Identify this truck...

[busterbrown]

This was posted on a facebook group and it occurred yesterday in Florida. Is it a lifted Chevy Express? I'm just not sure. The trailer possibly resembles a Keystone Cougar? I'm surprised the hitch stayed connected. Not much information was given with the post. I hope no injuries. Safe travels everyone.

[sourdough]

That looks like a Ford van to me (nose, front marker lights). It does look like it has a considerable lift - unfortunately.

Don't know the injuries but it looks like it could have been severe. As anyone can see they had way more trailer for the vehicle in the first place...then added what appears to be a substantial lift - an accident that should have never happened if proper limits were followed..it appears.

[CrazyCain]

I agree with Danny. I do not like how squished the front of the roof is...

[HitFactor]

I do hope there were not serious injuries and wish those involved speedy recovery.

Hard to say on the lift kit. Normally there is 3000 or more pounds on the suspension. There isn't any weight now.

I don't see upside down vehicles very often. That could be normal spring position or even a extended position due to damage sustained in the accident.

This picture is worth a 1000 conjecture(s).

[66joej]

Agree it does look like a Ford. Older one. E250 or E350. Hopefully no serious injuries. My question are those vehicles actually driving by. Don't see anyone walking to the scene.

[busterbrown]

Ok..found a local news article about it. Apparently, a rear tire dismounted from the van as the driver was cruising on I-95. How does this happen? Wheels are aftermarket. Liability with the installer? Glad to hear no one perished. A poodle was lost in the mix.

https://flaglerlive.com/132520/van-t...flips-on-i-95/

[notanlines]

Yes, E350 Ford, no lift apparently, but i see no WDH. Maybe I’m not looking close enough.
On edit: It's an Outback, and I believe I do see a remnant of a hitch laying up there from the newspaper picture.

[sourdough]

I'm not sure about the lift thinking about the springs being "unsprung" without the vehicle weight. They do appear to have aftermarket wheels/tires which many times indicates an ill advised lift.

A wheel "leaving" your TV is pretty incomprhensible to me. As Jim pointed out, there doesn't appear to be a WDH. As we see every day there are so many folks towing things with vehicles they shouldn't while paying zero attention to safety - a recipe for disaster....even while the operators drive down the road thinking how "great" things are - either ignorant or uncaring. Right or wrong, believe it or not, trying to always provide a warning about "weights", and the safety of others, as we try to do on the forum....is a good thing. Wishing safe travels to all...none of us want to be in the situation we see in the pictures.

[busterbrown]

I didn't see WDH frame brackets on the trailer either. The impact of the accident may have removed them. No clear shot of of the van's receiver hitch. The trailer looks to be a 34' Outback 277RL at 8600 GVW.

I too believe those are aftermarket wheels and tires in a much larger size. Suspension lifts are usually in order to accommodate larger tires.

[sourdough]

When I blow it up I think I clearly see a drop hitch on the back of the van - not a hitch shank for a WDH. Clearly operator error IMO from what I can see.

[Gegrad]

That is definitely a pre-2008 Econoline van (2007 or older). It might be lifted, it might also have one of those wheelchair lifts on it. That I cannot tell.

Edit: Just saw the article stating it was a 2005 van.

[JRTJH]

Three lanes of traffic plus the shoulder and another "lane of grass". It's a miracle that no other vehicles were involved.

ADDED: I guess I spoke too soon. Apparently there was a Toyota following the rig and as it spun/flipped in the air it landed on the Toyota. Minor damage and the driver was not injured.

[Old Mustanger]

Back in the 80's I had aluminum after market rims installed on our van the day before a trip up north. About 30 miles from home the next morning while crossing Lake Ray Hubbard on Rt 30 (not towing a trailer) I started hearing a hump hump from the rear, pulled over and found that one wheel (forget which side) only had the locking lug nut left. So it's not unbelievable to me that you can lose a wheel.

[busterbrown]

Originally Posted by Old Mustanger

Back in the 80's I had aluminum after market rims installed on our van the day before a trip up north. About 30 miles from home the next morning while crossing Lake Ray Hubbard on Rt 30 (not towing a trailer) I started hearing a hump hump from the rear, pulled over and found that one wheel (forget which side) only had the locking lug nut left. So it's not unbelievable to me that you can lose a wheel.

I hope you paid a visit to the installer and explained to them what happened. I don't believe a 6 or 8 lug wheel can lose all the nuts by sheer vibrational coincidence. I think it's good practice to check the lugs on both tow vehicle and trailer prior to any trip. This is why I keep a torque wrench in my truck. Five minutes for one less worry.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by busterbrown

I didn't see WDH frame brackets on the trailer either. The impact of the accident may have removed them. No clear shot of of the van's receiver hitch. The trailer looks to be a 34' Outback 277RL at 8600 GVW.

I too believe those are aftermarket wheels and tires in a much larger size. Suspension lifts are usually in order to accommodate larger tires.

Originally Posted by sourdough

When I blow it up I think I clearly see a drop hitch on the back of the van - not a hitch shank for a WDH. Clearly operator error IMO from what I can see.

If you to the story from the link, and blow up the first picture it appears to be a WDH spring bar from the hitch. I don't expect to see it nicly connected as the trailer and TV are 180 degrees twisted apart. I would say one he!! of a set of safety chains and hooks!
I would say traveling at likely 55 to 70 mph (Florida interstate) and loose the drivers side rear wheel all bets are off!!

[IMASAP]

The van has had a 4x4 conversion on it, and that is why the suspension looks taller than normal.

[German Shepherd Guy]

Originally Posted by rhagfo

If you to the story from the link, and blow up the first picture it appears to be a WDH spring bar from the hitch. I don't expect to see it nicly connected as the trailer and TV are 180 degrees twisted apart. I would say one he!! of a set of safety chains and hooks!
I would say traveling at likely 55 to 70 mph (Florida interstate) and loose the drivers side rear wheel all bets are off!!

Totally agree.


That section collapsed over the driver is not a good safety recommendation for 2005 Ford Vans.

[Fishsizzle]

Originally Posted by IMASAP

The van has had a 4x4 conversion on it, and that is why the suspension looks taller than normal.

Quigleys are in big demand. Could make a mint with the fresh and clean outdoor crowd here in Oregon.

[BlakeRL]

I agree that you can clearly see in the first image in the actual news article when it is blown up in size that it is a WDH with weight distribution bars so the accident was apparently caused by the lost tire.

Also one commenter indicated that the missing dog was found and is being treated so it is definitely a better outcome than it could have been.

I have attached the two images from the article!

Sincerely,
Ronald L. Blake

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by BlakeRL

I agree that you can clearly see in the first image in the actual news article when it is blown up in size that it is a WDH with weight distribution bars so the accident was apparently caused by the lost tire.

Also one commenter indicated that the missing dog was found and is being treated so it is definitely a better outcome than it could have been.

I have attached the two images from the article!

Sincerely,
Ronald L. Blake

In the first pic I see, what maybe, is a wdh turned backwards laying under the rear of the van. As one that always had to dig for the "root cause" of any and all failures, the lost tire is definitely not it. Between the lift, truck/trailer combo choice and others made by the driver, I figure the lost wheel was the end result of previous decisions made by the driver.