January 2011

Wyoming Wind Trials

Late in the summer of 2010, our family trip took us through some eastern Wyoming roadway. Our caravan of two RV units was driving from North to South on a major freeway. I and my spouse were driving a pickup / trailer combination, following the other family member in his class C motor home.

We had left that morning in the teeth of a brisk Wyoming breeze, much to the chagrin of our host, who had been listening to the weather radio warning of very high winds by midday. Sure enough, by midday, we were being broad-sided by wind gusts we later found out exceeded 60mph. Suddenly, a horrifying sight literally unfurled in front of us when the awning canvas was sucked from the roll on the motor home. We pulled both rigs to the side of the road and both of us grabbed the billowing canvas down to the side of the motor home. The awning roller latch mechanism had released and allowed the canvas to unfurl. Two of us struggled the awning arms down and attempted to re-roll the canvas, but the mechanism was jammed. While the other family member struggled with his Swiss Army Knife, I was able to one handed flip out my Leatherman Super Tool and use the pliers to un-jam the roller mechanism. Thanks to my Leatherman Super Tool, we were able to struggle the canvas back onto the freed up roller, and secure the awning in the screaming wind, and go on our way. The other member of the family is still holding firm with his Swiss Army Knife, but had a great lesson on the versatility of the Leatherman Super Tool - I expect to see him with one soon.

Ed B.

Blackfoot, ID