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Old 03-29-2017, 08:46 PM   #1
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Hitches and collisions

Hi everyone. I got rear ended last week while driving my 2013 Tundra. The older Ford Escape that got pushed into me rode up onto the hitch receiver and did quite a number on the bumper. Pushed it up into the tailgate so that it doesn't open at all. No damage to me or the family. When I took the truck into the collision shop for an insurance estimate the estimator took one look and said the hitch needed to be replaced. I'm no expert to say otherwise but to me it seemed quite intact. Maybe there is unseen damage / fracture. It's being replaced regardless but without getting into a discussion about inflated insurance claims what is the groups experience with this type of potential hitch damage? Thanks for your thoughts.
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Old 03-30-2017, 08:43 AM   #2
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So sorry about your accident and glad you are OK. Boy...life comes at ya fast.

Any chance of some pics? It is hard to even tell how good or bad this is not seeing something. And even then, when towing equipment is involved in an accident, this gets the attention quick of qualified inspectors.

The receiver on the truck, if it took a "large hit" during the accident, that creates a liability to the repair shop and the insurance company until it has been proven there are no cracks of excess stress induced in the receiver that could manifest itself during a towing trip. I'm sure the inspector is airing on the side of caution as the cost to have a full non destructive test done to the receiver to prove it is OK could cost more then the entire receiver is worth. And if the test came up with issues, they paid for the test and still have to replace it. The company may have a policy that if a hitch part was involved in the accident, they automatically replace it as the risk of future failure and cost to inspect is too high.

Depending which rating receiver you have, a new aftermarket one ranges in cost from $180 to $350, plus the cost of the labor to remove and install. The insurance company I would assume go with the Toyota receiver as OEM. Do not know their cost but would assume it is somewhere in that league.

Depending on how hard the receiver was hit, the question is, how is the truck frame? I have seen some Chevy's when they where rear ended just right, it did a mega job bending the truck frame. Truck frames of today are not the beasts like they use to be.

Hope this comes out OK for you.

John
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Old 03-30-2017, 11:03 AM   #3
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Thanks for the reply John. I just spoke with the guy who inspected rhe vehicle. Their stance is any bump to a hitch results in replacement with OEM equipment when available. They have no interest in any type of testing. As you stated, it is a liability / safety issue. Obviously I'm ok with that policy as the hitch was the factory Toyota version. Thanks again and happy camping.
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Old 03-30-2017, 11:35 AM   #4
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Thanks for reporting back. Good to know.

I thought they may have a standing mandate to replace any towing equipment that could be suspect or even bumped. The response you received is what I would of expected.

Sounds like you will get all fixed up right and hopefully soon. Camping season is just around the corner. Yeh!!!

And happy camping to you too.

John
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Old 03-30-2017, 01:53 PM   #5
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Had this experience about six weeks ago.

Ford Edge rear ended me while I was stopped for traffic. BTW- directly under the 3' × 8' bright yellow overhead sign that says "Congested Area Ahead" along with yellow flashing lights!!!

To replace the step bumper, receiver, and tow bar (2" utility bar, not the rv hitch) was under a grand. Basically adjuster told me any impact to towing equipment is automatic replacement. Costs more to inspect/certify than to replace.

Edge was new, under 1000 miles.....they were at $14K in repairs on it. Hitch speared the front tag...and the bottom of the intercooler, transmission cooler, radiator, then they started adding on the body work!!!!

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Old 03-30-2017, 02:58 PM   #6
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Hitches and collisions

I had a 2003 Ford Econoline and the manual recommended taking the hitch out of the receiver when not trailering. Possibility of the frame bending. I practice that to this day.

Hopefully your frame's not bent.
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Old 04-03-2017, 10:07 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MACK C-85 View Post
Edge was new, under 1000 miles.....they were at $14K in repairs on it. Hitch speared the front tag...and the bottom of the intercooler, transmission cooler, radiator, then they started adding on the body work!!!!
Ouch!

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Originally Posted by johnnybgood View Post
I had a 2003 Ford Econoline and the manual recommended taking the hitch out of the receiver when not trailering. Possibility of the frame bending. I practice that to this day.
Yep, and it's actually a law in some states to remove it when you aren't towing a trailer, since it protrudes from the rear of the vehicle. I'm not sure if it's something one can be pulled over for there, or if it's just ticket worthy if you are pulled over for another violation.
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Old 04-03-2017, 10:39 PM   #8
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To be clear, the ballmount was not in the receiver at the time.
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Old 04-06-2017, 07:30 AM   #9
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Dumb me a few years ago I backed into a concrete light pole pillar with my Tacoma pickup I kind of hit it pretty hard. The factory hitch is also connected to the bumper so it kind of totaled it too I replaced the bumper and thought no more of it until I tried to put the draw bar back it and it would not go all the way in it had bent the receiver tube it was nothing you could see with your eye.
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