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Star Blazer · 04-18-2010, 07:03 AM

After 2200 miles with only 80 miles to go -- bam! A semi pulling a long flatbed with parts on it lost part of it...he dropped a 4x2x2 steel box...probably used to make some kind of cement barrier. It landed in the middle of the road. I swerved to the right but still hit it with the corner of the RV. It torn the generator exhaust pipe off, damaged the left corner and left corner bay door...and then the tire went flat due to a puncture of some sort. I was able to pull off to the shoulder. I was on 95 in Miami about 3 miles from getting off. I didn't even want to look at the damage. The police were called and it took a state trooper 40 minutes to get there. I called Progressive to get help knowing we needed a tow. The tow truck driver arrived 50 minutes later. It took him an hour to get us hooked up...then we were towed to a tire place in Ft Lauderdale and had to get a new tire. The damage to the coach is cosmetic but ugly. Also need a generator tailpipe. The coach is drivable. We left the tire shop and drove the last 80 miles arriving 6 hours later than planned in Key Largo. A Progressive claims adjuster should be visiting us here in the next few days.

The truck driver pulled over but immediately took off as we pulled over…the state trooper indicated this was typical. Another gentleman who was behind us and ran over the generator tailpipe pulled over and stayed with us for over an hour. Some state workers stopped and it took 2 of them to push this “box” to the side of the road. My husband was proud of my handling of the motorhome. All in all, it could have been worst. Other than edgy nerves we were fine. Now we are just waiting for the winds to calm down, along with the rain to stop so we can do some scuba diving. This was our first trip in our MH.

Elkhartjim · 04-18-2010, 07:21 AM

Good job Joyce. You are or at least you should be the pilot from now on with DH reading maps. Notice I didn't say giving directions.

Star Blazer · 04-18-2010, 11:31 AM

Since we are newbies to this, the tire that had to be replaced originally was a Goodyear. The tire shop only had a Michelin to put on the MH. Should we buy another Michelin to match...the coach has 5800 miles on it.

Wayne M · 04-18-2010, 12:17 PM

Joyce,.
I'm sorry to hear, but "it" happens. On my maiden voyage I hit a cement marker pole in the CG turn-around. It was a dark night and we were evacuating from IKE. I've left the compartment door scratched and dented as a reminder, but it is going to be fixed real soon. In my case, it was just dumb (don't tell my wife I said that) but in your case it was just being in the wrong place a the wrong time. Hopefully all of the rest of your travels will be without incident. However, now that you do have that first scratch, the rest are easy (don't ask how I know.)

p.s., I have used progressive in the past and they have been wonderful. I hope you have the same experience.

RVRon · 04-18-2010, 06:31 PM

Joyce,
Great job avoiding a catastrophe!!! What an experience on your first trip with the motorhome.

I had a similar circumstance regarding the steering tires. I replaced a G670 with a G169 and when I got home, I bought a second G169 and kept the G670 for a spare. I would only feel correct in doing so on the steers. If it was the drive axle, and the new tire had matching specs, diameter and load ratingm, I would not change it.

LeeB · 04-18-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Star Blazer

Since we are newbies to this, the tire that had to be replaced originally was a Goodyear. The tire shop only had a Michelin to put on the MH. Should we buy another Michelin to match...the coach has 5800 miles on it.

Glad everyone is not hurt.... Yes you should have matching tires.....

GOLDWINGER2 · 04-18-2010, 09:48 PM

Good job driving

, now match those tires up and get back on the road.

J

Gary - K7GLD · 04-18-2010, 10:06 PM

You should have a spare tire, and perhaps it matches the others?

Then, the Michelin could be the new spare...

wa8yxm · 04-19-2010, 09:34 AM

Re: Tires.. at 5,000 miles you might consider moving one front tire to the dual that was damaged and putting the new tire on the front, Have your tire guy check the wear to be sure.. Do buy matching tires..

Otherwise replace all tires on the axle or replace both fronts and move both of them to the rear (Again have the tire man check for wear.

As to the accident... If you got any info at all from the truck they will be able to identify the driver. We've done that more than a few times.

Finally......... Tail pipe.. Any good muffler shop can custom make a pipe for you quickly.. Do inspect all parts of the generator exhaust when done.. I also recommend the addition of a GEN-TURI to your exhaust when in use.

Finally:

Did you do a good job of handling the rig under very bad conditions: Sure sounds like it... I'd hope could do as well.

Good luck with your discount insurance company.. They give low rates by discounting coverage you know.

In the "Beginning RV" forum here, there is a sticky "Watching these videos may save your life" Sounds like you might have watched them

If not.. .I recommend them

I've driven for over 40 years, at one time or another I've blown tires on all 4 corners on cars.. never lost control though, never rolled one as a result.

I learned from those videos when I recently watched them.