Jump to content

F350 and occupants saved by their safety chains


John E Davies

Recommended Posts

89E490CB-D711-4D04-8B70-0812DBBAB267.thumb.jpeg.f3c7b0892c745e0fe7ccc40f168dea30.jpeg

“Witnesses said the truck appeared to lose control before the crash, first swerving to hit the right shoulder barrier before sliding over the left-side guardrail. The truck then tipped over the bridge, with the camper blocking both lanes of the bridge.”

https://www.foxnews.com/us/rescuers-pickup-deep-idaho-gorge

I would like to hear the details about what happened before they jack knifed.... 

John Davies

Spokane WA

  • Wow 7

SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

54 minutes ago, topgun2 said:

"near" death wobble?

 Did Ford SuperDuty trucks that far back (2004) have the death wobble issue?   I thought that was recent.   I already had the steering damper replaced once under warranty on my 2019 F-250.  It wasn't a severe "death wobble", and I haven't added a lift kit or bigger tires that seem to make that wobble issue worse.  But my F-250 did have a very annoying steering wheel vibration between 60 and 65 mph, even though the tires were perfectly balanced, and even in 2 wheel drive with the front hubs unlocked to rule out a front drivetrain imbalance issue.   The replacement steering damper solved it.

 

Edited by FrankC
  • Like 1

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There’s a post on the Oliver Facebook page with a lot of scary photos of this.  But this one photo shows the hitch area of the truck.  A few extra chains from the crane holding it at this point, but you can see the hitch and safety chains on the truck.  The ball popped out of the trailer hitch of course with that kind of angle, and it looks like that was a weight distribution hitch as well.  But thankfully the safety chains and the truck safety chain attachment points on the receiver held the load.   Wow!  Those are some lucky folks.    And everything that was in the truck bed now at the bottom of the canyon.

CE98648B-6107-484E-AF47-1FB67B09B9E8.jpeg

Edited by FrankC
  • Like 1

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
56 minutes ago, FrankC said:

 Did Ford SuperDuty trucks that far back (2004) have the death wobble issue?

I doubt it in that you are right that we have only heard about the "death Wobble" issue recently.

My comment wasn't really in relation to the Ford Death Wobble issue.  I was only making reference to the "wobble" from one lane to the other as stated in the article.

Bill

Edited by topgun2

2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
21 minutes ago, Patriot said:

Wow.  I wonder if my safety cables would hold my truck... might need to think about an upgrade to real heavy duty chains.

  • Like 5

Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L

ALAZARCACOFLGAIDILKSKYLAMDMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKSCSDTNTXUTVAWVWYsm.jpgALAZARCACOCTDEFLGAIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, Mike and Carol said:

Wow.  I wonder if my safety cables would hold my truck... might need to think about an upgrade to real heavy duty chains.

My thoughts exactly, great point Mike. I may re-evaluate cables. 

  • Like 3

 

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR” 

2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor aka- Beast

 

IMG_2879.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators

Those people were extremely lucky.

Kudos and then some, to the first responders.

This will be an amazing campfire story, for many years.

Edited by SeaDawg

2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4

2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12

Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes....

400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries .  Life is good.


        
 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
1 hour ago, Maverick said:

How the chains are attached to the Oliver is the weak point; not the chains themselves.

I have thin curly cables, not chains.  Their connection to the tongue doesn’t look very robust, either.  I’m sure it meets RVIA standards, but not very confidence inspiring.  Mike

Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L

ALAZARCACOFLGAIDILKSKYLAMDMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKSCSDTNTXUTVAWVWYsm.jpgALAZARCACOCTDEFLGAIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

More pics.

9841D4CE-FEF0-4439-806B-7EC43B4A452E.thumb.jpeg.6f45b5fbd09dba450841063b0f2e3eaf.jpeg

That is a really narrow gorge. Bad timing, another couple of tenths of a second and they would have been on the normal shoulder, not over a deep slash.

66FDC53C-494B-427C-98CD-1E3C1F7F4F77.jpeg.934de121b4564ad9eaac729a4255f7b1.jpeg

4DC73965-F7FB-40D3-80D7-0312A209FC6C.thumb.jpeg.3db0cb722a16828f6ba2d7a0a4c5defb.jpeg

John Davies

Spokane WA

  • Like 1

SOLD 07/23 "Mouse":  2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/

Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Figure that a fully fueled and loaded 2004 F-350 probably is in the 8,500 to 9,000 pound range.  The impact loading on the chains would likely be at least 4 times this.  I'm assuming that the tearing apart of the axle unit and other parts mitigated some of the shock loading.  So, for round numbers, the momentary shock load would be in the order of about 45,000 pounds.  

I have not seen an advertisement for our curly safety strings.  But similar ones are rated at either 3,500 and 5,000 pound ratings.  My opinion is that the our curly safety strings and/or their attachment bolt would not survive this test.  Granted, using something like 1/2" yellow steel Grade 70 steel transport & logging chain (Working load: 11,300 lbs) would be over kill, but some lighter versions would be worth looking into.

@JD:  This is begging for a JD how to "Hang Proof our Oliver Tow Vehicles"!  (There is your thread title!) .

🙄

GJ

  • Like 2
  • Haha 1

TV:  2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Tow, FX-4, Rear Locker      OLLIE:  2018 OE2 Hull 342, Twin Bed.    OLLIE DYI’s:  BB LiFePO4's, Victron 712 Smart, 350 Amp Master Switch, Houghton 3400, Victron Orion DC - DC, 3000-Watt Renogy Inverter, P.D. 60-amp Converter, Frig Dual Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Drawer Straps.    TV DYI’s:  2 5/16" Anderson System, Timken Bearings, Nitto recon’s, Firestone Rear Air Bags, Bilstein 5100’s, Mud Flaps & Weather Tech all.

  image.jpeg.9633acdfb75740f0fd358e1a5118f105.jpeg

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator+

The picture of the rear of the (probably rental) trailer shows a heavily loaded Curt basket on the rear receiver. It is speculated that the combination of a lighter than normal tongue weight and the probably inexperienced driver just lost control. In his case the trailer most likely well outweighed the truck as opposed to us Oliver owners generally being the other way around.

I have a feeling in the same situation with our trucks and trailers, it would have torn the safety chains off the trailer.

I replaced the springy cables with chain and oversized hooks. When I bought this I thought it was way more that I could possibly ever need, now I'm not so sure.

IMG_3414.thumb.JPG.115907bf520022ac4c30718d9d77b36f.JPG

  • Thanks 2

Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved Storm, Maggie, Lucy and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)

2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4 

 

             801469912_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-I.jpg.26814499292ab76ee55b889b69ad3ef0.jpg1226003278_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-H.jpg.dc46129cb4967a7fd2531b16699e9e45.jpg

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderators
9 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

The picture of the rear of the (probably rental) trailer shows a heavily loaded Curt basket on the rear receiver. It is speculated that the combination of a lighter than normal tongue weight and the probably inexperienced driver just lost control. In his case the trailer most likely well outweighed the truck as opposed to us Oliver owners generally being the other way around.

I have a feeling in the same situation with our trucks and trailers, it would have torn the safety chains off the trailer.

I replaced the springy cables with chain and oversized hooks. When I bought this I thought it was way more that I could possibly ever need, now I'm not so sure.

IMG_3414.thumb.JPG.115907bf520022ac4c30718d9d77b36f.JPG

Steve, these look better than my curly safety strings.  How did you attach them to the trailer?  Mike

Texas Hill Country | 2016 Elite II #135 | 2020 Ram 2500 6.7L

ALAZARCACOFLGAIDILKSKYLAMDMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKSCSDTNTXUTVAWVWYsm.jpgALAZARCACOCTDEFLGAIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMDMAMS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is an interview the husband and wife of the crash. Apparently wind gusts was the contributing factor that caused the driver to loose control of his rig. It must have been one heck of a massive gust. They are were very fortunate is the understatement of the day. Sure hope he was not over combined legal weight limits for truck and trailer. Time will tell.
Hopefully they can get back on there feet and be made whole again. 👍🏻 See vid. 

 

https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/boise-couple-homeless-malad-gorge-crash/277-35752b41-4474-4eda-8175-c5b4d999c795?fbclid=IwAR36Z5vkcjNwQEj5-eVowNfx6biw_nF-8muYZhOILBXYkA0HCMo942ATKSQ

 

Edited by Patriot
  • Like 1

 

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR” 

2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor aka- Beast

 

IMG_2879.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 3/16/2021 at 5:12 PM, ScubaRx said:

I replaced the springy cables with chain and oversized hooks. When I bought this I thought it was way more that I could possibly ever need, now I'm not so sure.

 

Funny, I was looking on line at the very same chains!  Thanks for posting.  

I was thinking of using my curly safety strings to connect up to the real safety chain attachment points, and run them back to a second attachment point under the propane tanks.  Sort of a safety cable to the safety chain approach.  No point in tossing them. 

TV:  2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Tow, FX-4, Rear Locker      OLLIE:  2018 OE2 Hull 342, Twin Bed.    OLLIE DYI’s:  BB LiFePO4's, Victron 712 Smart, 350 Amp Master Switch, Houghton 3400, Victron Orion DC - DC, 3000-Watt Renogy Inverter, P.D. 60-amp Converter, Frig Dual Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Drawer Straps.    TV DYI’s:  2 5/16" Anderson System, Timken Bearings, Nitto recon’s, Firestone Rear Air Bags, Bilstein 5100’s, Mud Flaps & Weather Tech all.

  image.jpeg.9633acdfb75740f0fd358e1a5118f105.jpeg

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator+
14 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Funny, I was looking on line at the very same chains!  Thanks for posting.  

I was thinking of using my curly safety strings to connect up to the real safety chain attachment points, and run them back to a second attachment point under the propane tanks.  Sort of a safety cable to the safety chain approach.  No point in tossing them. 

I actually put them on a utility trailer that previously had none.

Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved Storm, Maggie, Lucy and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)

2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4 

 

             801469912_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-I.jpg.26814499292ab76ee55b889b69ad3ef0.jpg1226003278_StatesVisitedTaliandSteve08-23-2021-H.jpg.dc46129cb4967a7fd2531b16699e9e45.jpg

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am not worried about hanging off a bridge, tethered to my Oliver.  I am certain the risk is low compared to the other things that can go on - running up and down the byways and hi -ways of the USA.

Given my recent trip - the big roads were at full capacity and amazingly bumper to bumper for hours - on sections that I have never experienced as such previously. I may just pull Ollie to the western edge of the farm, build a campfire, and boondock at home. 

If the late spring is similar - well - lets see. I hear Ollies are bringing a fair sum  lately.....

Happy trails - 

RB

  • Like 1

Cindy,  Russell and  "Harley dog" . Home is our little farm near Winchester TN

2018 Oliver Legacy Elite II - 2018 GMC 2500 Duramax 

"Die young - As late as possible"
ALAZARCACOFLIDMTNVNMOKORTNTXUTWAWYd56201

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
On 3/16/2021 at 11:51 AM, Patriot said:

My thoughts exactly, great point Mike. I may re-evaluate cables. 

Ok a relook at my OE2 and Anderson with respect to safety chains.  With the two large WDH chains installed to the plate, which is part of the Anderson Receiver system, it would appear that we have four safety chains in effect.  So long as the pin holding the system in the truck receiver stays in place.  

Your thoughts?

Geronimo John

image.png.bf141ee5b033fc1d2ef648141342ba48.png
 

image.png

TV:  2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, Max Tow, FX-4, Rear Locker      OLLIE:  2018 OE2 Hull 342, Twin Bed.    OLLIE DYI’s:  BB LiFePO4's, Victron 712 Smart, 350 Amp Master Switch, Houghton 3400, Victron Orion DC - DC, 3000-Watt Renogy Inverter, P.D. 60-amp Converter, Frig Dual Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Drawer Straps.    TV DYI’s:  2 5/16" Anderson System, Timken Bearings, Nitto recon’s, Firestone Rear Air Bags, Bilstein 5100’s, Mud Flaps & Weather Tech all.

  image.jpeg.9633acdfb75740f0fd358e1a5118f105.jpeg

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...