Driving over a RR crossing at 50 MPH (caught some air)

I was cruising down a county road in Georgia, the kind lined with scrubby trees and just enough cell service to stream a crackly playlist. The sky was a blue so wide it looked like it had no ceiling, and my Toyota 4Runner hummed steadily along at about 50 miles per hour—just fast enough to feel free, but not fast enough to get a ticket. Or so I thought.

I had never driven this route before, and I missed the "rough crossing" on the railroad crossing sign.

You know the one—uneven, sun-warped, no real warning signs, and no real effort by the county to smooth it out. Just wood, rusted rails, and a sudden rise that, at 50MPH, becomes a ramp straight into the sky.

By the time I saw the familiar jagged lines on the horizon, it was too late to slow down. My foot twitched toward the brake, but instinct said, “Nope. Too risky. Ride it out.”

And ride it out we did.

The 4Runner hit the first bump like a boulder had sprouted in the asphalt. The front end bounced skyward, tires momentarily weightless. The suspension squealed but held. My stomach dropped in that half-second of lift-off—and for a terrifying blink, I was just a guy in a flying SUV wondering if gravity was about to ruin his afternoon.

Then—slam. The tires reconnected with the earth like they were mad at it. Everything shook. The change in my cupholder leapt out like it was trying to escape. My sunglasses flew off the dash. The seatbelt yanked tight. The 2 dogs in the 2nd row were like astronauts in space with zero gravity. But worst of all, the wife was in the passenger seat working on her laptop.

But the 4Runner kept going.

No spinout. No crash. Not even a check engine light. No broken shocks or mounts. My raptor lights even stayed lit.

Just me, gripping the wheel, laughing like a man who narrowly avoided starring in a dashcam fail video.

I rolled on, adrenaline humming louder than the engine, thinking: “Well… I won’t forget that crossing again.”

This story is true but made longer by chat gpt. I added a few more things to the story. But, definitely hit this crossing way too fast and am glad my suspension withstood this impact. Bilstein 6112/5100 rear with extended bump stops front and rear. This could have ended really bad. I am thankful our Angels were with us.

 

After the second paragraph i knew it had to be ChatGPT but, it was a decent read.

 

What gi es it away

Can't trust anything these days

 

Pro tip: Let off the gas just before the rear tires catch air to minimize drive line shock.

 

Great short story. I had similar experience but on purpose and at night. Had perfect landing, nothing but smooth air after departure until the sweat sound of two different sets of wheels touching down. This was in my 75 Chevy short bed with LT1 engine, she though she was a plane for what felt like a least a few seconds. This was many moons ago, right out of high school. Always seem to have my best landings at night!

 

We had a crossing in Chandler, AZ we used to go over in my 71 Blazer with 35's. Not a lot of air but all 4 tires a couple inches off the ground. This was way back in the day, too.

 

Glad you, your wife, dogs and T4R are good. This story reminded me of when I totaled my 2014 after hitting a 20” industrial utility pole after a hurricane on my way to work @3AM one morning!
Skid plate and 6112’s probably saved me from broken legs……..
Notice T4R in the background of the top photo. That’s where she stopped.