While pulling our 5th wheel on our family trip to Disney World, we got rear ended on the I-10 bridge over the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge. Traffic, as usual, was stop and go. Near the top of the bridge, we had come to a slow safe stop and 2 -3 seconds later, BAM. A Honda Odyssey Minivan hit the back of our camper. It was a hard enough hit that some how my truck ended up in Neutral. I'm guessing my hand hit it and knocked the gear shift up to N. Fortunately, the damage to camper appears to be very minimal and the only complaint from the kiddos in the back was their crayons got knocked out of their lap.

I'm getting an RV estimate this weekend but I'm wondering if it's worth getting the truck checked out too? There's no cosmetic damage but obviously the hitch and frame took the brunt of the hit. Their insurance, AAA, has already given me the green light to get it checked out.

I'm also curious about my B&W hitch. I'm not even sure how to check if it's compromised (other than looking for cracks) My mindset was the hitch should be treated like a child car's seat. It's a critical device and should be replaced after a traumatic event, but it's a beast of a hitch so maybe I'm over analyzing.

Any advice or experience with RV fender bender's is welcomed! Thanks!

Truck is a 22 F350, FWIW.




This picture is not from our most recent trip, but here's a pic of the whole rig

I'm afraid I can't help with your question, but I'm interested in your experience RVing at Disney World. On/off property, sites, packages etc. If you get time feel free to DM

There is probably nothing wrong with the truck or the hitch, but I don't think you would be overreaching to ask to replace the hitch. I don't think it would take much explaining and your comparison to the car seat would be a good one. Any pics of the other car?

That bent luggage rack is the only damage? I think you have zero worries. But ask for a hitch replacement if you wish.

The minivan wasn't too bad. He's gonna need a new hood and bumper for sure. I think he was good mechanically.

I'm no physics major, but I'm guessing we primarily felt the brunt of the 11k lb camper transferring the minivan impact all the way to the truck. Again, it was a pretty good whack, or at least it sure felt like.

Assuming the hitch is bolted to the frame, I'd look to see if there are signs of movement between the bolts and structure. Bolt replacement might also be a decent compromise between doing nothing and replacing the hitch?

The hitch is mounted to the Ford factory puck system so I'm not to sure of what bolts need replacing, if any.

'03ag said:

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I'm afraid I can't help with your question, but I'm interested in your experience RVing at Disney World. On/off property, sites, packages etc. If you get time feel free to DM

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Fort Wilderness

Rent a golf cart

Your truck and hitch are fine.

Upgrade your luggage rack. Everything else is fine. The fact that your rack is bent like that, but your rear square tube, which is quite thin, is not, means that this was a slow blow kind of thing and your rack absorbed almost all of the impact.

You're good. Let their insurance cut you a check. Enjoy your trip. But, keep tabs on all systems in the RV, you may be able to stick them for something there too.

Truck and hitch won't even have noticed the hit. They are fine.

Appreciate all the responses and assurances!