Photos tell the story--truck camper damage repaired

We've devoted the last couple of blog entries to our little "run in" with stupidity in Wells, Nevada, wherein our errant camper driver failed to retract a jack leg before dropping truck into gear with predictable results. Some asked to see photos of the repair work that we detailed in our last entry. With a nod to those of you who are ready to move on to something else (we'll devote the next entry to something else altogether) we herewith post these pictures.

First, the nastiness that came from too much torque at the wrong time.


And the follow up photos demonstrate just what a couple of determined character can do with a new panel and a fiberglass repair kit can accomplish.

The results aren't "factory" to say the least. But when we look back on what condition the rig was in when we first bought it, our little "camper project" is slowly making advancement. Next summer we hope to open up the street side rear corner of the camper, dig out some dry rot, and put it back together. At that time, we'll work on the "accent package," and re-stripe the side of the rig.

The white paint field between the jack and the current striping shows the need for the re-stripe job. This is an area where we used did a bit of fiberglass repair, as opposed to yanking another whole panel and fussing to replace it. When the jack parted with the rig, the original panel tore in several places. Still, with a bit of Bondo and some concerted efforts with a sander, the whole effect isn't as bad as the gut originally indicated it might be.

And thanks to the reader who suggested tying something to the steering wheel to note an "abnormal condition." Our driving half now attaches a small, white "ball bungy" to the steering wheel when there's something that needs tending before leaving, be it the TV antenna up, a wheel chock, or (perish the thought) a jack leg down. It's already 'saved the bacon' once.