Roof dents

[robrich]

We're looking at purchasing a 2014 Flying Cloud 25 and just discovered two dents in the roof. Damage is from a shipping company. Technicians indicate no structural damage as a result. Would you be concerned and has anyone used a technique to try to fix the dents? Appreciate any thoughts you have.

[AtomicNo13]

Seems like a no worry.
Try suction cups or the hot glue method to pop them out. If the metal is creased, they are not worth sweating over. You could always do nothing....

[robrich]

Doing nothing is a strong possibility, you can't see the dents when you're standing on the ground....but if you don't mind, could you explain a little about the hot glue method?

[r carl]

If the dent is through a seam it could leak.

[Hans627]

Personally, if the dents cannot be seen from ground level I would not be concerned. Of course you would want to check to make sure they will not cause any leaks (like if dented on a seam).

Just use the fact that there are dents in the roof to get a bit taken off the selling price.

[rmkrum]

Or try a piece of plywood, an inner tube and a shop vacuum to pull the dent with air pressure. Use an inner tube and piece of plywood big enough to span the dent. Inflate the tube softly so it will conform to the area. Drill a hole in the plywood to fit the vacuum hose. Hold it all in place over the dent and apply suction.

Many have reported success using this method. Worth a try.

[robrich]

Thank you. We think alike.

[robrich]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Or try a piece of plywood, an inner tube and a shop vacuum to pull the dent with air pressure. Use an inner tube and piece of plywood big enough to span the dent. Inflate the tube softly so it will conform to the area. Drill a hole in the plywood to fit the vacuum hose. Hold it all in place over the dent and apply suction.

Many have reported success using this method. Worth a try.

I've never heard of this, it's an interesting concept. Thanks for the suggestion.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

A full "proper" repair involves replacing panel(s) in the trailer. That's not a cheap thing to do. You paid for a trailer that was "perfect" as far as dents are concerned. The cost of a proper repair is well into the "many thousands" of dollars.

You should make a damage claim and be reimbursed for the cost of a proper repair. You *might* do the repair. You also might live with it and accept that if you ever sell the trailer, the buyer likely will be looking for the same "cost of a proper repair" off of your selling price.

Bob

[robrich]

Bob, appreciate your thoughts. The seller has disclosed the damage and sent pictures and discounted the sale price. Just wondering, if we decided to pursue a fix, what might our options be. Again, thank you for commenting.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by robrich

Bob, appreciate your thoughts. The seller has disclosed the damage and sent pictures and discounted the sale price. Just wondering, if we decided to pursue a fix, what might our options be. Again, thank you for commenting.

Hi

If this is "old damage" and known to not cause any problems. I'm voting with everybody else ... leave it as is. You are more likely to create issues by trying to fix it than by just leaving it.

Bob

[WhereStream]

I had a dent on one of the forward curves (some tree-limb sadness).

Using a suction cup dent-puller, I was able to yank out most of the dent. Not all of it, but most.

So, you might give that a try.

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by robrich

Doing nothing is a strong possibility, you can't see the dents when you're standing on the ground....but if you don't mind, could you explain a little about the hot glue method?

“Paintless Dent Removal.” Google or YouTube it and you’ll see.

[Bumpy]

In Feb I had 4 rear panels replaced. Some idiot (that would be me) while backing under my house managed to damage them.

Average cost $2K per panel. This may give you some food for thought.

The work was done by a former AS mechanic in VA. He has a small, independent repair shop.

[SilverWind]

DentPro repaired a roof dent/crease for us in 5 minutes. It was about 80-90% gone. Couldn't see it from the ground so we were satisfied.

Panel replacement, as offered by the offending company's insurance meant a very intrusive and drawn out process and in the end would have been more trouble than it was worth.