3 Week Old RAM Rammed in the Rear...Repair Advice

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Michael Deery

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2018
Posts
66
Reaction score
23
Location
Long Island, New York
Ram Year
2018
Engine
3.6 L
Needless to say, I am really disappointed... My 3 week old RAM 1500 was rear ended as I sat at a traffic light. The other driver (BMW SUV) never slowed down and hit my truck doing close to 25mph. The truck is at the auto body. The rear bumper is shot, the left quarter panel is wrecked, the tail gate has a dent and the tailgate's left pivot point (hinge) is bent, the left rear stake post is deformed, the weld where the stake post meets the lower rear fascia plate is cracked, there is a small (4" x 2") buckle in the rear of the bed, and the tow hitch receiver appears to be bent down slightly. The side rails seem ok. Anyway, I have insisted on all new OEM parts (no repaired panels, tailgate, etc.). What else should I be aware of? I wish they would just replace the entire bed (I don't know if that is realistic). Otherwise, there will be a fair amount of welding. Pics below. Any advice on what I should tell the body shop is welcome. The adjuster has not seen the car yet.ram hit 1.jpg ram hit 2.jpg ram hit 3.jpg
 

monteholic

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2016
Posts
722
Reaction score
389
Location
Michigan
Ram Year
2016
Engine
6.4 hemi
the frame needs to be checked, esp since the hitch is bent

it doesn't take a hard hit to knock a frame out of square

even though you are demanding all factory parts, your insurance company "legally" may not have to provide factory parts (read your policy)

very few insurance companies anymore will opt for cheaper aftermarket parts when available, esp headlights, taillights, bumpers, and radiators

I sure don't miss working at a collision shop anymore
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Michael Deery

Michael Deery

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2018
Posts
66
Reaction score
23
Location
Long Island, New York
Ram Year
2018
Engine
3.6 L
BMW was probably totaled. Was towed from scene, looked rough. It was also a little older, so that leads me to also believe it would be totaled. Guessing that the repair costs might exceed value. Front bumper, headlights, radiator, oil cooler, A/C parts, suspension, fenders, hood, etc.
 

chrisbh17

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2017
Posts
6,691
Reaction score
7,473
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
I would be demanding a new bed.

And like was said before make sure to get the frame checked, that's the most important part.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
 

jasonw

Senior Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2011
Posts
1,047
Reaction score
558
Location
South Dakota
Ram Year
2020
Engine
5.7L Hemi V8
That sucks dude. Did they at least have insurance, or is yours going to have to foot the bill for it?

As others said, check the frame, make sure its not tweaked. A new bed would be nice, but I'm unfortunately going to guess they won't go that route. New side panel, fix the dented tailgate, etc. Don't be discouraged though, you'd be surprised what a good, quality body shop can do. They can work miracles.
 

Docpaulo

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2017
Posts
304
Reaction score
74
Ram Year
2014
Engine
Hemi 6.4
Get a new bed... cheaper than putting panels together and stronger... beds are about 2500$.. cheaper than welding labor plus panels and bodywork

Check the frame and have it strengthened if bent...

Get an alignment with the whole thing...
 

Black W900

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2017
Posts
694
Reaction score
1,255
Location
Nashville, TN
Ram Year
2015
Engine
Hemi
3 week old truck....I'd raise holy hell until they replaced the whole bed and checked the frame.
I didn't buy a hacked together truck, I bought a new truck.
 
OP
OP
Michael Deery

Michael Deery

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2018
Posts
66
Reaction score
23
Location
Long Island, New York
Ram Year
2018
Engine
3.6 L
Luckily the other driver did have insurance. I am expecting a new side panel, new bumper, new rear stake post and a new tailgate. Also, a new bolt in rear crossmember if it is tweeked as I suspect. I think that they will just tap out the tiny bed buckle (unfortunately). The body shop is excellent and is directly across from my work, so I can watch the progress. I am an **** retentive car guy, and I've kept my cars perfect over the years. Friends usually fight over the chance to buy my used cars because I am so fussy. So, I am hoping it turns out nicely, otherwise it will probably bother me every week when I wash and detail. Oh well, at least nobody seems to have been hurt.
 

wallacemf

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2016
Posts
466
Reaction score
503
Ram Year
2018
Engine
2500 4x4 Hemi 6.4
You might check the laws in your state in regards to whether insurance can force you to accept aftermarket/used/collision parts. In WV where I live, if your vehicle is within one year of it's purchase or new model year date, you can demand new OEM parts and insurance must pay for it.

Someone backed into my truck and dented the chrome rear bumper. Body shop tried to use an aftermarket bumper, I said no. The other drivers insurance had to pay $600+ for a new OEM Mopar bumper.

You also may want to consider demanding an additional settlement for diminished value. Since insurance is paying for this, it will show up on a history report at some point and will diminish your future trade-in or sale value.
 

Jstmahoney

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2012
Posts
370
Reaction score
221
Location
Northern California
Ram Year
2017 Ram 1500 5.7 Crew Cab 4x4
Engine
5.7 hemi
I would also demand a new bed. And OEM parts. When I took my Journey to be repaired last year the taillight needed replacing, I asked them to only use Mopar parts and they said most insurance companies won’t cover it, but they’d ask the dealer to price match. And they did. But if they didn’t it was only going to be a $40 price for me. Since this a new truck and someone else hit you I’d be demanding a new bed, mopar parts and compensation for the report of bodywork that’ll show up on a carfax report. Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
OP
OP
Michael Deery

Michael Deery

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2018
Posts
66
Reaction score
23
Location
Long Island, New York
Ram Year
2018
Engine
3.6 L
Yes, I think I will push for a new bed. The auto body shop did say that all of the parts would be OEM. Thanks for advice.
 

GsRAM

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 9, 2016
Posts
2,929
Reaction score
2,743
Ram Year
2017 Dodge Ram 2500
Engine
Hemi, 6.4L
Man I'm sorry to hear about that, that stinks but glad you are ok.

Getting an entire new bed assy with damage like you have is going to be a tough sell I think, unless your shop can document it's more cost effective to go that route.

What about a good, straight low bed from a 17 that may just have front end damage or something? That way you have a solid own bed without the cost of a brand new one? If you got one from another wrecked 17 I'd doubt there would be anything noticeable and the shop can re paint the entire bed to match your truck. Just a thought.

If they will go for a new one bed, great, I'd do that too. Defianately ask for a new hitch due to the impact, if they balk remind them of the liability if it would fail. Good luck man!
 

Craw

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Jun 22, 2017
Posts
589
Reaction score
251
Location
Western, Idaho
Ram Year
2013 Sport
Engine
HEMI 5.7
RESEARCH THE LAWS OF YOUR STATE. You dont want to be a slackass and just hope they do things right. Drop hints to the insurance company you know the law. Also.... dude did you get an injury attorney? Regardless of you are totally jacked up you can at least get something for this headache and any lost wages. Also if you do then the repair will be done 100% correct. Doesnt hurt to call one ans ask. Remember injuries can sneak up on you too.

-Not legal advice, Not an attorney, Just hate a$$holes
 

laramielambo

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2018
Posts
26
Reaction score
7
Location
bc canada
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7 hemi
i got hit from behind with a 3 month old car.
i payed extra on my insurance for what i thought was new replacement parts and not repairing. WRONG
If they can fix it they will and here where i live you have to declare any damage over $2000 when you sell. It is also in the system so a potential buyer can pay for a carfax sheet and find out.

So not only was your new truck hit from behind and you were 100% innocent but you get to eat the depretiation that comes along with a vehicle thats been in an accident.

On a new ram thats probably a 10k hit depending on the model. And I dont mean the cost of damages but the value of your truck.

Now if you can prove that you were ACTIVELY purchasing a new vehicle and were going to trade your new truck in before the accident you qualify for coverage for the depretiation loss.

Hope thats not how it is for you but thats what i dealt with.

And the kicker is...... where would they find used parts for a new vehicle anyways?
Insurance is such a scam...at least the passengers in my car got paid for injuries.3 of them but sadly i was not as the wife was driving....
 
OP
OP
Michael Deery

Michael Deery

Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2018
Posts
66
Reaction score
23
Location
Long Island, New York
Ram Year
2018
Engine
3.6 L
I got to get under the truck and carefully go over the truck today. Frame is fine, one of the rear bumper mounting brackets is bent. The insurance company did not want to go for a new tailgate, but I made a fuss and it looks like that will be covered Of course, a new rear quarter panel will be covered, as well as the rear stake pocket support. We will see what else will be included when the truck is apart. Bottom line, I argued that I did not want any plastic filler on a 3 week old truck. It looks like I will probably get that much. Unfortunately, they will not cover a new bed. The entire bed will come off for repair however.
 

17CrewCab1500

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2017
Posts
874
Reaction score
635
Ram Year
2017
Engine
Hemi 5.7
Sorry to hear all this. I'm going through the same thing, but looks like my truck handled it a bit better than yours. I totalled a 06 Dodge Stratus, so that is probably why my truck faired better.

I used to work at a body shop. You got to find a good one. Normally a insurance approved one is the best way to go. They will replace the bed side etc. They will not try to repair it.

Keep us updated.
 
Top