Damaged A-Frame

[Sean]

Recently when I was picking up my Airstream from being serviced at the Dealer, I watched them drop my Trailer. The tech was bringing it out front with a mini fork-lift and the trailer bounced off the ground.

I wasn't sure how damaged the unit was until today. I was informed that the A-frame is bent. The battery door will not even open now, because it rubs on the front of the trailer. I'm not sure how that compares to a bent frame on an automobile, but I'm pretty sure it is bad.

What should I be concerned about? Should I let the dealer make the repairs, or bring it back to the factory? I've had issues with the dealer in the past with repairs, but they are the only dealer within 200 miles.

Thanks for you advice!

[ArtStream]

Sean, what a nightmare!.
It's like the minor car accident. At the time you feel fine, it's only later that the existent of the damage is really noted!

There are more issues than the battery box, believe me.

I would take it to the factory.

Is the dealer going to pick up the tab?

Michael

[Sean]

Yes the Dealer is picking up the tab. Unfortunately the employee was fired later, because he had a history of damaging units. My concern is the Dealer's expertise in repairing Airstreams.

What future issues will I have? Cracking exterior? Uneven wear of trailer tires? How can I be assured the repairs are done correctly since this seems to be a specialty repair?

[bertro]

Make them ship it back to the factory or inland RV. I just cant see a company that cannot even move an AS on their lot touch it again. I feel your pain. Robert

[Fyrzowt]

What future issues will I have? Cracking exterior? Uneven wear of trailer tires? How can I be assured the repairs are done correctly since this seems to be a specialty repair?

There are very few repair facilities with the reputation that would make me comfortable with a frame repair on an A/S.
Depending on how bad the frame is bent - yes to both above.
It will be important to get all the documentation on what occurred.
Get your insurance company involved.
Given that you are in TX, I would tend to lean toward taking it to the factory.
My 2 cents,
Dave

[wkerfoot]

Sean,

Another option would be Roger Williams in Weatherford, TX. Rich Luhr of Airstream Life has good things to say about them and David Tidmore. Plus they are a lot closer than Jackson Center, OH.

Bill

[dwightdi]

A local truck repair place with a frame straightener piece of equipment should be able to do the job faster than shipping it to the factory. If they can get the specs. on the original dimensions, they should have no problem. They however most likely can not repair any internal damage which might have occurred.

[CanoeStream]

Good point Dwight. I'll second Bill Kerfoot's suggestion and go to Roger Williams. There are going to be enough Airstream-specific issues that you'd want somebody with very good experience working on Airstream bodies -- David & crew have it! Then they can work with a truck repair company if that's in the cards.

[safari57]

Make sure if the dealer says they are going to make good for the repairs that this means they will do so if another shop other than them does the repair work.

You should consider having your insurance company engaged in this as the damage may be more significant than evident as it sits. They do not like being brought in after the repairs have been initiated.

I would also make sure the repairing dealer is fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the damage so that they are not caught in the middle of an issue with the damaging dealer and Airstream. They may be intending to pass internal damages on as warranty problems - not unheard of in the automotive environment in the past.

Barry

[Beginner]

Truck dealers are used to dealing with trucks, massive special allow frames, steel cabs not box frame chassis made of relatively thin steel and aluminum shells.
Under no circumstances settle for less than the factory or Inland. If you do you will be sorry in the end.
Beginner

[floyd garver]

My personal experince with dealer repairs and guarentees has been a nightmare. I wouldnt consider taking the trailer any place other then the factory Floyd

[Fyrzowt]

Floyd, Welcome to the forums!

[boondockdad]

i understand the batt door is a pretty good indicator of a bent frame, in your case... are there any other indicators, or methods for determining a bent frame?