Our truck was involved in an accident Friday - not our fault - and most importantly no injuries.  The truck was hit on the left rear wheel.  The truck when into a spin, crossed the median and then came to a halt on the curb in the oncoming lane of traffic.  A tree was also hit in the process.

The truck has a flat left tire, and damage to both rear wheel wells.  Possibility of some structural damage - and damage to the rear axel.

My question is - if the truck can be safely repaired - will it still be suitable for light towing? (2 horse BP).  I am hoping the truck can be repaired and will not be totaled. (Can't afford to buy another one at this time).

Any suggestions?  Ford 150 2005 model.

My Internet opinion only ...

The rear axle has suffered significant unintentional loading.  Getting hit at the wheel might have bent the rotating members and overloaded the bearings.  Or the axle housings are bent. upsetting the differential gears alignment & clearance.

Roller bearings are funny creatures.  They don't take overloads well.  A single momentary overload can cause a premature failure.  Over time the rollers cycle over the small dent or crack.  The defect gets larger and larger until the bearing can't hold together.  Make sure the insurance adjuster is aware of the point of impact.  A whole new axle assembly is not uncalled for in my opinion...

As for the frame, it'll be repairable and suitable for towing again.

Adding to Hosspuller's comment..... Taking a hit on the wheel is not the load the wheel/axle system was designed to do. All the mechanical components should be checked (wheel, wheel bearings, hub, axle, differential, etc.) and the frame should be checked as well.

Many years ago I slid sideways in a car in the snow and smacked sideways into a curb. Very low speed, maybe 20 mph. Cracked the wheel, damaged the hub assembly, and darn near bent the frame, which would have totaled my less than 4 year old car at the time.

Have to agree with Hosspuller, a new axle assembly isn't out of the question.

 I agree with the two previous posts. The axle should be replaced with a new unit. The frame is a boxed hyroformed piece, and isn't as easily repaired or straightened as the older open "C" shaped frames. Only a competent frame shop, taking accurate measurements, can determine to what extent any frame bending has taken place. You can't tell this with only a cursory, visual inspection. Most frame shops are equipped to effect any repairs. The bed sheet metal is basic and is easily repaired.

The 150 is an ideal tow vehicle for a BP trailer, depending on which engine you have. The V 6 would be under powered and not recommended. The 4.6 will do, but hills will be traveled slowly. The 5.4 is the best choice. If your truck is not presently set up for towing, you will need a brake controller, a HD transmission oil cooler, and if you're changing the axle, a good towing ratio with a limited slip differential installed. Heavier ply rear tires and a rear suspension upgrade, (air bags, Timbrens, shocks) wouldn't be out of the question. You will need a frame mounted receiver, which is available from many sources.

If properly repaired and equipped, your truck can be both an ideal tow vehicle for a smaller trailer, and a daily driver.

Gard

Some of my tow vehicles came out of the salvage yard with varying degress of damage.  My main towing vehicle for a number of years was totalled out.  I rebuilt and have pulled it 80K trouble free miles.  It actually had to come to the rescue of my later model never wrecked truck here recently.  If done properly a rebuilt vehicle is just as good or sometimes even better than some of the newer stuff IMO.  If you like it, fix it right and keep on driving it.