Archived Big Wreck in Evanston WY

[EGILLILAND]

Collided with a Jackknifed semi on westbound I-80. Lotso front end damage. Got towed into Evanston WY.



1. Need recommendations for a good shop to fix the front end (sheet metal, hood, fender, radiator, intercooler, transmission cooler etc) Any comments for the local Dodge dealer?



2. Did this while moving cross country with my kids. Also have a 10000# travel trailer (bumper pull) with all my household goods in it, that can't get moved without one of our trucks.



Anyone want to make some money moving my trailer to Lancaster CA? Looks like about 700mi one way.



I'll provide the weight distributing hitch





3. Thankfull I'm not writing this from a hospital bed... . me and kids are all fine. Truck is bad off.



Anyone with some worthwhile inputs for me can reach me at 605-431-2248/my cell. Thanks and God Bless in advance.



Eric

 

[Whitmore]

Eric,



Glad everyone is OK, sorry about the truck that sucks, I spent the first 40 years of my life in Kemmerer 50 miles from you so I know exactly where you are and what it is like there, The local Dodge dealer there is a pretty good guy if it still the same one anyhow, Sounds like to me it would be a great time to up grade to a new truck??? Also in SLC Utah the Hinkley Dodge is a good one so dont feel you are stuck in Evanston, Hinkley is a bigger dealer too. Maybe one of our TDR Utah boys will help you out to get the trailer over parleys and into SLC.



Good Luck, Kevin

 

[Joe Mc]

Eric,



Glad to hear you and your's are all well and unscathed. God was watching over you all.



Sorry to hear about the truck, you could have it repaired. However, it's been my experience (& MHO) that no matter how good the job - they're never quite right after-wards. You might want to save yourself the mental anguish and memories for your family every-time you all pile in. Like Kevin said it may be a good time to evaluate the need to up grade to a newer rig.



Good luck getting the move finished - wish I was closer to help out - I'm sure someone will chip in out there.



Best regards,



Joe Mc

 

[Whitmore]

OK guys lets help Eric and family out here, someone from the SLC area hop over the hill and atleast get him over the pass, Tow the trailer over and maybe he can look at some new trucks so he can evaluate what he has right now. Hopefully Eric will chime in here and let us know how things are at this point.

 

[TPCDrafting]

Eric, My wife and I are headed over to SLC next Saturday, the 29th. We're going to some hot water lake in a cave to do our open water cert. for scuba diving. Anyhow, I'd have to pry the car keys out of the wifes hands to switch out for truck keys, but she'd be up for a deed. I know that's likely a week later than you need, but if your still stuck there, let me know. Glad to hear everyone is ok.

 

[SMorneau]

Check out Eric's signature:



97K2500, 4x4 , auto

Homemade Psycotty air

p285BFG ATs/Edelbrock IAS/Rancho9K

banks pyro/boost/transmission temp

jardine 4" system 3kGSK

tst #6 plate ATS stage IV transmission...

Mag Hytech pan KDP a mort





I think you mean downgrade to a new truck!



Eric, no matter what happens you are very lucky that no one was hurt. Just remember keep reminding yourself of that.



Good luck,

Scott

 

[TPCDrafting]

Eric, you might also check the TDR Travel Companion. I just looked at my hard copy and there are 2 members in SLC. There aren't any listed in Evanston. I can recommend the Best Western and there's a Mexican resteraunt down on the main drag through town that's pretty good as well. Don't know anything about the dealerships over there.



If you need, I can post the ph. numbers in SLC. or just click on the travel companion button above.

 

[illflem]

You have a PM with connections to a non TDR member in SLC that will tow for you

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Hey, Scott. . . ouch

New truck isn't necessarily a downgrade

I got one of each; both have their good points.

With the TST#6, he should have 250 hp. The new HO dyno's about 280. Towing 10K pounds you will come to really appreciate the 6 speed's close ratios.

And the 4 doors

And especially the BRAKES. Way better on my '04. As I was trying to decide whether to buy it, I thought "if the big brakes on the '04 save me from just one accident, it is worth it. " [I'm not trying to imply anything here about this accident]



If I could only get the 12-valve MO [maximum output] on the 2004 Oo.

 

[Gene Arnold]

Eric--



In the "Killer Dowel Pin Shop Listings" is an Evanston name and number. I hope I'm not doing a no-no to list it here but since it appears in the 12 Valve Engin Forum I think I'm OK.



He is listed as--Brian Ward Evanston, WY (307) 789-3583



Perhaps he can give you a heads up on who to trust in Evanston.

 

[EGILLILAND]

West Bound...Again

Hey guys, thanks for all the calls and well wishes. I’m sorta back on the road. We found a family business in Evanston, Ron and Roy Lester. They deliver RV’s for a living and have arranged to put my truck up on a flat bed and tow my trailer all the way to my new home in Lancaster CA. The price was right (which I hope to stick to my insurance company real soon).



Now I just need to find a shop in the Lancaster/Palmdale area of CA to rebuild my baby. I’ll post a picture of the damage tonight.



Take care everyone,



Eric aka Gill

 

[catoiler]

Eric,Sent you a PM.





Mike