install new front cap

[Rollnhome]

A pick up coming South as I was going North at about 55MPH decided to turn left in front of me. The out come was not good. Best thing no one hurt. Totaled his truck. I went over his hood and was on two wheels. I thought I was going over. Any way Freightliner checked me out no frame damage. Everything mechanical except steering linkage looks good. Lots of fiberglass destroyed. Question is....who or what type of a shop would you consider to replace the front cap?

[I_am_still_wayn]

It appears that perhaps just the lower part of the cap needs repair. I would opt for that if possible.

[tatest]

I would consider going back to the factory service center for a rebuild. They are most likely to have a replacement cap, and other parts damaged, or at least still have the molds to make a new one.

That is, if the manufacturer is still in business, keeps molds, and has a factory service center.

[wny_pat1]

Best to let your insurance handle it. His insurance doesn't give a darn about you! And your insurance can always go after hos.

[Daveinet]

That damage doe not look bad. With the obvious slice in the cap, I would want to leave the top half in place and just have that patched. Assuming the glass and mounting is not tweaked, I think disturbing the top section would be far worse than the minor repair on the one side. I would only have the bottom section replaced. You may want to look for a place that works on boats, as they may have better experience working with fiberglass.

[BobR]

That doesn't look bad. Years ago, I was hit by a semi tractor while parked in storage and had similar damage. I sent pictures of the damage to Winnebago and made an appointment to have them repair. They had the parts reserved for me and repaired in two days. Could never tell the front clip was damaged. Driving to the factory for repair worked well for me!

[past-MIdirector]

I've seen a lot worse at the Collision Center at Camping Worlds where the whole cap and windshields were damaged. As long as the parts are available and no frame damage they fixed a friends Coachman lower cap, paint, and windshield in a couple of weeks once they got the parts! The biggest thing is waiting for parts to be made/shipped, can sometimes be weeks!

[RayChez]

Dale.Traveling wrote:

Rockrash wrote:
I believe I would ask for a total loss and get a new ride.

Insurance may just do such. You may get lucky and Fleetwood still has the forms to make the needed body parts. The labor to replace is extensive and at $100 an hour will add up very quickly. There are a few RV salvage yards that a repair service might be able to find a used replacement rather than new as a second option.

I would give Fleetwood a call and see if they have any recommendations for a service center and also check on availability of replacement body parts while you have them on the phone. Also I wouldn't plan any spring and maybe even summer road trips.

The engine with transmission alone would be worth the 30K.

[Sully2]

I thought you said it was bad? A top notch body repairman at a good RV dealer can fix that. Labor will be outrageous...but what do you care?

[Rollnhome]

Good advice thank you all. My insurance company is taking care of me fairly well. Roadside service towed us 40 miles to RV park that night. I drove a couple of blocks to alignment shop then 40 miles to tire shop and back to RV park. Insurance company decided it would not be safe to drive. So requested to be transported to Freightliner in Tollenson for a complete check up. That was about a 200+ mile tow both tows picked up by emegercy road service at no cost to me. So far insurance has been great to work with. They said they will deal with other parties insurance carrier.

[Rollnhome]

Motorhome

This is best picture I can get. I don't think a total is necessary. We stayed in it for a week and drove it about 50 miles. Everything works fine. Like I said frame is straight, some steering linkage bent. Mostly cosmetic damage.
My concern is front cap seal and window seal. Freightliner in Tollenson Az is doing the chassis work. They have a body shop, just not sure of their knowledge of motorhome rebuilding skills.

[tderonne]

Anything is possible

[rgatijnet1]

Wait until HIS insurance company gets in touch with you before you spend too much time trying to find parts, etc. That is the job of his insurance company, assuming he is the one that is at fault and charged.
If it gets to that point when they ask what you would like to do, remind them of the diminished value of a repaired vehicle with CarFax damage.
Just be polite and firm in your demands to be compensated to exactly where you were before the accident. You may also remind them of the additional expenses you incurred because of the accident and the lost time you will have from travels until you have an RV again. Give some real world numbers etc.
Do not threaten any legal action at all. If the man's insurance company will not work with you to your satisfaction, then you contact your insurance company to pressure them on your behalf.

[Dale_Traveling]

Rockrash wrote:
I believe I would ask for a total loss and get a new ride.

Insurance may just do such. You may get lucky and Fleetwood still has the forms to make the needed body parts. The labor to replace is extensive and at $100 an hour will add up very quickly. There are a few RV salvage yards that a repair service might be able to find a used replacement rather than new as a second option.

I would give Fleetwood a call and see if they have any recommendations for a service center and also check on availability of replacement body parts while you have them on the phone. Also I wouldn't plan any spring and maybe even summer road trips.

[Ivylog]

Rockrash wrote:
I believe I would ask for a total loss and get a new ride.

X2 as something like this 08 with a value of $155K is a total loss. It will probably sell for less than $30K at an insurance auction.

[Rockrash]

I believe I would ask for a total loss and get a new ride.