[foglght]

Last year I took my RV in to get the warped counter top replaced. They did that under warranty.

This past weekend I washed the whole thing and in the process of washing it, I noticed that right where they installed the counter top they managed to put 2 wood screws right through the side of the trailer (tips sticking out). Really glad at this point that I wasn't washing the trailer with a wash mit.

I assume the outside of it is gel coated fiberglass. I know the walls are plywood (inside).

It has been sitting outside all winter and the screws are rusted. I have no idea if any moisture got through the cracked fiberglass and into the plywood.

I'm taking it in to get it unwinterized and to get this fixed. The question really is, how far do I make them go to prove it isn't damaged on the plywood side? I had planned on keeping this thing for a LONG time, so I don't want an issue to crop up in 2 years or longer when I find out the fix they did wasn't good enough and then I'd be looking at a $5k replacement price.

Anyone else run into anything else like this? I know how I would handle it at a car dealer, but I imagine that is different than this situation.

I have no idea if just repairing the fiberglass with some epoxy resin will do the trick for the next 15 years?

Any help?

 

[country_hick]

The damage was done by that shop. They should repair it correctly. That means replacing any damaged panels not just patching them together.

If it was old junk I would just fiberglass it and call it good. But as much as was paid for a new trailer I would get the dealer to go good for the complete repair. If they refuse talk to the manufacturer about a bad dealer.

When they take the outside panels off to replace them at no cost to you look at the plywood. If it is stained demand new. I am not a rv guy with newer equipment. But if I paid the big bucks for a new trailer I surely would not accept this. I also would not accept this kind of bad repair on an old junk. I would get the to fix it right. That means the way I want it done.

Whoever fixed it last time now is responsible for the damage they caused. You have the paperwork to prove it was done. You would win if you pushed it and the shop should know that.

 

[transamz9]

I agree. If it was new when you bought it and they screwed the new up then they would make it new again. You have to ask yourself if you had fixed your own trailer and did that what would you do to fix it. You would probably go as cheap as possible and make it as good as you could with that cost.:banghead:

 

[d6c]

Smooth side trailers usually have a bonded panel system...don't think they are going to replace the skin without causing a lot of damage. good luck.

 

[foglght]

Yeah, I don't know how the panels are made or put together. That's really my concern is what is reasonable. I want it to look like new, but I don't know what that procedure would be.

 

[Motorboat]

Fog, when you take it to the dealer have them back the screws out while you are present. If the rust extends beyond the tips that you can see the moisture has penetrated the sidewall. If not your good to go. But, your proabley not going to get a pro job from the dealership. It will take someone experienced with gelcoat.

Depending on where the holes are i.e., plain white sidewall or thru a decal, you can plug the holes and color match the decal.

 

[2500 Grunt]

Keep a good written log with whatever they agree to do. Get it in writing and take no verbal agreements. Also, if you can try and trace the path of water from the entry point (screws) down to the bottom of the wall and look for any signs of moisture/water leaks. Good luck!

 

[foglght]

This trailer has been nothing but problems. This is my first RV too. Somewhat bummed out.

 

[Bryan05]

Smooth side trailers usually have a bonded panel system...don't think they are going to replace the skin without causing a lot of damage. good luck.

That is my understanding too. I would think it will cause more damage to replace the panel then do a repair. Call the manufacturer and find out what they recommend so you know before you take it back to have it repaired.

 

[country_hick]

If they have to remove and replace every single outside panel that is their problem. Once damage is done the person or business that did the damage is responsible for any repair that is necessary. If the cost of repairs is high enough they may even offer to buy the trailer back as it would be cheaper.

What it takes to fix it to factory specifications is their problem not yours.