Tire blow out and body damage

[5Galvs]

We suffered a blowout on our last trip that caused a bit of body damage to the rig. The metal cladding just in front of the front right wheel well is pretty well trashed. Has anyone had experience with a dealer ordering this part or parts? I'm considering tackling the repair myself as it looks like it might be a replaceable part.

[dcheatwood]

I had $3700 in damage but had my dealer do repairs on ins claim. Hope you get it done soon and back on the road. Good luck.

[Capt. Mike]

Originally Posted by 5Galvs

We suffered a blowout on our last trip that caused a bit of body damage to the rig. The metal cladding just in front of the front right wheel well is pretty well trashed. Has anyone had experience with a dealer ordering this part or parts? I'm considering tackling the repair myself as it looks like it might be a replaceable part.

We had that piece replaced while we were in Goshen. Actually, two pieces...the curved piece of metal that forms the skirt of the trailer, and an inside piece that closes up the end closest to the right front wheel. Maybe 12 screws to remove and reinstall the first piece. You have to take off the trim strip where the white side and the colored (in our case, brown) radius piece join. Pull out the center rubber strip and expose the screws in the trim...remove those screws and the screws on the bottom side to take the damaged section of metal out.

After watching the techs repair ours in Goshen, I think I could do it pretty easily.

[5Galvs]

A picture is worth a thousand words, right?

[dcheatwood]

Ouch!

[radman72]

I had similar damage from a tire blowout on my unit. It took about 3 weeks for the dealer to get the parts and the total cost was just under $600. Only took couple hours to actually do the repair.

[OKI Marine]

Originally Posted by radman72

I had similar damage from a tire blowout on my unit. It took about 3 weeks for the dealer to get the parts and the total cost was just under $600. Only took couple hours to actually do the repair.

Now that damage looks terrible. I bet that was heart sinking when you got out and seen that.

[sail2liv]

Do the above damaged rigs think that a flat tire or low tire was pulled at high speed without knowing it was flat caused the tire to come apart.....would a TPMS have been of some use? Did anyone change driving habits speed pulled/weight on tire after this occurred? Just trying to get info so maybe I won t have to go thru this kind of issue....My current pulling habit is 56-58 MPH...80% of max allowable weight on tire at max cold tire pressure....TPMS...on all tires.....tire / bearing replacement greater than 3 years, less than 5 years....of mfg date on tire and depending on uv care and unexpected impact....plus never force the trailer when backing try to keep tires rolling so no high side loaded place on them.....remember on OEM tires no one knows how it was pulled from factory or how it was backed around the dealers lot....good luck on your repairs....thank you

[5Galvs]

Originally Posted by radman72

I had similar damage from a tire blowout on my unit. It took about 3 weeks for the dealer to get the parts and the total cost was just under $600. Only took couple hours to actually do the repair.

Thanks Bob/radman72, that's exactly the sort of info I was hoping for.

FYI - sail2liv: We typically tow at about 60 mph. The tire pressures are checked at least before each trip, more often if towing long distance or in high heat. I always tow at max cold inflation pressure of 50 psi. In our particular case we most likely hit something on the right side (lead tire) which caused the tire damage/blowout. The tire was literally ripped open from outside sidewall to the inside in one location.

[dbarr]

On the last night of my Colorado trip we pulled into camp to setup. Told DW put the slide out thinking I had plenty of clearance not being used the the deep slide...I guess. Lacked about 2 inches and pushed the electric box over and punched holes in the skirt. It was a simple purchase from FR warranty (coachman) $55 for the 14ft piece but required truck shipping for the length. $200+. So, since most of my skirting pieces are less than 5 ft. I had them cut 2 five footers and a four foot. $20 shipping and they built a custom shipping crate.
Took about 10 days to receive it.

Sent from space

[dtomstant]

We keep them at 50psi cold, don't pull much long distance, and have even had an emergency breakaway switch activate on a tight turn at low speed with no ill effects..noticed that metal fender skirting (90 angle) hangs a little to close to the tires for comfort.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[mud yapster]

OUCH!!!

[vinmaker]

Radman. that looks bad. Glad it was not a big deal to fix. Sure looks like it would have been from the photo.

Vin.

[radman72]

Yes, I think it looks worse than it actually was. Fortunately, the propane and electrical lines were not affected as they are in some blowouts.
And I can't say enough good things about Forest River warranty administration. I had 2 weeks left on my first year warranty when the blowout occurred; they paid for all the repairs and gave me $75 per tire allowance for 4 new tires. Some of the people in Forest River recognize tire quality is a big problem.

[cachencouple]

Wow, I'm impressed that you got it all fixed under warranty! We had a blowout this last winter while on a trip to Arizona. Lots of fun on the side of the Interstate while trucks wizzed by...
The trailer (8280WS) was out of the first year warranty but we'd bought the second year warranty, even with that the dealer quoted us $1000 to fix it, not including the tire. I've since removed and straightened (as best I can) the metal to the rear of the tire on the curb side. Haven't decided if I'll try to get a replacement piece.

[Timex]

Originally Posted by radman72

I had similar damage from a tire blowout on my unit. It took about 3 weeks for the dealer to get the parts and the total cost was just under $600. Only took couple hours to actually do the repair.

Radman, sorry you had such damage. I know this was a heartbreaking moment. But let me say, that by studying the pic, I don't see any tire monitor transmitters on the valve stems. There is no guarantee that this wouldn't still happen with a TPMS but your blown tire beat up your trailer for a while. Hopefully, with warning of a problem with tire pressure, this extensive damage could have been avoided.
I have the Tire Minder system and it has saved my bacon at least once. Their customer service is second to none.
I hope the repairs are made soon and to your satisfaction and you're back on the road in no time.

[CapnDean]

I just had a blowout on my Salem 32SRV Toy Hauler. The bottom skirt is shot along with the plastic trim pieces that cover the tires. What is odd is that my tires are less than a year old, and were at 50 PSI cold. Also the tire that blew was the right rear....it took the valve stem off the right front as well. There I was...2 flats on the starboard side plus body damage.

I am working with my dealer to get the parts to replace it, they told me don't expect any fast service from the parts dept at forest river. I am hoping that they are wrong. My dealer is 5 hours away I wish I could order the parts right offline and get them shipped to me but I am having no luck getting in touch with April Grigsby at the salem parts desk. Anybody got a way to get the goods quicker?

[Lloydg]

I'm just curious, but does your Salem only specify 50 psi? My 33' Surveyor weighs about the same as yours, has 15" tires and take 65 psi cold.

[elind]

I seen on another forum where someone was installing steel fenders over the tires under the RV. They were fenders that would be on open trailer. I thought it was a great idea if a tire would blow up and the fender caught it before it hit the RV.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by radman72

I had similar damage from a tire blowout on my unit. It took about 3 weeks for the dealer to get the parts and the total cost was just under $600. Only took couple hours to actually do the repair.

Blowout is the layman's term for a Run Low Flex Failure.