What's the Damage?

[TowAir]

Just saw this. Ouch. A blemish on our otherwise perfect shell. What to do now?

Dent - A dent. Photo Gallery

[Rebee]

One could go to Jackson Center, pay a small fortune and get it repaired or one could go camping.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by TowAir

Just saw this. Ouch. A blemish on our otherwise perfect shell. What to do now?

Dent - A dent. Photo Gallery

That's why you have insurance (hopefully).

Jackson Center, is your best bet, for replacement.

Andy

[TowAir]

the clearcoat is not damaged, there is no metal damage, just a bend. Not a hard crease. Should I try to ding it back from behind with a rubber mallet?

[Foiled Again]

$1200 per segment at JC, or live with it. DO check the seam VERY carefully for leaks and re-seal for general purposes anyway.

IMHO you MIGHT repeat MIGHT get most of it out by rolling from the inside with something soft like an under-inflated basketball or a rubber wheel (adapted from a wide bed roller, etc). You'll have to take down the inside wall to get to it, but IF you have an overhead cabinet in the rear of your unit, it might be accessable from the inside of the cabinet via cutting an access hole and patching it after you finish. Suction cups will work from the outside if there isn't a crease, but you've got a light crease. You could still reduce it's appearance with either suction or a roller.... but the crease will still be somewhat visible.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by TowAir

the clearcoat is not damaged, there is no metal damage, just a bend. Not a hard crease. Should I try to ding it back from behind with a rubber mallet?

It is creased, and cannot be made to go away.

Replacement is the only answer, "IF" you want to trailer to look nice, "again".

Andy

[Gene]

It's amazing how after a few months that crease won't be as noticeable when you forget about it for a while. I've got a 6" crease I stopped looking at and it doesn't bother me anymore. Give it some time and then make a decision.

Gene

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by TowAir

the clearcoat is not damaged, there is no metal damage, just a bend. Not a hard crease. Should I try to ding it back from behind with a rubber mallet?

rubber mallet is likely to leave impressions ... or expressions if that's what you'd call an outward ding. Roll with a rubber ball, etc from within.

If there's not a solid line, parking it in the hot sun might make it pop out on it's own

[Wabbiteer]

Isn't that where the spoiler goes to force slipstream downwash over the back window and keep it clean?

The aluminum appears to have 'stretched' and needs to be left alone for 5 or 7 years so it can try and self-heal.

[Ganaraska]

It would be possible to push the dent out from inside but you would need to remove the inner panel for access.

I would ask around the local garages and body shops for "paintless dent removal" experts. Ask who is the best guy around, there are some real artists out there.

These guys push dents out of cars without touching the outside or damaging the paint.

Your dent would be a piece of cake for someone who is used to working on car sheet metal.

I am not saying they can make it like new, but they should be able to get 80% to 90% of it out and make it practically unnoticable. For a very reasonable cost.

[Kevin245]

You might read this thread and check out posts 11 and 30 for examples of what can be done be experienced dent removal techs.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f381...hit-59265.html

Good luck,

Kevin

[TowAir]

Thanks for all your input, folks. I'm glad that I have a $250 collision/comprehensive deductible with Progressive. I got a quote for 2 panel replacement, and I think I might as well go ahead and use my insurance. After all, that's what we pay for, right?

And I will NEVER back up that trailer again without someone else outside, in view, with hand signals!

[TBRich]

Originally Posted by TowAir

Thanks for all your input, folks. I'm glad that I have a $250 collision/comprehensive deductible with Progressive. I got a quote for 2 panel replacement, and I think I might as well go ahead and use my insurance. After all, that's what we pay for, right?

And I will NEVER back up that trailer again without someone else outside, in view, with hand signals!

I know a lot of folks will tell you it's not that bad and that you can learn to live with it. I couldn't, I'm sorry. I'm just not built that way. It would be all I see ... so I'm glad you are going to get it fixed. You'll be glad you did. Otherwise, why have insurance??

When backing up it's always good to have a helper ... but even then I have 2 rules: (1) If I can't see my back-up helper I don't move. It's not worth guessing. (2) Have agree-upon hand signals in place so your helper knows how to signal you what to do. Flailing of arms doesn't tell me anything. If I can't understand what's needed, again, I don't move.

Wait till your helper starts trying to swat mosquitoes or flies away at the same time. "WTH does THAT mean??"

[Gene]

You can use walkie-talkies. We have them and never use them of course.

Gene

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

You can use walkie-talkies. We have them and never use them of course.

Gene

Gene.

The problem with audible directions, is that which way is "this way" or "the other way"?

Visual is superior, no question.

Ask any aircraft carrier pilot.

Andy

[THEPILL]

OMGosh.....Barley noticeable. Chalk it up as a battle wound, a campfire story, or :JUST FORGETTA BOUT IT"

Shane

[2airishuman]

as good as the jc service center is at shell repairs...

and as annoying as that crease is currently,

there is simply NO WAY i would replace end caps for that.

IF you are that picky the repair WILL be obvious.

unless willing to pay EXTRA for bucked rivets.

yes the repair will remove the crease...

but so will TIME and travel.

add a rear awning and some stylish vinyl graphics...

then go camping.

cheers
2air'