Found this in another site but in one way funny, another way how do you get out of that predicament. http://youtu.be/uMhLuJnFWfQ
Wow. Very lucky that the trailer came to a peaceful rest, rather than heading off to the oncoming traffic. It looks like the trailer damage was minimal. That could have ended much worse. The TV probably could still have a real hitch installed on it, but the bumper would still need to be fixed to pass inspection in many states.
Wow that could have been very scary. Thankfully the trailer calmly came to a rest but can't help but wonder where they attached the safety chains. I've seen ford bumpers bend under weight never off though. I always wondered how the bumper hitches would be strong enough, guess I got my answer.
I haven't trusted bumper hitches since the 70's. These newer bumpers are made of very flimsy metal and plastic which are not capable of supporting much weight let alone the tugging and pushing on them.
I don't think the bumper was a good choice, but rust appears to be the main culprit here. Look at the mounting brackets on the bumper.
From the little bit that I've seen of the hitches that mount under the bumper to the frame, it looks like he lost the mounting points for a normal hitch anyways. Of course, a little JB weld or epoxy putty and you're back on the road in about an hour or so.
I'm with fallsrider....looks like the frame was very rusted. Lucky for us here in texas, unless you're near the coast, we don't get rusted out vehicles too often.
I know a pair of twins that have trucks that are the same, but one likes to fish and tows a boat. His bumper is completely rusted thru because of backing into the water, his brother's is almost perfect. But on a serious note, the hitch/bumper/frame what ever so be inspected regularly to be should it is up to the job.
So glad no one was hurt. No matter how you have the pup attached there may be problems. We should all use this as a reminder to check underneath the TV before every trip.
Wow! lucky no one was hurt! My folks had their PUP come off once and drive right off the road into the swamp. It was a total loss and they did not have any insurance.
I can see this being a good idea as an annual inspection in the spring. But I doubt very many people are willing to crawl under their TV before every trip. I know I'm not. Your point is well noted, though. I doubt most vehicles ever get inspected underneath.
I'm assuming the same thing could happen with a receiver hitch if it came loose like this bumper did.
Bumper hitch is usually class 1 or 2. Bumper and brackets held up great. The end of the frame failed. Looks like they are going to have a problem with the spring mounts too. Wonder if that truck spent most of its life on salted road. You would think the body panels would rot out first.