A member shared their experience of scraping their 2021 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite trailer against a rock wall to avoid a head-on collision with a speeding car on a tight, steep curve. The incident resulted in significant damage: exposed and water-soaked wood, a ruined water heater and awning, a broken entry door, and possible structural compromise. The member expressed concern about the extent of the damage, especially after driving home in the rain, and questioned whether the trailer...
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A member shared their experience of scraping their 2021 Forest River Wildwood X-Lite trailer against a rock wall to avoid a head-on collision with a speeding car on a tight, steep curve. The incident resulted in significant damage: exposed and water-soaked wood, a ruined water heater and awning, a broken entry door, and possible structural compromise. The member expressed concern about the extent of the damage, especially after driving home in the rain, and questioned whether the trailer would be considered a total loss.
Other RVers weighed in with repair cost estimates ranging from $6,500 to $9,500, but consensus quickly formed that water intrusion and structural damage likely meant the trailer would be totaled, especially given Missouri’s insurance threshold (repairs at 80% of actual cash value). Members advised immediate contact with insurance, removal of valuable accessories (like the Hensley Hitch), and considering the pros and cons of buying back and repairing a totaled unit. Several shared personal stories of insurance claims, DIY repairs, and the realities of diminished resale value after major damage. The original poster later confirmed the adjuster declared the trailer a total loss, and reflected on lessons learned, insurance coverage, and the financial risks of buying new with a loan.
