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BAB · 07-18-2013, 05:31 PM

Headed up to Maine. So, this afternoon I'm on I-81, just into NY from PA. Road construction, two lanes merging into one. LONG backup of stop and go. The guy behind me "goes" when he should have "stopped"...trashes my bike, my Fiamma bike rack, my bumper, the bumper storage AND my trunk door. I'm guessing he was going around 10MPH. WOW! We pull over (and a guy who saw the action). Go into the trailer, sit down at the dinette and exchange data. I will say he was VERY apologetic. Looks like SilverLeaf will be spending some time at Out-of-Doors Mart for parts replacement. I'll get a new bike. Nobody hurt, most important of all!

Foiled Again · 07-18-2013, 05:37 PM

Ouch.

I'm sorry that happened. It can just bum you out. However, as you noted no one was hurt and you can get it all fixed.

The paperwork from any accident gets really irritating - so just handle it one piece at a time. It's all you can do.

OH - and also talk to your friendly LOCAL insurance agent. Lots of time the other guy's insurance may have to pay you more than you know. First there's "diminished value" - generally only on autos because the carfax will show the repairs and you'll get a lower trade in at sale. Secondly, "trip interruption" and or "loss of use" If you can't go to a rally because the Airstream is in the shop, you might get compensated for that.

I hope you at least are able to upgrade your bike. Be glad it wasn't 40 mph... your frame would have bent.

Sincerely, Paula

ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-18-2013, 06:06 PM

Hi, I cringe when I think about this type of accident on a Sport model that has NO rear bumper.

wncrasher · 07-18-2013, 06:19 PM

Hopefully you get compensated for your time to deal with this, as well as the depreciated value and loss of use. You have to fight for these type of claims. Can't really advise if your a better off dealing with the other party's insurance, or try to deal with your own. There are downsides to either strategy.

One thing is certain - this will be a substantial claim, most likely surprising to their insurance co and will hit him hard on his rates. Hopefully he learns to pay attention and is thankful it was an expensive RV and not a minivan full of little kids.

sandlapper · 07-18-2013, 06:26 PM

Barry, knowing how special Silver Leaf is, I know you are sick. BUT, as has been said, could have been much worse.

I use a trick I picked up from the truckers: as soon as I see the back up ahead, I put on the flashers as I approach and slow down, leave them on till we are moving again.

Brake lights on the interstate are never a good thing.

Hope you get straightened out soon.

See you at Alumalina in September.

John

Skater · 07-18-2013, 06:58 PM

Ouch, I'm sorry.

reinergirl · 07-18-2013, 08:17 PM

That sucks! Is your trip cancelled? There is a large Airstream dealer in Lebanon Maine if you need temporary repairs

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Mexray · 07-18-2013, 09:55 PM

I'd almost be apt to bet the 'crasher' was texting on his cell phone, not paying attention to the 'elephant' in front of him...!

I've used CB radios in vehicles, on and off, for many years without any problems - so the actual 'talking' on cell phones doesn't bother me...

HOWEVER, this 'texting' thing is going to cost us all much higher insurance rates - Texting is outlawed in California, but one can observe cars wandering around their lanes as the 'driver' looks down to text some other nit-wit all the time out here...!

daymonjones · 07-18-2013, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandlapper

I use a trick I picked up from the truckers: as soon as I see the back up ahead, I put on the flashers as I approach and slow down, leave them on till we are moving again.

Brake lights on the interstate are never a good thing.

Thanks! FLASHERS! Simple and brilliant (pun sort of intended). I always worry about a rear ender, there's a lot I can't see back there.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 07-18-2013, 10:41 PM

Hi, I also use my flashers at times like this and I changed my lower lights to amber ones. They are almost blindingly bright.

Lily&Me · 07-19-2013, 06:12 AM

Bummer, Barry!

Sorry to hear of this, but so glad no one was hurt.

When you look to replace your bicycle......have you seen those folding bikes? Really pretty cool, very sturdy and nice looking. They ride inside, removing the drag outside and wear & tear on your bike from the road and weather,

We replaced our bulky rack and bikes on the rear with ones from Citizen Bike, and absolutely love them! They come in a range of prices.

Maggie

polarlyse · 07-19-2013, 07:40 AM

Sorry to hear of your mishap. We had one this past winter while traveling in Louisiana. Damaged 3 panels. One on the left rear and 2 on the right rear but far more costly than I had thought. Hope all goes well and you and the family are back on the road. Every time I need to stop in traffic I cringe waiting for that " BUMP" that fortunately has never came.

See ya on the road sometime.

drew05 · 07-19-2013, 08:11 AM

Sorry to hear and see your accident. The really good news is no one was injured. Now it's up to your insurance company to help you get things back together. Hopefully you won't lose too much vacation time.

Good Luck...

StreamNTyme · 07-25-2013, 01:11 PM

Sorry to hear about your bump! It will be repaired and it will be better. Unfortunately aluminum does bend. Been there. Time and trouble, but you will endure. Glad you are ok, see you at Alumalina.

daveswenson · 07-25-2013, 02:56 PM

I hope you don't mind but this is one mod of yours that I'm not going to copy.

Silver Hawk · 07-25-2013, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by sandlapper

"I use a trick I picked up from the truckers: as soon as I see the back up ahead, I put on the flashers as I approach and slow down, leave them on till we are moving again."

Great Idea - why didn't I think of that category!

Also: Since I don't have any back-up lights coming out of my TV, I ran the wire for my trailer backup light to my 'tail light' connection and changed the lens to red on the trailer back-up light. This gives me twice the volume of light (4 to the rear instead of two) to the rear. Working on some way to wire a higher tail/brake lite higher up in the middle of the rear, like modern vehicles.

Silver Hawk · 07-25-2013, 03:17 PM

"Hi, I also use my flashers at times like this and I changed my lower lights to amber ones. They are almost blindingly bright."

I believe having anything but red to the rear is illegal in all states (except white when backing). Good Idea except will give a cop an excuse to pull you over - if not a ticket.

switz · 07-25-2013, 03:39 PM

I am sorry for the rear ended accident that will mess up some summer plans dramatically.

I would suggest a very high intensity red LED array mounted either above or below the existing brake light assembly like these that pulsates when the brakes are energized. They are not very big, but the excuse "I did not see you" is put to bed before it was even uttered.

Custom Dynamics Knight Riderz Light Bars - Street Motorcycle - Motorcycle Superstore

BAB · 07-25-2013, 03:41 PM

I did NOT curtail my trip at all. Great time in Vermont and New Hampshire, now in Maine. Not to rub it in, but it was 54 degrees this morning. If the "always underfoot" Airstream basset hound -- (UH, that would be RHODA), hadn't been adding extra warmth I would have run the Dometic heat pump....better known as the NY subway for its sonic signature. In terms of accident, USAA already on top of it. Out-of-Doors Mart has ordered parts from JC, so hopefully it will be a quick and painless renewal process when I get home. OH! And, for you Alumalina folks, as promised, I have procured a HALF GALLON of real maple syrup for the fall pancake event at Lake Wateree!

JFScheck · 07-25-2013, 03:58 PM

Colonial Airstream is very close to you - best Airstream work (dare I say even better repairs then the factory), William is "The Man" for all your panel repairs...