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Old 03-22-2009, 09:23 PM   #1
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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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Old 03-22-2009, 09:31 PM   #2
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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?

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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Old 03-22-2009, 09:51 PM   #3
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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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Old 03-22-2009, 10:04 PM   #4
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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.
I think thats why they call them "stories."

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Old 03-22-2009, 10:10 PM   #5
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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!

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Old 03-22-2009, 10:14 PM   #6
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Thanks. That sounds a little more realistic. Any idea how the passengers are?
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Old 03-22-2009, 10:33 PM   #7
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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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Old 03-22-2009, 10:40 PM   #8
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Here is a link to the news report of a recent Airstream involved roll over.
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Old 03-22-2009, 10:52 PM   #9
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That's the one! Like i said, substantial damage!
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Old 03-22-2009, 11:24 PM   #10
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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.

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Old 03-22-2009, 11:30 PM   #11
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A little more discussion about the Oregon incident here.
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Old 03-23-2009, 08:22 AM   #12
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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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Old 03-23-2009, 11:11 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jglabrown View Post
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?
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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Old 03-23-2009, 03:12 PM   #14
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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!
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Old 03-23-2009, 06:03 PM   #15
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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!
Fixed far worse than that.

It just takes time and a ton and a half of money.

Andy
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