Rollover in Quebec

[J. Morgan]

I will just say it.

The press reports the accident was caused by sway, and I will say that the big box hanging off the back of the trailer was a major contributor to the accident.

Ultimately the owner/driver is responsible for driving the combination beyond (faster than) its safe limits.

There is no way that the driver did not know that the vehicle was squirmy the very first time he approached highway speeds.

And make no mistake, without one of the two available premium hitches available, with that giant pendulum weight on the trailer that combination was squirrelly from square one.


Gradiens super tenui glacie.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

I will just say it.

The press reports the accident was caused by sway, and I will say that the big box hanging off the back of the trailer was a major contributor to the accident.

Ultimately the owner/driver is responsible for driving the combination beyond (faster than) its safe limits.

There is no way that the driver did not know that the vehicle was squirmy the very first time he approached highway speeds.

And make no mistake, without one of the two available premium hitches available, with that giant pendulum weight on the trailer that combination was squirrelly from square one.


Gradiens super tenui glacie.

I don't know for certain - but I can't imagine even a VPP hitch would overcome something like that "shed" on the back of a trailer.

[PKI]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

-- snip -- Andrew, What do YOU recommend for modifications to a JGC to make it an exceptable and safe tow vehicle? I am asking because I tow with a 2011 JGC Overlander With 5.7 Hemi.

AW - a thought - looks like the JGC may have 265/60R18 tires fitted. It appears that LT255/65R18 are similar in diameter. Would appreciate your thoughts and those of Andrew on the value of going to LT tires for the SUV towing application. Also, any thoughts on the stiffer side wall run flat tires. This is a bit of a hijack, but an important element of consideration to achieve stability. Appreciate your input. Pat

[OTRA15]

There is an active thread on that topic:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...le-146333.html

And these sub-forums:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238/
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463/

And PLENTY of tire threads!

[pmclemore]

You can tow anything with anything and any kind of hitch and any kind of weight distribution. As long as everything is going well.

The more things that you have that make your rig unstable, the fewer things (outside influences) it will take to put you on your backside.

Me - I prefer to run with as stable a lash-up in as many ways as possible. Then there will be some forgiveness if I become momentarily inattentive, someone causes me to react too quickly or something else out of my control presents itself.

From all appearances, the rig pictured here needed everything always to go according to plan.

Pat

[J. Morgan]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

I don't know for certain - but I can't imagine even a VPP hitch would overcome something like that "shed" on the back of a trailer.

Lol, there certainly are limits.

That box could have upwards of several hundred or even a thousand pounds or better in that box.

The box has a capacity of over 60 cubic feet. Filled even with clothes and linens it could contain 600 pounds easy enough.

Gradiens super tenui glacie.

[OTRA15]

Plus when you square the increased distance rearward away from the center of gravity of the trailer, any such large mass takes on a new forcefullness . . .

[AWCHIEF]

[QUOTE=PKI;1824223]AW - a thought - looks like the JGC may have 265/60R18 tires fitted. It appears that LT255/65R18 are similar in diameter. Would appreciate your thoughts and those of Andrew on the value of going to LT tires for the SUV towing application. Also, any thoughts on the stiffer side wall run flat tires. This is a bit of a hijack, but an important element of consideration to achieve stability. Appreciate your input. Pat


Pat, I have 20 inch wheels and have Bridgestone Dueler H/L on my Jeep in size P265/50R20 106V. They were recommended to me by a close friend that has been in the commercial tire business for many years. I did not buy them from him so there was no ulterior motive for his recommendation. They are comfortable, well riding, long lasting tires. I have had them for just over two years. Unlike some here I do not pretend to be an engineer of any kind so can only base my opinion on actual use and seat of the pants feel. I like them and that is all that matters. (For the benefit of any one that wants to criticize my choice)

[PKI]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

There is an active thread on that topic:
-- snip -- And PLENTY of tire threads! -- snip --

Thanks for the links. Generally the primary thread has lots of info on the success folks have had towing with the JGC and there is also some hitch info. There does not seem to be a lot of detailed information on how to improve the stability of the JGC. Hoping these questions can expand the discussion.

This incident certainly has more information that prior rollover incidents and that contributes to an understanding of the forces in play and the viable solutions necessary to control them.

Pat

[PKI]

-- snip -- P265/50R20 106V. -- snip --[/QUOTE]

AW - yes, the low profile approach. May turn out to be better in the long run.

Thanks - Pat

[cazual6]

Originally Posted by DanB

First off, I don't disagree that the setup was poor and the box was a bad decision.

I am simply saying that we are completely grasping at straws as to what happened. Unless I missed it, the news report does not indicate ANY cause.

For all we know, it may have been an unavoidable situation caused by an outside force. Until the police report is made public, I won't be sure about anything.

Told ya. Dealing with facts is not enough, not even with proof. I think everyone agrees that many factors could have been the cause. What was in the box? Was it full? Was it empty?

[westernjeep401]

Any more in the weeds, and this post gets ticks.

I personally recommend, for safety sake, pull your AS with an International 4700 modified stake truck with a 32k GVWR, or if you're on the cheap, a F-550 crew. My attorney says I should, for safety's sake, wrap myself in foil and not breathe. He's the fiduciary.

As AW said, let the speculative entertainment continue.

[A W Warn]

Looks like the Komo carrier is pretty heavy.
(or is the weight spec the capacity?)

http://www.ecarriershelving.com/?category_id=31

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

Looks like the Komo carrier is pretty heavy.
(or is the weight spec the capacity?)

http://www.ecarriershelving.com/?category_id=31

For whatever it's worth, none of the 3 pics on their website have the unit hanging off the back of a trailer - all are connected behind the rear axle of a self contained vehicle not hitched to anything else.

[white laker]

and you wonder why?

[A W Warn]

I think it has the swing out add on option or a ramp/carrier, mentioned somewhere when I looked at other models on that website.

But, I am speculating. I do not know since I've never seen one of these before.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by white laker

and you wonder why?

Nope. 😀

[OTRA15]

If the Komo box weighs any more than the AS-approved Fiamma bike rack at about 92 lbs. including bikes, it is not within the Airstream design specs.. Ditto for the approved location -- basically above the rear bumper, with the bikes just barely aft of the bumper.

End of discussion.

Period.

One can kick and scream about Airstream's strict limits . . . but . . .

Acceptance of limits is one of life's hardest lessons IMO, not only for spoiled brat children, but also for many adults.

"But I know better . . . "

"I Want it . . !!!"

[ROBERT CROSS]

Papa smurf did the detective work....can we agree these photo's are of the same rig?

Bob

[knunut]

My vote is :Same. Has matching Decal upper left on rear of trailer. Overall look's same.