Bent frame

[scotty46]

Back of travel trailer was hit by a falling tree during storm. Bent back 4-5 feet of trailer on one side. The "box" is fine, just frame. Repair shop said they could cut out bad part and weld in a replacement. Is this something someone else has experienced. Does it work in the long run. I am a little cautious that this really works. Opinions?

[BurbMan]

Scotty, welding the frame is easy...the problem is that the box sits tight to the frame when it's done. If the box were "close" to the frame you could shield it from the heat, but there is no way to weld the frame right up to the underside of the box without catching the box on fire. Unless you didn't weld the frame seam on the top, and who wants a repair like that?

The box has to come off of the frame for the repair to be done correctly, and the ins co is likely to total it based on the cost of doing that. I wouldn't trust any frame shop that said they could repair the frame right with the box still in place. My $.02.

[scotty46]

Thanks for all the input.

[CavemanCharlie]

GrandpaKip wrote:
You asked for opinions and you sure got ‘em.
Here’s another.
I would try to get at least 3 professional estimates before committing to anything.
It’s a whole ‘nother thing if you aren’t going to be comfortable with a repair.
Also, how much do like it? I looked for almost a year to find ours and have modded it to our pleasure. I would really hate to have to replace it.
Hopefully all will work out for you.

Agreed. My TT is start to get a little "Long In The Tooth" but, I can't find a new one that fits my need as well. If he loves his TT and the reputable frame shop says that they can fix it then give it a try.

I had a car once where they straighten the frame after a accident and I drove it for years, no problem. If they can do that they can do a TT.

[GrandpaKip]

You asked for opinions and you sure got ‘em.
Here’s another.
I would try to get at least 3 professional estimates before committing to anything.
It’s a whole ‘nother thing if you aren’t going to be comfortable with a repair.
Also, how much do like it? I looked for almost a year to find ours and have modded it to our pleasure. I would really hate to have to replace it.
Hopefully all will work out for you.

[Edd505]

Bent frame = totaled. Collect the insurance and start looking for a replacement.

[Mike134]

Sometimes asking for forum opinions is the same as asking at the local bar just before closing time.

[Newbieatcamping]

Unless this camper has some serious sentimental value....I wouldn’t want the hassle of dealing with a bent frame. It’d drive me up a wall worrying if it were done right. I’d take the check and start shopping for a new one. But to each their own

[dodge_guy]

bucky wrote:
Only because it wasn't mentioned. Sorry, but that thing is toast.
Hopefully your insurance co will do you right, but it's not like we can go anywhere right now anyway.
If you are thinking of buying it back at the right price it could make a nice playhouse or storage shed if your zoning allows it.

Did you see pictures we didn't see?

[bucky]

Only because it wasn't mentioned. Sorry, but that thing is toast.
Hopefully your insurance co will do you right, but it's not like we can go anywhere right now anyway.
If you are thinking of buying it back at the right price it could make a nice playhouse or storage shed if your zoning allows it.

[Grit_dog]

To attempt to provide an opinion that is germane to your question, would have to see the damage.
In general, I would be far more inclined to straighten what's there and then reinforce it, than cut and replace, but hard to tell without seeing it.
As mentioned, be wary of any other damage, hidden or otherwise, that this may have done before

[Grit_dog]

Newbieatcamping wrote:
Due to the fact they haven’t contacted a insurance company yet.....I’m doubting the camper was insured

Wow, a NGOF (new grumpy old fart) in the group! Welcome aboard!

[scotty46]

The camper was insured. I don't know why you assume it wasn't. Appraisals are slow right now due to the widespread nature of the storm. I was just wanting to get opinions about reliability of options.

[Tripalot]

Newbieatcamping wrote:
Due to the fact they haven’t contacted a insurance company yet.....I’m doubting the camper was insured

X2

[Newbieatcamping]

Due to the fact they haven’t contacted a insurance company yet.....I’m doubting the camper was insured