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hallbergstev · 07-13-2015, 11:52 AM

I am new to the forum. We have a new 2015 FC 25 twin. On our first outing we experienced hail damage to the trailer two night in a row. The entire roof is damaged as well as both rounded ends and some side panels. I have spoken to the factory repair facility in Jackson Center, Ohio. They say they can repair it with "hard rivets" back to factory specs. This would require removal of some of the interior. My local Airstream dealer says he can repair it with "soft rivets" (I think essentially "pop" rivets). This would not require interior removal. Of course the insurance company says they will only pay for the local repair. I'm not sure what to do and would really appreciate any help from others on the forum. Thanks.

AWCHIEF · 07-13-2015, 11:59 AM

Welcome, Do not let the insurance company push you around. You are entitled to OEM repair if that is what you want. Get a quote from Airstream, Jackson Center, add the trip cost to it and demand proper compensation from the insurance company. Personally I would only take my trailer to Jackson Center for any sort of major repairs. Good luck.

markdoane · 07-13-2015, 12:05 PM

If you use "soft" Olympic rivets for an complete panel replacement, I doubt it will be as strong or leakproof as the original bucked rivets.
Still, people use them.

KJRitchie · 07-13-2015, 12:21 PM

Sorry to read about your damage. Fight your insurance company to get proper compensation.

How large was the hail? Where were you at the time?

A compromise could be to leave the roof alone if its just got dimples but is structurally intact and you can't see them from the ground and have Jackson Center just replace the end cap sections.

Kelvin

CRH · 07-13-2015, 12:56 PM

I would take a big check for the damage and roll on.

kb0zke · 07-13-2015, 03:53 PM

I'd suggest you find your insurance policy and read it carefully. You may need help in understanding it, but what you want to know is whether or not the insurance company must pay for a factory repair or whether their liability is limited to the cheaper repair. Naturally the first offer from the insurance company will be pretty low, but it may also be all they are obligated to pay.

hallbergstev · 07-13-2015, 04:07 PM

Thank you all for your input. I will take another look @ the insurance policy as well as talk to Jackson Center about doing just the ends. I have the option to take the insurance company to binding arbitration as a last resort. Thanks again!

kb0zke · 07-13-2015, 04:21 PM

Oh, yes. Welcome to the forum. You will have lots of questions, and this is the place to ask them. Lots of good people here who are willing to help a new owner.

Wrangler · 07-13-2015, 04:29 PM

I am considering the purchase of a new trailer to replace my 16 year old 19 foot Scamp. I am concerned about dealing with hail damage, so you can imagine my surprise when I saw this as the first item in the list of threads!