Backed into light pole, spare tire space from door question

[timpossible]

I've been enjoying my '08 H3 I bought 2 months ago. Typically attentive and aware of what's around me, tonight in the dark, I backed into a light pole (backing-up to the right). I thought I bumped it pretty good and was sick with what I might have damaged.

After giving it a good look-over at home, I realized that the spare tire/wheel mount took most of the brunt of it all. In fact I could see I hit the pole exactly on the right of the spare tire and the rear tow hook (took some paint off the tow hook). Didn't touch the spare wheel. The tire left an imprint in the dirt on the back door, so I know it touched there. Furthermore, I could see a slight dent the spare made in the door - noticeable only if you look for it.

I was surprised with the minimal damage. Yet I'm still a little upset that I didn't even see the pole in the first place.

Now I'm paranoid that the right side of the spare sits closer to the door than the left (driver's) side of the tire. Then again, I never paid attention to this before, so perhaps it's normal?? Anyone?

Now I'm shopping for backup cameras/and or sensors! Also found the spare tire carrier for $143.01, just in case it's bent - but I'm not sure yet that it is. Any feedback would be helpful and appreciated!

[wpage]

You probably bent the carrier. Which can be replaced. Why not remove the tire and inspect the carrier. Asses the extent of damage and act on it. Maybe take the carrier off and hammer it out on a bench?

[Planohummer]

you'll be lucky if the carrier is bent. usually the door bends because the carrier is a lot thicker gage metal. If you bent the door- hook a strap to a spare wheel spoke on the rt side of wheel, other end of strap to pole(maybe the same one you backed into), put in 4low lock and pull forward slowly to pull out door. Don't get too crazy and it just might work.

[timpossible]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll clean her up real good and take off the spare tonight or this weekend for a thorough inspection.

[HummerHippy]

I saw a new 2006 H3 on the dealer lot (back in laste 05 or early 06) that had appearently been backed into something. I remember the back door's sheet metal dented in, and not the spare carrier. It was quite noticable.

[Crash ?]

I had someone hit me a month or so back on the trail.. Bumper took the bulk of the hit.. The tire got some of it though and bent the back door..

Parts replaced..
Bumper
Bumper pad
Both rear corner parts (black plastic things behind tires)
Bumper mounting brackets
Rear Door

Price tag was just a touch over $3000..

If you want it fixed, break out the insurance card and deductable..

[wordstew]

Go out and buy yourself the DOLPHIN SONAR STEP. I bought one three years ago, it took me about 2 minutes to install and has worked perfect so far. They sell for about $200.00.

It's the only way I know of to instantly install a backup sensor to your H3