Jitters

A modern day New Mexico RV'er.
Picture taken in 1996 across the street from the KOA Campground. The Rio Grande River, Caballo Lake and the Caballo Mountains are all in the background.

Our hwys, tires and bodies, whether flesh, rubber, concrete or metal, are for some strange reason expected to continue working without breakdown, regardless of the wrinkling, cracked and thin skin that arrives with time and the miles of wear and tear.

Occasionally and unexpectedly, there's a hair-raising, ear splitting KA-BOOOM... This nerve shattering noise destroys tranquility, and creates fragments of disbelief. As fear, panic and reality merge simultaneously merge the mind goes into fast forward as the eyes dart and the feet prepare for a foot stomping dance. Finally, relief surfaces when no shrapnel or damage can be seen and that the vehicle is not out of control. Then the words gush - thank goodness! Why didn't I check the tires? Oh well - too late now.

The consequences of not checking tire inflation are blatantly & abundantly obvious. Usually they are only nagging thoughts. But, occasionally they are new forms of life - hwy alligators. No one is free of the terrorizing effects of these hideous creatures. By day they are scenic pollutants. But, by night they become shadowy, lurking predators. Hopefully, one day these awful beasts will become an endangered species.

We all know what to do, but do we? The sad truth is that in this fast paced hurry-up and wait world we usually take for granted that these well used shoes will function perfectly each and every step of the way.

Just how often do we really check or care for the integrity of these burdened & weary sneakers? And, when we perform an inspection just how thorough is it? Do we simply take a fast look; satisfied that nothing can escape our X-ray vision? Or, are we bouncing off the wall with inexhaustible kinetic energy and give them a paralyzing kick? Despite a bruised boot or toe, how sure are we of this course of action?

Of course, some of us are wise beyond belief, and use the super duper divining rods, often found in most Truck Stop stores. Heck, it's common knowledge that these endowed tools of the trade are known to carry magical power to inform even the ignorant where danger resides. Surely to goodness these magic wood or metal rods wouldn't fool us - would they?

On the other hand there's the scientifically astute student of science. This person has all the time in the world to perform the tried and true, time-consuming use of an air gauge. There's never any question as to its accuracy. Or, is there? Never-mind that in freezing weather it might cause a slow leaker by allowing ice or dirt to infiltrate the valve stem. Or, that consistent use might cause hidden valve stem wear. Furthermore, who do you know who's willing to use the gauge and spend all that TIME at each stop, in blistering hot or freezing, rainy weather, in a bent-over, compromising position, at night where all sorts of lurking shadows prowl?

Is there a solution to this fateful dilemma and endless cycle of boom and burst? It would be nice if this was a perfect world, where time and money were never an issue... Unfortunately, the law of supply and demand has created an environment where TIME is supreme and all other items, like safety, are forced to rest.

Therefore - Accu-Thump® tire thumpers can be part of the solution that helps maintain stability on a troubled road.

Joe Cummins

An Accu-Thump® RV user Mr. Bryan Leach shows the unique way he stores his tire thumper.

Good Sam Club
"With more than one million members, The Good Sam Club is the oldest, largest and best travel club for Rvers."

Created: 12/22/98
Last Rev.: 03/11/2007