I thought I would share my experiences with our caravan, which detached from the car whilst travelling at speed. The tow vehicle was my 100 series Landcruiser and the caravan was a 25 foot full height near new van. I will not name the manufacturer as they were more than helpful with the situation and the rectification, as well as recalling other vans that may encounter the same problem.
Whilst driving in slightly undulating country at approx 80kph, in a straight line, I heard a loud bang and realised that the van and car were no longer attached as one unit, I applied the trailer brakes fully and a little car brake to bring the unit to a stop. When I got out to check what had happened, I was swearing and cursing at myself for forgetting to check that the hitch was locked. When I rounded the rear of the car, I found that the coupling plate weld, on-top of the drawbar had failed, leaving the coupling attached to the ball and the drawbar on the ground. I was using Haymen Reece weight distribution equipment. One of the bars and snap up brackets had disappeared under the force. The safety chains were shortened and crossed to try and cradle the drawbar if an event like this should ever occur. The photos attaches will show that this does not happen and to be honest, I am glad it did not.
Looking back on the incident and from the investigations I made in preparation for an argument with insurers/manufacturers, that thankfully never happened, I learnt:
1. Having the drawbar on the ground in this situation was exactly where it needed to be. Whilst I assessed the situation and blocked out the wife and kids screams, I knew exactly where the drawbar was in relation to the car and knew it would not hot the car as I attempted to stop.
2. Using the trailer brakes (thanks to the people who came up with electric brakes) to do the main stopping of the rig, ensured that the brakes were working and that the caravan would stop quicker than the car. If I had used the car brakes as the main form of braking, there was a fair chance of the van visiting the back of the car.
The breakaway safety brakes were not activated as the van held on the safety chains.
No one was hurt in this, however, I did lose my confidence in towing the large caravan, which following repair, replacement of all towing equipment involved and x-rays of all other welds on the caravan to ensure they were safe, has been sold. I only have praise for the manufacturer in their assistance with this, including paying all bills for the repair (as the should have), the replacement of the WDH, the towbar on the cruiser and accommodation for our trip home.
Whilst driving in slightly undulating country at approx 80kph, in a straight line, I heard a loud bang and realised that the van and car were no longer attached as one unit, I applied the trailer brakes fully and a little car brake to bring the unit to a stop. When I got out to check what had happened, I was swearing and cursing at myself for forgetting to check that the hitch was locked. When I rounded the rear of the car, I found that the coupling plate weld, on-top of the drawbar had failed, leaving the coupling attached to the ball and the drawbar on the ground. I was using Haymen Reece weight distribution equipment. One of the bars and snap up brackets had disappeared under the force. The safety chains were shortened and crossed to try and cradle the drawbar if an event like this should ever occur. The photos attaches will show that this does not happen and to be honest, I am glad it did not.
Looking back on the incident and from the investigations I made in preparation for an argument with insurers/manufacturers, that thankfully never happened, I learnt:
1. Having the drawbar on the ground in this situation was exactly where it needed to be. Whilst I assessed the situation and blocked out the wife and kids screams, I knew exactly where the drawbar was in relation to the car and knew it would not hot the car as I attempted to stop.
2. Using the trailer brakes (thanks to the people who came up with electric brakes) to do the main stopping of the rig, ensured that the brakes were working and that the caravan would stop quicker than the car. If I had used the car brakes as the main form of braking, there was a fair chance of the van visiting the back of the car.
The breakaway safety brakes were not activated as the van held on the safety chains.
No one was hurt in this, however, I did lose my confidence in towing the large caravan, which following repair, replacement of all towing equipment involved and x-rays of all other welds on the caravan to ensure they were safe, has been sold. I only have praise for the manufacturer in their assistance with this, including paying all bills for the repair (as the should have), the replacement of the WDH, the towbar on the cruiser and accommodation for our trip home.
