1 month old TT totaled?

[protel]

I screwed up my holiday.First TT and only 1 month old.  Was trying to pull my TT from storage to home and prepare for the long weekend. Since it's only a 10min local drive, as usual I didn't bother setting up the WD. When I made a left turn, after waiting for a through vehicle I noticed the light turned yellow so I tried to speed up while turning, and in the end the TT rolled over. Lesson learned...

The damages are all on the passenger side which landed on the curb, I noticed the following damage so far:
1: A 20 inch crack on the top left of the fiberglass side wall, it also comes with a dent into the inside shower area.
2: Power awning totally crashed, which actually protect most of the all and window glass from worse damages
3: Lots of scratches along the bottom edge, especially corners
4: power jack and propane case
5: two front stabilizer

The insurance company GEICO will do the inspection in a few days, but when I talked to the adjuster he mentioned to me that for rollover cases like this they usually handle it with total loss. I did purchase RV insurance, but when I asked them about the detailed policy, they were not sure what kind of coverage I really have for total loss. Seems to me they leave some flexibility for themself. One representative told me most likely I only did the regulator policy and won't  have the total loss replacement option.

My questions:1. Is it really that bad to total the RV, other than the body, should I expect some fundamental frame damage from this kind of accident?2. How much would it cost to seal the crack if I don't mind it doesn't look as nice3. If the insurance really totaled my TT, should I try to dispute and how?4. I kind of prefer they total it and I brought it back, after all the damage doesn't seem that bad to me, safety and function wise I guess. Also I assume the repair will take quite long and my whole summer will be screwed. So is it a good idea to buy it back?

[tomman58]

allen8106 wrote:
Accidents/incidents happen for four reasons, Rushing, Frustration, Fatigue and Complacency. Unfortunately you got bit by one of them. Sorry for your loss.

ADD wind, weather, bad luck and no respect by other drivers. My history of rving is similar to this poster.... been there done that many times.

[allen8106]

Accidents/incidents happen for four reasons, Rushing, Frustration, Fatigue and Complacency. Unfortunately you got bit by one of them. Sorry for your loss.

[Atlee]

Agree with the others. Take the money and buy a new one. You have learned a valuable lesson, and fortunately didn't cause you physical pain. With a trailer or other large RV, every thing is magnified. Longer to get to speed, longer to stop. Easier to roll in a corner. Need longer time to pass. Need more space to change lanes.

Glad no one was hurt.

[Grit_dog]

^Unless of course the OP has stated value or replacement cost or fair market value etc etc.
OP is playing into the hands of the insurance company by not knowing his policy and seems to be blissfully ignorant to figuring that out. “That “ is what’s important and where the money is at now.
Trailer is done....it’s fooked. Gather your belongings out of it and wait for the correct settlement with insurance.
There’s about a 98% chance that the insurance first offer is lower than wha the max allowable by the policy is. Fortunately, some folks haven’t experienced how insurance companies worked nor had the “pleasure “ of negotiating with them.
Unfortunately, some folks haven’t had the experience or gained the knowledge about the importance of contracts and negotiations. And insurance companies LOVE these people!
OP
1. Learn what your policy is good for. Hire someone to interpret it or something, if you need to. Don’t guess.
2. If it’s at all based on replacement, YOU do the legwork. Find comparable new trailers, they exist, and get the TOTAL cost to have one sitting in your driveway.
3. Slow down around the corners! Lol.

[deltabravo]

When towing - never try "speeding up" to beat the traffic or a traffic light.

I'd take the 18,700 and pay off the loan (if there is one) on the broken TT and then start shopping again.

[JRscooby]

Grit dog wrote:

Scooby, you're tracking straight here. But the antagonism sure is strong in the replies you're receiving...

I'm not one for more regs and I already know how to tow a trailer, drive a boat safely, drive a motorcycle well, etc. But there are some genuises among us, that apparently also know how to do these things properly, but can't or won't account for the "least common denominators" out there.
And no I'm not referring to the OP specifically. There are also these things known as mistakes. And people make em, regardless of how "perfect" some people are in theory own minds.

Ever wonder what the population of Lake Woebegone, where all the children are above average is?
I learned about fast acceleration while turning a trailer at about 11 YO when I jerked a wagon load of hay with a Jubilee Ford.
Things about driving and towing seam to come natural to me but I can't ever find what I want to know on the net. If there was any chance of property damage, let alone somebody hurt, I would take classes and a test before I logged on.
Many people do not know how much they don't know about towing. If there was a license requirement many would witch but most would learn.
Of course, hint of more government regulation starts attacks and push back. But the only reason against ever given is "More government regulation". Maybe if it came from insurance companies it would be better. Compare to health care; Talk about Death Panels starts a portion of population foaming at the mouth. The fact that ins. co. make the same kind of decisions every day to protect profit is not even considered.

[Grit_dog]

Bionic Man wrote:
Seriously? Seems like this whole post/thread should be on April 1......

Well done OP!

Not sure who you hang with, but in my circles, folks don't just admit a huge mistake, that they didn't make, just to embarrass themselves needlessly....

[Grit_dog]

JRscooby wrote:

mr_andyj wrote:

JRscooby wrote:
Does anybody think it would be a good idea for there to be some kind of class to take, and test to pass before you can take a trailer out on the streets?

Only socialist, communist, blm and others who want govt intruding completely into their lives.
No, we do not want more licenses and fees and taxes or things listed we cannot do without bb watching over us. dumb!

One of the things I learned in grade school was name calling would never win a argument, but can start a fight.
It might be fun to see what your definitions of terms. But the only part I will address is most posters on this thread are advising the OP to socialize his cost, let all owners or RVs pick up a piece of the cost in our insurance payment.
Is it not 1 of the primary jobs of government to protect the population?

colliehauler wrote:
Heck schools don't even teach drivers ed anymore. I know of people on the forum who have taken a truck driver course for their MDT and 5th wheel.

Yes, some people realize there is a lot that they don't know, and educate themselves. But on a lot of subjects, I don't know enough to ask questions to learn. By OP's description, I bet he has learned that pulling a trailer fit that for him. He is looking at loosing a season of camping, plus his deductible. Bet he, like most would witch about having to pass a test, hind sight he sees that studying for that test might of taught him things he needs to know. At least that uncontrolled trailer did not injure others.

Scooby, you're tracking straight here. But the antagonism sure is strong in the replies you're receiving...

I'm not one for more regs and I already know how to tow a trailer, drive a boat safely, drive a motorcycle well, etc. But there are some genuises among us, that apparently also know how to do these things properly, but can't or won't account for the "least common denominators" out there.
And no I'm not referring to the OP specifically. There are also these things known as mistakes. And people make em, regardless of how "perfect" some people are in theory own minds.

[Grit_dog]

protel wrote:
Thanks everyone for the advise. Now I get it it's unwise to keep it.

I actually start to search new TT online but as 2 month before, there alomost no availbility within 300mi for what I need. I really hate to skip this summber since I've already booked a few trips. Plus we got this TT mainly try to take kid travel during COVID, and NOW is when we really need it.

Again, will be nice you guys can comment
1. Is there major safty concern with this TT
2. If I need to junk in the near future, do I just lost my buy back+ fixing cost or I have to pay more?

There's folks posting about "all" the RVs available in "their" areas.
Granted, some are an unrealistic distance, like the east coast. But their not "all" sold out. Widen your search a bit. Spokane looked like the lots were fairly stocked a month ago when I went through.

Bottom line, find one, who cares if you have to make a road trip. Get your insurance figured out. This is an easy, cut a check for the whatever your policy allows, scenario. And get er done!

Don't even consider buying the old one back...

[Grit_dog]

protel wrote:
Regarding yellow light, I actually entered the intersection right after the light turned green.There was a through vehicle so I waited for it. The green light is kind of short so before long it turned yellow. I don't think I did wrong in that part, it's just I was trying to clear the intersection and speed up, which is actually not necessary and I regret...

Well, these guys are all self proclaimed exspurts and professionals and many of them will look down their hypothetical noses while they bop around at 51mph in the right lane, because they stop towing before afternoon nap time!

[RetiredRealtorR]

philh wrote:
that 20k trailer will cost you 25+ to replace, if you can even find one.

Exactly, and, the purpose of any vehicle insurance is "to put you back in the same financial situation you were in prior to the loss" -- that being said, will $18,700 do the trick? If not (and I think not) ask for an amount that will fulfill the insurers obligation, and don't settle for less.

[Walaby]

If you paid cash for it then you're not in horrible shape, although a replacement will cost you more.

If you financed it, then you probably owe even after they write the check.

Hopefully you paid cash.

Mike

[philh]

that 20k trailer will cost you 25+ to replace, if you can even find one.

[SpeakEasy]

protel wrote:
Update:
Geico claimed TT as total loss. Based on the suggestion from you guys, I consider that good news for me.
My purchase is 20k, they offer $18,700, how does that sound?
My expection is they will replace a new one or the 20k purchase price, since my policy does appear to be premium.

Um, if they are offering $18,700, then that's what they will "give" you when they cut a check. Not $20K, and not a new trailer. Just a check for $18,700 which you will most likely use to shop for a replacement trailer.

If that sounds good to you, then that's the end of the story.

If you want more from them, then sharpen up your negotiating skills. And good luck to you.

When my truck was totaled, the insurance company made me an offer that I wasn't really too thrilled with. It was about 90% of what I eventually spent on a replacement truck. I didn't try to negotiate, because at that point I was tired of riding the emotional roller coaster and just wanted to be done with it.

It's up to you how you proceed at this point. I would think that $18,700 would be sounding pretty good to you right about now.

-Speak