Multitool.org Forum
Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on August 15, 2017, 02:47:03 PM
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I think I am just going to start this thread off with a :facepalm:, because that's pretty much going to sum it up.
A couple of months ago Megan bought a vintage camping trailer (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,72669.0.html)- it is a 1976 Apache Ramada, a hard sided pop up trailer, and, either the biggest or second biggest Apache they made. And that is past tense, because I think it's been probably 30 years (at least) since Apache was in business. It was cute and fulfilled a number of our needs, including being remarkably cheap. Of course, being ancient I figured I'd better replace the bearings and the tires, because who knows how old they are?
Naturally of course I haven't gotten around to doing either of those yet, largely because of the ongoing repairs and excessive costs involved in repairing my utility trailer (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,73226.0.html). :facepalm:
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Megan had another friend from out of town visiting, and, rather than kayak camping, they planned to spend a few days at a camp ground about 100 miles away, enjoying the little camper and the local fishing etc. My part in the plan was to haul the trailer and gear out to the campground for them ad leave them there for a few days- no problem, we've already hauled the trailer that far a couple of times with no issues, so it should hold up, right?
Just outside the city things were going well enough until we heard a loud BANG as the passenger side trailer tire decided that it no longer liked the three dimensions it was manufactured in, and wanted to explore other options and much of the tread decided to go it's own way in life.
We managed to get off to the shoulder and get it jacked up, get the wheel off only to realize that the spare, which we thought would be very limited use actually turned out to be of zero use, as the rim is dented and the rubber wasn't even seated on it. :facepalm:
Of course this is an odd tire size, and most places don't carry it. Of the few that do, most only offer it with a rim attached, which sounds like a great idea on the surface, but in reality it isn't, because the rims usually are 5 bolt style and this trailer takes a 4 bolt rim. :facepalm:
I find out the local Canadian Tire carries these tires and I decide that I might as well replace both of them so I don't get ten miles down the highway and have the same problem when the other tire blows because I assume it is of similar vintage to the one that already exploded. :facepalm:
The nice part is, while I only have one jack to lift the trailer up, it has stabilizer stands that can support the trailer, so I jack up one side, remove the blown tire, lower the stands and take the jack to the other side, where the wheel comes off just as easily, despite the threads being backwards. Of course, I am at the side of the highway, so there is traffic whipping by me at 100kms/70mph just a couple of feet away from where I am laying on the ground, and Megan has a bit of a panic attack every time a truck goes by close enough that the trailer shakes from the wind. :ahhh
Of course, with no wheels on it we have to leave the trailer there and drive to the nearest Canadian Tire (fortunately not far, only 30kms or so), get the tires mounted and come back, which means overshooting where the trailer is parked on the shoulder to find the next exit, which turns out to be detoured due to construction.... :facepalm:
And on the way back we are caught in traffic because the police and fire department have a truck off the road because the load of hay he was carrying caught fire. :facepalm:
Oh yeah, and the tires that I priced last month at $102/tire (odd size= lotsa moolah) is now inexplicably up to $155/tire, plus installation which costs more.... in the end it costs just shy of $400 for two tires. :facepalm:
Anyways, unlike the excitement from the last trip I managed to get the new wheels on and get on our way without any further issues, so compared to the last trip this was a cakewalk! An expensive cakewalk, but at least it's done now.
After I got Megan and her friend to camp, got them set up and came home I sent Megan a text to let her know that it was about time we retired that trailer.... she didn't get the horrible pun at first.... :facepalm:
Def
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You aren't having much luck with towing things lately are you.
With your luck lately it's a wonder the hay trailer fire didn't pass yours while you were getting tyres and set it alight.
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Retired......LOL!
Suck it was that expensive, but at least it was easily fixed.
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:facepalm: bearings :pok:
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:facepalm: bearings :pok:
:dwts:
Stop :twak: Having :twak: Bad :twak: Luck :twak:
There. Is that better? :D
I'm half expecting a second instalment to this story, as you seem to have got it fixed up far too easily compared to the usual Lamontagne level of calamity :D I hope I'm wrong though, and that everything has settled down to the usual levels :cheers:
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:facepalm: bearings :pok:
Yup, especially a concern with such a small wheel. The wheels are 10" and the tires aren't much bigger. :facepalm:
I have been very paranoid about them, and I check them frequently on the road. So far there has been no indication of heat or anything, so I think they are going to be ok, at least for now. I will bump their repair up on the priority list though.
Def
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At that price, you'll never have a flatened tyre again.
Because these are made from gold! :facepalm:
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Sorry to hear about more trouble Grant :facepalm: Maybe nothing else will happen for a good long while like this ::) :D
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Sorry to hear about more trouble Grant :facepalm: Maybe nothing else will happen for a good long while like this ::) :D
Sorry, I chuckled when I read that. :facepalm:
+1 boss! I hope nothing bad happens again for a good while! :ahhh
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... Britney?
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Boss, are you sure you didn't piss off some Voodoo priest? Sounds like some bad juju...
:pok:
:P
Seriously though, truely sorry about your extremely bad luck, surely it has to turn soon... :cheers:
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... Britney?
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Nope, Grant. Folks don't make that mistake as much these days, not since I cut my hair... :D
Unless you were asking where she is, in which case it's Opengo Mountain Resort (http://www.omresort.ca/) on Clear Lake. :D
Def
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Oh, and here are some pics she has posted on FB:
(https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20799367_10101171233895629_3840724884946235197_n.jpg?oh=9b85b53f690c11c67275cf307c165a3b&oe=59EAAA16)
(https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20841816_10101171233920579_8639644027680246033_n.jpg?oh=b82a11d98ccb238338b50ead6599de6e&oe=5A2D461E)
And of course I was representing, with my 10th Anniversary MTO Shirt the whole time. :D
(https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20841735_10101171233915589_5841704673134221462_n.jpg?oh=8f527e17f40132cf3c34349d9c3b099a&oe=5A2F3851)
And after the trailer was set up.
(https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20882647_10101171233965489_4866093298126665309_n.jpg?oh=a04a488d4e355575415d35afc416b46f&oe=5A36D1D0)
And of Clear Lake, where she's probably spent the day fishing. :D
(https://scontent.fybz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20882803_10101171234214989_4682113596154050709_n.jpg?oh=7dc6c11a1b9b35f279232ec3764364a8&oe=59ED51B2)
Def
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Went to HS with that families kids
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Oops I did it again.... Britney Spears
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Well SMURF.......
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Oops I did it again.... Britney Spears
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That's how beat I am... I forgot my own joke...
Def
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That trailer looks awesome Grant. A few teething problems on something of that vintage are to be expected, but it'll well worth the effort, I'm sure :tu:
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Retired :dd:
Hopefully if you take a GPS you won't lose your bearings.
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:D
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Yet again, Hope the girls had a great time.
You need a vacation :whistle:
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Lake Clear.
Opeongo Mountain Resort.
Beautiful places. Everyone needs to visit.
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You know what would look great with your trailer.....the same model year Cherokee or Jeep.
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You need to put some heavy duty leaf springs under that thing and mount an axle to the leaf springs that extends just beyond the sides of the trailer so you can mount full size truck tires so you'll be able to take it off road. :pok:
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You know what would look great with your trailer.....the same model year Cherokee or Jeep.
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Megan wants one of these to haul it.
(http://www.grandwagoneerbyclassicgentleman.com/wp-content/themes/automotive/img_resize/timthumb.php?src=http://www.grandwagoneerbyclassicgentleman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/slide-4.jpg&h=600&w=960&zc=1)
Def
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Good Taste
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You need to put some heavy duty leaf springs under that thing and mount an axle to the leaf springs that extends just beyond the sides of the trailer so you can mount full size truck tires so you'll be able to take it off road. :pok:
About the only thing more expensive than trailer tires is truck tires. :facepalm:
I wouldn't mind finding a way to put normal trailer tires like I have on my utility trailer on the Apache- I can get those tires on a rim for $75, as opposed to the tires I bought ($150/each) plus the mounting ($16/each). :facepalm:
Def
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Good Taste
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For some things... :P
Def
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Megan and her friend made it home safe and sound today, and we had no serious incidents.
Unless you count the trailer tongue falling on my finger, but I don't since it's not broken or anything. :D
(http://i.imgur.com/g8kDRmA.gif)
Def
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Megan and her friend made it home safe and sound today, and we had no serious incidents.
Unless you count the trailer tongue falling on my finger, but I don't since it's not broken or anything. :D
(http://i.imgur.com/g8kDRmA.gif)
Def
:facepalm:
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Grant, you should quit while you're ahead :rofl:
In all seriousness, anything that goes wrong with a trailer and ends with the loss of only a few dollars is a win........ :tu:
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Jeez mate, did you forgot to pay the Gypsy fortune teller again? :pok:
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It sure seems that way Gareth.
Luckily nothing too serious. My finger is a bit swollen and stiff today, but doesn't really hurt that much, so I'm not too worried. I did notice some of the skin was torn on my knuckle, which is a bit surprising considering I was wearing gloves. :ahhh
I'm very glad I had them on- I don't want to think about how torn my flesh would have been had I not had work gloves on!
Def
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Maybe Megan should stop inviting friends over.
:think:
Seems like that is the start of all your problems lately.
"Megan invited a friend over..."
And before reading along, all members go "Smurf! Now what?"
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Maybe Megan should stop inviting friends over.
:think:
Seems like that is the start of all your problems lately.
"Megan invited a friend over..."
And before reading along, all members go "Smurf! Now what?"
I was thinking the same thing....
Def
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That gravel on unprotected legs doesn't look comfortable!
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That gravel on unprotected legs doesn't look comfortable!
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.... :ahhh.
Def
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Megan and her friend made it home safe and sound today, and we had no serious incidents.
Unless you count the trailer tongue falling on my finger, but I don't since it's not broken or anything. :D
(http://i.imgur.com/g8kDRmA.gif)
Def
Glad the trailer tongue isn't broken but they're usually built pretty tough. :twak:
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You'd think that trailer tongues would be pretty tough, but I have proof that isn't the case. :ahhh
My finger hurts like a son of a smurf though...
Def