Thank you folks for taking the trouble to read my saga and for the comments raised by Lutz, Prof John L, Dustydog and Gafferbill.
I did originally say I was trying to keep a long story short and I am not expecting anyone to come up with a conclusive judgement on what went wrong. This is the first time I have related this story in ‘public’ and it is interesting to hear your views. Bearing in mind it all happened 2 yrs ago and is now just a nasty memory, I will respond as best I can – most of it is covered in the Alko report anyway.
First, thank you for your concern, I am glad to say we escaped physical injury although pride was a little hurt. I am in agreement with Brian, you do feel a bit of a prat at the time!
We now have a smaller 2 berth van which is the only way I could persuade my wife to continue. I think she was influenced by my concerns about the 19’ body length of the Lunar (compared with our previous 4 berth Swift at 17’) and that a decade or so ago that would most certainly be a twin axle and, since the introduction of rear fixed beds, I have been of the opinion that it would be too easy to overload the rear.
Brakes.
Alko examined, but found no fault with the caravan braking system or the ATC pushrod adjustment. They did find that the overrun damper was not working – no force in or out. They reckon this was due to the accident otherwise I would have been aware beforehand of the caravan banging into the rear of the car under braking.
Awareness of ATC operation.
I was questioned about what was happening at the time by Alko MD. I described there being three separate events in quick succession “The first time the caravan went in to a violent snake which appeared to damp down. It then happened again, and then the third time we hit the central barrier”. Alko interpret that as being evidence that the ATC was working.
MTPLM & Payload
All bulk items were removed on the day including gas, battery, fridge contents, bedding, pots & pans, clothes, awning, water & waste carriers.
The items left for removal later where appropriate included:- box of Solar lights(1kg); Fan heater(1kg); Drinking glasses in plastic box(0.9kg); TV hook-up lead & standby ali aerial(2.2kg); Food stock (8.2kg); Steps (4.9kg); Caravan mover (30kgs – included in payload calcs); 2ltrs of flushing water in loo (the wife insists)(+some fluid added on the M11!);Awning hanging LED lamp; 2 x rush beach mats; Teapot; Tupperware boxes; tea & coffee containers; a few bits of plastic crocs; condiments; Bathroom toiletries; maybe a few other odds & sods. (These latter items were initially weighed within various bulk lots). Say the total left and included in the Alko weighing to be 50kgs.
I did not question the methodology or accuracy of the measured weights at the time. They did note the plated MTPLM of 1413kgs so I imagine that would have triggered some doubt on their own measurements if there were any – they were pretty thorough on everything else.
Assuming them to be correct and, adding the remaining payload that was removed, gives a travelling ALW of 1572kgs. – 159kgs, 11.25% above the plated MTPLM!!
The ATC fitted (by Lunar) was suitable for a weight range 1301- 1500kgs (Alko figures).
You can see why I raised this with Lunar and probably why they choose to remain silent.
Tyre Deflation
The n/s rear tyre was indeed off the rim at the bottom (and that’s not intended to be a joke as per “it’s only flat at the bottom”!) There was absolutely no indication of running flat or a blow-out ie damaged tyre walls etc. This was no ordinary sideways skid; the car turned to the offside, nose into the barrier, and was pushed sideways with some considerable downward force by the van. The angle between car and van ended up less than 90degrees and the ‘A’ frame ended up under the o/s rear corner of the car. The swan neck tow ball was seriously bent to the o/s. I remain convinced this is what took the tyre off the rim.
Wind & overtaking
I had been trailing the HGV’s for 15miles up the M11 from the M25, it was only when I had to change lanes to go straight ahead at J8 that I began to overtake the HGV’s that were branching left, it was not a specific overtaking manoeuvre. The crosswind was only moderate and I didn’t really notice it until I was standing inside the central reservation. In any case, isn’t this situation one of those that the ATC is supposed to guard against? See their Web site.
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