Was in an Accident today, worried frame is bent?

[talessandro]

I signed a purchase order a little over a week ago and am expecting my 2017 Eagle 339FLQS around mid March. I was in an accident today and was hit in the driver side, right behind the wheel well and think my frame might be bent. It was not my fault, I was actually stopped at a light. I don't know if it's good or not but the guy that was at fault and I have the same insurance company

It's a 2014 and thinking it might take a lot for it to be totaled. My main concern is that will it be safe to tow a 10,000 lb 5th Wheel after they repair the body damage? Can they bend the frame back and would it have any affect on towing especially if I'm already close to my towing limit? I was thinking about taking it to my GMC dealer and have them look at it before I have my claims adjuster look at it. What do you think or do I have anything to worry about?

Tony in Cincinnati

[bansai]

When they are done fixing it up, would it be worth your while to maybe just trade it in? Maybe keep that in the back of your mind as an option you have.

I'm always looking for a legitimate excuse to upgrade my own truck and that might be one for me. That said, unless you obtain proof that your frame is damaged, it's a big guessing game as to what extent, and not being hit in the 'rear end' I'd be optimistic that you'll be ok with your truck once it's out of the shop.

What kind of truck by the way?

A quick tip a buddy of mine used to determine that his frame, was in fact bent, was to park on a flat surface. Make a chalk mark at the back of every tire, pull up and measure the diagonals. It actually doesn't cost a ton of money to straighten a frame, I'd definitely mention this concern to the insurance company and have them also test your wheels for proper balance.. I mean alignment - as well.

[talessandro]

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L V8 3.73 with Max Towing Package

[Lolead]

Speaking from 40 years in a commercial collision repair shop, if the frame is actually bent, yes they can repair it. If the shop is "ICAR Gold or Platinum Certified" there are very strict guidelines they must follow. Also they are required to have a certain level of equipment and training. I believe all such shops will have frame repair equipment that will furnish a computer printout of frame specs both before and after repairs. If it is too bad to repair they may replace the frame. This was very common in the shop I worked in. Best of luck, todays collision repair is light years beyond just a few years ago.

[bansai]

Originally Posted by talessandro

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L V8 3.73 with Max Towing Package

Yeah your truck is too new in my opinion to mess around with not having them verify *everything* is basically perfect.

I had to fight my insurance company pretty hard to get them to pay for an alignment and frame test, but they did. Back when I had my explorer and was towing a popup, we were rear ended about 25mph, not close to totaling it (that happened about 4 years later in a 90 mph head on (combined vehicle speed).

Since your not at fault, and assuming the other driver had insurance, you should be able to get them to at least test everything to your satisfaction. You'll always be wondering in the back of your mind if everything is really ok, just human nature of course. I wouldn't sweat it at this stage, but make them confirm the frame is straight before you let insurance off the hook (ideally at a shop of your choosing).

[Jagiven]

I do not know the laws in your state. But I had no issues having the frame checkedafter being reared ed by a drunk driver. I told both the insurance company and repair shop that I tow. I also had my 6 I ch drip hitch on when I was hit. They checked the frame no issues, replaced to hitch assembly, and the drop hitch and ball. The insurance Co said they wanted no questions if something raised in the future.

A coworker got hit about 1.5 years ago, bent the frame behind the rear wheels, a very noticeable bend. The shop put it all back together, you cannot tell there was a dent.

[talessandro]

I can't thank you all enough. there really is a wealth of information in this forum. After reading the comments, not only do I feel a little more at ease with the situation but you have given me valuable information to take with me when dealing with the adjuster and repair shop. I have an appointment this morning at 9:00 at an Allstate drive through claims center. Thank you all again!

[preceptjoe]

A half-ton pickup pulling a 39' fifth wheel? Hitch weight 1,965, GVWR 12,600. Am I missing something?

[FishAr]

Originally Posted by talessandro

2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L V8 3.73 with Max Towing Package

You're putting way too much pin weight on a 1/2 ton truck, you'll be better off if they total it.
Then you can get at least a 2500hd or maybe even a 3500hd.
339flqs is listed at over 2000 pounds pin weight. You know it will end up as more. Too much for a 1/2 ton.

I'm wanting a 336FBOK and am stressing out about putting the listed 2050 pound pin weight on my 2500HD duramax.

[SkyBound]

Just hitching that 5th wheel onto your truck would probably bend the frame.

[bansai]

Yeah Tony, you're going to need to upgrade your truck anyway I'm afraid. I try to stay out of the unsolicited 'do I have enough truck' posts, but the guys above me are all dead on. I was more concerned about your truck than your towing when I replied last night.

[Wireman]

I hope the RV dealer didn't tell you that you could tow that size RV with your truck.

The first thing they should ask is what are you using as a tow vehicle and then show you the correct size of RV.

[wags999]

Yikes.. read the first post then continued...got to you have a 1/2 ton truck and a HUGE 5er....This is wrong on so many levels...2005 dry hitch weight alone kills the deal. That's a huge 5er with multiple slide outs. I doubt I would feel comfortable with anything less than a 1 ton vehicle. Good luck....

[Vicr]

Time to buy a Duramax.

[Camper_bob]

Glad I'm not the only one who noticed that's probably too much trailer for that truck, and probably not by "a little".

[norty1]

It would be a problem before the accident if the 12500 and the tongue weight is correct.

[Vaquero]

Agree with the others.
You're going to need a bigger truck.
I'm not afraid of pushing the limits now and then, but that combination is just not going to work.
Sorry about the wreck. Glad no one was hurt.

[talessandro]

2017 Eagle 339 FLQS lbs
UVW 10,175
Dry hitch weight 2,005
2nd AC 95
4 point Leveling system 51
12cu ft. refrigerator 79
Wireless Backup Camera 2
Sanicon Waste 25
total weight added 252
UVW + added weight 10,427

2014 GMS Sierra 1500
5.3L EcoTec3 V8 L83 engine
axle ratio 3.73
Max tow rating 11,500
GCWR 16,700
Fifth wheel max tongue wt 2,875
spring capacity 3,950
rear axle capacity 3,950
Actual truck weight with driver 5,267
5th wheel hitch 200
wife 110
Truck total weight 5,577

GCWR 16,700
total Truck weight 5,577
max legal Tow rating 11,123
max cargo capacity 696 I know it not a lot but that is what I'm working with. And I have been told that nobody utilizes the maximum cargo capacity in any trailer. So to say I can't pull a trailer with a GVWR of 12, 295 is not totally accurate.

In a perfect world yes, I would agree I could use a bigger truck. I'm not saying it has not crossed my mind. I already have had my truck weighed and plan on getting the 5er weighted on our first camping trip. You all may be right. By my figures are doable or am I missing something?

[Vaquero]

Happy camping.
Sincerely. You've done the research and math.
Nice trailer. Real nice.

[Stingray75]

Subtract the rear axle weight shown on the scale ticket from the rear axle capacity of 3950. How much is left for the DRY pin weight of 2005 pounds and the 150 pound hitch? Keep in mind those dry weights are rough numbers that will change with options