Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Good morning,
Picked my trailer up for Saturday test n tune and when I washed it, I noticed this 4-foot scratch. I know the storage owner personally, so I sent him pics and he spoke with the person that keeps equipment next to my trailer and will be putting me in touch. The person did admit that it was probably his 20 foot cargo trailer door.

My question ---
Has anyone else dealt with this, and what did you do?

Paint matching would be difficult.
It is a Gold Rush, but it is 19 years old.
It is 19 years old, but it is a Gold Rush.
This would cost probably ~$1500 if it was on a vehicle.

Thanks
Clark

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/3QsrhA9" ><a href="//imgur.com/a/3QsrhA9">Trailer Scratch</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

This happened to me several years ago. Trailer was less then six months old. Took it back to Pace and they replaced the panel. Panel never matched and stood out like a sore thumb. In your case I would try to get the replacement cost and try to buff out as much as you can. Replacing the panel in my opinion would not look good on that old of trailer.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Some times it doesn't pay to try to keep things nice-- I can see why you're upset--- not sure if gold rush is still in business but you can try reaching out to them---that being said is it a one piece side or is it in sections ---?? if its in sections a good Semi Trailer place could repair it --the cost ?? I don't know--- find a trailer repair place and show them the pictures --- let them give you an estimate -Dont let them "patch it" it with a 24 inch by 48 inch patch it will be more noticeable than it already is--replace a section --Sorry for your loss but its repairable !!! just a pain in the Arse to have to deal with it--FED 387

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

It is a shame things like this happen. Recently I was the victim of a hit & Run at my RV lot. I went to pick up the trailer and noticed orange plastic pieces on the ground under the L/F portion of the trailer. My top light was broken, the dull aluminum where the light is was scratched, the chrome front molding was crushed and the first panel was dented. The space next to me is rented by a cargo trailer RENTAL service. He has 3 spaces. Damage was done by a renter. Couldn't put an exact time on the damage. I showed the owner the damage to the rental trailer, it matched my damage. The RV owner just shook his head. He claims he mentioned it to the owner and that was it. My insurance would cover the damage, but I elected not to put in a claim. My security system is suppose to pick up movement , but didn't in this case. My trailer is also old, but nicely kept. I found Duplicolor "Olympic White" matches my Pace trailer. Chuck

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Considering that your trailer is 19 years old, I would have the entire trailer repainted. You can have a body shop give you a quote using single stage paint which is less expensive that a base coat clear coat. In the long run you will be happier with results having it completely repainted versus a repair.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

I know this won’t make you feel better, but you will experience way more problems than this in your lifetime. For a trailer that age, this would be a perfect time for a large decal (possibly business or sponsor) to cover the scratches. Both sides and no one will know ….CHEERS …..

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

or some kind of an accent stripe-- maybe like a big Z kind of stripe -- I see you are in Omaha I know there are gobs of semi truck and trailer places in that area as I pass thru on the way to Lincoln (go huskers) worth a shot see if they can fix you up-FED 387

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Talk to Gold Rush about possible solutions. They certainly have experience with this.

Possibly replace one panel and buff the rest of that side may work.

Isn't Marty Rinehart a Goldrush employee? He may be able to help.

Get an estimate for the insurance company of the guy who did it.


ETA...I hate when stupid people tear up my stuff and then act like it's no big deal. "It's just a trailer"

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

You could leave the scratch alone and go racing.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Your suggestion may be the best. Does this trailer have the overlapping panels? My guess is those seams will be difficult to prevent flaking at.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

There are zero marks on either side until now.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Kinda tough to tell in the picture, but is the paint missing? If not, try some good old Meguire’s #7. You’d be surprised (if you’re not familiar with the product) what it can do. I feel your your pain, though.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

It is down to bare metal in a few places along the spot. I will be rubbing it out as much as possible after I talk with the person. I have about every polishing/rubbing/buffing compound on hand.

Thank you for offering your thoughts,
Clark

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

The storage place should have insurance
Your paying for a secure place with insurance it should be there responsibly
If you get cash. You did good
Don’t get you hopes up. People suck
Make the storage place handle it.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

I found out when parking my trailer in Fl after the Gators that the storage places require proof of insurance from you for just the reason of what happened.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

With my thirty three years of experience in the automotive business I believe a experienced painter can match the aged paint.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

I agree with Frank clean it up and have a experience painter look at it. You are over reacting. By the way a great looking trailer 30 years old is nothing for a Gold Rush.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Nothing built like a goldrush, and there so nice, that you feel bad about every single blemish. I know I do about my 03 stacker , and my pretty sweet 87.

Get that thing paint matched to your desire and go make some new marks towing it all over the country chasing the points and $'s.

OR if its wrecked for you, one of us kind hearted class racer types will take it off your hands and you can replace it with a say ATC or something similar that doesn't cause agony when it gets a ding........Oddly I have a 2018 or 19 24 foot ATC that I use for just that purpose!

Eric

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Like others here have suggested, do the best you can to buff off as much of the damage as possible, then force yourself to stop noticing it. Over time, your "car-buy OCD" will lessen, and you will accept it as one of life's little tests. Sorry for you that such a beautiful piece got damaged.

Re: Trailer Scratched by storage neighbor
 

Try using a magic eraser to remove most of the black marks. I have a 50 ft. Enclosed trailer and I can tell you I can’t take it out with out having some damage happen. I had a scrape mark last week at the Reynolds Ga points meet. Bought a magic eraser and almost removed 100 % of the mark.