Ouch. I feel so bad for you. It takes a brave person to post that picture but we have all done similar things to our beloved Airstreams. Last week I tried to back into a camping spot with my utility trailer still attached. By the time a friend yelled loud enough to stop me the damage was done. Like you my dent is to big to be pulled out with a suction cup. Once the metal is creased it can not be pulled out. Your damage extends over three panels. I would consider contacting your insurance carrier, then your AS dealer. Good luck to you.
If replacement is involved, I might be inclined to replace just the center "panel". The curb and streetside dents look to be close enough to the edge of the alum. that it could be reshaped. I'm also wondering if the repair-er would remove the damaged portion, or simply apply another layer of aluminum over the existing piece.
If you stand near the trailer, do you see the two smaller dents? Out of sight out of mind!
My condolences. I will now pray.
Jonathan
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I'm out of my mind right now, but will be returning shortly......
Maybe have inverted "U" shaped Alclad sheetsl plate span the damage so it's out of sight (maybe barrel stave look like a classic AS?) then...
Might be a good place to mount your solar panels, out of slipstream and is a perfect indentation to accept a longitudenal brace so it fits flush while retracted in travel, plus would be place mount renewable energy wiring, junctions and GFP modules etc...
Or... Use that cover plate to mount a spoiler on, for better mileage and keep back window cleaner.. Make it shiny enough it'll distract most people from looking close : )
And/or... Have a truly massive 3rd brake light mounted on new cover plate...
Seriously - Thank you for posting, I know I will remember that picture for a long, long time and maybe you will keep it from happening to five others!
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Wabbiteer got me thinking! How about a custom rear awning from Zip-Dee. You can install the awning rail right along the dent (or slightly above) and the cover of the roller tube will totalaly obliterate the crease. Then, for considerably less than the cost of a replacement panel (or 3) you will have a brand new awning to match the patio awning already on your A/S .
Zip-Dee can custom make you longer arms and a slightly longer extension on the fabric to do what you need done!
I always tell my kids, daughter especially! You need to scuff those new shoes to get em broke in right....
Not that I am happy to see your situation. The Awning solution perhaps? There is a LONG LED light string that acts as a 3rd brake light that you could mount up there as well as belt/or bumper height.... more is better right??
There are many way to make lemonade out of this 'Scuff'.....
You can pull most of it out. However you will see a crease or a bump. The metal has been stretched. My more immediate concern would be a break in the seal between the sheets. If the sikaflex is broken then get/keep the trailer under cover or fill the voids. Internal water damage will occur quickly.
Aircraft mechanic hat off.
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Michelle
If you think you are having a bad day go to the hospital and visit the children.
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT)
Daisy, (06 Turbo Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command, the perfect TV)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar)
45,000 miles in two years! http://Michelles-Adventures.US
After carefully inspecting the crease, I've come to the conclusing that any rib damage on the curb side is minimal. There are no seam seperations that would cause water damage.
So, I'm going to do an overlay. However, I will laminate a couple of covers of the National Inquirer to place under the overlay. This will prove to be a great surprise and offer an insight as to what we think is important in 2006 for the guy doing a restoration in 2029!
Still need some referrals as to who can get the job done.
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