Technology saved us today
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 1,198
From: Southeast MO
Technology saved us today
We just got off the interstate returning from a camping trip pulling our 15k lb 5th wheel. It was raining hard so I was driving 40-45 in a 55mph zone and we were heading to the house. We went through an intersection in a long gradual left hand curve when all of a sudden my rear end started skating like we hit ice. It happened so fast and it angled me toward the median. By the time I said "oh god" the truck had corrected itself and I was able to continue driving. Luckily there wasn't a car in the left lane because if there was we definitely would have made contact. The only thing I can think is that the intersection was oily because a lot of trucks leave a quarry close to there and cross that intersection. I've owned a camper since 2008 and this is the first time anything like this has happened. The way the nannies kicked in and corrected everything was amazing to me and we are truly grateful for this technology. I just wanted to share a story that is a testament to the engineering in these trucks. It makes me feel good knowing this is in the background when I've got my Wife, 3 kids and 2 dogs on board. I'm wondering if driving in slippery mode (or whatever it's called) might have prevented this all together? I wasn't accelerating, just maintaining speed.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 1,198
From: Southeast MO
So trying to figure this out is consuming me. Could my Michelin XZE tires on the rear be a poor choice in wet weather? Would a more aggressive rear tire be better?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 539
From: DFW
With your experience, I think you could have handled the load and safely made the corrections yourself but I'm glad it helped. I tend to dislike all of the tech but I do like the 360 cameras (but I also like the mirrors). The beeping, auto-braking, traction control, collision avoidance, etc. I tend to default to the off position but, in a case like yours, I'm glad it was on, it worked, and you & your passengers are safe - and you completely avoided a crash, which is a whole separate pain in the rear. Thanks for posting. When I trailer in sketchy conditions, I'll turn on the tech because of your feedback. Thanks!
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Wyoming
If it had just started raining, then that is the time it will be very slippery. The rain water brings the embedded oil to the surface. At least that's what I've been told.
In this OP's situation, I wonder if the truck applied the trailer brakes to help with the correction. With that much weight in tow, I could see where the trailer would push the rear of the truck into jack knifing once the skid started.
In this OP's situation, I wonder if the truck applied the trailer brakes to help with the correction. With that much weight in tow, I could see where the trailer would push the rear of the truck into jack knifing once the skid started.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 978
Likes: 459
Is your 5th wheel a toy hauler and you have a SxS in it? I’m wonder if the tail of the trailer was to heavy and pushed you around. Also how many axels on the trailer? Start getting into those tri axle they want to go straight instead of turning.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 1,198
From: Southeast MO
I went back to that intersection just a bit ago to look around. It is concrete but it is worn very smooth from all the big trucks going through it. No grooves or texture, I can imagine it being like glass when wet. And the intersection is the start of a slow sweeping left turn in the road so I would guess I was just starting to turn the wheel when I hit this area. So is it a tire issue or just the nature of the beast? I've never had great confidence in this truck in the rain, I just figured it was due to it being a dual tire truck. The Michelin dealer is going to see what sort of credit they can give me for mine if I want to try the XDS2's. I don't know what to do, maybe I'm just overthinking which admittedly I do quite often.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
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Glad the traction control caught it and all is well.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 1,198
From: Southeast MO
Then tell me what it looked like from your perspective! I need a dash cam.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Near Yosemite CA
Not a toy hauler, it's a 43' double axle 5th wheel.
I went back to that intersection just a bit ago to look around. It is concrete but it is worn very smooth from all the big trucks going through it. No grooves or texture, I can imagine it being like glass when wet. And the intersection is the start of a slow sweeping left turn in the road so I would guess I was just starting to turn the wheel when I hit this area. So is it a tire issue or just the nature of the beast? I've never had great confidence in this truck in the rain, I just figured it was due to it being a dual tire truck. The Michelin dealer is going to see what sort of credit they can give me for mine if I want to try the XDS2's. I don't know what to do, maybe I'm just overthinking which admittedly I do quite often.
I went back to that intersection just a bit ago to look around. It is concrete but it is worn very smooth from all the big trucks going through it. No grooves or texture, I can imagine it being like glass when wet. And the intersection is the start of a slow sweeping left turn in the road so I would guess I was just starting to turn the wheel when I hit this area. So is it a tire issue or just the nature of the beast? I've never had great confidence in this truck in the rain, I just figured it was due to it being a dual tire truck. The Michelin dealer is going to see what sort of credit they can give me for mine if I want to try the XDS2's. I don't know what to do, maybe I'm just overthinking which admittedly I do quite often.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
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