[A/S] Field Inspection Findings

[Jack Canavera <jpcanavera@xxxxxxxxx>]

Unfortunately the article that I saw in the Blue Beret
regarding the information about the breakaway cable is
not available through the web.  As an informational
item to those who don't belong to WBCCI here is my
edited version of that article.

Field Inspection Finding:Significant Trends

At a show of hands at the Bismarck Rally Trailering
Seminar, 60% admitted that they have never checked
their break away system.  In the Bismarck Bull Pen,
Field Inspectors did check the break away systems on
some 50 rigs and found a startling number without a
functioning break away system and 6 without
operational trailer brakes!

Of the 70% at Bismarck and 90% at the 2001 Florida
State Rally that were checked each had one or more of
the following serious deficiencies:

1.  Worn our or bent/cracked ball mounts, equalizing
bars, and bar chains.  Bent slide bars on sway
controls and bent attaching tabs.

2.  'A' frame coupler's with no safety pin or secured
with padlocks or bolts.  Without a safety pin the
thrusting of the ball can cause the coupler to release
the ball---6 to 8K forces on the ball when going over
big bumps.  What if the TT catches fire on the road
and the coupler's padlock key cannot be found in the
panic and dither?

3.  Break away systems that are functionally
inoperative:  The cable worn or too long; cable
attached to something other than directly to the tow
vehicle (usually to the chains or to the hitch), or
the cable is fouled such to prevent a direct pull of
the pin from the switch; break away switches that do
not work.

4.  7 way cable that is cut or damaged usually from
being too long and not run through the coupler safety
pin or not secured in the receptacle.

5.  Tires that are obviously under inflated and wheel
lugs that are loose or missing.

6.  Open or not secured: doors, hatches, windows,
awnings, LP bottles, stabilizing jacks that are not
up, antenna up;etc.

7.  Safety chain systems that are inoperative: Chains
not crossed, chains that are too long thus the lower
links are worn through; chain connectors of
insufficient strength, 'S' hooks, or using the chain
clasping hooks as a grab hook.  These devices are for
sliding the chain link into the narrow slot.  The
pointy end is not capable of taking the stress should
the TT become de-coupled.

The dynamics of the scenario is explained thus: Should
the Hitch Ball break, Ball Mount break or break from
the Shank, Receiver to Shank Pin come out, or if the
Coupler were to release the Ball, the TT's 'A' frame
will be supported in a 'basket' formed from the
crossed chains under the Ball Mount/Shank.  Assuming
the Break Away Cable is connected to the tow vehicle
and it is shorter in length than the chains, the TT
brakes will energize and then put a positive rearward
pressure on the rig then lifting the supporting chains
thus keeping the Coupler from dropping to the
pavement.  If every component is operational, the rig
can be stopped without major difficulity and the TT
would be properly in-trail.

If the chains/connectors break, are missing, of
insufficient strength or not crossed under the ball
mount and the TT brakes do not energize, the TT's 'A'
frame will drop to the pavement.  Then catching a road
crack or pothole it could act as a pivot and then
cause the catapulting of the TT over the tow vehicle
or worse.  Each part is integral and each must be
installed and maintained properly.

Tow Vehicle Hitch Platform Receiver Failures.  We
continue to receive word and in some cases the owners
have brought 'evidence' to our attention of failures
of hitch platforms, particularly those OEM Class IV
types installed on 92-99 GM Suburban.

Travel Trailer Steel Wheel Cracks:  We have been given
pictures and have received letters from Caravanners
per cracked OEM steel wheels on their Airstream
trailers.  We have asked each to contact the
manufacturer and submit a DOT/NHTSA Vehicle Owner's
Questionnaire.


That's pretty much the article minus a few non safety
items.

Jack