Driving down the highway with race car in tow on Saturday, I glance down to change the song on the ipod. And yes, it was a one second glance to find the 'next' button. Friend in the truck says, "uhh, brakes?" I look up to find both lanes all brake lights, and just at the front about 5 cars up is a 4-car accordion of crashes.
I get on the brakes hard, but not enough to lock them. Gently swerve into the brake down lane, and look in the mirrors to see what the trailer wants to do. Luckily, it follows me with no drift to either side, nor locking up the trailer tires. Apparently I set the electric brake controller correctly this morning for the load. Good guessing on my part, since it's a new trailer too.
Some minivan comes skidding by me on the left into the space I just made. It stops just short of hitting the car in front of it. Once I'm sure everyone behind me is stopped, my friend and I get out and check the race car, to make sure the straps held. As we're checking things out, the minivan driver walks over, still shaking, and thanks me for leaving a spot, otherwise he would have gone into the trailer.
After my heart leaves my throat and traffic ahead clears out, we head out like nothing ever happened. Anything I should check to make sure stopping all the weight didn't tweak any parts? Nothing seems wrong, just not used to panic stops with the loaded trailer.
I've had the truck for a week, apparently I know the brakes work now.
07-23-2007, 07:32 AM
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