Crash damage repair questions.

[John E Davies]

I am pretty sure that the factory is able to repair moderate crash damage. In the event that somebody smashes into the back end, or I skid off into a deep culvert, is it possible, and will they:

 

Unbolt the hull from the frame?

 

Separate the bonded upper and lower sections of the hull?

 

Cut out and weld in new sections of frame with the hull in place? (I am doubtful.)

 

If I wrecked my Ollie would it be cost effective to ship it by truck to the factory for repairs or would it need to go to a local RV repair center? Yuck!

 

Would a marine shop (boats) be a viable option for extensive fiberglass repair? Would they even touch it?

 

I am not paranoid but I do want to understand what would happen if the unthinkable did occur.

 

WARNING! Sad pictures at this link, do not view if you cry easily... http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/for-sale/2000-wrecked-casita-camper-newalla-ok-on-ebay-ends-april-4

 

Thanks,

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

[Commanche]

Yeah John, you are paranoid. : ) Don't think those thoughts, you might make them happen.

 

Stan

[rideandfly]

Deleted

 

 

 

 

 

 

[John E Davies]

Well, honestly neither of your responses helps, but I do appreciate that you replied.

 

I plan to occasionally take my Ollie on surfaces that most owners would avoid. I need to be mentally prepared for damaging it myself, or for getting nailed by another vehicle, and I would like to know my repair options if that did happen. I don't think that is paranoid - anal certainly - but then again, everybody here in this thread is against me! LOL!

 

If I started a thread about attaching forged steel tow hooks to the frame, and techniques for getting the trailer unstuck without a tow truck, would you think that paranoid? Hooks are on my To Do list, at the very bottom.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[Buzzy]

John,

 

If my Ollie hull suffers any damage, I will be heading to a good marine outfit for repairs.  We have many very talented technicians who work with fiberglass and service the boating industry.  You might consider the wealth of talent in and around Puget Sound.

 

Buzzy

[rideandfly]

John,

 

Another thread here that Steve, ScubaRx, posted shows a repair made at Oliver that really impressed me.  Looks like the Ollie fiberglass hull would be less labor intensive to repair compared to an aluminum sheet/rib metal hull. Need to find a competent marine fiberglass shop.

 

http://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/i-hate-it-when-this-happens/

 

 

 

 

[John E Davies]

Oh, thanks that is a great thread. I can do fiberglass work but it doesn't look really good. Gelcoat is a mystery to me.

 

One thing that would be good to have in the repair kit is white Marine Tex. It is great for temporary or permanent repairs, can be sanded and polished. But it does not look like gel coat. Close ....  but no cigar.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Tex-Might-Repair-Ounce/dp/B001446LKO

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[GaryJona]

Do as I do carry a lot of Duct Tape and them head to the Oliver's would be my first choice then it would be probably fiberglass shop I would be picky on that one living in Florida I would want to be near the work done and the wiring might be tuff for outsiders. Just my 2 and half cents. Thanks Gary

[SeaDawg]

Minor (thinking 1 or 2 ft square) repairs can likely be made by any good glass worker at a boatyard. Get the color numbers for your gel coat. Thats a tough match if you don't know.

 

I would also recommend good Sam's replacement cost insurance, in your case. We've had it from day one. They also suspend liability when you are parking for the off season, so it is really, truly affordable.

 

Sherry