Posted 2012-09-18 12:39 PM (#147055) Subject: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
Luckily both of us and the horse are OK. I may have broken or sprained my foot but it could have been a whole lot worse. My friend Jean drove her truck and trailer to pick up a horse about 4 hrs away, I was tagging along for the ride. Loaded the horse and were about 2 miles away, it was raining and we were on windy hilly KY roads... and suddenly the truck slid across the road, into a guard rail, she got it back into our lane but we were almost sliding out of control at that point it was all over the road. during all that the trailer hitch broke and the trailer was being held on by 1 rusted safety chain. the horse was thrown against the left side of the trailer and the trailer wall bulged out but nothing appeared broken in the trailer, and the horse just had a few minor scrapes, thank goodness.
Overall we were VERY lucky- could have easily flipped and gone over the ravine.
the truck is messed up pretty bad and not drivable- the trailer may be driveable, not sure. the people she bought the horse from hauled him back to their place.
What really upset me is the KY laws that don't require trailer inspections, or even trailer brakes and lights. it may not have made any difference in this case but still.. having a trailer w/decent chains or cables, break away battery, etc may have slowed the trailer down. the hitch sheared off in the reciever part, and the whole bar and ball broke off. hers is a little home made looking trailer, no brakes, lights marginally work,and rusty thin chains.
I've never seen anything like that happen. now I'm worried about mine- wonder if there's a way to test the metal or just look at it and see if it's in good shape?
Posted 2012-09-18 1:11 PM (#147056 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: MS
Hopefully this will make her see her trailer and hauling habits in a different light, too. This could have been SO bad! Glad that all the living things made it out ok.
Posted 2012-09-18 4:50 PM (#147063 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
the metal piece w/ the ball attached looked like it was stretched (?)and broke. the reciever part still had half of that piece inside. A gentleman stopped to help, and was trying to work it out w/ a hammer and chizzel but the metal was twisted in there so tight it wasn't working. the trailer hitch was still locked but the ball had come out of it. not good.
Posted 2012-09-18 5:25 PM (#147064 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Glad you are Okay...it makes me wonder if the trailer didn't push the truck...I'd have her check the controller/trailer brakes when she gets everything back together...my feelin is that she'll find they were NOT working at the time of the accident...:(
Posted 2012-09-18 6:39 PM (#147065 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Member
Posts: 37 Location: Upstate NY
no breaks....there is your answer
I haul a trailer daily that the brakes are marginal sometimes, but it's not hauling a live load and I always check the brakes before leaving so I know if they are being finicky or not just so I have the heads up.
do you know if the hitch was solid or was it hollow on the inside? I won't haul the horse trailer with anything but a solid hitch.
Posted 2012-09-18 6:41 PM (#147066 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by acy on 2012-09-18 12:39 PM
.
What really upset me is the KY laws that don't require trailer inspections, or even trailer brakes and lights. it may not have made any difference in this case but still.. having a trailer w/decent chains or cables, break away battery, etc may have slowed the trailer down.
Posted 2012-09-18 6:47 PM (#147067 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by acy on 2012-09-18 12:39 PM
What really upset me is the KY laws that don't require trailer inspections, or even trailer brakes and lights. it may not have made any difference in this case but still.. having a trailer w/decent chains or cables, break away battery, etc may have slowed the trailer down.
What about personal responsibility? Why would you be upset that KY laws don't require trailer inspections? That might be a valid argument if the accident had happened to someone else but you were in the vehicle and seemed to know that there were many problems with the trailer. I am certain that there is no law preventing anyone from maintaining their trailer.
There are no laws that require trailer inspection in my state but for my safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the animals we haul I make sure that safety chains are adequate, brakes work, the break away battery is charged, etc. It's just common sence and shouldn't require a law or government program to make sure it gets done.
Posted 2012-09-18 7:18 PM (#147068 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
What about personal responsibility? Why would you be upset that KY laws don't require trailer inspections? That might be a valid argument if the accident had happened to someone else but you were in the vehicle and seemed to know that there were many problems with the trailer. I am certain that there is no law preventing anyone from maintaining their trailer.
of course there's no law preventing anyone from maintaining their trailers, but from what I've seen so far a lot don't.
We just moved to KY 6 weeks ago. I met Jean a few weeks ago and had never been in her truck and trailer before yesterday. Yes I knew there were problems w/ the trailer (once I took a quick look at it yest) but all I"m saying is hers seems to be typical of so many I've seen already here. no brakes, no lights, minimal safety features. if the state required inspections it would piss a lot of people off but they'd be much safer on the road.
Posted 2012-09-18 9:58 PM (#147072 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Veteran
Posts: 116 Location: desert hills, az
Well said Blackcows. Acy, I'm glad you are ok, but more government/inspections are not the answer, personal responsiblity is. The safest trailer or truck in the world is only safe if the driver is responsible.
Posted 2012-09-20 6:59 AM (#147097 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Veteran
Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
Glad that everyone(including the horse) made it out alive. I really dont want to sound like I am bashing the trailer owner, BUT as mentioned before we ALL have a personal responsibility to insure the safety of our equipment. I shudder to think of what would have happened if someone was coming the opposite direction, a car , van full of kids, school bus, bicycle, OR a Semi truck.. Not only are we in charge of the safety of the passingers of our vehicle, we are in charge of those other folks that share the highway with us..
Posted 2012-09-20 7:44 AM (#147100 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
Gonzo---- that's all I could think about after we came to a stop too- it was a busy windy little road and we were incredibly lucky no one was in the opposite lane- we all would have been seriously hurt or killed. I'm not an authority, by any means, but I've been hauling my horses all over the place for 35+ yrs and try to insure my truck and trailers are as safe as they can possibly be.
After our accident tried talking to my friend about getting another trailer, or having brakes etc installed on that one but kept saying she's OK b/c she has the "towing package" on the truck.. my answer was that has nothing to do w/ better chains, trailer brakes, break away battery, (not to mention trailer lights) but she didn't want to hear it. very frustrating. and very scary.
Here in Boonedocksville KY that seems to be the norm, from the little bit I've seen so far at local trail rides and shows.
Posted 2012-09-20 10:49 AM (#147106 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: high desert, CA.
We don't have trailer inspections here in California either. BUT! If you get stopped, and the required equipment, and lights are not working or installed, you will be left sitting by the side of the road by the C.H.P.! AND it will be up to YOU to remove the horse,trailer,and the vehicle, from the roadway ASAP. If you don't have a tow company that will tow a horse, and trailer? Tough. You are SOL! Don't call AAA, they will refuse to even talk to ya! Now, remember, this may be at the side of Hwy 5, where the folks will be doing 70-80 MPH, about 3 feet away! You will also be LIABLE for any damage your truck and trailer do in the even of an accident. ( accident? sounds like no accident here! Ka Ching goes the lawyer!)
Posted 2012-09-20 11:43 AM (#147108 - in reply to #147100) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by acy on 2012-09-20 7:44 AM
Gonzo---- that's all I could think about after we came to a stop too- it was a busy windy little road and we were incredibly lucky no one was in the opposite lane- we all would have been seriously hurt or killed. I'm not an authority, by any means, but I've been hauling my horses all over the place for 35+ yrs and try to insure my truck and trailers are as safe as they can possibly be.
After our accident tried talking to my friend about getting another trailer, or having brakes etc installed on that one but kept saying she's OK b/c she has the "towing package" on the truck.. my answer was that has nothing to do w/ better chains, trailer brakes, break away battery, (not to mention trailer lights) but she didn't want to hear it. very frustrating. and very scary.
Here in Boonedocksville KY that seems to be the norm, from the little bit I've seen so far at local trail rides and shows.
Acy...you can't fix stupid...:(
Just remember...from now on, you will NEVER ride with her and a trailer AGAIN AND NEVER let HER trailer YOUR horse...
Posted 2012-09-21 7:32 PM (#147132 - in reply to #147068) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: iowa
Originally written by acy on 2012-09-18 7:18 PM
What about personal responsibility? Why would you be upset that KY laws don't require trailer inspections? That might be a valid argument if the accident had happened to someone else but you were in the vehicle and seemed to know that there were many problems with the trailer. I am certain that there is no law preventing anyone from maintaining their trailer.
of course there's no law preventing anyone from maintaining their trailers, but from what I've seen so far a lot don't.
We just moved to KY 6 weeks ago. I met Jean a few weeks ago and had never been in her truck and trailer before yesterday. Yes I knew there were problems w/ the trailer (once I took a quick look at it yest) but all I"m saying is hers seems to be typical of so many I've seen already here. no brakes, no lights, minimal safety features. if the state required inspections it would piss a lot of people off but they'd be much safer on the road.
There would be laws against no lights for sure. My guess is if her trailer is as described she is probably driving on worn out tires also and lost traction in the rain.
Posted 2012-09-25 3:31 PM (#147210 - in reply to #147100) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Expert
Posts: 2615
Originally written by acy on 2012-09-20 7:44 AM
Gonzo---- that's all I could think about after we came to a stop too- it was a busy windy little road and we were incredibly lucky no one was in the opposite lane- we all would have been seriously hurt or killed. I'm not an authority, by any means, but I've been hauling my horses all over the place for 35+ yrs and try to insure my truck and trailers are as safe as they can possibly be.
After our accident tried talking to my friend about getting another trailer, or having brakes etc installed on that one but kept saying she's OK b/c she has the "towing package" on the truck.. my answer was that has nothing to do w/ better chains, trailer brakes, break away battery, (not to mention trailer lights) but she didn't want to hear it. very frustrating. and very scary.
Here in Boonedocksville KY that seems to be the norm, from the little bit I've seen so far at local trail rides and shows.
IMO,anybody who hauls a trailer and horse or horses behind them without trailer brakes is flatout STUPID.Sorry,but,that's my opinion of your friend.
One day she may find herself (if she's alive and able) in a courtroom up against some injured or dead party with a shark for an attorney and she'd wished she had heeded your advice then.
It is also my opinion,but,if she thinks she doesn't need trailer brakes and a 'towing package' on a pickup will do the job of holding or stopping something that weighs more than what is towing it,then,she doesn't have any business owning a horse or horse trailer and jerking it down the road.
If I sound pretty harsh,I am speaking from experience of another STUPID person who once nearly lost her horse,trailer,and,could have killed somebody else for the same reason,and,that would be ME.
Posted 2012-09-26 2:17 AM (#147228 - in reply to #147055) Subject: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Member
Posts: 20
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Posted 2012-09-26 4:05 PM (#147252 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Expert
Posts: 1881 Location: NY
I am glade that all came thought this in one piece, you could help other by telling your story to all that will lease then some thing good will come from this
Posted 2012-09-27 11:32 AM (#147283 - in reply to #147055) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
When purchasing a new or used trailer look for the NATM decal. Trailers displaying it have been certified by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers to be compliant with all DOT requirements for brakes, lights, hitch, etc. Here is an excerpt from NATM's home page:The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has been dedicated to improving trailer safety and performance for more than 20 years. The Association represents manufacturers who produce light- and medium- duty trailers which are towed behind vehicles. Trailers manufactured by NATM member companies transport a diverse range of items – livestock, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, landscaping equipment, etc, and also serve as portable power generators, traffic control systems, and law enforcement command centers. NATM seeks to promote awareness among its members of best industry practices and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. Our goal is to promote safety standards by which our industry is measured.
Posted 2012-09-27 4:20 PM (#147284 - in reply to #147283) Subject: RE: We were in a trailer wreck yesterday
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by frenchboy on 2012-09-27 11:32 AM
When purchasing a new or used trailer look for the NATM decal. Trailers displaying it have been certified by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers to be compliant with all DOT requirements for brakes, lights, hitch, etc. Here is an excerpt from NATM's home page:The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has been dedicated to improving trailer safety and performance for more than 20 years. The Association represents manufacturers who produce light- and medium- duty trailers which are towed behind vehicles. Trailers manufactured by NATM member companies transport a diverse range of items – livestock, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, landscaping equipment, etc, and also serve as portable power generators, traffic control systems, and law enforcement command centers. NATM seeks to promote awareness among its members of best industry practices and provide a voice for trailer manufacturers when issues of trailer safety and regulation are considered by Congress and relevant government agencies. Our goal is to promote safety standards by which our industry is measured.
Well that NATM decal ought to be designed to fall off after a year...so the trailer owner would be reminded to have their trailer rechecked...