Cordless 1/2" Impact and AAA Road Service

February 03, 2011, 08:27:45 pm

We were on our way to Quartzite when we got a sad call that my ex-father in law had passed away. We had sailed a couple of oceans together in a 41' ketch so I could not excuse myself from his service. Pulling into the church parking lot, I heard a tell tail whistle of escaping air (outside right rear). After the service, I was in no mood (and had a suit on) to put on the spare so I called AAA for road service. Under AAA Premier membership, RVs are covered for road service and towing for just a little more than standard service with no "up front" fees for towing or any other service, just give the tow driver the card.

What surprised even me was when the driver pulled out a small plastic case with a cordless 1/2" impact not much bigger than a contractor's cordless drill. I almost laughed until he had the first lug nut off in just a couple of seconds. No straining or waiting, it spun all off like they never had been tightened. He used the same battery to install the spare and then a fresh battery to finish tightening. The total time was less than 10 minutes. He laughed at my surprise and said most bus/semi drivers are equally taken back.

Now for the down side. The list is approx. $550 for the Snap-On with a Milwaukee with the same torque discounted to a street price of $450. A modern double hammer 1/2" HD air impact costs around $100 discounted and will run off of a quick connect to the Foretravel's existing air tank. 110 psi from the engine's compressor should be enough to remove the most stubborn nut with a T handle and long pipe carried just to give piece of mind.

I carry a small contractor's compressor (125 psi), good sized air tank, LD air hose and a 1 inch impact (overkill) as well as a spare wheel/tire in the compartment. This compressor setup had previously gotten me some heat as unworkable on this forum. Works great for me!

Here is the Snap-On site: Snap-on Tools

Our motorhome insurance does cover service and towing and is a great backup but AAA has always worked well for me.

I was lucky in the fact that I was stopped so there was no body damage. A tire coming apart at freeway speeds can do a lot of damage in seconds. From what I have seen, much of the body of the U300 is made from fiberglas mat (high starch) not the much higher strength cloth and won't stand up to much punishment so at the first sign of a low tire, change or repair it. This is my third RV flat, all on low mileage tires.

Sorry to have missed everyone in Quartzite.

Pierce & Gaylie
93' U300/36

Re: Cordless 1/2" Impact and AAA Road Service

Reply #1 – February 03, 2011, 09:09:11 pm

That impact wrench sure sounds interesting. Also the AAA comment. I'll have to check that out. We missed you but understand your obligations.

Re: Cordless 1/2" Impact and AAA Road Service

Reply #2 – February 03, 2011, 09:43:26 pm

Pierce,

My condolences on your father in law. All the oldsters are now gone from both sides of my family and I miss them all.

One Q if you don't mind. What tires are you running?

Chuck

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