Needed a big load of 4X6X12′, 6X6X12′, and 2X12X12′, so I decided to use my 5X8 tilt trailer that I use for equipment. Picked up the material and started on down the road, and it sure handled funny, like a hog wallerin’ around when I got over 55 MPH. Then I looked in the rear-view and noticed that the tilt latch had sprung. Got out and had to unload a bunch of the stuff before I could stand on the front and latch it again. Happened 3 times in 15 miles. The overhanging weight of the load made the rear end light. Why did I sell my 16′ trailer?
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My 4x8's got a pin. Less
My 4x8's got a pin. Less convenient, but no way it's gonna come loose unless I forget the cotter.
This one's got a spriing
This one's got a spriing loaded flange that pivots and locks like a ball hitch. I figure the swaying back and forth allowed the flange to slip out. Never has done it before, but I never hauled 12' material that heavy in it before either.
Another hauling story:
Years ago,I was returning from the lumber yard with a load of 13 sheets of 3/4 melamine in the back of my old '72 International, and my 4-yr-old son sitting beside me. Since melamine is 97" long, I couldn't close the tailgate.
He was fascinated by the throttle knob, and asked if he could pull it when I stopped a RR crossing. "OK", says me, thinking he'd pull it out just a little.
He jerked it all the way out.
4 barrel Holley carb. on a 392 v8. The truck jumped out from under the load. I looked in the mirror to see the road behind covered in a white blanket of melamine.
I looked down at my son's frightened face and said, "That was my fault son, I shouldn't have had you pull it."
He says, "Yeah, Dad, that was your fault."
LMAO. Smart kid...
I learned my lesson and never drive with loaded goods that aren't tied in real well.
It's not for the materials or me so much as it is a safety issue for others.
Keep it safe out there.
They don't have rope in texas
They don't have rope in texas ?
It ain't supposed to do dat
It ain't supposed to do dat 'till I hit the flange...
But it did it.
First one is on you.
Then it did it again.
That is when you should have latched it back together and tied it together with a few wraps of rope, (Or duct tape. Or wire. Or whatever you have to hand.), to make sure the latch didn't let go again.
To have it come apart a second time, and then a third time, before you got home, doesn't say much for Texas ingenuity...
;o)
My beer was gettin' hot...
My beer was gettin' hot... ;-)
ROFLOL!!
Now that there is an honest excuse in Texas.
=0)