As most of you know, we had an icy accident in November with our 5th wheel. Nothing serious, as far as accidents go, in fact, we slid on ice, the trailer slid around the side of the truck not 90 degrees, but for a few seconds, the trailer was skidding sideways before we were able to pull it straight. It was an icy ride, and we had no idea what damage we had done until we were home and trying to figure out why our propane wasn't working our furnace. Long story short, the frame got twisted and broken, the gas line under the trailer snapped and simply, our trailer needed fixed!
We called a friend over to look at the trailer, who told us it was pretty serious damage. Thankfully, we have full coverage on a separate policy for the trailer. SO, we called the insurance company. Sadly, it was not AAA, who we have been with for years, but another company, who said Yes, it was damage and should be covered. Due to the damage, we assumed that the trailer may not be coming home, so we emptied the contents. 5 days before Christmas, the trailer was hauled away on a flat bed, as it was too dangerous to pull. Thankfully, I didn't see that damage before we pulled the trailer back over the pass after the accident...not knowing. Yes, they say ignorance is bliss....I'd have been a wreck had we known. Needless to say, pulling it home probably broke things up worse.
Shortly after Christmas, we heard from the insurance company. The tried to tell us it wasn't covered because there was a recall on our frame. We checked it out, and no, the recall was on a 35 ft frame...ours is only 30 ft.... They then declined the claim because our frame was "rusty". Rusty, really?? We live in the rain state?!! We sulked and worried over what we were going to do. Finally Bill said "Shawnna, it's going to turn out exactly how God wants it to...quit worrying". So, we tried to figure out what we should do since this is now our problem, and with the damage to the frame, not safe to pull...however, Bill was willing to go get it....mostly flat on the way home, until we get into Sweet Home.
As a last ditch effort, I called our AAA agent, who sold us the policy (she sells several types, and AAA Does not sell a trailer policy) and she really went to bat for us. She mediated for us, and came back to tell us that if we could have a frame shop inspect it, and state the damage was from the icy slide and not the rust, that they would reopen the claim. We had no idea where to take it. Bill finally called Guaranty RV and was told they use a place in Eugene called Kaiser Brake & Frame. Bill called, explained our situation and this guy even went out to Guaranty to look at the trailer for us to see if it could be repaired AND to see if he could determine why it was damaged. Thankfully, he noted the twisted frame, and sideways force damage, and let the insurance know that the damage was not all due to rust. The insurance agreed to fix the frame. Bill went and took it down to the frame shop, as it wasn't too far, and all flat straight road! Several weeks passed, and the finally called to say it was finished and ready to go back to Garanty where they would fix the fridge and the gas line.
On Monday, we got a call from Garanty, the trailer was finished. I took the truck on Tuesday to work as we couldn't see another trip for Bill, as it was "kind of" on my way home. I walked into the repair shop lobby on Tuesday after work, and our advisor met me. He said "I have to say, I'm shocked that you got this covered...you must really be blessed". I have to say...Yes we are!!! Two months ago, we thought we had a totaled trailer that was worth virtually nothing. Tuesday, we pulled the trailer back home and for all intents and purposes, its ready to go...we're just hesitant after all we've been through these last two months. Part of us wants to start over with something else.....the other part of us says "Well, we know the issues here..and they are fixed!" Praying for guidance on this one!
Wednesday, Bill texted me at work "Call me when you can".....I always hate these texts, since it's either urgent or bad news. This was "WOW" news. You know that Bill has been working on buying and repairing/reselling equipment. He has been looking for a cargo trailer since January. A friend found one in town, and let Bill know. Bill looked at it about a month ago, and they owner wanted 5500 for it...we booked it, prayed about it, and Bill went and offered him 3500.00. He was turned down. Bill gave him his card and said if he changed his mind to call him. That call came yesterday. Bill said when the guy turned down his offer, that maybe this wasn't the path for him....but he stood firm and said if I'm supposed to have it, God will put it all into place. SO...two days in a row, we've pulled trailers into the driveway that has been trailer-less since before Christmas! The new trailer needs some exterior work, like removing the big red "Norgard Boat Hauling" from the driver side of the trailer....the paint is faded, but I told him this was a great project to learn to paint on! What is even more cool...it's not the standard white or black...but grey...and matches the F250!
Besides all the trailer "Stuff" going on...Kristin earned her first paycheck. I believe I posted before that she got a job with the neighbor, helping with her animals on her farm. She opened her own checking account yesterday....wow...how time flies!!
We've also been busy with the new chicks....they are growing like crazy, and we had to move them out of the small cage. We moved them to the old dog kennel and it works great! We still have one splayed leg chick and we are on day 6 of the bandaid remedy. Five days wasn't enough...but we are trying for another 5....and praying that it works. Kristin is pretty attached to this chick....we decided that the reason they have a bond is that they have a lot in common....both on the right side. All the chicks love her...check it out :)
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