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2_many_2's avatar
2_many_2
Explorer III
Jan 19, 2016

Tow Vehicle Rear Ended, Need Frame Advice

I was stopped at a red light when my 2008 F150 was rear ended. The hitch took most of the impact, the body shop is replacing the tailgate, bumper and factory hitch.

My concern is the hitch receiver is bent down about 5 degrees, it used to be straight / level. The welded brackets on the rear of the frame, that the hitch bolts to, will have to be straightened a little bit.

After I get it back from repair and hook up my 900 pound tongue weight with WD, will it just bend down again? Or will it be OK?

I have never been rear ended before and never had a frame straightened before. I don't know if I will fully trust it again :E

Thanks

17 Replies

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  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Jan 19, 2016
    He's talking about the frame where the receiver attaches to! They are already replacing the receiver. If the repair is done properly then it will not be an issue! We had an F250 here at the shop and it took us awhile to get any info from Ford. Basically if it pulls back into place it will be fine. If it needs heat it needs to stay under a certain temp. If it needed a frame it would have been totaled! It was a very clean low mileage PSD! The guy leaves his hitch in the receiver to keep people from hitting him! This is why you should never leave a hitch in place!

    Did you by any chance have your hitch in your receiver?
  • soren's avatar
    soren
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2016
    Given the price of a replacement hitch receiver, I can't imagine that any competent shop would want to waste the time, and assume the liability of repairing a damaged one. I would also want to be assured that the frame is still dead straight, and within factory specs. I would find it hard to believe that you have an undamaged frame at this point.
  • PAThwacker's avatar
    PAThwacker
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2016
    My tow vehicle was totaled out after a minor front end fender bender occurred. I had a front hitch with 3 bikes. The front frame rails were slightly bent and derated the truck (totaled)
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Jan 19, 2016
    Agree with replacing.

    The receiver is too important and too cheap to skimp on. Have the company replace it.

    Glad you are okay.

    Thanks!
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer III
    Jan 19, 2016
    I had a case where my cargo trailer was hit when I was stopped. besides repairing the trailer I insisted that the insurance company pay to have the truck reciever replaced due to possible damage.

    They did pay for it to be replaced.

    I'd do the same for your situation, replace, NOT repair.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jan 19, 2016
    I had this happen to me years back F250 it bent the frame .get it in writing, repair company told insurance it could not be fixed , they totaled my truck.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Jan 19, 2016
    Without seeing the damage and the repair we have no way of knowing. The shop doing the work should be able to answer your questions, they have to certify it.

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