ajs777
Novice
Now that I've had some time under my belt towing our 550, I'm feeling pretty confident that I can maneuver it just about anywhere I want. For example (to set the stage) on our way to the CICO I actually parallel parked it on the city streets of Charleston, WV. In Kentucky, in the dark, I backed into a site with a 8'x30' pad with only one forward correction to get the TV in alignment with the trailer. When I stopped by Camp Inn I backed the trailer into a spot next to an employee's car. Michelle thought I was nuts for even trying such a thing since there is ample parking all around the factory...but we all know the male ego and I was feeling invincible.
Later Friday afternoon when most people were already set up and milling around ...and watching late arrivals, we pull into Castle Rock. We found a spot not far from the big blue tarp and I proceeded to demonstrate my skills. The way I wanted to set up was almost a 180 to the way I was facing ...no problem, remember, I can put this baby wherever I want. So, without much thought I whipped the trailer around well past 90° and then it happened ...a crunch that echoed across the lake. I jackknifed the trailer. As if it wasn't bad enough that I jackknifed the trailer I had to do it in front of fellow owners. I was motified.
Naturally my first thought was, how much damaged did I do to the trailer. As a testament to CI quality the front storage box stood up to my punishment, absolutely no damage to the trailer ...can't say the same for the Flex.
Fixing the bumper cover that I popped out - $0
New taillight assembly from local Ford dealer - $447.50
New taillight assembly from a parts wholesaler - $144.50
Used taillight assembly from ebay - $90
Lesson learned about over confidence and the expression on the face of the first person I noticed that heard the crunch - PRICELESS!
Later Friday afternoon when most people were already set up and milling around ...and watching late arrivals, we pull into Castle Rock. We found a spot not far from the big blue tarp and I proceeded to demonstrate my skills. The way I wanted to set up was almost a 180 to the way I was facing ...no problem, remember, I can put this baby wherever I want. So, without much thought I whipped the trailer around well past 90° and then it happened ...a crunch that echoed across the lake. I jackknifed the trailer. As if it wasn't bad enough that I jackknifed the trailer I had to do it in front of fellow owners. I was motified.
Naturally my first thought was, how much damaged did I do to the trailer. As a testament to CI quality the front storage box stood up to my punishment, absolutely no damage to the trailer ...can't say the same for the Flex.
Fixing the bumper cover that I popped out - $0
New taillight assembly from local Ford dealer - $447.50
New taillight assembly from a parts wholesaler - $144.50
Used taillight assembly from ebay - $90
Lesson learned about over confidence and the expression on the face of the first person I noticed that heard the crunch - PRICELESS!
- Julie
...although I was a witness...and there was wincing & an audible "ooooooowwwwwww" from the general area. But better the TV than the camper...much easier to fix!
