Essex "meets" deer; deer gone, Essex wounded.

racer0624 · 07-05-2007, 05:39 PM

Well it happened near Marion, Mt. this am. Wife and I had been noticing deer on the roadside that had failed to make it across. Now there's one more. Front fiberglass is broken in several places, the tube frame is bent, the slide won't close completely and I've got several bungee cords holding the left headlight assy. somewhat in place.

It's not a trip stopper but it's sure a bummer.

racer0624 · 07-05-2007, 05:39 PM

Well it happened near Marion, Mt. this am. Wife and I had been noticing deer on the roadside that had failed to make it across. Now there's one more. Front fiberglass is broken in several places, the tube frame is bent, the slide won't close completely and I've got several bungee cords holding the left headlight assy. somewhat in place.

It's not a trip stopper but it's sure a bummer.

cwg · 07-05-2007, 05:44 PM

Sorry to hear of your damage to your coach; but the most important thing is that you all are intact and the rig can be fixed. Too many drivers end up with more than property damage when they try to avoid deer and other animals, and then sustain much more serious problems when they go off the road or overturn.

Before long you will have the Essex fixed and as good as new. Injuries are much harder to fix!

TXiceman · 07-05-2007, 07:58 PM

The deer are beautiful, but sure can mess up a trip. Sure glad there was no more damage than what you had. 15 or 20 years ago, we were on a trip in our two week old truck in west Texas. had parked the trailer and out sight seeing...missed seeing one deer. We were driving about 20 mph, near dusk and saw the deer crossing the road. I was watching closely and she came out of nowhere and landed right in front of the truck. broke the right headlight, mashed the grill, corner of the hood and the right fender. Did not stop the trip, but what was bad was the truck got to hunting and i did not even get the venison...real bummer.

ken

footdoc · 07-06-2007, 03:13 AM

The biggest thing to avoid deer is they are usually NOT alone...You might see the first one and watch it as you plow into one(s) that follows her

hondo122 · 07-06-2007, 03:58 AM

I'm sure everyone has a couple of deer stories to relate. First, I was 17, 3 of us in a MGA 4 in the morning 70mph. Locked the brakes the deer jumped over the car

Next a friend and neighbor in a C class, the mom was tired and switched places with the 17 yo son. Deer came through the windshield and killed the son. That was 10 years ago and the family are still suffering. They can do a lot more damage at 60mph than people think. Be careful!

SX_RVing · 07-06-2007, 10:27 AM

Sorry to hear that John. Glad you're ok, and it's just the MH that took the beating.

Sebastian

racer0624 · 07-06-2007, 02:27 PM

Thanks for the kind words. We didn't feel a thing, just an awful sounding "thump". Guess it takes a lot to jolt a 41,000# motorhome with 4200# Honda Pilot in tow.

Progressive came out took pics this am and will forward to our home area adjuster. We'll get it fixed when we get back to Fl.

We're going to a 400+ car Rod Run tonight and tomorrow then on to Washington state.

txwino · 07-06-2007, 03:05 PM

Hi John:

Glad you both are OK. Must have been a shock. Were you driving at night when you hit it?

I just spoke with Susan, the Balloon Fiesta RV parking lady, and she said she thought all would be OK. Seems that they have to replace some electrical lines and if not done on time, will use generators for power. She didn't think the methane scare would affect any of the RV parking.

Hope you complete the rest of your travels safely and look forward to perhaps seeing you in Albuquerque. It was good seeing you in Gillette.

King

racer0624 · 07-06-2007, 03:22 PM

King,

Thanks for the update from Susan.

It was 10:30am. I wouldn't want to drive these scenic 2-lane highways at night. Too chicken.

Lotsa deer around the area.

KenSherwin · 07-09-2007, 02:38 AM

The first hunter was so proud of his deer. He went on to describe the hunt in loving detail, boring all listeners with distances, light, muzzle velocity, powder type, bullet size, etc.

The second hunter said "I can top that! I got mine with a 41,000 lb Essex at 55 mph with the lights on and the horn blowing!"

racer0624 · 07-09-2007, 04:08 AM

Good one Ken. You have the details like you were there.

We're now in the Seattle area and the bungees are still holding.

Jetsmania · 07-09-2007, 06:17 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">We're now in the Seattle area and the bungees are still holding </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! There is nothing like a good set of bungees!!

Glad to hear that you guys are allright! Paul

park_ridge_dave · 07-10-2007, 02:21 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jetsmania:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">We're now in the Seattle area and the bungees are still holding </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! There is nothing like a good set of bungees!!

Glad to hear that you guys are allright! Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

And/or a big roll of "Duck" Tape

Glad to hear you survived. In our state, I understand that you are entitled to keep the venison if you desire.