Community Forums

iRV4FUN · 09-22-2018, 04:50 PM

My motor home rolled backwards down a hill and planted the hitch receiver into the ground taking most of the blow. I will have the chassis frame inspected next week. My greatest concern is the "box" on the frame was twisted and damaged. I'm not sure I want to drive it if they repair the body and other cosmetic damage. The large dinette slide will only retract about a foot. The front fiberglass cap is cracked in both upper outer windshield corners. I could go on...

The question I have for my fellow RV'ers is this: If the chassis isn't bent and the box is -- how does one decide that the box damage is safe to drive in? Would you feel safe in a motorhome that has visually been twisted and you can see the damage to the box?

rgvtexan · 09-22-2018, 05:10 PM

NO!

palehorse89 · 09-22-2018, 05:15 PM

Why drive it........your insurance adjuster should be on his way .......sounds like it is totaled to me .....

Tha_Rooster · 09-22-2018, 06:11 PM

Probably totaled If frame is bent. How did it roll with slide out? Back tires off ground?

iRV4FUN · 09-22-2018, 09:25 PM

My RV rolled upright. Not sure what caused it to roll backwards down the hill. My slides were in.

A repair shop was working on replacing one of my rear hub seals. All I know is when I arrived to see my RV on a 35 degree angle I noticed there were no bolts in the rear hub assembly. I'm not sure if not having the hub bolts in would allow the unit to roll.?.

My auto park brake uses the drive shaft to secure the vehicle. I would think the park brake would have held the other side. So many unanswered questions.

I wonder if the rear axle could have been screwed up from rolling down the hill without the rear hub seal bolts in on one side.

What if the frame is fine but the box isn't? The collision repair shop can check my frame with special instruments. I doubt they can check the integrity of the box. The box has visible signs it was twisted.

**JohnRR** · 09-22-2018, 09:31 PM

If the axle flange was not bolted to the hub then your driveshaft park brake would not work.

It’s time to get the shops insurance involved it’s their problem not yours from what you have described.

twinboat · 09-22-2018, 09:49 PM

With open differentials, not posi traction, If one axle is unbolted from the hub, the driveshaft type parking brake becomes useless.

The unbolted axle will spin one way as the wheel assemble on the opposite side would spin the other way. That's how differentials work.

Having the jacks down, bearing some weight, or even a chock behind a tire would have prevented this from happening.

Gross negligence .

Dav L · 09-22-2018, 10:01 PM

yup, what twinboat said. Take pictures of the missing bolts.
Service department problem.

How long and how steep is the hill from where it was "parked" to where it grounded out?

It does sound like there is some significant damage. The slides were IN when the accident happened? And the slides were extended and now won't retract fully?
Did the slide make some scraping noises when it was moved? Were the body to slide gaps inspected for clearance before slides were moved? What does the slide look like when you say it looks twisted? How are you sure it's the slide and not the body? Post some pics.

rcnuts · 09-23-2018, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

With open differentials, not posi traction, If one axle is unbolted from the hub, the driveshaft type parking brake becomes useless.

The unbolted axle will spin one way as the wheel assemble on the opposite side would spin the other way. That's how differentials work.

Having the jacks down, bearing some weight, or even a chock behind a tire would have prevented this from happening.

Gross negligence .

Fortunately or not, this is 100% correct. However its difficult for me (or anyone) to give an informed opinion as to weather your unit is totaled or not. Whats the value, the EXACT extent of the damage, etc. Yea, call the ins co! The repair folks may be culpable.

Bahamaniac · 09-23-2018, 11:19 AM

No I would not drive it! I would have it towed to a third party shop to have damage estimate performed.

Solo_RV_Guy · 09-23-2018, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

With open differentials, not posi traction, If one axle is unbolted from the hub, the driveshaft type parking brake becomes useless.

The unbolted axle will spin one way as the wheel assemble on the opposite side would spin the other way. That's how differentials work.

Having the jacks down, bearing some weight, or even a chock behind a tire would have prevented this from happening.

Gross negligence .

^^^ THIS.

@IRV4fun... you need to talk to the repair shop manager or owner and get their insurance company involved. You may find it necessary to hire your own inspections for both the coach body and the chassis. It may also be prudent to have a chat with your attorney (but don't threaten the shop with a lawsuit - just sue them IF (and only if) it comes to that).

hohenwald48 · 09-23-2018, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRR

If the axle flange was not bolted to the hub then your driveshaft park brake would not work.

It’s time to get the shops insurance involved it’s their problem not yours from what you have described.

What he said.

The shop insurance (assuming they have any) needs to be in the middle. If you call your insurance they will likely contact the shop insurance company. Definitely some shop negligence involved based on your description.

iRV4FUN · 09-23-2018, 08:29 PM

Thanks for all your responses. I've got the insurance people involved and the shop admits.

Could the roll down the hill with the rear axle hub unbolted cause damage to my rear axle? Sometimes these things don't show up immediately.

Was going to take my RV on a month long business trip. Now I have to stay in a hotel for about $80 more a night ($2,400.). Do you think the insurance company would consider these costs. I have proof I made my RV site reservation prior to the incident. To rent an RV it would cost $150 to $200 per day plus my site costs.