Nightmare trip so far

[jonimce]

Our DD and SIL left CT. yesterday morning for FW with 5 little ones stopping in PA to visit her DGM. First off the pop up came unhitched on the Cross Bronx Expressway due to a huge bump in a construction zone. They had to rehitch it with no shoulder. Van was too high so they had to stand on it. After visit in PA they hit the road and someone tells them they have no break lights. Made a stop at Pep Boys and it's not a fuse. Must be a wire. It's almost 10 pm now off they went with hazard lights flashing. Wrong turn so they ended back on the TPK. Oh boy. Goes good for a while until SC. Van over heats with water coming in all over the passenger side floor. And one of the kids removed the plug from the cooler so the back floor is soaked as well. Well they finally made to the First KOA in Florida. Rain. We will meet them tomorrow at FW and pray that the rest of the trip goes smoothly. There friends are calling them the Griswalds. LOL. That is what it sounds like only Wally world was closed. Please don't close WDW.

 

[photogal06]

Yikes! Hopefully they've used up their allotment of bad luck and will have a great trip from here on out!

 

[luckycharm19335]

I'll bet that someday day this 'nightmare' trip will be remembered fondly sitting around a campfire somewhere.
When things go this way the only thing to do is laugh.
Crying will mess up your makeup.

 

[jonimce]

That is what Rob said (SIL) He said he wouldn't trade these memories for anything. My daughter told him "to hold your breath, we aren't there yet." I can also laugh now but I I was on pins and needles all day and barely slept last night.

 

[Tigger in Naples]

Praying for a safe remainder of the trip and great time with family at the happiest place on earth. Have fun

 

[warthog999]

Dont feel bad we just got home from 11 days at FW. We burnt up a wheel bearing on trip from texas to florida. I found the wheel bearing bad in chipley florida. We got it fixed and headed on about 6 hrs later the next day thean planned. While at FW they shut our water off made a mud pudle on our campsite and left there for us to clean up, had the sewr system get clogged and could not dump my tanks. they said I could move but it would be fixed in 2 days. Well 2 days later still not fixed. On the way home we went thrugh another set odf wheel bearings due to axle is damaged on trailer from the first ones burnt up and the axle is a special order in 2 weeks. We made it home safe had great fun good memories of our griswald vacation and ready to go back and do it again next year. So tell them to keep their heads up it will work out in the end.

 

[North of Mouse]

Wow! Someone is due some serious Hope the rest of their trip goes fine

 

[mash]

At least everyone is safe so far. I hope that everyone gets a good night's rest and arrives safe and sound tomorrow.

 

[2goofycampers]

 

[auntie]

Cross Bronx is a nightmare road.

 

[bama_ed]

There must be some bad mojo out there. Sorry to hear about your family's troubles jonimce.

Bama ED

 

[michelle9343]

Hope the rest of your trip is magical!!!!

 

[YellowXterra]

In all my years I have never heard of a hitch just coming loose / off unless it was not latched with a safety pin installed. Wow

 

[MattFromPA]

If the latch that goes down over the top of the tongue is secured with a safety pin, then it can't be unhitched. I don't care how big of a bump or pothole you drive over.

 

[sbnewhampshire1]

So sorry for your problems! But all the family is safe and no one hurt thank God! Enjoy the rest of your vaca...Safe travels home and have a blast.

 

[double r]

Always avoid the Cross Bronx no matter what!!!!!!!!!

 

[princessluvsapirate]

Hope all has a better trip .Sending pixie dust your way .

 

[FlaFortCampster]

Is that true??? That if you close the latch on the hitch and insert pin it Will Not come undone???? (Please understand, this is not a challenge but rather a hope of being educated). Why do you use chains then if it can't come off? Added insurance for towing perhaps?

 

[wdwrroad]

Is that true??? That if you close the latch on the hitch and insert pin it Will Not come undone???? (Please understand, this is not a challenge but rather a hope of being educated). Why do you use chains then if it can't come off? Added insurance for towing perhaps?

Nothing can absolutely prevent all mishaps. However, trailers do not routinely come unhitched. Usually someone forgot to close the latch or it wasn't on the ball all the way or it is the wrong size ball. If the ball is the correct size, the coupler is on the ball all the way (not just sitting on top), and the latch is closed and pinned, there is very little chance for it to come apart. But, safety chains must be used just in case, as a loose trailer can be deadly.

 

[FlaFortCampster]

Thank you for the additional info.
Yes, I agree having your pup pass you while driving could be rather dangerous....heart failure comes to mind.....
I'd don't like to tow my pup, but once it's setup at the Fort, it just makes it all worth it. After 3 decades of tenting at the Fort, the Pup is pure luxury.