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Recreational Vehicle Rollovers: Causes, Risks, and Safety Innovations

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Recreational vehicles (RVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides, and utility task vehicles (UTVs), are increasingly popular for outdoor activities and work-related tasks. However, their design and use come with significant safety concerns. Rollovers remain one of the most dangerous and prevalent incidents involving these vehicles, leading to fatalities, serious injuries, and long-term disabilities. This article examines the challenges posed by RV rollovers, their underlying causes, and practical strategies for improving safety.

Understanding the Problem

Recreational vehicle rollovers are a leading cause of injury and death among off-road enthusiasts. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 2,400 deaths occurred in the U.S. between 2018 and 2020 involving off-road vehicles, with ATVs accounting for a significant portion. Rollovers are among the most severe types of accidents, contributing to a large percentage of these fatalities.

One alarming statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that nearly 40% of rollover accidents result in the ejection of occupants, with 87% of those ejected failing to wear seat belts. These figures highlight the critical need for restraint systems and better operator awareness.

Factors Contributing to Rollovers

The nature of recreational vehicles makes them particularly vulnerable to rollovers. A combination of design, user behavior, and environmental factors contributes to these accidents:

  1. Vehicle Design: RVs often feature high ground clearance and compact wheelbases, which improve maneuverability but also raise the center of gravity. This increases the risk of tipping during sharp turns or when traveling on uneven terrain.
  2. Dynamic Forces: Sudden changes in speed or direction can destabilize the vehicle, particularly when operating on slopes or loose surfaces like sand or gravel.
  3. Environmental Hazards: Uneven ground, steep hills, and debris can easily disrupt balance. Many operators fail to adequately assess terrain before driving, leading to preventable accidents.
  4. Overloading: Carrying passengers or cargo beyond the recommended capacity shifts the center of gravity, reducing stability and increasing the likelihood of tipping.
  5. Operator Decisions: Speeding, reckless driving, and failing to wear protective equipment are common behaviors that elevate the risk of rollovers and severe injuries.

Demographics and At-Risk Populations

Rollovers disproportionately affect younger, less experienced riders, as well as individuals who use recreational vehicles for leisure rather than work. Studies show that many younger operators engage in high-risk behaviors, such as performing stunts or ignoring safety guidelines. Alcohol consumption is another significant factor, contributing to approximately 30% of off-road vehicle fatalities.

Technological Solutions to Improve Safety

To combat the risks of rollovers, manufacturers and engineers have developed innovative solutions aimed at improving vehicle stability and occupant protection:

  1. Active Stability Systems: Modern recreational vehicles now include electronic stability control (ESC) systems, which use sensors to detect instability and apply corrective braking to prevent tipping.
  2. Restraint Systems: Roll cages, seat belts, and side barriers are increasingly common features. These structures are designed to protect occupants from being ejected or crushed during rollovers.
  3. Tilt and Stability Alerts: Devices like the Centerline Vehicle Rollover Warning Display™ monitor a vehicle’s tilt angle and alert operators to unsafe conditions. This proactive approach provides users with the opportunity to correct their driving behavior before an accident occurs.
  4. Advanced Suspension Systems: Improved suspension designs help recreational vehicles maintain stability on uneven surfaces, reducing the chance of tipping when navigating obstacles.
  5. Low-Center Designs: Some manufacturers are addressing rollover risks by designing vehicles with a lower center of gravity and wider wheelbases, enhancing their overall balance.
Purchase Centerline Vehicle Rollover Warning Display from Amazon

Behavioral and Educational Interventions

While technological advancements are crucial, educating operators remains equally important. Many accidents are preventable through better understanding and adherence to safety practices. Key recommendations include:

  1. Wearing Safety Gear: Helmets, seat belts, and other protective equipment significantly reduce injury severity in the event of a rollover.
  2. Proper Training: Operators, especially teenagers and inexperienced drivers, should undergo safety training that covers vehicle handling, terrain assessment, and accident prevention.
  3. Speed Awareness: Keeping speeds low on slopes and uneven terrain minimizes the forces that contribute to rollovers.
  4. Regular Maintenance: Ensuring tires, brakes, and suspension systems are in good condition can prevent mechanical failures that lead to instability.
  5. Avoiding Impairment: Alcohol and recreational driving are a deadly combination. Sobriety is essential for safe operation.

Economic and Social Consequences

The aftermath of rollover accidents extends beyond the immediate physical harm. Medical expenses, legal liabilities, and lost wages can create a significant financial burden on families. Furthermore, communities lose valued members when fatalities occur, and survivors often face long-term physical and emotional challenges.

Raising awareness about the dangers of recreational vehicle rollovers and promoting safety measures can mitigate these societal costs. Public campaigns, stricter regulations, and enforcement of helmet and seat belt laws are critical steps in creating a safer off-road environment.

Future Trends in RV Safety

As technology evolves, recreational vehicle safety is expected to improve significantly. Autonomous off-road vehicles, for instance, are under development and promise to eliminate many risks associated with human error. Additionally, integrating features like automated braking, terrain-adaptive systems, and enhanced operator alerts will make recreational vehicles safer for both casual users and professionals.

Manufacturers must also focus on making advanced safety features standard across all models, while governments and organizations should encourage training programs and public awareness initiatives.

Conclusion

Recreational vehicle rollovers represent a significant and ongoing safety challenge. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that combines engineering advancements, operator education, and regulatory interventions. Technologies like the Centerline Vehicle Rollover Warning Display™ offer valuable tools for preventing accidents, but their effectiveness depends on informed and responsible use. By prioritizing safety, both manufacturers and operators can contribute to reducing the risks and ensuring a safer experience for all users.

The Centerline Vehicle Rollover Warning Display™ should be used for informational purposes only.

This display does not prevent vehicle rollover. The height and load of the front bucket particularly affect the vehicle’s stability.

 Please consult the vehicle’s manufacturer for rollover prevention measures.

This article incorporates data from:

Navigating the Road Ahead: The Importance of Wheel Alignment for RVs

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Recreational vehicles (RVs) represent the freedom to explore the vast landscapes and highways with the comforts of home trailing behind you. However, just like any vehicle, an RV requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and safety on the road. One aspect of maintenance that often goes overlooked, yet is critically important, is wheel alignment. While similar in concept to car alignment, the process and considerations for RVs have distinct differences that are crucial for RV owners to understand.

Understanding Wheel Alignment in RVs

Wheel alignment for RVs involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Proper alignment ensures that the tires make optimal contact with the road, leading to safer driving conditions, extended tire life, and improved fuel efficiency. However, due to their size, weight, and unique use cases, aligning an RV’s wheels is a more complex process than aligning those of a standard car.

Why RV Alignment is Different from Car Alignment

  1. Size and Weight: RVs are significantly larger and heavier than most cars, which means they exert more pressure on their tires and suspension systems. This can lead to faster wear and tear if the wheels are not properly aligned. Additionally, the heavy load requires specialized equipment to accurately adjust and measure the alignment.
  2. Suspension Systems: Many RVs have different suspension systems compared to cars, often designed to support heavier loads and provide a comfortable living space. These systems can complicate the alignment process, requiring specialized knowledge and adjustments.
  3. Usage Patterns: RVs are not used daily but are often taken on long journeys where they are subjected to varied road conditions. This irregular usage pattern can cause alignment issues to go unnoticed for longer periods, potentially leading to more significant problems down the line.

What Needs to Be Addressed by an Alignment Shop

When taking your RV to an alignment shop, several key factors need to be considered to ensure the vehicle is properly serviced:

  1. Comprehensive Inspection: The alignment process should begin with a thorough inspection of the RV’s suspension system, tires, and wheel components. This helps identify any underlying issues that could affect the alignment, such as worn-out suspension parts or damaged tires.
  2. Specialized Equipment: Ensure the alignment shop has the necessary equipment to handle the size and weight of your RV. This includes large enough bays and heavy-duty alignment racks designed to accommodate RVs.
  3. Expertise in RVs: The technicians should have specific experience and training in working with RVs. This expertise ensures they understand the nuances of different RV models and how to adjust them according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  4. Adjustments Beyond Tires: A comprehensive RV wheel alignment might also involve adjusting the suspension to handle the vehicle’s unique weight distribution, especially if it has been customized or loaded in a particular way for travel.
  5. Follow-Up Checks: Given the investment in an RV, and its importance for safe travel, it’s advisable to schedule follow-up checks after the alignment. This is particularly important if embarking on a long journey, as it ensures any adjustments have settled in well.

Conclusion

Wheel alignment is a critical component of RV maintenance that ensures safety, efficiency, and longevity on the road. Due to the unique characteristics of RVs, including their size, weight, and suspension systems, specialized care and expertise are required. By addressing these needs with a professional alignment shop equipped to handle RVs, owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their vehicle is in optimal condition for their next adventure. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country tour, proper wheel alignment is key to navigating the road ahead with confidence.

Hot Rod Alignment: A Deep Dive for Enthusiasts

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For enthusiasts who breathe life into classic cars and transform them into roaring hot rods, understanding the nuances of car alignment is not just technical—it’s an art. Hot rod alignment goes beyond the basic principles that govern standard vehicles, incorporating adjustments that enhance performance, stability, and style. This deep dive into hot rod car alignment is designed for the aficionado who appreciates the intricate dance between form and function.

The Essence of Hot Rod Alignment

Hot rod alignment differs from standard car alignment due to the unique characteristics and modifications often found in hot rods. These vehicles often have custom suspension setups, different weight distributions, and are built for a combination of performance and showmanship. Alignment in this context is not just about ensuring even tire wear; it’s about achieving the perfect stance, optimizing handling for speed and agility, and maintaining the vehicle’s integrity during high-speed runs and sharp turns.

Key Alignment Parameters for Hot Rods

  1. Camber: This refers to the angle of the tire relative to the road, viewed from the front of the vehicle. Positive camber means the top of the tire leans away from the vehicle, while negative camber means it leans towards the vehicle. In hot rods, slight negative camber can improve grip during hard cornering, but too much can lead to uneven tire wear and compromised straight-line stability.
  2. Caster: Viewed from the side, caster is the angle created by the steering pivot point from the front to back of the vehicle. Positive caster helps improve stability at high speeds, making the vehicle more responsive to steering inputs. It’s crucial in hot rods for maintaining control during fast accelerations and decelerations.
  3. Toe: Toe alignment refers to the direction the tires point relative to the centerline of the vehicle when viewed from above. “Toe-in” means the front of the tires are closer together than the rear, and “toe-out” is the opposite. Proper toe settings can help balance straight-line stability with cornering performance in hot rods.

Advanced Considerations in Hot Rod Alignment

  • Custom Suspension Setups: Many hot rods have custom or modified suspensions. Aligning these systems requires a deep understanding of how changes affect handling and tire wear, often requiring bespoke adjustments beyond standard alignment specs.
  • Weight Distribution: Hot rods, especially those modified for performance, may have significantly altered weight distributions. This can affect ideal alignment settings, necessitating custom solutions to ensure the vehicle handles predictably at different speeds and conditions.
  • Tire and Wheel Choices: The wide variety of tire and wheel sizes used in hot rod builds also impacts alignment. Larger, wider tires might require adjustments to camber and toe to optimize contact with the road and ensure even wear.

Tuning Your Hot Rod’s Alignment

  1. Start with a Baseline: Even if your hot rod deviates significantly from stock configurations, starting with manufacturer-recommended alignment settings for your vehicle’s original specifications can provide a useful baseline.
  2. Adjust for Performance: Depending on your hot rod’s intended use (drag racing, track days, cruising), adjust alignment settings to prioritize speed, handling, or aesthetics. For example, a drag racer might focus on straight-line stability, while a track-focused build might prioritize cornering performance.
  3. Continuous Testing and Adjustment: Perfecting your hot rod’s alignment is a process of trial and error. Regular testing under controlled conditions can help you understand how different settings affect performance and handling, allowing for fine-tuning.

The Role of Professional Alignment Services

While many hot rod enthusiasts have the skills to tackle alignment at home, professional alignment services with experience in custom and performance vehicles can offer valuable insights. These specialists can provide precise measurements and adjustments using advanced equipment, ensuring that your hot rod’s alignment is optimized for both safety and performance.

When it comes to expert wheel alignment services for hot rods in Las Vegas, A Arrow Alignment, phone (725) 240-1390 stands out as a premier choice. Nestled at 5441 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89118, this facility is renowned for its meticulous attention to the precise demands of performance and custom vehicles. The team of experienced technicians at A Arrow Alignment leverages state-of-the-art equipment and a profound dedication to automotive excellence. This ensures that every hot rod not only reaches its optimal performance levels but also achieves superior tire longevity and fuel efficiency. Ideal for enthusiasts preparing their vehicle for a show, optimizing it for the exhilaration of the drag strip, or simply aiming for a seamless ride through the vibrant streets of Las Vegas.

Conclusion

Alignment in the world of hot rods is a critical aspect that demands attention to detail, a willingness to experiment, and an understanding of how various adjustments interact with the unique characteristics of each build. By mastering the principles of hot rod alignment, enthusiasts can enhance their vehicle’s performance, aesthetics, and longevity, ensuring that every ride is as thrilling as it is safe. Whether you’re fine-tuning your hot rod for the show circuit, the drag strip, or the open road, remember that alignment is a powerful tool in your automotive arsenal.

The Critical Importance of Car Alignment: Saving Gas and Beyond

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In the world of car maintenance, alignment is often an overlooked aspect, yet it plays a crucial role in the performance, safety, and efficiency of your vehicle. Car alignment not just as a routine check-up item but as a crucial element in the quest for maximum efficiency and performance. This article delves into why car alignment is important, how to know when it’s time for an alignment, and how it can lead to significant gas savings.

Understanding Car Alignment

Car alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension – the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It’s not about adjusting the tires or wheels themselves, but rather modifying the angles of the tires which affects how they make contact with the road. Proper alignment ensures that your car handles correctly and that your tires wear evenly and last longer.

Why is Car Alignment Important?

  1. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Misalignment can cause your car’s tires to push against each other, leading to increased resistance from the road surface. This means your engine has to work harder to propel your car forward, leading to higher fuel consumption. Properly aligned tires have less rolling resistance, which translates to better fuel efficiency.
  2. Improved Handling and Safety: A car that is not aligned properly can be difficult to steer, which might be especially noticeable at higher speeds or during turns. This can compromise your safety by increasing the risk of accidents. Proper alignment ensures your car handles predictably and safely.
  3. Extended Tire Life: Misaligned wheels lead to uneven tire wear, meaning you’ll need to replace your tires more frequently. By maintaining correct alignment, you ensure that your tires wear evenly, extending their life and saving money in the long run.

How to Know When It’s Time for an Alignment

  • Uneven Tire Wear: One of the most telltale signs of misalignment is uneven wear on your tires. If you notice that one side of your tire is more worn than the other, it’s likely time for an alignment check.
  • Vehicle Pulling to One Side: If your vehicle starts to pull to one side while you’re driving on a straight, level road, it’s a strong indicator that your alignment is off.
  • Steering Wheel Off-Center: When driving straight, if your steering wheel isn’t centered or if it vibrates, your car might need an alignment.
  • Recent Impact or Suspension Component Replacement: Hitting a pothole hard or having suspension components replaced are both situations that can throw your alignment out of spec.

Saving Gas Through Proper Alignment

The connection between proper alignment and fuel efficiency cannot be overstated. For eco-conscious drivers alike, the appeal of optimizing a car’s efficiency is undeniable. By ensuring your car is properly aligned, you’re not only contributing to a smoother and safer driving experience but also actively reducing your carbon footprint through better fuel economy.

Misalignment forces your car’s engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption. Correcting this misalignment reduces rolling resistance, which means your car can travel further on the same amount of gas. The savings might seem minimal on a day-to-day basis, but over the life of your vehicle, they can add up to significant amounts, both in terms of fuel cost and environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

For those who loves to get the most out of every gadget and machine, understanding and maintaining car alignment is a perfect blend of science, technology, and practicality. Not only does it offer a smoother ride and extend the life of your car’s tires, but it also contributes to safer roads and a cleaner environment through improved fuel efficiency. So, the next time you’re pondering over your car’s maintenance schedule, remember that alignment is not just about straight driving – it’s about smart, efficient, and responsible car ownership.

8th Annual Barrett-Jackson, World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction

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Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, will light up the Las Vegas strip with custom, muscle and classic vehicles during its 8th Annual Las Vegas Auction from Sept. 24-26, at the world-renowned Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Among the star attractions on this year’s auction docket is a 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS “Dobbertin’s” Custom, a 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty and a 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo.

“We’re going full-throttle as we prepare for our 8th annual Las Vegas auction at Mandalay Bay,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Our docket is filling up with many spectacular vehicles and we’re excited to showcase our event with 24 hours of live coverage on Discovery and Velocity across the three days.”

1979 Porsche 930 Turbo

1979 Porsche 930 Turbo

1979 Porsche 930 Turbo

1979 Porsche 930 Turbo

Highlighting the exciting docket of vehicles set to cross the block in Las Vegas is a 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo. One of only 806 sold in the U.S during the 1979 model year, this Metallic Silver over optional black sport interior has zero rust and only 38,465 miles.

Guests will also a get a chance to bid on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL.

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

The classic luxury convertible is powered by a 1.9-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with upgraded Weber carburetors attached to a 4-speed manual transmission.

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL

The last of the great American muscle cars will also be well represented with a 1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty.

1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty

1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty

Only 212 of the 943 that were produced for the 1974 model year were equipped with the Pontiac 455 Super Duty engine and 4-speed transmission, and this is one of them. With less than 9,500 actual miles, this three-owner car features a copy of the Pontiac Division Build Sheet, original owner’s manual, warranty booklet, copy of the Window Sticker from Pontiac Historical Services and a copy of the original title from the owner dated August 1974.

1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty

1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty

“We’ve ramped up our Las Vegas auction with a fantastic group of vehicles,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The breadth of our docket this year includes something for first-time bidders, as well as seasoned collectors. I’m confident this year’s Las Vegas auction will be a highlight in the collector car hobby.”

1965 Chevrolet Nova SS “Dobbertin’s” Custom

1965 Chevrolet Nova SS “Dobbertin’s” Custom

A 1965 Chevrolet Nova SS “Dobbertin’s” Custom is, without question, one of the most significant and important custom cars ever built. To this day it remains a benchmark for innovation and excellence among hot rod enthusiasts. Builder Rick Dobbertin devoted more than 3,000 hours over the course of 3 years to create this legendary performance vehicle.

1965 Chevrolet Nova SS “Dobbertin’s” Custom

1965 Chevrolet Nova SS “Dobbertin’s” Custom

This famous custom Nova features a BDS 6-71 supercharger, an 8-port nitrous oxide system, a 454cid LS7 V8, Holley 750cfm carbs, twin radiators, B&M Comp Turbo 400, DANA 60 rear end, JFZ rear brakes, full roll cage and a Deist Flame Out fire suppression system.

Kicking off the week will be the 8th Annual Las Vegas Cruise-In at Gaudin Ford (6625 Roy Horn Way – Las Vegas, NV 89118) onSaturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For spectators, the event is free and open to the public. To participate, registration is $20 per vehicle with all proceeds benefiting Grant a Gift Autism Foundation. All registrants will be considered for one of three Barrett-Jackson Choice Awards, one People’s Choice Award and one of three Gaudin Ford awards, including Best Resto Mod, Best Hot Rod and Best Street Rod. The first 100 registrants will also receive two free tickets to the 8th Annual Las Vegas Auction. To register a vehicle for the Cruise-In, click here.

In addition to the exciting action on the auction block, the 8th Annual Las Vegas Auction encompasses an eclectic collection of vendors and displays as well as the much-anticipated Ride ’N Drives and Thrill Rides presented by Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. The Bidder Preview Day will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and the automobilia auction will kick off Thursday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. A full event schedule, including Discovery and Velocity broadcast times, is available here. Barrett-Jackson will also be hosting a free livestream on www.barrett-jackson.com showcasing all the cars, all the time.

Consignments for the 8th Annual Las Vegas Auction are still being accepted. To consign a vehicle to the Las Vegas auction, click here. For more information on becoming a bidder, follow the link to www.barrett-jackson.com/bid.

Experience the 8th Annual Las Vegas Auction in style with a Barrett-Jackson VIP Experience Package. Information on available packages and how to be a part of this world-class lifestyle event is available here.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions®, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. The company produces auctions in Scottsdale, Arizona; Palm Beach, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada. With broadcast partners Velocity and Discovery Channel, Barrett-Jackson will feature 100 hours of live television coverage, including broadcasts in over 100 countries internationally. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.Barrett-Jackson.com, or call 480-421-6694.

A Hoverboard for the Mechanically Inclined

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Hoverboard MechanicsDesigned by Silicon Valley robotics innovator Robert Bigler the Hoverboard is as much a “board sport” as it is a tech gadget .  The inventors dream was to design personal electric vehicle that would produce the sensation of surfing on land.

The Hoverboard has a single, electrically motorized, 10” diameter wheel in the center of its deck.  The narrow wheel is computer-controlled and driven by as much as 5,000 watts of power to keep the rider balanced while also producing acceleration on-demand. Leaning forward causes the Hoverboard to accelerate, and leaning back causes it to decelerate, or go the other direction.  There are no controls to hold in your hand.  While the computer and power electronics automatically keep the Hoverboard under the rider front-to-back, the riders themselves develop the skill to balance side to side, maneuver and ultimately “carve”.  The experience evolves from hovering, to fully surfing on land.

Specifications:

  • Range: 12 Miles with the Standard Battery, over 20 Miles with Extended Battery
  • Weight: 25 Pounds
  • Charging Time: 16 Minutes with Supercharger or 1 hour with standard charger
  • Top Speed: 20 mph

The Hoverboard is equipped with onboard lighting, speakers to play music, ground-detecting sonar to keep the Hoverboard parallel to the changing ground, and LCD displays for active parameter monitoring while riding.

Programmable Hoverboard

For the Mechanically Inclined

Modular and Serviceable

When designing the Hoverboard, Mr. Bigler remembered simpler times, when people were empowered with the ability to work on their own cars, not just to maintain them, but also to customize and improve them.  He wanted to bring this empowerment back and so made the Hoverboard OPEN.  Tool-handy owners are not only allowed to open their Hoverboards – they are encouraged to do so.  The majority of service and even repair tasks can be conducted by the owners themselves.  This also means that the Hoverboard can be User-Upgraded.  Most often, the first to purchase tech-products have to then watch a rapid succession of improvements to the design quickly render their investment obsolete.  With the Hoverboard, such improved modules can be purchased and installed to keep the original investment always fully current.

User Programmable

To absolutely maximize an owner’s personal connection to the Hoverboard, it has also been made User-Programmable by way of a simple programming language called Hoverscript.  An extension of BASIC, Hoverscript is easily learned by people with no previous programming experience.  This programmability eliminates all boundaries to the owner’s ability to completely personalize their own Hoverboard.

Now, with working prototypes and production-ready designs, Mr. Bigler is going to Kickstarter to find out how many people share his passion. The launch on Kickstarter September 17, 2015 and culminating October 21, 2015, the day Marty McFly, in Back to the Future II, traveled into the future to discover the Hoverboard.

The Kickstarter campaign will reward the first to order with the lowest prices and the earliest delivery times – FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED, starting Sept. 17th.

 

Real World Feedback from a Real Tesla S Owner

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Tesla Reviews from OwnersI recently asked my friends about their Tesla S’s.  My goal was to hear Tesla S owners’ real world experiences to help us make a purchasing decision.  My husband was all ready to purchase the Tesla S with the 60 kWh battery but I, being happy with our Volt and Prius, was reluctant about the purchase.  After reading the below email from an old boss (Robert B.) from Silicon Valley, I not only said “let’s purchase a Tesla S”, but also insisted it be with an 85 kWh battery.  I greatly respect Robert on the this matter.  Not only is he a car enthusiast, but he also has a very strong mechanical and electrical engineering background.  If you or your spouse are on the fence about buying one, I suggest that you read his email below.

—-His Letter—-

Hi Joanna!  It’s been sooo long…  P….. told me you guys are considering a Tesla and asked that I write to you about our experience.

We got one of the earliest “S” cars, the same as the ones they are shipping now, although the ones available now are even more advanced.  I have to tell you that a Tesla S is not a car, it is a portal to another dimension.  What sets it apart are two basically transformed experiences, both the Driving Experience as well as the Ownership Experience.

Driving it is like owning a Star Trek Space Shuttle.  Instant and yet silent torque just sweeping you away at rates you cannot fathom.  Instead of having an “Accelerator” pedal, you have a “Velocitator” pedal.  What ever angle you have the pedal, you are going that speed, instantaneously.  It is crazy-fun.

The Ownership experience is just as groundbreaking.  Owning a Tesla is like belonging to a country-club.  The dealership falls all over themselves to take care of you.  I had a couple of major things go wrong and this is what happened:

  1.  I was backing out of our driveway and didn’t see that the adjacent car had its front wheels turned-out.  Going pretty fast, I caught the inside edge of the front bumper assembly on the tire of P…..’s car and stripped off, basically, the whole front-end.  I stuck it back on the best I could and brought it in expecting them to tell me how many thousands of dollars in damage I did.  They took a quick look at it and said “All you did is bust a bunch of penny-fasteners.  We will have it put back together in 10 minutes – no charge”.  They just want to delight.
  2. I spilled battery acid on the back carpet.  I have wrecked car carpet before and it costs thousands to repair.  They quoted me something like $600.  I said “fine” and when I went to pick it up, the bill was $125.  I asked them why and they said they figured out a cheaper way to do it!

Now compare that to the dealership experience of any of our other gas cars.  We never leave the dealership without feeling totally raped.  I believe the difference is that the Tesla dealer is not independent.  They are just an office of the factory and want most to make their customers so happy they tell all their friends (…as you can see – it is working)

I know you have a family now so it also has to be pointed out that the Tesla got the highest safety-rating of any car, basically perfect scores in all categories.  Then there is the unprecedented roominess.  The back seats fold down and reveal a space plenty big enough to put a mountain-bike, without even taking off the wheels.  Then there is a compartment below that, and a full “Fronk” – a front trunk with a ton more space – amazing.

Finally, one has to consider what would make an “S” lose value?  It has no engine to count the miles on.  It will never lose compression.  The interior with its 17″ monitor and exterior design are basically 10 years ahead of everybody else, so what is going to age?  Even the body can’t rust out from under you because it is all Aluminum!  The battery can be replaced in 2 minutes and they will probably have an even more amazing one you’d want to buy before the original one wears out.  Ilon Musk is creating a market for used Tesla batteries also.  Remember, a “warn-out” Lithium Ion battery is still extremely valuable for stationary power applications.  I expect we will get some trade-in value when that day finally comes.  So what is the true cost of a car that doesn’t age?

If you decide to get one, be absolutely sure to get the “big” battery, the 85kW.  That opens you up to cross-country driving and the use of Tesla’s free network of SuperChargers.  It is a blast to use the SuperChargers as they are located in great places with lots of stuff to do/eat/shop, and it only takes 20 minutes to finish and drive another couple hundred miles.

There are three models with the 85kW battery, the low-end, with just weak 2-wheel drive, the middle, with two more wheels of (weak) drive, together making it super-fast, and then the crazy-fast one where the rear wheels have the upgraded motor.  This one has a button called “Insane Mode”.  I hope to trade up to that some day.

I recommend you get the smaller wheels, less wheel-more tire.  The big wheels with the super low-profile tires are just expensive and I believe may be a harder ride.

A Tesla S transforms every trip into enjoying the journey as much or more than the destination.  I sincerely hope you make the leap and can absolutely guarantee NO buyer’s remorse.  You will shutter to think you almost didn’t get it.

The other end of the spectrum is a used Leaf for ~$14k if you just want to commute to work electric.  I wouldn’t pay a penny more for any other electric car because the true value is strangled by the severely limited range and absence of a super-charger network.  A used Leaf or an 85kW Tesla are the only rational EV choices.

I believe there are rebates on a new EV, but don’t have current status of those.

Sorry for the Novel.  I just get so excited!  I sincerely hope you take the plunge.

Take Care!  -Robert B

 
Tesla Reviews from Owners
Tesla Reviews from Owners
Car Advice