Be Careful Out There

markcee · 09-21-2020, 06:49 PM

This accident, involving an elderly couple, was about 10 minutes ahead of us on our trip back this weekend from Camp Verde, AZ to Sun City West. This Rockwood Ultra Light peeled open like a sardine can....as I'm sure any trailer would.

This stretch of road was a bit curvy, with modest grades. A real reminder, especially to a newbie like me, to always be alert. But even then, something can happen at any time. We really felt bad for this couple. Thankfully neither looked hurt and there were no other vehicles involved.

**sourdough** · 09-21-2020, 07:14 PM

Thanks Mark. Can't tell for sure but looks like a 1/2 ton (mirrors/badging) towing a trailer too big. Occurring every day on the highways waiting for "that" moment. At that time it's dropped head, hand on forehead wondering "what happened". Generally the answer is there, and was before "it" happened. I, like I'm sure most, see folks come in with some unbelievable setups and wonder "how did they ever get here?". I used to try to advise/counsel folks but that is an effort that anymore folks turn into an ugly situation because they "know" so I just muse with DW. I've found, and DW confirmed, that once you get past about 60 you are an "old fart" and don't know anything about anything.... Guess I'll operate on what I "know" and continue going forward doing well with God's graces.

bfam5 · 09-21-2020, 08:25 PM

Yikes! Aside from the visible damage, I hope they are otherwise okay. I've seen my fair share of accidents on southbound I17 and AZ87. Lots of speed and weak tow vehicles.

ewbldavis · 09-22-2020, 07:58 AM

Looking at the wheels - those are 8-lug, so 2500 or 3500...wish it wasn't immediately "oh they're over weight, yada yada" when someone posts an incident on these forums.

Sad to see - things happen...even if you crunch numbers and are setup properly. Crappy way to end/begin a trip. Glad no apparent injury.

linux3 · 09-22-2020, 10:18 AM

8 lug wheels, right you are ewbldavis but the mirrors are not tow mirrors so I would guess 2500HD without tow package extras.
I THINK the 3500 only comes with tow package.
Looks like a large TT.

**sourdough** · 09-22-2020, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewbldavis

Looking at the wheels - those are 8-lug, so 2500 or 3500...wish it wasn't immediately "oh they're over weight, yada yada" when someone posts an incident on these forums.

Sad to see - things happen...even if you crunch numbers and are setup properly. Crappy way to end/begin a trip. Glad no apparent injury.

The 8 lugs appear to be correct. I did not magnify the wheels after I saw the non tow mirrors. Regardless of the cause one has to feel sorry for these folks.

Cyberian · 09-22-2020, 12:45 PM

I wonder how the passenger side of the cab got damaged since it looks like the trailer is still on the hitch

rhagfo · 09-22-2020, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberian

I wonder how the passenger side of the cab got damaged since it looks like the trailer is still on the hitch

The TV was definitely on its side at some point, likely the safety chains still connected as the rear of the TV seems to be off the ground or at least lifted a bit.

Tough thing to have happen.

**JRTJH** · 09-23-2020, 04:45 AM

Everyone's "best guess" is exactly that: A best guess, so here's another one:

Is it possible that they were passing an 18 wheeler (or going under a overpass) and the trailer started fishtailing, they contacted the 18 wheeler (or concrete abutment on the overpass) that damaged the passenger door, the bed cover (that's upside down beside the pickup) came off the truck and in the panic, the driver lost control of the rig??? It doesn't look to me that the truck was "on its side" at any time. The front fender and what's visible on the bed side don't have any significant "road scrapes", so it doesn't look like the truck was on its side. The front passenger tire is flat, possibly a result of the "highway skidding" but then again, if it blew out, that could have been what caused the loss of control that started the entire event....

We may never know what really happened, but it's a "sure bet" that their day adn the entire trip were ruined by an unfortunate event.....

**flybouy** · 09-23-2020, 06:28 AM

My best "Sherlock Holmes guess" would be an impact with something but not on it's side. Mirror, front bumper, and step bar all appear to be unscathed. Typically a vehicle on its side won't right itself unless it rolls all the way over. Maybe the cap hit it maybe, maybe, maybe we can postulate all day but we don't know. Maybe that rf tire blew and the driver over compensated? Who knows.

I feel for them. Likely far from home or maybe "home" is in pieces behind them. I hope they are OK health wise and otherwise.

ewbldavis · 09-23-2020, 07:45 AM

Agreed to all. Our best take is the title...

Be alert, careful, and safe - so we can all enjoy a great trip!

Miloski · 10-01-2020, 08:01 AM

You don't know that! They could of served to miss something or something could of broke.
Shame on you SourDough!

firestation12 · 10-01-2020, 09:16 AM

I tried to look at the wheels and mirrors, but picture was too grainy. Never the less, something went wrong i.e. a part broke, weight load distribution, hitch set up, ball not locked in. As pilots often say, “any landing you can walk away from, is a good landing”.

Mr Mojo · 10-01-2020, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

Thanks Mark. Can't tell for sure but looks like a 1/2 ton (mirrors/badging) towing a trailer too big.

It has the 8 lug wheels, so that would make it a 2500 or 3500 SRW. Although they did make a 1500HD which is closer to a 2500 than a 1500

**sourdough** · 10-01-2020, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miloski

You don't know that! They could of served to miss something or something could of broke.
Shame on you SourDough!

I certainly don't/didn't know the full scoop....and neither do you. I, and you, simply look at something like that and guess. Nothing about guessing says you are right or wrong nor does it mean you have to be nice or ugly - or shamed. Guessing that there was a driver malfunction is not wrong, or ugly. I did however say that I felt sorry for those folks and I do - any of us could end up in that situation whether by personal oversight or something unavoidable and then? Someone takes a picture and others do their "guessing" and you be as nice as you want to be.

Gunny Mike · 10-03-2020, 04:07 PM

About a month ago we saw a TT on its side about 30 miles south of Elkhart on US 31 heading South. That one was being towed by an RV hauler using a 350. It wasn't a windy day so that one got us puzzled if the driver nodded off or just swerved to miss a deer at the early morning hours.

**sourdough** · 10-03-2020, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunny Mike

About a month ago we saw a TT on its side about 30 miles south of Elkhart on US 31 heading South. That one was being towed by an RV hauler using a 350. It wasn't a windy day so that one got us puzzled if the driver nodded off or just swerved to miss a deer at the early morning hours.

I guess there is just no telling. I was coming back from the "city" yesterday afternoon on US 87. Straight as an arrow, very wide, flat, no wind and very few cars. I could see all the red lights 2 miles away as I approached. There was a vehicle on its side, roof pushed down and all the windows broken; it had obviously rolled. As I approached and passed, you could see the black marks from the tires as they made sort of a S then went off the side. Not an RV but the same questions come to mind and the same warning in my brain...pay attention.

**flybouy** · 10-03-2020, 04:53 PM

Those "S" marks I think are from overcompensating with the steering wheel. No telling how the situation started (texting, talking, drunk, flat tire, someone cut them off, medical emergency, who knows) it's sad to see how it ends,

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