Tire Blowout damage to wall

[Chicofjr]

This past week, the front right tire on my fifth wheel blew up while driving on the interstate. Damage to the trim, fender is expected. Damage to the wall itself and floor area above the tire is a concern. Coach is covered and claim has been filed. My concern is what type of repair is the correct repair for this. Don't want to have the shop patch it up and down the line have an issue. Wall delaminated on the fender area and a bubble is now visible in the area above the fender.

My question is what is the correct way to fix this damage? Will this require a new wall? Wood/glass has separated - can a local shop repair this or does it need to go to Jayco? The wall material and bonded/vaccum nature appears to be hard to fix correctly...also the damage to the underside concerns me. Thanks for your comments.

[Timber]

Can't help you on how to fix the trailer, but in the pictures the rear tire looks very rounded side to side. I don't think I would be towing anywhere with that tire on

[gcloss]

If it were my trailer and considering the damage to the sidewall and floor, I'd press my insurance carrier for a total loss and buy a replacement 5th wheel.

[RAurand]

Just wondering. Did you have a TPMS to warn you?

[Chicofjr]

There's 4 new tires now. No TPMS...

I have a replacement policy. If it were up to me, I would want total loss to get a camper with no damage...

[Seann45]

They just might total it as the cost of repairs will be greater than the value of the trailer.

[X213_2015]

I don't want to hijack this thread but beyond regular auto/trailer insurance from my normal auto carrier is there something I should make sure I have in my policy?

-Thanks!
Mike

[MikeNChelle]

Originally Posted by X213_2015

I don't want to hijack this thread but beyond regular auto/trailer insurance from my normal auto carrier is there something I should make sure I have in my policy?

-Thanks!
Mike

Yeah... What he said.

[sennister]

Originally Posted by X213_2015

I don't want to hijack this thread but beyond regular auto/trailer insurance from my normal auto carrier is there something I should make sure I have in my policy?

-Thanks!
Mike

Just to clarify that you have a separate policy to cover the trailer right? Some auto policies cover a trailer but that is more a small utility type trailer and depending on the terms of the policy (also dictated by where you live) may have some limits on what/how much is covered. For instance an auto policy with some basic trailer protection may be capped at a certain dollar amount like $2000 or something. It may also specifically have exclusions where it only covers a utility trailer but not a camper since they would normally sell you a separate policy for said camper.

Back to OP.

I can see how it can happen but a bit shocked. I am not sure how it can be fixed for sure but I am sure a dealer could at least come up with a repair estimate. It sucks that something like this can total a camper. I say that because a tire failure should be a pretty minor thing and the more something like this happens and insurance policies end up buying a camper, means it will only drive up all of our policy rates. Insurance companies are in it to make a hefty profit.

[nma33]

I would send the pictures to Jayco, I would also want Jayco to fix it, I have dealt with Jayco Motorized service center and they have been nothing short of fantastic to deal with. I would also consider a TPMS, I installed one on my Precept that also monitors my Dolly and rear tires of car in tow. Good luck!

[Chicofjr]

Is there an email address everyone uses to send correspondence/pictures to Jayco and get their take on proper repair? I will definitely like to have the repair done at Jayco so that is done properly. That maybe something the insurance company may entertain.

Thanks.

[John7349]

My BIL has a 2012 Pinnacle. While traveling on the freeway, someone behind him fell asleep and crashed into the left rear of his TT. It caved in the left side about 6 inches. Auto insurance took care of it at a local trailer repair shop. Looks good as new. It's surprising what they can do!
Good luck!

[Kerrimazz]

Hi Frank,

We have the same model as yours. We bought it used in February 2017 and have taken a few trips with it locally (within an hour from our home). We took the RV out this past weekend and had the passenger side front wheel blowout. Ripped the plastic cover completely off and damaged the sheet metal, speaker, side light and damaged the wall. There may be more damage that has been unforeseen. Called insurance company and waiting on a special adjustor to come and look at it. We're new to owning an RV and was a bit frightened with the entire ordeal. I ride as a passenger but my confidence is a bit shaken to travel with it.

Sorry I'm not able to offer any advice but curious to know how your situation turns out since we're in a similar situation. I'm not quite sure how to share our photos

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Kerrimazz

Hi Frank,
We have the same model as yours. We bought it used in February 2017 and have taken a few trips with it locally (within an hour from our home). We took the RV out this past weekend and had the passenger side front wheel blowout. Ripped the plastic cover completely off and damaged the sheet metal, speaker, side light and damaged the wall. There may be more damage that has been unforeseen. Called insurance company and waiting on a special adjustor to come and look at it. We're new to owning an RV and was a bit frightened with the entire ordeal. I ride as a passenger but my confidence is a bit shaken to travel with it.

Sorry I'm not able to offer any advice but curious to know how your situation turns out since we're in a similar situation. I'm not quite sure how to share our photos

Welcome to the forum... although the circumstances are less than ideal.

I hope your insurance will take care of things for you. Tire inflation pressures, their ages, and overall condition are very important safety items. Thankfully, only your RV was damaged. It could have been worse.

[Chicofjr]

Just wanted to give everyone an update. The RV was fixed, but not to my satisfaction. I can still look at the wall area and tell. For the most part, they were able to patch it up and reglue the delamination. There was a small area that I can still push in that did not glue completely (very small, but there). The other gelcoat work was fine. Jayco wants 25k (ridiculous) to replace the wall (that would be the proper repair). On the other hand, the insurance company won't total it because the consider the fix to be adequate, but will keep claim open until 2021 in case the delamination grows, they will then total it. I'm still working with the insurance to see if there are other options.