Originally posted by sigcrazy7: I was eastbound in Idaho that day. That gorge is 700 feet I think. Too deep to see the bottom as you drive over it.
I bet that particular couple have an image of the bottom of that gorge seared into their permanent memories...
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"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving." -Dr. Adrian Rogers
Posts: 6393 | Location: Mogadishu on the Mississippi | Registered: February 26, 2009
Originally posted by Voshterkoff: Likely too much trailer for the truck, and the trailer took over steering.
Often times, that's the biggest issue. The article says it was an F-350, so in theory should have been plenty, but tongue weight and other loading factors certainly play a big role. Pulling a trailer, especially to those that only do it occasionally for a holiday, can be a dangerous experience on the freeway. Once the trailer takes over, there is likely a bad outcome. Thankfully this couple went home safe. Kudos to the responders- Awesome rescue!
Posts: 482 | Location: Out West | Registered: January 14, 2014
Originally posted by Voshterkoff: Likely too much trailer for the truck..
I doubt it. The article says F350 and 30' travel trailer. Payload for the F350 is over 3,000 pounds and the tongue weight of the trailer is likely less than 1,000 pounds which leaves 2,000 pounds for the two people and their two small dogs. Not only that, they were using a weight distributing hitch so some of the tongue weight and the weight in the bed of the truck were being distributed to trailer's wheels as well as the truck's front wheels. The trailer is probably less than 10,000 pounds so well within the truck's towing capabilities. The combined weight of the truck and trailer are probably less than 20,000 pounds which is also within the truck's gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of around 22,000 pounds.
I'd speculate operator error.
Posts: 11815 | Location: SWFL | Registered: October 10, 2007
I’m guessing operator error, probably in either balancing the load or being to casual behind the wheel. People say, “My truck pull that trailer like it’s not even there.” I think that leads to lots of complacency.
Also, there are some strong winds in that area pretty frequently.
It’s also pretty popular to BASE jump off that bridge and it’s a ways down.
Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs. Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops ! Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
Posts: 8381 | Location: West | Registered: November 26, 2002
Don't know anything about pulling a trailer , but I do know that they can have some very strong winds in that area. They have warning signs about the winds.
Posts: 1302 | Location: Idaho | Registered: October 21, 2007
