PT snuiser 2004-2009 RIP

[Shadow Catcher]

Am wondering if the EZ lube feature weakens the spindle somewhat because of the channel. This is very unfamiliar territory for me. Little Guy put an AL-KO 2200 lb torsion axle on my trailer. The wheels and hubs have to be removed to repack the bearings and replace the seals, recommended on a 6K interval. This is doing it the old fashioned way and it surely would be nice if that job could be made easier. I am not sure how this compares with recommended maintenance on an axle with EZ lube.

Bill[/quote]

That was my point, until we hear and in retrospect we do not know if this failure was a result of the spindal itself or the the accident (note both wheels are gone). In either case you would think the axle would survive the accident regardless.
Maintenance, 6000 miles seems like a very short interval. having a naturally suspicious nature is this a way to sell more parts, or are they of that poor a quality or just CYA.
When re doing bearings I have always used synthetic grease and with good seals I don't ever re do them unless there is a problem.

[tkteardrop]

John and Linda,
So sorry for your loss, she was a beauty. We will miss seeing her in October (Fall Brigade) but hope you still plan to come.
We certainly hope you are both OK and the PT is too.
Kirsten and Tom

[Gaston]

To my friends who have asked for more info:
I dropped a wheel on the trailer off the edge of the road,(left wheel entering a rest area) drove it back on, no big deal.
About 20 miles later, (straight road 70mph) it started shaking like crazy, then all hell broke loose. close as I can tell the left spindle broke first, the Cruiser and trailer went around 360 to the left , snapped back to the right, the trailer (I asume this is when the right spindle snapped) went on its side and trailer and Cruiser started to go over. the trailer broke loose and the Cruiser spun off the left side of the road into the "pucker brush with the trailer on its top about 50 feet on down the road and a little deeper into the brush. from the scrapes on the trailer, during the crash it had been on both sides (I was too busy to check the mirrors)
The Cruiser has minor damage .The trailer may be totaled.
Cruiser is fully insured, PT Snuiser was uninsured

things to ponder
The frame is built of .090 thin wall 2x2 sq tube with 3/16 2x3 tongue ,2x2 1/8 angle xmembers. Apears to suffered NO damage
The axles both snapped at the grease hole to the back bearing
left axle shows signs of prior weakness/cracking (grease stains in the grain of the metal at the brake)
right axle shows no sign of prior failure
the safety chains were small 1/4" welded weak chain.
I feel they were more than strong enough to save the trailer in event of a decouple under "normal conditions
I thank the MAN that they broke when they did or the Cruiser would have been on its top , I'm sure the personal outcome would have much different
The inside of the cabin had the rear shelf break loose, otherwise no damage.
both doors ok and stayed shut
rear hatch opened early in the event and dumped the galley items along a 1/8 mile path
I am leaving early tomorrow for Winnimucca NV. to pick up the remains .
after I get it home I will decide if I can rebuild it. If not at least I can cremate it at home
I'll add further thoughts after I appraise the damage, and what worked and what didn't

[Oasis Maker]

That play by play gives me a much better appreciation for your good fortune in not getting seriously hurt my friend. As nice as the trailer is (or was) it pales in comparison.

Scott G.

[emiller]

John,
can't imagine the violent tumble your trailer took but you being safe and sound is most important and I'm glad no one was hurt. I'm sure your wife got shaken up as well. It's unfortunate this happened and hopefully we all take a good look at all our trailers or have them checked out, So far I have seen 3 broken axles 3 bent axles and 2 with broken leaf springs 1 of those trailers broke both springs. All have been 2000# axles except 1 3500# that broke because it was cut and re welded by someone that didn't get the weld right. Also seen spindles wear out, and one I was surprised it stayed on, that was at our Buckskin gathering from a former member.

[Joanne]

John! I'm sooo sorry for your tragic event. I can only echo the others in saying "Thank God you are OK". Everything else can be replaced, you can't. I'm with you about the safety chains. Thankfully they gave way.

I know that it's no consolation, but if anyone can repair their trailer after a crash like that, it's you. If it's not fatally damaged, I can see you getting it on the road again.

A big hug from your friend Joanne!

[TwilightLane]

Whew, just read the description of events. I'm sooo glad to hear you guys are okay. Please keep us posted on what you discover.

Also - I am NOT showing this thread to my wife...

[2bits]

Man, that is a blow to take. such a beautiful 'drop too. I really hope it is salvageable, by what you were saying it certainly might be. Still a handful. So sorry that happened right out of the blue. Terrible just terrible.

[bve]

So sorry to hear of this, as others have shared glad no one was hurt. The Snuiser has been a fav of mine from the first picture I saw, hope you can salvage it.

Burke

[WesGrimes]

Wow that is really scary and eye opening. I had not thought about what could happen in a catastrophic failure of the torsion axle. This really makes me think twice about pulling mine with my convertible.
Sorry for your loss. I hope you can salvage it.

[jdarkoregon]

John, Sooooo glad to hear you are both okay. That was some ordeal you were in.

Man, I'm glad you are okay

John

[danlott]

I am in Winnemucca and would be happy to help with loading stuff or whatever. Let me know. Sent you a PM with contact info.

Dan

[Wolffarmer]

Great Horny Toads

Glad you was able to keep the PT Cruiser on it's wheels.

Any grease channel in an axle will weaken it. Hopefully the manufacture takes that into account and builds or rates accordingly.

6,000 miles between greasing is ridicules. Would you have the front wheels of your car done that often? Have you ever had it done? ( Don't ask me )

I would think that anything that could cause damage to the axle shaft should almost tear the suspension off and/or launch the vehicle into low earth orbit.

Thanks for giving the size of the iron you used for the frame. Now I know what my next one will have. Did the tongue bend?

And tomorrow the Flying Hippo goes into the shop for inspection and maintenance.

[sdtripper2]

John:

Remembering your unveiling of your beautifully sculpted creation was a joy
for so many of us. This turn of events never could have been imagined.
These shocking pictures really brings home the seriousness of this
catastrophe on that Nevada highway.

I too would like to express my hope for all avenues to be well with the many
outcomes for you and yours.

[bobhenry]

On a somewhat more positive note , Have you attempted to contact the manafacturer with regard to this obvious production defect. It may shed light on a much larger problem and save a great deal of heart ache for others that may otherwise share a similar fate