Crease in exterior aluminum

[Olrocker]

Arrgghh! A nice crease in our previously unblemished exterior. Had a the dealer fix a leak in the front center window (new gasket) and when they swung the curbside rock guard out it put this long straight dent in the end cap side skin. Anyone have any experience with this type of dent and how it can be remedied?

[azflycaster]

Have the panel replaced at the dealer expense.

[ROBERT CROSS]

^
X2

Bob
🇺🇸

FWIW...I always put a split pool noodle on the edge when I open our segment protectors for the same reason.

[DGJackson]

certainly some negotiating needs to happen with the dealer - ASAP.

[Olrocker]

I agree. But, could the panel be replaced and look as it did (it’s a 2013) or would it potentially look worse, I wonder. I understand a standard repair for this type of damage is often to scab a new panel over the old one.

[DremStremer]

Why are the rockguards hinged if you can't open them without causing damage? Engineers baffle me sometimes.

[AlinCal]

Looks like it was more than "just opened" like the wind got it or ?
Very unfortunate anyway

[Olrocker]

In a perfect world they’d cover having JC fix it, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

[Silvr_Bullet]

You should have the option to repair it where you choose. Jackson Center.

[RxGuy]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Have the panel replaced at the dealer expense.

^
X3

Dealer did the damage....he should fix it.

[Life is a Highway]

We have learned our lesson it’s back to the factory for panel replacement. Our dealership ruined our 7 day old trailer from repairing damage caused within the dealership while in for warranty.

6 k later a new trailer ordered. It’s put us in a mess for a third rate factory certified repair.

I would Leave it alone or take it to Jackson

Originally Posted by RxGuy

^
X3

Dealer did the damage....he should fix it.

[featherbedder]

Originally Posted by Olrocker

I agree. But, could the panel be replaced and look as it did (it’s a 2013) or would it potentially look worse, I wonder. I understand a standard repair for this type of damage is often to scab a new panel over the old one.

IMO Have JC repair at dealers expense, they damaged it. When JC replaces you won't notice any dif. than when new.
JC replaced front corner this summer on my 76, only way dif. was no road rash, then first trip out 6 rock dings now worse than other corner.

[Rgentum]

The "Mother Ship," ie, Jackson Center, is not the only place that does professional AS aluminum body repair. I had a trailer-length crease repaired ($16K worth) by AS Northwest, outside of Seattle, who did it as professionally as would have occurred at JC --- because AS NW routinely sends its repair personnel to JC to learn the technique. You might talk with AS dealers closer to you than JC (eg, Colonial, in NJ) to see if they have the skill to do the work, as AS NW does.

[Olrocker]

I spoke to JC yesterday and they agreed that if the techs at the dealership have received the proper training then the repair should look correct.

[Olrocker]

Originally Posted by Olrocker

I spoke to JC yesterday and they agreed that if the techs at the dealership have received the proper training then the repair should look correct.

But having said that, my first choice will be to take it to JC.

[Life is a Highway]

Originally Posted by Olrocker

I spoke to JC yesterday and they agreed that if the techs at the dealership have received the proper training then the repair should look correct.

You may want to look at the Panel on Panel site. We were told the factory certified our dealer a 5 rivet. There are three ways to repair a Airstream trailer even factory certified. Pictures tell a thousand words.

Be warned ! Or discuss with the dealer ,then have in writing up front. Demand that it look as it came off the factory floor not a cob job panel on panel.

Examples-

House shingles damaged is a shingles on top of the damaged shingles ok?
Car door damaged is a new skin welded on top of the old skin ok?
Exterior siding dented- Do you want it replaced or new siding on top of the old siding?

Each of us is different and there are different repairs. Our 7 day old trailer was repaired. You can see the repair 10 feet away. Some people care about this others it does not bother.

[Omnial]

The exact same defect was present when I picked up my brand new Globetrotter in July. Dealer (Travel Land RV in Airdrie, Alberta) is replacing the panel as we speak. They are removing old and installing new. They assure me their tech is factory trained and they've done panel work before with excellent results.

I will post a follow up once I see there repair.

Fingers Crossed!

[Olrocker]

Thanks, and here's hoping they do a great job!

[Omnial]

Originally Posted by Omnial

The exact same defect was present when I picked up my brand new Globetrotter in July. Dealer (Travel Land RV in Airdrie, Alberta) is replacing the panel as we speak. They are removing old and installing new. They assure me their tech is factory trained and they've done panel work before with excellent results.

I will post a follow up once I see there repair.

Fingers Crossed!

The dealer finished repairing the Creased panel yesterday. I’m happy to report that it looks fantastic! You can barely tell that the rivets are not the same as those used during the original installation; you really have to looking to see the difference.

Thank you so much TraveLand RV in Airdrie, Alberta for a job well done!

[Olrocker]

Congrats! Glad it worked out. I hope my dealer’s guys have a similar skill level.