No Damage Flat Preventer?

[Rhino33]

We recently attended a regional rally and saw this installed on the axel of a fellow attendee's trailer. He explained that if he were to experience a flat while traveling that this 'S' shaped bracket would help to prevent damage to the wheel and frame. His were already on the trailer when he purchased it over 25 years ago.
Since we are also towing a single axel trailer, we would like to find a pair of these, but do not know what they are called or where we could find them. We and another Airstreamer have searched Inland RV and Vintage Trailer Supply with no luck.
Thoughts?

[OutdoorIdaho]

I am guessing that is homemade and at highway speeds will be ground away in a hurry by the asphalt. There is a chance they could cause more damage than they prevent. Heck, I would be concerned about sparks starting a fire on the shoulder...
If you are really concerned about mitigating damage from a flat then you should look into TPMS.

[richard5933]

There was a thread about this last year, but I can't find a good search term that will bring it up. My memory seems to say that these were commercially available at one point in the past. Might take some sleuthing to find it, but there is info out there.

[richard5933]

Found it - here's the thread: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...-192310-2.html

It's not about this device specifically, but it is discussed with a few nice photos.

[Action]

That piece of metal was standard on 1960s (and earlier) single axle Air Stream trailers. Old school solution to prevent damage.
Attaches to the axle tube on the outer end of the axle.
Was designed to "skid" on the road surface to hold up the trailer in the event of a tire failure. Prevents trailer damage and might save the rim as well.

The grass hides the bottom end. The bottom is curved towards the rear of the trailer for several inches.

The one in the picture is in nice condition. I have seen others that were rather rusty and some with damage.

Action

[OutdoorIdaho]

Looks like I guessed wrong about it being homemade.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by OutdoorIdaho

Looks like I guessed wrong about it being homemade.

With the condition it's in it may be a homemade replacement.

There was another thread discussing them, some believed they may cause more problems then they would prevent, including fires.

[richard5933]

The one in the photo posted by the OP doesn't look to be nearly as robust as the one in the thread I found. Can't say how either would function in the real world. Be nice to find an old timer at a repair shop that has experience with the aftermath of a blowout in a trailer equipped with one.

[Rhino33]

Thank you for all of your responses, we really appreciate it. We will check the other thread and into a T tire monitoring system.
Thanks again!

[Ken G]

In western states many warnings are posted regarding dragging safety chains starting wildfires. These brackets appear to be wildfire starters, especially on gravel in the proximity of dry tinder. Bad idea!

[Action]

Originally Posted by Ken G

In western states many warnings are posted regarding dragging safety chains starting wildfires. These brackets appear to be wildfire starters, especially on gravel in the proximity of dry tinder. Bad idea!

The metal does not drag on the ground. Nor is it close enough to contract the ground if the tire is low.
The metal only makes contact with the ground in the event of a complete tire failure.
In the event of a tire failure without this metal, it would be possible for the metal rim of a failed tire to make contact with the ground. Which would generate a similar kind of friction with the ground. And could also start a fire.

And this metal is not designed to support the trailer in a drag of any distance. Just enough to bring the trailer to a stop and then change out the failed tire with a spare.

Action

[Scott S]

Originally Posted by Action

That piece of metal was standard on 1960s (and earlier) single axle Air Stream trailers.
Action

My 1960 single axle Overlander has never had one of these. After experiencing a blowout on the interstate, I can say that in my case they are not needed.