Members wesg Posted January 1, 2017 Members Share Posted January 1, 2017 I had a pretty close call last night...but thanks to this forum, I'm around to talk about it. We don't talk about getting stuff to the gig much on this forum, but I have always considered my vehicle "part of the rig", and having a safe vehicle is just as important as having speakers that won't fall on patrons' heads. I hit a patch of black ice on an uphill curve last night -- I didn't realize the road conditions had degraded to this point, as they had been excellent earlier in the day. I was doing around 80kph (50 mph), lost control of my van when it downshifted, spun around a few times, and landed quite violently in the ditch, skidding in sideways with my nose pointing to the street. Somebody on this forum (Craig?) was quiet adamant that a divider was necessary in a cargo van used for live sound-type work. I took that advice, and installed a heavy steel bulkhead, which a took few hits from loose mic stands during the spin. Any of those could have easily hit me if I hadn't had the divider in place. As it was, my speakers, 20U rack, organ, and Leslie were all lashed to the side of the van and the bulkhead with E-track. I don't think they moved. The rubber carpet allowed some of the other stuff to move around, but not too bad. A big Pelican case, an old army barrack box, a Gator dufflebag full of cables, a suitcase full mics (in cases) ...... this stuff pushed on the rear latching door and knocked it out of alignment, so it doesn't close properly now........but I think that's it. It still latches. I'm not aware of any other damage to the vehicle, and especially, not myself. A friendly guy-with-a-truck stopped by with chains and we had me out in a few minutes. It's Canada .. Ironically - or maybe not - I'm quite often the "guy-with-a-truck" when my neighbours get stuck in their driveways. Time to take 'er for a test drive and call my mechanic. I don't see any undercarriage damage, but I don't have a hoist, either. Nor an alignment machine. Wes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SteinbergerHack Posted January 1, 2017 Members Share Posted January 1, 2017 Glad you're OK, and yes, there is no substitute for a hard wall between you and anything heavy when transporting. Interestingly, one thing you said rings very true with me: lost control of my van when it downshifted I honestly do not understand the love for automatic transmissions inNorth America. Yes, they are convenient in traffic, but when you REALLY need to have control of the vehicle, having a major component decide to change the balance without driver input is a recipe for disaster. There is a reason the we do not allow automatic transmissions in race cars - they would kill drivers and spectators by doing the exact same thing that happened to you, but at 200kph instead of 80... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Telecruiser Posted January 1, 2017 Members Share Posted January 1, 2017 You lived to tell the story. Good on you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bugzie Posted January 2, 2017 Members Share Posted January 2, 2017 lIKE PILOTS SAY " ANY LANDING YOU WALK AWAY FROM IS A GOOD ONE" sorry bout the caps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members agedhorse Posted January 3, 2017 Members Share Posted January 3, 2017 It's nice when something so bad turns out so well. I think it was Craig that made that suggestion. Nothing like being crushed by your own gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members StratGuy22 Posted January 3, 2017 Members Share Posted January 3, 2017 Glad you took the advice. Hopefully serve as a lesson to others here, if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted January 3, 2017 Share Posted January 3, 2017 Glad you're okay! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pro Sound Guy Posted January 6, 2017 Members Share Posted January 6, 2017 Back in the 90's I had a Ford E150 loaded to the gills with lots of gear. It was winter and I started heading down a large hill on a county road with a T in the road ahead (only right or left) and straight off that was a deep embankment. I headed down the hill and applied my brakes to slow down and bang my brake pedal went to the floor (blew a brake line) and I started to speed up. I was in a panic! I pulled that van hard left and I think I went up on two wheels around that turn. I finally rolled to a stop and got out and emptied my pants. I was pretty shook up. I did not have a bulk head wall by the way. Phew! Glad to hear it worked out for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Shaster Posted January 11, 2017 Members Share Posted January 11, 2017 Very glad to hear you're okay wesg and damage seems to be minimal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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