panel facing driver to be pushed in.

This is designed this way in the event of an emergency, it is a lot easier to find a button to push in instead of trying to pull out.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I dunno - my Aussie knew exactly what knobs on the dashboard did what. If he was hot, he'd nudge my arm and then point his nose at the A/C button (wanting me to turn it on). Since dogs MUCH prefer to be moving.... I'm guessing the Aussie took matters into his/her own paws?? ROFL!!

[sundancer268]

My Gulf Stream has Air over Hydraulic Brakes and the Spring applied Parking Brake. Fortunately the Parking Brake Button Horizontal and can not be accidentally released by vertical of a pet stepping on it. Oh, the GVW is less than 26,000 pounds. The Allison in my Pickup does have a parking pawl. I believe only the 1000 series and MAYBE the 2000 series have Parking Pawls. The 3000 and 4000 series definitely Do not have a Park Position.

[slickest1]

Suspect #2 has that look that says wasn't me I am a much better driver then that.
Joking aside, I am sorry this happened to you. Just another life experience and a good thing no one was hurt.

[sch911]

noleakman wrote:
What happened to being in PARK did the dog knock the trans out of gear also??

DP's don't have "Park", we have "Neutral" and an air activated parking brake.