Got rear ended with the trailer on

duck fan · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 08:20 PM

In stop and go traffic Sunday we got rear ended with the horse trailer on. No there were no horses in it at the time. my step sons dirt bikes were but they were not damaged in any way. As my signature shows, I tow with a 2000 Excursion PSD. I am posting a picture of the damage.. Its actually worse than it looks. The shaft where the nut threads on to the ball for the hitch bent pretty good. My question is should I have the receiver checked out and if so where? We tow a lot . I have to take three horses 360 miles in a week and a half. Any advice is much appreciated.

Yes it snapped the bottom latches clean off

Ford_Six · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 08:58 PM

Go to a trailer hitch installer, have them check it out, and see if you can take a look yourself while it's on the lift.

bigredtruckmi · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 09:11 PM

I would wonder with that kind of hit as to what damage (if any) was done to the excursion's frame where the receiver hooks to the frame. Might want to take to a Ford dealership for checkout.

FordxFour · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2008, 10:13 PM

If it were mine I would make them replace the receiver on the X and the coupler on the trailer. If the trailer breaks loose later, the next mishap will be your fault. Get you insurance company to demand replacement from the other insurance co. Also as bigredtruckmi stated, check for frame damage while the receiver is out.

grafekie · #5 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 10:43 AM

I'd demand a whole checkup and a new hitch. Horses are not worth fooling with! Any damage, SEEN OR UNSEEN, can jeaprodize their lives, and that is something I refuse to comprimise on. Thank goodness there were no horses onboard, although they probably would have been fine.

rclarke · #6 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:37 PM

My insurance, after a minor rear ender, insisted that the reciever be replaced even with no apparent damage.

MarkMoore · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:52 PM

The receiver on the X also doubles as a blocker bar to prevent small vehicles from running underneth... I would definately have it checked. If the insurance company refused to have it replaced I would have them sign a letter of responsibility for future accidents.

duck fan · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 07:07 PM

I am having both the trailer and the hitch checked out tomorrow. Results to follow. Thanks for all of the advice. Since we only have liability coverage on the trailer, or insurance is making us handle this one on our own. Any tips on how to handle this would be much appreciated. Besides being thankful there were no horses on the trailer, I am thankful that no one was hurt. my wife and I plus our 7 kids were in the Ex.

FordxFour · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 07:40 PM

Do you have insurance on your horses. Being that the damaged trailer is their primary transportation they may pressure the driver at fault's insurance to repair or replace the trailer. Thats what my brother-in law did, they (Livestock ins. co.) made them replace the trailer because of the damaged coupler.

mercman86 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 09:55 PM

you guys are right in saying to have the truck and hitch inspected! a customer of mine was leaving my shop with his brand new fishing boat and was rear ended as soon as he pulled out by an un liscensed and un insured driver. he got hit so hard the boat got pushed off the trailer and into the bed of his truck, smashing the rear window, however the boat only sustained minor damage. the impact actually bent the hitch and the rear frame rails on the truck (it was a chevy though lol!)

duck fan · #11 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 05:56 PM

Just talked to the shop and they gave the hitch a green light. The jury has not come back on the trailer though. I will keep you guys posted. Thanks for all of the great tips.

grafekie · #12 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 08:30 AM

Just because the hitch LOOKS okay does not mean that it IS okay... how did the trailer shop "green light" it? Did they do any tests, or just look underneith?

duck fan · #13 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 02:25 PM

You know I am not really sure. Obviously by the things I have posted, I am no expert in this area. I didn't stare over the guy's shoulder. i have to call them today anyway. I will follow up on it.

cangim · #14 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duck fan

I am having both the trailer and the hitch checked out tomorrow. Results to follow. Thanks for all of the advice. Since we only have liability coverage on the trailer, or insurance is making us handle this one on our own. Any tips on how to handle this would be much appreciated. Besides being thankful there were no horses on the trailer, I am thankful that no one was hurt. my wife and I plus our 7 kids were in the Ex.

wait a minute here, why is your insurance covering it? Did the person that hit you not have insurance? I would think that their insurance should be covering the damage to both vehicles regardless.

grafekie · #15 (**permalink**) 07-12-2008, 10:05 AM

Very good point... Your insurance wouldn't cover any of it, its the person who did the rear-ending's liability insurance which would cover the repairs. In that case, demand a new hitch, no questions asked.