Solaire TT Blew Over in Storm

[miyzfrider]

Came home today to find our Solaire 28QBSS TT over on its side after a pretty substantial thunderstorm came through our area. The trailer is a 2013, so we're pretty discouraged. I don't know that I want to even attempt to fix all that is likely wrong. I can't get into it because the door is on the bottom side. I can see the couch and table let loose and I'm sure crashed into the kitchen cabinets and door on the other side. And I'm sure the frame took a beating in the fall as well.

Any thoughts on how to proceed with the insurance company? I was told an adjuster might come by tomorrow.

First weekend of camping was scheduled this weekend for my son's birthday. 😞

[miyzfrider]

Well, she's back on her axles. The damage on the outside appeared to be minimal. However, when I went in I immediately noticed the buckled ceiling, which is evidenced by the gaps now present above the kitchen cabinets and the wall of the bathroom. I couldn't open the slide, so at this point, the picture is all I could see. On the outside, the steps were toast and the awning of course. Quite a bit of skidding as it obviously slid after it went over from the wind.

I would bet the ceiling and roof alone would cause it to be totaled. I can't imagine that is easily repairable if repairable at all.

It's on its way to the local dealer to be assessed and a quote generated for the insurance company to determine what they'll do.

Here is a video link of the "uprighting" process, which I thought was done very well. While it bounced when it landed, it on the whole was a very controlled process.

http://youtu.be/7GCwTL2XI4E

[CavemanCharlie]

Sorry for your loss. I too would be hart broken. I wouldn't get enough money from my insurance company to replace my TT because it's so old.

The fact that it flipped with the stabilizers down and yet there was no damage to your house probably means it was a freak storm thing. Maybe a micro down burst or something. Hopefully it never happens again.

[hawkeye-08]

Best wishes, hoping this turns out well for you..

[colliehauler]

The only thing that may have helped would be a full tanks, (kind of like a keel on a boat) several hundred pounds down low.

When we had a possibility of high winds I filled my water tank. At over 100 gallons that would add 800 pounds.

[BurbMan]

miyzfrider wrote:
The other thing my son pointed out is that the awning arms go the height of the trailer on the "door" side, which is down. The trailer is flat on the concrete. So obviously those have pushed up into the side, which I'm sure means pretty substantial damage to the laminated side.

From the pic you posted, it looks like it landed mostly on the lawn, so the damage may not be as bad as you suspect. Really no way to tell how bad it is until you get it flipped back over. I'm guessing that either a) it will have surprisingly little damage and be no worse for the wear, or b) it will be totaled. Either way, hope it all it all works out for you.

[GaryWT]

I would be crying for weeks. I hope it all works out for you.

[RollandB]

Scary that your stabilizers were down when you think of all of us sleeping in our rigs. I'm glad it was in your driveway.

[miyzfrider]

CavemanCharlie wrote:
I too was wondering if having the stabilizers down might have helped??

I had all 4 stablizers down and secured. That's why I'm a bit unnerved by it all. I don't think there is anything I could have done differently, other than maybe try to tie it down on all 4 sides.

As far as the process to upright it, I'm hoping to have that done today. Still not sure how they'll do it, at least in a way that doesn't create additional damage. There is really nothing to grab on to on the sides or top. No hooks that a crane or tow truck can use to winch it over. I contacted our local RV dealer (per the insurance company's request) and they put me in touch with a local wrecker company who said they believe they can do it using two trucks, one on either side to balance it as it is turned.

The other thing my son pointed out is that the awning arms go the height of the trailer on the "door" side, which is down. The trailer is flat on the concrete. So obviously those have pushed up into the side, which I'm sure means pretty substantial damage to the laminated side. And I believe TT's like this are one piece construction on each side, so if there is damage, they'd have to replace the entire side of the trailer. I would sure think that would put the cost alone above it's "totaled" point. Guess we'll soon find out.

On a bright note, I've become a celebrity in the neighborhood. I've had people coming by taking photos, talking to me and expressing their "condolences" that I've never met. 🙂 I thought maybe I should start a GoFundMe account to help with the deficit I'm going to have to cover between the unit's value and my payoff. Maybe people would want to help. 😉 (Yes, I'm kidding....sort of.)

Anyway, I'll keep posting till the saga ends one way or another. And I'll take some photos of the righting process.

[goducks10]

I'd be pi$$ed if it was mine and they didn't total it. Too many little issues that will come back to haunt years down the road. These trailer fall apart just driving down the road sometimes. Add in a slam to the side and there's no way to tell what underlying issues are there that you can't see.

[CavemanCharlie]

I too was wondering if having the stabilizers down might have helped??

[dadmomh]

So sorry. Makes for a really bad day. Agree that you let your insurance total it and start over. Also thankful you weren't out camping when a storm like that came through...you could have damage + injuries. Good luck.

[BubbaChris]

So sorry this happened to you.

I've wondered if my TT would fare better if I had the stabilizers down while parked at home.

If they total it, ask the insurance company if you can take stuff out before they haul it away. I've heard of folks stripping things like water heaters out and selling the gear on Craigslist to help lessen the financial impact of an unplanned transition.

[Executive45]

They will attach chains to the driver's side of the rig and pull it up slightly, place several large air bags under the passenger's side and inflate them. They will attach another chain from the passenger's side so the trailer won't drop once they've righted it enough.

Most likely the bulk of the damage will be inside the trailer. The outside will have some minor damage but that will be easy to fix. The determining factor for a total loss will be dependent on the amount of damage on the inside.

Looking at it, I don't see a total loss but insurance companies are fickle that way. Plus, you're dealing with a homeowner policy which may have bearing on the outcome....good luck....Dennis

[azrving]

Yeah just flip it over with a fork lift or something. It will buff out ok. 🙂

[1995brave]

WOW hope it's not damaged too much.

On the lighter side...
First there was Cow tipping,
then Tractor tipping,
and now RV tipping!

What will these kids do next?