Friday was a sad day RIP Avalanche

[Bruizza]

I was towing our camper up to Wyoming for a weekend camping trip when it started to sway on me uncontrollably on a straight stretch of highway. Did everything in my power to save it but just couldn't get it back under control. I wasn't speeding as the speed limit was 75 on that stretch of highway and I wasn't even going that fast. I am guessing at best I got us down to 60 or so before we tipped over. Slid for somewhere between 50-100 feet. I tried to get over to an exit that was coming up to not take out any other vehicles since it was pretty congested Friday evening traffic. We ended up on the shoulder luckily. Wife and I both walked away without a scratch on us.

Right before we left I had new wheels and tires installed on the truck. GMC 22s with a 305/45/22 Nitto Terra Grappler. I had also had the ball joints and control arms replaced on Friday. Truck was driving like a dream when it all went down. I feel like something broke or came undone on the anti sway hitch. It wasn't windy and we weren't changing lanes or anything like that. Just cruising along and the trailer went bananas on me. I have towed 10s of thousands of miles over the years. I also have a boat and a 2 jetskis in addition to the camper. So nowhere near a novice when it comes to towing. Never had an incident like this before and hope I never have one again. Anyways here are the pictures.

 

[2011SSVHOE]

man that's too bad, good thing is y'all ok, but I don't think that's gonna buff out. Is it a total loss?

 

[iamdub]

Sucks!

If this ever happens again- floor it.

 

[Bruizza]

They haven't declared it a total loss yet. I expect that to happen today or tomorrow. Just can't see how it won't be a total loss. Pretty sure the frame twisted from the camper tipping it over.

dub I will most definitely get on the gas next time as that is about the only thing I didn't try to pull out of the sway. A few people have told me giving it gas could have possibly saved it. It could also caused me to flip at 75-80 and taken out some innocent family. I can sit here and do the woulda coulda shoulda thing all day but at least we walked away without injury. That is a win in my book. Truck and camper can be replaced. My wife and I can't.

 

[07Burb]

wow that sucks but SO glad you and the wife are alright! That's the main thing

 

[steve34459]

That is unfortunate, but best thing is you and the wife are okay.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Same thing happened around here. It aired on the local news. Driving straight and all of the sudden it started to sway. Camper slid on its side, but the Explorer stayed upright. It was scary watching it on tv. I'm glad you guys are alright. Like you said, the truck and camper are replaceable, you guys aren't!

 

[PG01]

Sorry brother, glad you guys are ok though.

 

[Miami-Dade]

Glad you and your wife are okay.

 

[gat0r]

that sux
glad yall are ok

looks like it was a nice ride