Dangerous Blown Tire on Road Trip with Overloaded Trailer
We are excited to start our cross Canada road trip back to British Columbia. Little did we know, we would encounter a dangerous blown tire on our trailer hauling our barge. This experience was a sobering lesson on road safety, load management, and the unpredictability of travel.
Table of Contents
- Canadian Tire is Awesome
- Tragically Hip Room at Cochrane Ontario Hotel
- Tire Blowout!
- Weigh Scale Woes…
- The Danger of Zebra Mussels Explained
- How to Tell If ANYONE is Canadian
- Encounter with a Wild Bear
As we gear up for our first full day of travel, we quickly realize that our trailer tires are in questionable condition. With days of travel ahead, ensuring our equipment is safe becomes our top priority. Under the weight of the heavy barge, we notice that two of the tires look particularly suspect, prompting us to seek assistance from a nearby Canadian Tire.
Canadian Tire is Awesome
At Canadian Tire, we have our tires checked and discover that several are indeed underinflated. The technician explains the dangers of low tire pressure on trailers, emphasizing that heat can lead to blowouts. This visit not only solves our immediate problem but also gives us peace of mind for the journey ahead.
Tragically Hip Room at Cochrane Ontario Hotel
After a long day of driving, we check into a hotel in Cochrane, Ontario, dedicated to the Canadian band, The Tragically Hip. The tribute room included several memorabilia related to the band, and adds a unique touch to our stay, reminding us of the rich culture we are traveling through.
Tire Blowout!
Just as we feared, our trailer suffers a blowout — in the middle of a thunderstorm! The tire is completely shredded, leaving us stranded on the side of the road. Fortunately, a kind local offers to help us get to his garage, which turns out to be a lifesaver during this stressful moment.
Weigh Scale Woes…
After our tire mishap, we stop at a weigh scale in Manitoba. The CVSE officer asks for our registration paperwork and check our trailer’s dimensions. Thankfully, everything is in order as we obtained the proper permits from each province, which allowed us to travel on their highways with an overloaded trailer.
The Danger of Zebra Mussels Explained
Before we continue our journey, one of the inspectors from Fisheries and Oceans Canada explain the threat of zebra mussels, an invasive species that could harm ecosystems. They promptly hand us a decontamination order, which is required before we can put the barge into BC waters. This is OK by us… the last thing we would want to do is wreck the pristine waters of our lake!
How to Tell If ANYONE is Canadian
Our travels continue to provide us with moments of laughter and joy. We joke about the little things that give away our Canadian roots, from our politeness to our love for nature and of course… our Tim Horton’s! These are some of the light-hearted moments we cherish together.
Encounter with a Wild Bear
As we drive through Manitoba, we have a thrilling encounter with a black bear foraging by the roadside. This calls to mind the wildlife that surrounds us and the importance of respecting their habitats. Encounters like these add another dimension to our travels and provide wonderful memories of our cross Canada voyage together.
We hope you enjoyed following our experiences on this event-filled road trip. If you’re interested in more about our homesteading plans, DIY builds or living off the grid, feel free to follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, x.com. You can also check out A Few of Our Favorite Things for some great product recommendations!