PT snuiser 2004-2009 RIP

[fireaunt]

oh my! I am amazed the personal debris trail is only 1/8 mi.

It is really amazing how well it stuck together, probably out of square I bet.

Good luck.

fireaunt

[Shadow Catcher]

Gaston
When you have the opportunity if you can send a close up of the axle stub I may be able to give some idea if there was the beginning of a stress crack prior to the wheel dropping off the side of the road. What ever you do do not let any of the bits and pieces out of your hands.
This may be something you want to be talking to a lawyer and perhaps NTSB about.

[Juneaudave]

I'm not clear that the axle was manufactured by Dexter..can anyone confirm the manufacturer?

[The Teardrop Nanny]

Knowing you and your wife as I do, I will say you have handled the situation with grace and dignity. I'm not sure many of us here would have been able to say/do the same. But xxxx, (darn) what a lousy ending to an otherwise beautiful story.....I'm sure you'll be coming up with a solution soon. If not, come to the IRG anyway....bring your scrapbook and share the memories with us. So sorry, Joanie

[planovet]

What a terrible thing to happen! I'm sorry for your loss.

I don't know what I would do if that happened to Little Switzerland. I'm going to get mine insured tomorrow.

I bet the guy behind you got an eyefull

[mikeschn]

Gaston,

That is a shocking event... I would have never thought...

I glad that you and your passengers and your tow vehicle are okay.

I've often admired your build and was even thinking about incorporating some of your build features into one of my next builds.

Can you tell me, which axle was that? A Dexter? A Flexiride? Something else?

Keep us posted on the outcome.

Mike...

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

According to John's build posts... It's not a Dexter.

http://www.mikenchell.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=69391&highlight=#69391

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=6193&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

[GeneH]

John ... I'm very glad that you and your car mates came through that experience and very sorry for your loss of your Snuizer. From the photos and your description of the events I believe you had a host of Angels riding with you that day. Hope you find that you can rehab your teardrop and put it back on the road. Best of Luck! Gene

[1912]

Details, please. Was this on the way back from the Glyphs? What happened? Hope you weren't hurt.

[Gaston]

Thanks to all for you concern and best wishes.
Linda and I drove my truck and flatbed down and picked up the Snuiser Tuesday and brought it home Thursday and today.
To try to answer some of the questions , put this, event to rest and start in to a more positive direction this will be my last post on the accident.
My lovely wife Linda was not with me on this trip so I cant' blame her.

The snuiser was not insured so the loss is all mine

The axles were 2000lb sold by Century wheel here in Portland area, they are built in Texas and I suspect by the same co that builds Dexter.
Both axles broke at the lube hole in the axle to the rear bearing area
minor damage to 1 rear rim, no damage to the other or the tires, (both hubs appear to be ok).

Frame was what could be considered light for a build of this size, but it was bolted and screwed through a 1/2 ply floor and suffered no damage, it was not bonded or glued to the floor

things learned that would have saved some "stuff"
positive "pin in hole" latches on the galley lid. I had spring loaded catches that sprung open and spilled the galley contents out.(including $800.00 Engel refer, totaled)
same for drawers and slide cooler trays. I had magnet catches that came loose and spilled the drawers, and cabinets
strap the battery down. I had mine in a battery box with lid but didn't have a strap on it. batteries that spill out during an accident spray acid every where (all over inside galley and into cabin)
good dead bolt rv latches on the doors saved the doors and the contents of the cabin (both doors stayed shut and are reuseable
and last if you look at the photos you will see its sitting on the roof rack, on the Harbor freight solar panels. the Yakimha roof rack qiuck releases are destroyed... the solar panels still work, and dont have any apparent damage. go figure
thanks again for being a great group of people
john

[KayakNKamper]

The snuiser was not insured so the loss is all mine

What a bummer to lose such a nice teardrop, especially after all that hard work. Luckily no one was injured.

You might want to check with your auto insurance. My state farm agent told me that my camper is covered by whatever vehicle is towing it whenever it's being towed.

[wlooper89]

The propane tank mount surely did its job. In John's first photo the tank is hanging from the mount upside down. His build photos show the mount more closely.

Overall a very sad sight. I am so sorry this happened.

Bill

[emiller]

Can't wait to see Johns new creation. He is a master builder.

[Prem]

John,

Sorry for the loss.

Prem

[martha24]

John,
I was very glad to hear you weren't injured, but what a hair raising experience.

I'm sorry about your trailer, she was a beauty. I can't wait to see how you redo or start a new your trailer.

Best Wishes