Recommendation for skin repair in Northeast?

[rluhr]

Would anyone like to recommend a place in the Northeast can I get a few skin panels replaced? Also, any idea of what I can expect for cost?

A lot of people in the N.E. seem to go to South Jersey RV, but that's a solid 7-8 hour drive from where I live. There are two Airstream dealers further north (Cobleskill, NY and a right here in South Burlington, VT) but the Cobleskill dealer seems to work mostly on motorcycles and the Vermont guy is a boat seller who just became a dealer a few weeks ago!

The factory and the other Ohio shops (P&S, etc.) are at least 12+ hours from here, although obviously those are well recommended.

My poor little Caravel has numerous dents and scratches. Some will sand out or buff out, but several will require panel replacement. For an idea of what I'm talking about, see this picture. The dents on the roof are even worse! (The trailer was assaulted by a tree branch and run up against a brick wall in its earlier life.)

-- RL

[Chuck]

Try Marty's USRV in Berkely, MA. Still not exactly right across the street, but they're the closest A/S dealer. I asked someone in the local WBCCI unit if they've ever dealt with their service dept, and they reported that they had...they needed some sort of panel repair, and Marty's did a top notch job, on time, under budget, etc, etc. They highly recommended Marty's.

They place an add in the local wally club newsletter, and in it, they underscore "Expert Sheet Metal Repair".....

btw: where in VT are you?


www.martysusrv.com

[Raptorrider2001]

I can't help you out on a place in the Northeast for repair, but mine is in the shop as we speak for replacement of the top 5 panels on the front. The cost is $800 per panel. I called the factory and they get $1000 per panel and $5000 for the top. I did not ask about the sides. I was also warned to keep the door locked when traveling. The door is around $2000 plus labor and additional parts.

[Davydd]

RL,

I have a tree dent very similar in size as yours on my back end. I too would be curious if it could be repaired somewhat maybe with suction cups pulling it out. If replacement panels cost around $1,000 then I am not interested in perfect.

[j54mark]

Sadly, $800 - $1000 per panel, labor and materials, seems to be the going rate.

rluhr, I am no expert, but it looks like you have at least one damaged rib as well.

Mark

[rluhr]

Mark, yes, I think you are right, the rib to the right in the picture looks like it is sagging. The wierd thing is that there is no damage or sag evident inside the trailer. The P.O. put vulkem in the gaps and the trailer does not leak even in heavy thunderstorms.

Davydd: I don't think my roof dents can be pulled out with suction cups. They are pretty deep dents that extend right to the rivets. But on the curbside I've got a few shallow dents and scratches that may be repairable without skin replacement. Like you, I am not interested in perfect if the cost is crazy.

At $1000 per panel I suspect I'll have to do it myself, someday, when I get very brave...

Raptorrider: I was warned by the P.O. to keep the door locked in transit and so "lock & check door" is on our laminated "Departure Checklist"!
-- RL