I was on my way to Hollister Hills this afternoon to try out my new longfields. I was towing with my 1985 Toyota Xtra Cab. Now, because these vehicles are so close in weight, I really was breaking one of the rules of towing (Don't let the tail wag the dog). I also chose not to use safety chains. Actually, I think it might have been worse with safety chains.

Anyway, when I went around the corner, the towed vehicle wanted to go straight and this felt like it would jack-knife the two trucks. The next thing I know, the towed vehicle was passing me on my left. It went off the road and went straight down the shoulder until it found this telephone pole.

Bent the roller fairlead a little, but otherwise, no real damage to the truck. The telephone pole didn't fare as well.

Wait till you get the bill for the pole.

Any tickets for no chains?

No, the CHP didn't write me up, at least so far. The officer was pretty cool about being happy that no one was hurt or injured.

I know that the utility company will screw me over on damaging the pole. I'll probably have to turn it in to my insurance.

I'll be using the flatbed trailer from now on, even for Hollister Hills, which is only 10 miles from my house.

Todd:

You are lucky to avoid a ticket and that no-one was injured (or dare I say killed) - I know you understand this! It always seems that the shittiest stuff happens on your doorstep:( The pole is gonna run you a few thou (or your insurance company). Thanks for sharing - it takes balls to do that - helps others learn:emb4:

Safety chains crossed under the towing vehical hitch, connected to the towed vehical frame would have prevented this. Nothing wrong with flat towing if done properly. Count yourself lucky it was a pole, not a kid on a bike.

Originally posted by Todd C
I know that the utility company will screw me over on damaging the pole.

$20k for the one I snapped off a few years back.

TEX

I made the mistake of flat towing my MJ behind a Dakota last winter. I hit some black ice going in a straight line. The MJ started whipping around real bad. Jacknifed in both directions, demoliting the bed of the Dakota. Then I spun around backwards and saw two vehicles that were behind me both completely sideways trying to avoid my mess. Went over the embankment backwards and the jeep hit bumper first, flipped up in the air, and landed on the bed of the dakota. I'll never flat tow again.

I'm a lineman for the phone co. and unless you got some $$$$ on hand your going to be turning it in to your ins. co. The phone co. and power co. and going to be sending you a bill. I don't know what the rate is there but here I think it $180 ? an hr per guy plus about $500+ for the pole. Glad to hear no one was hurt.

Originally posted by Norm
Safety chains crossed under the towing vehical hitch, connected to the towed vehical frame would have prevented this. Nothing wrong with flat towing if done properly. Count yourself lucky it was a pole, not a kid on a bike.

Chains wouldn't have done jack shit.
If anything, it would have made it worse.

The only thing that would have prevented it was a MUCH larger tow rig.

Don't get wrong, a larger tow rig would have probably kept this from happening in this case. Having a bigger tow rig than the towed vehical is a must. The reason I mention the safety chains is somehow your hitch broke or came loose from your tow rig leaving your trail rig on it's own. The idea of crossed safety chains is to make a cradle to hold your hitch up if it comes off. It will beat the rear of your tow vehical up, but it will allow you to maintain some controll and stop it( hopefully in your own lane of traffic). I have seen it work and am a firm beliver in the cradle. I used to work in the consruction equipment business and I've investigated lots of tow accidents.

I once read that the majority of accidents happen within a mile and a half of home.

HA! It was at least two and a half miles from the house.

When I think about how many ways it could have been worse, I am thankful it was only this bad.

Originally posted by smurfsdad
I once read that the majority of accidents happen within a mile and a half of home.

So if I move, I'll be safe right?;)

Originally posted by smurfsdad
I once read that the majority of accidents happen within a mile and a half of home.

My sister was in a van that was totaled in our front yard :eek:

if i seen that on the highway I'd pull up next to you, roll down my window and call you a fuckin dumb ass