This link is to an article that gives details of the accident. I can't determine what failed. The ball? The coupler?
There has been a lot of discussion on another forum about couplers, balls, etc. I haul a gooseneck and have been told that I should replace my turnover ball every 2 years or so because they can develop stress fractures, weaken, and break. My truck is garaged, so the ball is never exposed to the weather on a consistent basis. Should I still change out my ball?
Posted 2009-10-13 9:41 PM (#111840 - in reply to #111836) Subject: RE: Trailer Accident
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by Kesta on 2009-10-13 8:12 PM
http://americashorsedaily.com/a-horsemans-nightmare/ This link is to an article that gives details of the accident. I can't determine what failed. The ball? The coupler? There has been a lot of discussion on another forum about couplers, balls, etc. I haul a gooseneck and have been told that I should replace my turnover ball every 2 years or so because they can develop stress fractures, weaken, and break. My truck is garaged, so the ball is never exposed to the weather on a consistent basis. Should I still change out my ball?
This was on here a week or two back. Like the paper states "the hitch broke". Meaning the hitch on the RV! RV's while nice to travel in are in my opinion NOT really horse trailer friendly. Yes, you can haul trailer with them, but most people forget horses move around in the trailer.
Any way, so sad, but back to your question. If you have the turnover ball like the B&W hitch I would just rotate the ball every few months and keep grease on the ball. Yes if may get messy sometimes, but saves the ball from getting ware marks on it and keeps it from squeaking while towing.
Posted 2009-10-14 8:02 AM (#111849 - in reply to #111836) Subject: RE: Trailer Accident
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Not saying that it is what happened in this horrible accident, but a lot of the hitches under the mid size RVs were put there for the sole purpose of pulling the little car to the dealership from the factory. Meant for 1 time use and not very heavy duty. Unfortunately they usually aren't removed after that trip. Next person sees a hitch and throws a big horse trailer or car hauler on it.......... Like Reagan said- "Trust, but verify".
..."Their gelding, Wonit Ona RV Version, and mare, Ill Be RV Radical, were in the bumper-pull trailer behind the motor coach. The Kents were headed to show in Santa Barbara, California,"...
Posted 2009-10-17 7:10 AM (#111984 - in reply to #111836) Subject: RE: Trailer Accident
Member
Posts: 48 Location: Stanardsville, VA
I was sitting at the Wawa getting gas yesterday and at the interesection in front of me pulled up an Adam 2 horse bumper pull. 2 horses in it. The side escape door was wide open. When the lady stopped for the light, WAM the door flug wide open and slammed the side of the trailer. Light turned green WAM flug back the other way. That stupid lady never looked in the mirror or stopped Just took off like a bat out of hell down the road. People can be so oblivious. Does anyone look in their mirrors when they tow?
Posted 2009-10-19 3:34 AM (#112039 - in reply to #111836) Subject: RE: Trailer Accident
Location: Del Mar, CA
As to escape doors, I had a 15h qtr come out the small escape door on a 2H str load, stepped back to hook butt chain, saw him calmly look through door, thought no.... he fought his way out, scraped up but ok. Live and learn.
Trailer Accident
