Looking for advice when dealership has caused damage to rv

[Ejp]

I will try to make this short....bought new fifth wheel last November and paid dealership to winterize. When we “unwinterized” it and turned pump on the inside flooded up through the floor. Turned off pump and it continued to flood. Service department is being upfront and honest as far as we know. Replaced hot water tank and split pipes underneath. Checked for any water damage. We may be picking it up this weekend and I thought we should make appointment with dealership management. Yes, no ? If yes, how should we approach it. What would you do? (FYI, we have have been rving for 15 years)

[Ejp]

Totally different departments. Dealership is separate from their service department. Even have two different locations. I know, then why are the dealership techs winterizing? I’m sure they’ve done it hundreds of times. I’m thinking communication was the issue. Someone screwed up. Service manager has never had this happen (so he says, and from the conversations I am inclined to believe him)so I guess we were just the unlucky ones. Story of our lives ??

[cross21114]

beemerphile1 wrote:
Is the dealership that was incapable of correctly winterizing the RV now the same dealer that is being trusted to make it right?

Depends on the tech. Probably different, and more experienced, techs did the repairs.

[beemerphile1]

Is the dealership that was incapable of correctly winterizing the RV now the same dealer that is being trusted to make it right?

[Dave_H_M]

I think you are going at it the right way.

i thought that old adage of lawyer up right away is hilarious. Around here any lawyer worth his salt is going to be right st $100 per hour and the RV will probably sink into the earth while the lawyers make money.

Hang in there and hoping you have a positive reply coming in the future.

[Ejp]

I’d like to thank everyone for their advice and opinions. We did not pick our Rv yet because my husband decided to have dealership change out the tires. Unfortunately ours came with load range e’s and he wants g’s. Anyway....so far we are satisfied with the way it is being handled. New hot water tank, split pipes replaced. Everything that could be inspected for water damage has been. All insulation is foam so that should be fine. Fortunately I was there when the water started pouring in and by using 4 large washer loads of bath towels I kept the water from soaking in. We immediately put fans anywhere we could. Unfortunately we are 2 hours from dealership and because of our schedule we could not be there to see when they took everything apart. Regardless we are going to insist on something in writing stating they were responsible for the damages and will be responsible in the future if there be any problems. The service manager told my husband that the dealership was at fault but we want proof and assurance of their responsibilities. I feel they should reimburse us for the $ we paid them to winterize it and I would like them to reimburse a reasonable amount for the cost of fuel to and from.
Hopefully they will be responsive to these requests, if not we will have to rethink what to do. I didn’t want to do any of this over the phone but I want the dealership to have this written letter ready when we meet with them before picking the Rv up.
I will definitely post the outcome. Thanks again!

[zcookiemonstar]

A little water can cause a lot of damage but that does not mean it can't be fixed. Personally I would have been there to see what they were doing to repair it and see what real damaged was caused under the floors in cabinets or where ever while it was opened up.

[Bird_Freak]

Got to love the folks that first thing out of their mouths is LAWYER. Don't you think thats a lot of whats wrong in this world today? Sounds like the dealer is taking care of it. Give them a chance.

[dapperdan]

mich800 wrote:
These posts are about as amusing as the crash reconstruction ones. Almost zero info on what actually happened much less if there was actual damage. Now we have lawyers, diminished values claims, or just throw it out and have the dealer give you a new one.

I agree with you...... "demand a new RV". Really???? Almost comical. IMHO Downtheavenue has it EXACTLY right. Get the dealer to make it right as in like new condition and warrant his work. Replacing ALL the water soaked insulation and making everything like "new". The dealer messed up, give them a chance to make it right before retaining lawyers! Geez :S

Dan

[1968mooney]

1 post from OP, rest are proven facts from expert posters. :S

[mich800]

These posts are about as amusing as the crash reconstruction ones. Almost zero info on what actually happened much less if there was actual damage. Now we have lawyers, diminished values claims, or just throw it out and have the dealer give you a new one.

[DavinD]

Sorry this happened to you. Just wanted to wish you the best of luck getting things fixed.

[doxiemom11]

How do we know that the plumbing problems weren't from the factory and not caused by the dealer? Maybe the same thing would have happened if the pump had been turned on prior to the dealer doing anything with it. What does the dealer think happened? Maybe the factory needs to make it right.

[fpresto]

If you get a lawyer as some on here suggest that will be the end of any communication with them. Their lawyer will only talk with your lawyer. You will be out of the loop. They can and probably will drag it out for months and your expenses will continue to mount. Lawyers are expensive and should only be a last resort.

[MWJones]

I would NEVER except an RV that was flooded. Think- floor rot, mold, destroyed insulation. Your floor will wrap before it rots.
Ask for a package of toilet paper????? How redicious when you could be looking at a destroyed RV !!!!! Except nothing less than a NEW RV.
GET A LAWYER.