Newbie here! Anyone experience chassis, frame, house walls/roof twisted after a collision? 40' Class A diesel pusher (Popular brand name chassis withheld for now) collided with guard rail @ approx 55 mph after LF tire blew out. No injuries... Significant damage to LF of cap & structure supports, slide flanges, etc., tore up all compartment doors and supports on entire drivers side. Also tail pipe almost wrenched off. Exhaust manifold concerns... Cannot post photos at this time.Very concerned about "twisting" because interior shows stress. Cabinet doors misaligned, creases in forward ceiling/headliner, wall panels, headers, valances all the way back to BR.Where is there an "all inclusive" reputable collision repair shop in CENTRAL FL, w/proper frame analysis equip AND able to repair/replace interior components? Called a few of well known spots but none of them seem to be able to handle estimating EVERYTHING.I would really appreciate serious advice only. Thank you all very much.

Sounds like a total lost, your insurance company should handle this..

One of the largest in the country.. http://www.abc-companies.com/bus-service-facilities/bus-repair-and-bus-service-orlando.asp

Totaled. I wouldn't keep it from your description.

What did your insurance company say? Do they have a preferred repair place?I had a blowout and my coach had to go to Workhorse for some of the repairs and then towed to a RV dealer for some of the other damage. Insurance (CSAA AAA) covered it all.

Sounds like something (twisting, doors out of alignment etc., etc) you should get rid of. The FRAME is probably OK, but the motorhome (coach) part will most likely never be the same. Fiberglass and wood/aluminum framing just arn't that strong.g'luck whatever you choose to do.

Chassis/Walls/Roof Twisted after Collision on Class A MH?

12 Replies

Schooner_Bar
Explorer
Jul 04, 2014
Thanks for all of the input. Probably gonna' take a while to resolve. Will post the outcome down the road! Be safe!
Daveinet
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
Assuming the RV is stored right now, is it protected from rain? Tweaked structure will likely cause it to be prone to leaks. If there is an expectation of it being rebuilt, I would have a big concern about water damage while it is being stored. You may get an estimate for the repairs, but by the time one gets around to fixing it, there will likely be new damage unless it is covered up.

And on that note, that would be my biggest concern with a repair. Rivets that are used to hold stuff together get stretched and no longer keep things tight. RV structure is designed to be put together once and never be taken apart. This makes it impossible to asses interior structure, and prove it is still OK.
Donna_and_Rob
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
I would try to find one like it in a salvage yard with maybe a blown motor but with a good chassis and transfer all the good stuff from the wrecked one, That is if you like it that much. With a damaged chassis you will always have problems with tire wear and with the cost of them suckers these days, I wouldn't want that. JMHO Rob
tonyandkaren
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
We were rear-ended by a loaded dump truck. It pushed the motorhome box of our class C forward hard enough to dent the truck cab before rebounding. The water lines were pulled out of the pump so water everywhere. Minimal damage inside and we could still drive it but the roof had a distinct ripple and the frame was definitely twisted.

Fortunately we had replacement coverage so our insurance company paid out and sold our motorhome to a salvage company. Good luck - let us know how it goes.
Hjudge49
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
I believe Allaiance Coach in Wildwood has a comprehensive collision repair service, but I agree that you might be looking at a total loss. You insurance carrier will be able to assess the coach.
Wrong_Lane
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
Glad to hear no-one was hurt.

Call your insurer if you haven't already.

The state or county is going to want you or your insurer to pay for the guard rail damage, a possible charge for a lane closure on the highway, clean-up of debris, etc.

You might as well claim the damage to your rig as well. With most insurers an at fault accident is counted against your record when you report it and it makes no difference if they pay the Third Party damage and your collision damage or just the Third Party damage alone. An accident is an accident.
noteven
Explorer III
Jul 03, 2014
Damage assessment will require a laser...
jerseyjim
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
Sounds like something (twisting, doors out of alignment etc., etc) you should get rid of. The FRAME is probably OK, but the motorhome (coach) part will most likely never be the same. Fiberglass and wood/aluminum framing just arn't that strong.

g'luck whatever you choose to do.
ArchHoagland
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
What did your insurance company say?

Do they have a preferred repair place?

I had a blowout and my coach had to go to Workhorse for some of the repairs and then towed to a RV dealer for some of the other damage.

Insurance (CSAA AAA) covered it all.
Rollnhome
Explorer
Jul 03, 2014
Totaled. I wouldn't keep it from your description.