Saving the Bacon: At least I think the Airstream did.

[hshovic]

Since I am now in the third of three life phases (the Yearning phase), I yearn
to unburden myself of some of my sins (in this great anonymous confession
booth that is Air forums).

I used to (sob) tow my 25' FB with a Toyota forerunner. With that admitted,
I will relate the following story of sin and redemption.

Towing in the Gallatin Canyon (SW Montana) is a challenge. It winds and winds, and impatient trucks, college students, construction workers, and soccer moms want to pass and right now! So, I am trundling along with eight
vehicles behind, and am searching for a place to pull over.

I spotted one ahead. It was gravel, but plenty long enough. I pulled off.
And stepped on my anti-lock brakes...
And it didn't stop...
And really reefed on those brakes...
And it didn't stop...
And finally stopped, a few feet before the shoulder of the pull out.
The wife made a disapproving sound... or two...
So did I..

My feeling was like the brakes were "floating" along
getting much less traction than would be expected,
with the Airstream hauling back from behind.
We stopped dead straight on.

So, in penance, I took a driver's training refresher last
month. And learned about anti-lock brakes. They work fine
except in deep snow and loose gravel. The brakes will
release before maximum traction because of the sliding gravel.
The computer gets confused.

What didn't get confused was the Airstream. It hauled back
just enough without locking up (I had previously carefully adjusted
the brake level). And kept the vehicle straight.

And saved the bacon.

My solution to this was to increase the weight of the TV, and
pay more attention to the gravel. And to the wife (added just
for good luck).

Ah, now I feel better.

[Goin camping]

Say five "Hey Wallies" and go forth and don't under TV anymore.

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by hshovic

What didn't get confused was the Airstream. It hauled back
just enough without locking up (I had previously carefully adjusted
the brake level). And kept the vehicle straight.

And saved the bacon.

My solution to this was to increase the weight of the TV, and
pay more attention to the gravel. And to the wife (added just
for good luck).

Ah, now I feel better.

Smash Lab would hate you.

[overlander63]

...and I noticed in your signature line that your wife is of less age than your 2007 Silverado--Cradle Robber!

[AirsDream]

That is a story of redemption indeed! Congrats. on the saved bacon. That must have been a bad feeling ... well maybe two bad feelings - first, watching the end of the runoff area approaching too quickly, and second, listening to the DW. Thank goodness the "stupid" Airstream brakes just did their job.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, glad to hear that everyone is OK. Toyotas are pretty good, but not good enough to be overmatched by a big'ol Airstream pushing it down the road. Glad to hear you bought an appropriately sized and powered truck. Lesson learned, before big disaster.

[safari57]

I suspect it was probably easier to trade the Toyota than to spend too much time cleaning up the drivers side of the seat. Explaining why all the material is bunched up into one area where the driver sits would be interesting undertaking for the next owner.