Winterizing, repairs, a long trip and a big mess.

[Twinkiemand]

So after 2 1/2 weeks at the shop, we finally picked up our 2014 from the servicer. On the agenda were service, winterizing and warranty work. We have about 4500-5000 miles on our trailer and never had a problem towing. The drive to the nearest AS dealer is about 6 hours one way for us, so this "pick-up" made a looong day for the family; two little girls and the family dog. Upon departure I personally locked the trailer with the service man present (after a walk-through) and all looked great, so imagine my surprise when I found the inside of our rig in complete upheaval when we finally got to our storage place, cold and tired. The latches on our drawer cabinet must have failed and both drawers ripped out and busted, with their contents strewn all over the inside. I have never, ever had this happen and when I checked I saw that there is a shut off valve for the waterline behind the drawer. My theory is that the drawers were removed during winterization and not correctly replaced. This is such an unhappy mess and such a hassle now. I am really upset, it's not as if we can just pop back in to the dealership!! What say you?

[sandlapper]

I certainly understand your disappointment and frustration. Sounds like someone at the shop goofed. No excuse for their apparent blunder. Let them know about it.

Even more reason for doing your own work. No one will take care of your baby like you will. Unless it is some major type of warranty work like maybe an appliance replacement or tank/valve issue, it will always be best if you do it yourself. Going back to the dealer should be a last resort, even though you have already paid for the warranty up front.

It helps to be handy if you own one of these things, or have a good friend that is. Then you can gain the benefits of on the job training.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but a fact of life.

Don't burn any bridges with the dealer, but certainly give him an ear full.

John

[mimiandrews]

While I realize you may have done this and the drawers failed anyway, let me suggest a pre-departure routine that has worked for us.

Before you tow, actually put your hand on every drawer, cabinet, closet door, etc. and tug on it enough to confirm that the latch is indeed engaged. Having been pilots in our pre-retirement lives, we use a written checklist before we tow, and that interior security check is definitely part of it.