Hit From Behind

[mrtrombley]

Went to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH to see the NHRA Drags over July 4th weekend. On the way home, while coming across I-86 in lower NY we were hit from behind. We were pulling the ToyHauler and a car hit us right in the rear of the trailer. It doesn't look like a lot of damage, but so far the estimate to fix it is at $5600. Ouch! The whole rear door has to be replaced. It was hit so hard that the bottom of the door was creased and bent all the way across. It also has a hole in the fiberglass. In addition the rock guard on the left side is bent and needs to be replaced. I also want the axles checked for alignment. The ToyHauler is still useable, but it will take at least 4 weeks to order and get the parts. Then who knows how long to actually fix it.

The guy who hit us seems to have good insurance, so I'm hoping all will go smoothly. We were doing about 55 in a construction zone when he hit us. He was speeding and talking on his cell phone. The cop said the guy was facing up to $4000 in fines.

Other than that, it was a fun trip!!

 

[HBarlow]

Dick,

Sorry to hear about your accident and trailer damage.

The trailer's sidewall(s) trim are clearly bowed as evidenced in the photo you posted. I wonder if the trailer sidewalls and/or frame are also bent some?

If it were mine I would have the repairs done only by the factory service department. In my case that would be NuWa at Chanute, KS. I don't know if your trailer manufacturer has a factory service department but I recommend you find out and consider asking for travel expenses to return it to the factory. Some local RV dealer will be capable of cosmetic repair ie parts replacement but I would not trust them to perform a 100% repair.

 

[DennyDay]

I'll second Harveys suggestion to take it to Indiana for repairs - - - if the other driver was driving that fast, I beleve you will find more hidden damage that is''t evident in the picture

 

[mrtrombley]

Thanks for the advice guys. So far the RV dealer where I bought it will probably do the repairs. The trim, as you mentioned, is bent but I don't think the fiberglass side panel is damaged. The rear door and the lower panel took most of the impact. The frame looks to have ok but will be checked out.

I am also thinking of trading it for a larger one, that way they will need to fix it right if they want to resell it, and I won't have to worry about it. I still want to get the axle alignment checked, make sure that nothing was knocked out of align.

Wasn't expecting to have to go through this. Hope it works out well.

Looks like it will be at least a month before they can get the parts.

 

[HBarlow]

Dick,

How would the aluminum trim piece which is attached to and the same nominal length as the side panel become bowed if the sidewall or a structural member did not compress, bend, or deflect?

 

[mrtrombley]

Harvey, will certainly need to check that out when all comes apart. I may be wrong, but I don't think the side panel goes all the way back to the actual corner. I believe it is an open area where the wiring snakes up through. Notice in the picture where the bolts are that hold everything together. Will be interesting to see how all is put together when they take it apart. You can bet that I will be there to take a look. Whatever comes about, it will still be up to the other guys insurance to fix it properly. I'm sure my RV outfit will make sure it is done right. After all, I'm sure they will looking for as much as they can legitimately get out of it!