Traveling---Trials and Tribulations

This 12,000 mile trip has given us many things to remember; views of the most breathtaking scenery that British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Alaska have to offer, up-close encounters with animals and sea life, gorgeous panoramas of glaciers, lakes, mountains and rivers. Unfortunately, the trip has also provided us with some up-close and personal views of small pieces of roadway while we had to make repairs on our trailer.

To date, we've lost three tires to road punctures (1) and blow-outs (2). Two aluminum wheels (hubs) have cracked and been replaced. One injector on the tow vehicle failed and was replaced, thankfully that only took one day while we were parked with friends.

Our travels took us into Oregon for a two-night stay in Winchester Bay to visit with some old friends. From there we traveled south on Highway 101, through the twists and turns of the Redwood National Forest on that two-lane road, with the intention of stopping overnight at the Eureka, CA Elks Club. We never made it.

Just north of Arcata on the four-land divided portion of Highway 101, we heard a loud "boom". I looked back and saw a large puff of white smoke and immediately pulled off to the shoulder (luckily, one was there).

When I got back to the trailer, this is what greeted me. Note that the front tire is sort of bent at an odd angle. Not a good sign. There was smoke pouring out behind the tire---Jaimie grabbed one of the three extinguishers we carry and I doused the flames. (The white stuff on the ground in front of the tire is the powder from the fire extinguisher.)

 What you cannot see in the photo is the red glow from what was left of the axle. That's what caused the fire.

While I was setting up the jack and waiting for the axle to cool, two men traveling in their own trailer stopped to offer help. There was really nothing they could do, so we thanked them for their concern. Jaimie was on the phone with my insurance, arranging a tow. 

  When I raised the trailer and removed the wheel, hub and all, I discovered the source of the problem. One of our "NeverLube" bearings had failed. This photo shows what's left of it. Those gray pieces are all that remain.

Here's a photo of something you never want to see--the rotor from a disk brake. I was able to pull it off without any effort at all, it came off after I jacked the trailer up and pulled the tire free. Perhaps that was one piece of luck--it stayed with the trailer and did not go bouncing off into the woods or worse, down the road into traffic.

 

 

 

 

This is what greeted the tow truck operator when he arrived. We were able to contact Rodney Smith at Humboldt Truck Repair in Eureka, who arrived within the hour. After studying the situation, he came up with the idea of raising the suspension and securing it with a chain (to keep it off the road.) Quite obviously we weren't going anywhere far. We discussed our options and eventually Rodney suggested that we make our way to a RV park about eight miles south. He followed us with his tow truck, lights flashing as we made our way at 30 mph to the Mad River Rapids RV Park in Arcata. There we now sit.

 

 The following morning I called Mike Butler at Mor/ryde in Indiana and explained the problem. After detailing the issue, we came up with a plan. Parts will be shipped (update---they're on the way, arriving early next week), and will be installed by Rodney's company.

One thing Mike suggested, and I agreed with, was that we should replace the rest of the "NeverLube" bearings. If one dies after 5 years, the rest can't be far behind. "NeverLube" really doesn't mean "forever".

We were lucky. The problem happened on a wide road near a town with both a truck repair shop and a place for us to park. No one was hurt and the tire stayed with us. Mad River Rapids RV Park has a heated pool, hot tub and wifi, and the manager made it clear that there was no problem for us to stay as long as necessary, even shuffling future reservations around our crippled RV.

The only thing that is hurting is my wallet.

Comments

[Ed Greenberg]

Um, yeah... I had a blowout on US 101 too. It was south of Eureka, in the twisty two lanes, uphill. Fortunately, a wide spot was present. My bearing was fine -- it was just a tire failure. As I was getting out the jack, a couple of guys showed up. They were father-and-son truck repairmen on their way somewhere. They changed my tire and sent me on my way!!!

What was the brand name of the no-lube bearing that failed? My bearings are now 8 years old... wondering...

[Yarntangler]

As a couple of full timers who have spent most of the last 18 months fixing one thing after another, we totally empathize with you and hope the good days return soon for you.

Safe travels,
Marcie and Jim

[Marsha Ward]

I'm so glad everyone is safe!

[George Bruzenak]

Ed---the bearings are "Nev-R-Lub", and I think are made by Dexter. They are not serviceable and the advertising info "suggests" they'll last forever. Not so.

[George Bruzenak]

Marcie and Jim, Marsha...

Thanks for the comments. As of Thursday, 9/22, we are still waiting for parts. The latest is that the major part might be here next Tuesday.

Arcata and Eureka have a lot to offer for the stranded traveler. Victorian houses, interesting shops, lots of book stores (college towns), hikes in the marshes and on the sand dunes. And, the RV park has a hot tub, laundry, pool. Nice place.

[Sandie]

So what is someone to do with Nev R Lube wheel bearings? I have them and the rig is a 2002 Sunnybrook so do they change them out or what?

[mike scans]

Glad no one was hurt. Just checked their website, 5 years or 100,000 miles. I think you made it just outside of the warranty. Isn't that the way it always is.
Good luck on the rest of the trip.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

Mike, we were just out of warranty - and - you may have answered Sandie's question. I asked George how you check them and you try to shake/move the hub (with the tire off). If it moves, they are going bad. A mechanic could probably check them for you. If they are, then you need to replace them.

We replaced the hubs on all 4 trailer wheels and made it home safely.

Jaimie