Managed to screw up new camper

[PamfromVA]

Our driveway is very steep. When we returned home yesterday, the truck hit the fifth wheel making that turn and damaged the camper. We are thinking about gluing something over this until we can take the camper back to the factory for repair. Any ideas or advice?



Here's the driveway:


Also, this is our first fifth wheel but we are assuming we can adjust these bolts to raise the camper to give us a little more clearance on this turn:



thanks, Pam

[rhagfo]

SteveB wrote:

Dave H M wrote:
duct or gorilla tape would do it for me.

+1
Mine is scuffed up from the PO. Raise it. Check the level hitched. Make more adjustments. Enjoy using your new camper. You did not say how much clearance on level ground but you should have 6+ inches.

X2 For the temp fix.

If it were mine and New, new, I would get the panel replaced. If like my 5er that panel is width of the nose, and about 4' long.

For more clearance drop the pin box down the one set of holes, then maybe raise the hitch one set.

Then find a level place to see how out of level you are and go from there.

[ACZL]

PamfromVA wrote:
I finally calmed down enough to think this through 🙂 We live near Smith Mountain Lake and I found someone who repairs boats. They are comong out next week to look at the damage. And about camping on the property, we have 55 acres with our house and garage and it is set up for three friends to bring their campers when they visit. One of the spots will be used this weekend. This is our retirement home and we realize we are very fortunate. thanks all.

Myself and many others want to know if we can be your friends too and camp at your home 20?

BEAUTIFUL view!!!

[BB_TX]

jwireman89 wrote:
Eternabond to keep moisture and insects out.

Yep. Basically a permanent fix. And considering the location, not really something that will be very visible.

[PamfromVA]

I finally calmed down enough to think this through 🙂 We live near Smith Mountain Lake and I found someone who repairs boats. They are comong out next week to look at the damage. And about camping on the property, we have 55 acres with our house and garage and it is set up for three friends to bring their campers when they visit. One of the spots will be used this weekend. This is our retirement home and we realize we are very fortunate. thanks all.

[2_many_2]

Their fix was to screw a giant piece of aluminum diamond plate over it (rounded and fit, of course). Got to say that it actually looks pretty good.

X2 I would just glue it on, no screws.

[JIMNLIN]

If the factory is doing the repair I would give them a 1-800 and find out what they suggest as a temp repair until then.
You don't want to use a product that makes the repair harder.

[jwireman89]

Eternabond to keep moisture and insects out.

[SteveB]

Dave H M wrote:
duct or gorilla tape would do it for me.

+1
Mine is scuffed up from the PO. Raise it. Check the level hitched. Make more adjustments. Enjoy using your new camper. You did not say how much clearance on level ground but you should have 6+ inches.

[Dave_H_M]

duct or gorilla tape would do it for me.

[waltbennett]

I've had ours rub on an occasion or two, but (so far!) never damaged the trailer. Before raising anything, find a level parking lot or something and see if the whole rig is level to begin with. Raising your pin that one hole will give you only an inch or so (which may be enough). Raising your hitch will also give you some, but I wouldn't go any further than you need unless you can flip your axles so they're under the springs & raise the whole trailer some.

[WTP-GC]

Chances are I'd live with that little but of damage. I know its new and you don't want to have to deal with something like this right off the bat (like scratching a new car), but hey, it'll pale in comparison to what the damage of a blown tire or piece of road debris can cause. Unless it can be fixed for free or without inconvenience, I'd leave it alone.

The previous owner of our 5er hit the front hatch door (beneath the nose) with something and knocked a hole in it. Their fix was to screw a giant piece of aluminum diamond plate over it (rounded and fit, of course). Got to say that it actually looks pretty good.

[brdprey]

garyp4951 wrote:
That is a beautiful driveway, and sorry about your camper, but the pin box looks like it can only be lowered one bolt hole. You might have to raise your hitch in the truck just a little.

yea im with you that is a sexy view. hell i would camp in that drive way

[garyp4951]

That is a beautiful driveway, and sorry about your camper, but the pin box looks like it can only be lowered one bolt hole. You might have to raise your hitch in the truck just a little.

[bpounds]

From the damage I can see, it should be an easy repair. I don't see a need for a temporary patch.

More important, need to make sure it cannot happen again. When you are hitched up to the truck, how much clearance is there between the bed rails and bottom of the camper? Conventional wisdom says you should have at least 6". Mine has about 7". Now you know why first hand. Yes, you can adjust that pinbox lower to improve the clearance. Question then is, how far out of level will the camper be when towing? A little high in front is okay, but you want to be fairly level when towing.

Your driveway does not appear to be all that steep. You will see that sort of terrain at any given time.