I did a roof inspection yesterday on my 2005 Interstate and discovered extensive rust in the roof seams. Airstream did not paint the roof so it is the original Mercedes-Dodge white paint.
Yes it is under Dodge warranty but they exclude conversions from their paint coverage. Airstream says it is a Dodge issue. I believe that there are grounds to fight both on this. I may just have a local body shop do spot painting. I really don't have the time to deal with Dodge and Airstream. The rust needs to be dealt with now.
Why didn't Airstream paint the roof when they painted the rest of the coach. Sprinter vans have a history of roof seam rust, especially when drilling is done on the roof for add-ons. The metal filings tend to settle and rust if not properly cleaned off. They have been in the US since 2002.
Where else did they cut corners in areas that are otherwise concealed. The coach was painted half vastly I must add....painted it after they installed exterior components....white shows around the edges of outlets etc.
I have a 2006 Interstate. The paint job was not done by Airstream, but rather Carrera Designs and includes the roof. I'm not sure if it was custom, or if Airstream discovered the rust problem and began outsourcing their Interstate painting. Not sure if that helps any, but might give you more ammunition when trying to get them to cover it.
While I do not have an interstate I do have a 03 140 Wb Sprinter I use for work. I have rust on the edges of the drip rails and anywhere there has been a scratch. Apparently the body is not very well galvanized or primed well. I think the sprinter platform is fantastic, however I definatley believe that the engine will outlast the rest of the rig.
I have 2005 Airstream Interstate -and yes I severe rust in roof seems in first year. Airstream reluctantly had repaired. Now 6 months later it is coming back again. Supposedl there is a 5 year warranty on paint.
Repaint alone wil not solve that problem. There is some contamination in the seam and unless it is ground out it will push up through the new paint again.
I would consider sewing in small claims court whoever built the original van. That may not cover the cost of repairs but it will get thier attention a lot faster than just asking. If the company has any operations in your state you should be able to get to them this way.
Repaint alone wil not solve that problem. There is some contamination in the seam and unless it is ground out it will push up through the new paint again.
I would consider sewing in small claims court whoever built the original van. That may not cover the cost of repairs but it will get thier attention a lot faster than just asking. If the company has any operations in your state you should be able to get to them this way.
The Sprinter is sold by Dodge and Freightliner and built by Mercedes.......take your pick!!!!!
__________________ Lew Farber -Certified Master RV Tech (currently on Forums sabbatical) WBCCI #1456/VAC (assoc) #1456 AIR # 10325 CHARTER MEMBER: FOUR CORNERS UNIT
This week it's all the same company. I would go for Mercedes just because that is where the money ends up, at least until GM buys them. I would file before GM gets into the act because they never warranted anything let along problems they bought.
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I wasn't aware that aluminium "rusted"!
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