OK, now that Ive posted the best nature and sky photos from my weekend in Big Bend National Park., I can explain why The rig may not be in the same form next trip. I rolled the trailer. Well, I didnt roll it, I tipped it on its side. I was driving on a dirt road (not a trail) going about 18 mph when I hit a double oblique washout. I immediately braked, but not enough and the first bump got the trailer rocking and the second bump tumped it over. The video of the winch-righting is here: youtu.be/iVnQDS4ar9A Ive driven over similar bumps at similar speed for two years, so Im still surprised. One hypothesis is that Ive worn out the shocks and the trailer was bumpier than normal. It could just be that the double bump hit the right frequency. In any event it took me about 2-1/2 hours to complete the recovery by myself. I was on the side road leading to Solis Landing, about one mile from the Rio Grande. No one passed me during the whole time. Summary of damage: 1. Body and lid torqued 2. EzAwn tent completely separated from the trailer 3. Both lift-assist springs popped off the lid 4. Fenders bent The Jeep is undamaged and I only hurt myself a little lifting more than I should during the recovery. Recovery tools used: 1. Winch 2. Recovery strap 3. Hi-lift Jack 4. 200 feet of 3/8 solid-braid nylon rope to strap the tent to the top and hold the lid closed 5. Gaffers tape to seal the opening caused by the mismatch of the body and lid to keep dust out I can probably bend the lid and body back together with the tools I have here at the Ranch, but I am seriously considering taking the rear compartment off all together and making a teardrop/sleep inside compartment inside of the tent-top. It was very cold inside the tent, and it takes me 90 minutes to set up camp and 90 minutes to take it down the next morning. Ill probably hammer it back together first, and wait until after Robogames to attempt any serious remodeling. Conclusion: solo recovery achievement unlocked.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 00:16:28 +0000
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