Does California Hate Me? Brakes Go Out, Almost Hit AGAIN, & Damaged Trailer

[@nomadicfanatic]

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[@sandydavis77]

Eric, Sometimes when you enter CA, they put big round bumps on the highway to slow the traffic for the inspection station. That was my first thought what was happening..

[@genesiesky3756]

They are called rumble strips. There was probably a sign he missed. Perhaps a truck on his right blocked his view. However, one of my biggest complaints about "fuckedupfornia" was always about their signage.

[@alexcarrn28]

Great video. I'm glad you didn't have a brake problem. The kitties are really looking fantastic, too. Thanks for taking me along with you.

[@sylviadingwall5826]

I was thinking the same!

[@ericchrestman4525]

actually that is what it sounded like to......but yea i thought the same thing

[@gcampbell83]

I think it was UFOs

[@davew5383]

I'm wondering if they had rumble strips on the road that you went over because they want people to slow down before the inspection station.

[@mr.p9882]

That was my exact thought too...

[@Super90.]

That is exactly it. They have rumble strips. Been past there many times.

[@catzcradle]

Sure sounded like it

[@jamesblond150]

Yes this, that caused the infamous "death wobble".

[@tanya334]

If you hate California so much WHY GO ???😂😂😂

[@johndoe-l3p4p]

So he can go to his beloved disneyland

[@shibalover54]

Cuz its there...

[@charleneheiland8803]

Thank you Tanya

[@marleneclark4186]

To have a story to tell 😊

[@guybretz4423]

That state is a new some to the-country

[@LSZEsq]

They always have rumble strips in front of all these agricultural inspection stations. They never fail to scare the CRP out of me. I’m really sure that’s all it was, Eric.

[@Squeak61]

OK that’s what I thought too.

[@doreenduncan3411]

Thats exactly what I thought it was too

[@JRocaway]

I did street view on Google maps on Highway 5 right where the brake issue occurred. Eric caught the shoulder rumble strip on left side while passing the other RV. Also the road reflectors are recessed creating additional rumble when drive over. Not mechanical issue blame the road design rumble strips.

[@moreadventure9000]

I have been one of the ones asking for longer format. You should do an hour special. Remember, when you used to do interviews, that would be a cool segment. Or maybe even a long Christmas special spectacular.

[@nomadicfanatic]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@saltysteveandmisfitmichele]

Looks like you hit the rumble strip

[@jmubreader]

The general rule for descending steep grades in a semi truck, is to go down the hill, the same speed that you went up the hill. You might think it’s OK to free wheeler and just use the brakes continuously, but that will give you a warped rotor. You have to slow way down. Use your gears and go down those steep grades at 30 to 40 miles an hour.

[@debbietaylor8091]

Not yet an RVer but I always wondered about this… thank you

[@thervviking6995]

I’m a diesel guy and a big believer in exhaust brakes even though I don’t currently have the system on this rig. I always go down hills/Mountain passes in the same gear and at the same speed that I used to get up! I have disc brakes and absolutely no brake troubles and I do not wear out my brakes. I have an F-450 7.3 Litre Powerstroke. I have never towed with a gasoline engine rig… But here’s the question, why can’t an exhaust brake be used on a fuel injected gasoline engine it could save thousands of dollars on brake rebuilds and who knows how many lives!

[@Non_Of_U_business]

Love the longer video format! Thanks for taking the time to edit longer videos. I think with the longer format you get to tell more of your traveling story. The shorter ver. are just a quick fast snap shot of your journeys. Thanks !

[@thirtynine3955]

I like the longer vids. Maybe not every time but maybe like 1 outta 4 or 5 would be good.

[@itsrvlifenowornever6672]

Eric, your brakes just heated up on the way down when it was dry ... Best thing to do on large hills with a gasser is to drop the transmission down a gear or two ... Then when you use your brakes, use them quickly and don't ride them

[@shibalover54]

My dad always taught me, use the same gear going down as you did going up, especially with a load. Let the engine back pressure/torque do the work instead of the brakes.

[@ensom]

if you drive a semi designed to be driven this way, no issue with engine braking, but on a personal vehicle i'd rather wear out my brakes than my engine :)

[@marc4733]

That's the ford death wobble. Not the back brakes

[@Byrddog23]

I agree, have had it happen just like what happened to him on my F250.

[@marc4733]

For sure I have a 2005 ford Excursion I bought new and still have. Had to rebuild the suspension and put 2 steering dampner on

[@dlocke49]

Rotors get very hot when going downhill for extended periods and the metal can warp. The warp can be temporary and flatten back out. Use low gears when going down long hills and that will use the motor to slow down and save the brakes. I just took a class c up and down Pikes Peak and that was an adventure. They actually had a check station where they used a heat gun to measure the rotor temperature. Mine was 470F even using low gear. They told me to wait 15 minutes for them to cool and then continue. Hope that make sense. Long time viewer here since the beginning.... :)

[@steves3688]

Thats EXACTLY correct! I had it happen to me while pulling a utility trailer with side by side in my class c over the Siskyous pass...learned then ...USE LOWEST GEAR going downhill and slow speed going down hill! Shook the crap outta me and brake fade was really bad....Rotors were fine after cooling down.....learned my lesson!! Also if need be, MANUALLY use the trailer brakes in addition to rv braking(set trailer brake gain higher too)....this is a prime example of when trailer brakes can help/assist and why I will ALWAYS have them on any trailer I own, even utility trailers.

[@Damethefirst]

I am so sorry. I hated that you were going through CA…just knowing who the govt figures are makes me dislike cali.

[@JCIIIBULLET]

upgrade the braking system from factory, especially with the extra load you're hauling around my friend problem-solve 💨 ت

[@CyrusLendvay]

I came into the comments to say pretty much exactly this. First thing I thought when I saw you having the issue is that your breaks overheated. I'm a little surprised it went away, but not shocked. Good luck.

[@paulrydberg]

Agree. Rotors don’t just all the sudden warp.

[@scottks5]

I think you hit road embedded rumble strips to get you to slow down for the ag station.

[@larrydotson324]

Perfect length for a video. Be safe in Cali 😢

[@Tatiacha]

those are agricultural stations whose purpose is in certain seasons, produce that could bring in bugs that would mess up crops in CA are prohibited. When there is not something at risk they send you right through. Since CA grows a significant portion of the country's foods that is a good thing for us all.

[@babyblack8805]

Longer video Eric, pleeeeeaaaase ! We watch you from our RV !

[@rusticday]

When you enter the agricultural check the road is like that so you slow down. I’ve been through a few of them they are all like that.

[@fabiofagundes1734]

Great video Eric!!! 36 minutes I'm down. Let's gooooo

[@jdwold1118]

Eric, I'm a retired truck driver I used to go through that bug station all the time. What you just encountered was Is rumble strips. California is famous for them. I hate them. In my car it's annoying but in my semi I swear to God my truck is coming apart.

[@Squeak61]

That was the first thing I thought!

[@Glenn_AE6YT]

I'm glad Jax is back in the outro. Are y'all planning on visiting my city, Long Beach, on this trip? There's lots to see & do here. Take care.

[@eurofritz4617]

As a kid A&W was my favorite place, still have the little kids size glass mug they had.

[@ds5248]

Don't mind the longer videos. Glad you and the fuzzy butts are safe.

[@EarthBeing3]

Glad the damage wasn’t that severe on the trailer, good luck getting through California. The weather forecast for this winter is wet in the south and dry up north.

[@davidreedy7597]

Great video. Check your front steering stabilizer. Seems like the death wobble, most Ford heavy trucks and van bodies get it when stabilizer shock wears out. If you can, put a heavier duty stabilizer kit in. Best wishes.

[@briguylivetoride1122]

Exactly..!!

[@2manytoyz123]

You nailed it. I have a Jeep, and that was definitely a classic death wobble. A good steering stabilizer will get that issue under control.

[@judithwilliamshudson1744]

California loves you and welcome you. (We need more rain so stay in Calif for at least four weeks)

[@Garyash92]

LOVE the longer videos!

[@gailsfoodandstuff]

also, i yelled out “rumbler strips” and the hubby agreed, then we thought you had a flat.. but when we saw there was no more issues, im sure it was rumble strips.

[@bonniedewilde710]

I loved the longer video! I'm an x-Calif. born and raised, got out in 1999 and never looked back! stay safe Eric!

[@grinderkenny]

You should get brakes for your trailer. You will find that pulling a trailer you will go thru breaks

[@zombiequeen9276]

I happen to love & prefer the longer videos 😊

[@solitaire2849]

Sorry too much driving and talking for 36 min video.

[@gthornton3]

LOVE THE LONGER VIDEOS. thx fur sharing the kitties

[@markwalton300]

I think it was in the road.

[@chadtippett4317]

We all love the longer videos. Thanks

[@lorrainegomez9395]

The lodi grape festival is starting thurs at 4 pm till sunday.

[@joycemyers9898]

Aww, you missed Crescent City, CA., Pelican Bay Supermax Prison and the big 'Ol lighthouse on an island to walk to at low tide. There's also a Marine Museum. Oh and the Redwood Forest.

[@JonnyDIY]

Lodi! I used to go roller skating ⛸ there as a kid! They had an awesome wood floor rink 💕 I grew up not far in Modesto. PS- if you run the tape on your trailer patch overlapping from the bottom upwards it wont leak. Think shingles on a roof 👍

[@larryjacobsen9345]

That CO has always been that way all the way back when I was a Kid. 1960s to Present

[@priscilla1432]

CA welcomes you! Dang, we are going to have to hit Lodi on our next road trip to Oregon! Used to love me some A&W Drive In back in the day! It looked so good. We usually stop at the Ghirardelli out there for a quick break and leg stretch. There was a lovely little RV park out there that we stayed at one time, maybe a couple of miles off the freeway. Take care of you and the kitties. Have a great time in CA!

[@JRocaway]

Also check your steering stabilizer is good. A bad stabilizer on your steering rack will create a death wobble. Usually starts when you hit a bump or pothole.

[@roylenesnider3814]

I just love the long videos.. So entertaining ..Hello sweet kittys

[@br23goose]

I like the longer videos, stay safe in CA

[@shayhouk8582]

I like all your videos but the longer the better!❤

[@lindaintexas]

I liked the longer video showing your adventures. 👍🏻😀

[@Mlhsah]

Enjoying the longer videos, makes a better story line.

[@kris.creates]

I loved the longer video. I love Northern California. The Redwood national forest is magical.

[@aaronperkins8054]

Love the longer vids Eric!!!

[@landdealsCA]

There is a couple residential lots available in weed ca if anyone needs.

[@djensen4705]

Loved the video ERIC !!!!!I’m one of your subs that enjoy your longer videos. 🥰

[@jr2no160]

👍🏾 just enjoy the journey Eric, we'll see ya down the road. You and a narrow select few roam how we like. Just living.😊

[@bt4b4]

It’s rumble strips bro.

[@oldred1972]

Great video Eric!!!!!

[@toddmcgowan9449]

Hi Eric, I really enjoyed the longer video format.

[@timmydangiolillovlogs8678]

Classic death wobble look at the track bar and ball Joint on the front end.

[@billydanforth8137]

could be the infamous ford death wobble like the f250 and f350 trucks

[@normahaynes3476]

Hey Eric right outside of Lodi is Dos Rios County campground recommend it! Loved and enjoyed the video!!!❤

[@jackburris1249]

Man, watching your new video you just passed me I live right there in Ashland, Oregon good luck in California

[@sueb4368]

I enjoy the longer videos. All I can say about LA is YIKES. Let us know if it really is miles of tents on the sidewalk!

[@norcalvandweller8401]

Eric My van did same thing with brakes when coming over the grapevine in SoCal shaking and wobbling But after everything leveled out it went away and has never come back and everything looks fine Not 100% sure what it was but theory is overheated brakes and when cooled went away If it doesnt come back I would ignore it Following from Sacramento, wish I had know you were coming through town, would love to have shook your hand

[@nomadicfanatic]

Same! It didn't come back since!

[@jacquelineoldhaver2672]

Eric, Eric, Eric. What you experienced was overheating of a rotor. I would put a new set of ceramic pads on. It will have a better coefficient of friction and give you better braking with less heat. Also use your transmission for downhill braking. If you are having to brake that hard you are going too fast down the hill.

[@annsmith1596]

Enjoy the longer video! Thanks for sharing your travels with us.

[@seapupp]

Eric we live in Eureka, but not where you had the trouble. We have been watching your channel for years, pray for your life to be good, and would love to meet you, Opie, and Tara. We lost our cats appx. a year ago, and its been sad. I am still hoping one of them might still be alive and will come home (at least we've had dreams of that) so we didn't get newer kitties because Yoshi would't be so happy if his castle was taken over already. You can park at our home, or we can ask our church to let you park there if you'd like. Its quieter in this part of town than there, tho (at the edges of town, big huge redwoods. I don't know how to get ahold of you, please give this a thought.

[@BradPaulus]

You hit speed bumps coming into the Ag station. Yes we do protect our agricuture, that's probably why were the 5th. largest economy in the world

[@michaellawrence5492]

Short or long the content is the key

[@joygardner3356]

Enjoyed the long video Eric. Have a great time

[@amyhenderson812]

Love the long video!! Thank you for showing the HH parking. That is so valuable to us!!

[@blackandgoldbandit7059]

Nice long video. I enjoy watching your journey!

[@steves3688]

Eric...read my comment to another post in this feed too. It is exactly what happened to me at the Sisykous as well. That commenter is spot on and I agree....on that note if you havent done so...add a front steering stabilizer or beef up the stock one if its equipped...its worth it.....wont stop heated brake shake but does reduce some of the steering shake. Added mine after the Siskyou event! I feel your pain...scared the crap outta me!!! AND Eric...add trailer brakes with controller if you dont have...it really helps!!!

[@nomadicfanatic]

I do have a front stabilizer on this RV. It may be failing

[@DopeAsThePope1]

I enjoy the longer video's........ I really miss your travels to the NORTHEAST like you used to do.

[@finpainter1]

The rain is keeping the rotors cool. If they get real hot they can lock up.

[@sjntube]

Loving the occasional longer videos!!!! Keep em coming!!

[@abebarker]

@Nomadic Fanatic, My old Ford shakes also when I go down a long steep grade, like when coming down a mountain. Once the rotors cool down it goes away. I've just come to expect it and try to use the engine for some of the breaking.

[@craigmorrison6498]

I like your longer videos. Keep ‘em coming 👍 California is a nice place to be from 😅

[@gailsfoodandstuff]

hey there eric, the hubby and i watched every drop. you asked if we (out here) did or not and we love your vidoes, we never fast forward. so the longer one was nice. we saved it for tonight (friday) and chilled on the couch and watched all of it, as we do all of your videos. its free to post so just make them as long as you want, as that ads to our “watch hours” for the year.. i learned the hard way that “shorts” do NOT add to my annual watch hours, that only full videos do. so, im still a small fry but im working my way to being a big potato some day. 😊

[@johnpiet1929]

Eric, could you get Black Betty in a Thor toy hauler or would the bike bottom out because of the angle?

[@roadwardbound5721]

Lodi Used to be just a little cow poke town. Now they grow some of the best Zinfandel grapes around. Tons of wineries.

[@Ron-N-Ellen-Adventures]

We love the longer videos. AND, we live in Lodi, next time try the cheese curds at the Lodi A&W.

[@nomadicfanatic]

Will do! Thanks.

[@nancyosmun3664]

Welcome to my state Eric. Please, enjoy your stay!!!!!

[@theathjr]

That “vibration” was from driving over the “better slow down” strips in the road. My guess anyways.

[@rumprider]

Eric at most of Calif boarder they have rumble strips to let you know you need to start slowing down

[@loraypruitt5922]

Check your cameras for rumble strips

[@bjc3634]

Eric!! Love the videos especially the footage in Oregon wow it looks beautifully there makes me wanna go! I like the longer videos 😎👍

[@caroljester7970]

The exact same thing happened to us and it was the "slow-down rumble strip. We are paying $3.79 here in Ok. Opie looks like a great co-driver. So sorry about the trailer. If you decide to get it welded, make sure the welder is knowledgeable about aluminum. We made that mistake once. Love A&W. And love sharing your travels. Thank you.

[@dianesilverstein6475]

Great video! Like the length! 🎉😊❤

[@thjacobi]

Lookup death wobble. You hit some bumps and it caused the wobble to happen. There is a good chance a tie rod end is wearing out and the stabilizer shock needs to be replaced.

[@jeffc6268]

I think Shawn is on the right track. You should google Ford death wobble.

[@George-cw8xd]

Master mechanic here... the problem with the vibation is the Steering-shock absorber... That is call the death-wobble.. Only happens from hi to low speeds... Easy fix.

[@reds6836]

If you can get drilled and slotted rotors, they stay cooler and I highly recommend them!

[@SweetFLGuy1]

Sounds like racing rotors, just guessing!

[@4x4Express]

Check the pitman and idler arms those joints can cause what you experienced and thats what they call death wobble.

[@dianneweaver4809]

I'm enjoying your journey !😊

[@brendawhisenhunt8444]

I enjoyed this longer video! Would had never guessed AW was founded in Lodi Ca .. stay safe.

[@robinkelly6484]

ERIC! I did same thing to my trailer. I went to Lowe’s and got a vent cover. Works great.

[@FullSpeedStop]

Look at the highway before the Ag Station - you ran over shoulder rumble strips! (Shoulder rumble strips are an effective means of reducing run-off-the-road crashes. They are primarily used to warn drivers when they have drifted from their lane.) Also, there was another sign directing trucks to the right and cars to the left prior to the one you showed! Longer video is ok.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Rode in on a Greyhound, I'll be walking out if I go..... my favorite line from Lodi. Emmylou Harris does a good version of this song. I'm liking this trip on the coast highway, form the looks of it I'll be able to make it in my rig. Keep the good stuff coming Buddy.

[@larrythompson3645]

When you use your brakes hard DO NOT just sit stopped, this will warp your rotors. Instead let your rv move forward just enough to put new rotor under the brake pads. Do this several times.

[@leeann765]

Hey from San Jose! 😊 welcome to California!🎉🎉

[@stevedavis9777]

MAYBE... it was the road because you just had moved over to the left lane.. hope it was. Safe travels.

[@chadfigueira2652]

Look up “death Wobble” that’s what it looked like to me.

[@2manytoyz123]

That was a death wobble. Very common on Jeeps. A good steering stabilizer will correct that. On my Class C, I installed a RoadMaster Exact Center Steering Stabilizer. That takes all the play out of the steering. No death wobble, no following ruts in the road, and no sudden turn due to a blow out. I installed this, and a heavy duty RoadMaster sway bar. Took a couple of hours, did the work myself in my driveway. You could always have RV Prepper Wayne do the work when you guys meet up again.