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03-22-2009, 09:23 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2005 16' International CCD
2009 23' International
Bainbridge Island
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 70
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Airstream Rollover on Ice
This is second (maybe even third) hand, so I really don't know how accurate the story is. In Oregon yesterday I heard about a recent accident in which a towed Airstream 30-footer rolled over on black ice but the tow vehicle remained upright. I would have thought that both would go. Is it possible that the hitch separates to allow the trailer to go its own way, keeping the TV reasonably safe? If this is so, does it require a special hitch (one I've never heard of)? If the story really happened, was it just a fluke or is this what a hitch is supposed to do?
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03-22-2009, 09:31 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jglabrown
This is second (maybe even third) hand, so I really don't know how accurate the story is. In Oregon yesterday I heard about a recent accident in which a towed Airstream 30-footer rolled over on black ice but the tow vehicle remained upright. I would have thought that both would go. Is it possible that the hitch separates to allow the trailer to go its own way, keeping the TV reasonably safe? If this is so, does it require a special hitch (one I've never heard of)? If the story really happened, was it just a fluke or is this what a hitch is supposed to do?
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If the hitch is worth a hoot, the trailer will stay connected to the tow vehicle, unless the ball sheared.
Andy
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03-22-2009, 09:51 PM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member
2005 16' International CCD
2009 23' International
Bainbridge Island
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 70
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Thanks Andy. That's what I have always believed to be true. Plus, when you add equalizer bars and chains I would think that would tend to pull over the TV even more. I heard the story from two people who should know, but, as we all have seen, stories can get distorted in the telling.
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03-22-2009, 10:04 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jglabrown
Thanks Andy. That's what I have always believed to be true. Plus, when you add equalizer bars and chains I would think that would tend to pull over the TV even more. I heard the story from two people who should know, but, as we all have seen, stories can get distorted in the telling.
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I think thats why they call them "stories."
Andy
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03-22-2009, 10:10 PM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
1962 22' Flying Cloud
Bend
, Oregon
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 370
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I was stuck in the six mile backup behind this accident, and by the time I got there they were just finally getting everything straightened out. The AS and the truck both seemed to have flipped and were heavily damaged. Luckily no one was badly injured, but the vehicles appeared to be totaled. Part of the delay in cleaning up the mess was that the truck (still attached to the trailer as far as I know) ended up on top of the propane tanks, and they had to call a hazmat team in. It was a mess either way, so my version could be just as wrong as the other!
FLYNCLD
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03-22-2009, 10:14 PM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
2005 16' International CCD
2009 23' International
Bainbridge Island
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 70
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Thanks. That sounds a little more realistic. Any idea how the passengers are?
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03-22-2009, 10:33 PM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
1962 22' Flying Cloud
Bend
, Oregon
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 370
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Only minor injuries. I wanted to take pictures of the AS, but there was already a big enough mess without me adding to the confusion! The damage was substantial.
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03-22-2009, 10:40 PM
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#8
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,615
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Here is a link to the news report of a recent Airstream involved roll over.
Santiam Pass Back Up | KOHD
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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03-22-2009, 10:52 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
1962 22' Flying Cloud
Bend
, Oregon
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 370
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That's the one! Like i said, substantial damage!
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03-22-2009, 11:24 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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They CAN come apart!
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...tml#post287403
Our good friend TheCatsAndI had something that I can only describe as the best/worst luck!
She walked away (sorely I'm sure).
Her A/S was repairable.
Whew. She's had another one where a law enforcement official decided to come into her lane - didn't SEE a pickup towing an Airstream? She puts a lot of miles on her rig and doesn't live in the most clement climate... so
IT happens.
Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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03-22-2009, 11:30 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2012 31' Classic
Golden Valley
, Arizona
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 569
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A little more discussion about the Oregon incident here.
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03-23-2009, 08:22 AM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
2005 16' International CCD
2009 23' International
Bainbridge Island
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 70
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Thanks again. Before I posted, I searched for other threads using "black ice" and "wreck" but only came up with refrigerator icing and black water problems. We had a friend who rolled a small utility trailer which pulled her car over a few years ago, so I couldn't imagine a 30-footer not taking the TV with it.
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03-23-2009, 11:11 AM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member
1971 29' Ambassador
Sunny South
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 54
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jglabrown
Is it possible that the hitch separates to allow the trailer to go its own way, keeping the TV reasonably safe? If this is so, does it require a special hitch (one I've never heard of)? If the story really happened, was it just a fluke or is this what a hitch is supposed to do?
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On that topic, once when waiting in a hitch mechanic's shop I read a letter from a happy customer who was driving a motorhome with a toad attached when one of the two (I can't remember which one) flipped on ice but the other one was saved because of the hitch. It was a Blue Ox hitch which rotated or swiveled at least 180 degrees allowing one vehicle to remain upright, so at least she was left with something to drive. I don't know if this principle applies to trailers or not, but it sounded excellent for the motorhome/toad combination.
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03-23-2009, 03:12 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Hernando
, Mississippi
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 759
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I'm sure Andy went to the link, saw the picture and then...
"mmmmm, I think I can fix that! It'll even be better than new!"
Fact is, I think he CAN!
__________________
Rgds,
Scott
Air 16426
Fully retired now!
Remember:
Never start anything before noon and always plan on being finished by 5.
I will never HAVE to be anywhere ever again!
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03-23-2009, 06:03 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottW
I'm sure Andy went to the link, saw the picture and then...
"mmmmm, I think I can fix that! It'll even be better than new!"
Fact is, I think he CAN!
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Fixed far worse than that.
It just takes time and a ton and a half of money.
Andy
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