Damage to 2 Panels and a Seam

[Susie D]

Hi, I am new to the forum and Airstream Life! Was hoping to start out on a happier note, but here we go. We are supposed to be picking up our brand new Flying Cloud 27FBB from the dealer tomorrow. We received a phone call today and were told that someone backed it into something at the dealership. So we have 2 panels affected as well as the seam on the driver's side rear bottom corner. My question is, if we were to still go ahead with this purchase, what is the worst case scenario for this type of damage? They are suggesting that we may be able to use it this summer and then bring it back for repair in the fall. They can't really determine the extent of the damage until they take the panels off so I feel like we would be making a blind decision here. Not sure if this is a good idea or not.... Waiting to hear back about what all of our options might be, but I figured a little advice from the veterans here might be helpful. Thank you!

[Susie D]

This is the pic they sent us

[CRH]

I'd tell them I wanted another trailer.

[mojo]

I would not trust the CO dealer for those repairs. That unit needs to go back to the factory. Request a new trailer.

[n2916s]

Yeah, you need to walk away from this trailer. I would insist on a new unit and if they resist, go corporate right away.

[Susie D]

So they are giving us $3000 off the price if we take it. Or we wait for a new one at a higher price (2023 model) and it won't be available until Sept... Could anyone elaborate on what issues I may have if we take the damaged trailer? We asked about leaks, etc. and they said they will seal it and that it is fine to use. Should not get additional damage if we use it....

[Bill M.]

Send pictures to Jackson Center and get an estimate for them to repair the damage there at Jackson Center. Estimate travel costs to JC and back. Negotiate with dealer for a lot more money. Hopefully. No, I doubt if it will leak. But if you take it I doubt that the dealer will fix it properly. The main danger is the lost value. How much value depends upon how well it is fixed. The dealer can probably patch it and resell it pretty easy so you may not have much leverage. I think at this point the trailer belongs to the dealer so no real help from Airstream, I suspect.

[Wayne&Sam]

The dealer has insurance. It's playing a game with you and the insurance company to see how to make out the best. I agree that this dealer should not make the repairs- there's too much incentive to take shortcuts.

[SYC2Vette]

Absolutely do not accept that Trailer and a $3,000 discount is ridiculously low for that damage.

[DaveP]

Is the dealer Windish?

[mojo]

Walk away and shop for a new dealer. $3K discount is an insult.

[Ken J]

Did they say 3000 with a straight face - that’s an absolute insult - that fix will cost much more than that to fix - like 10-15k at least - they wreaked the trailer they need to make good on it and absorb whatever price increase there is or do whatever it takes to get you another trailer ASAP - I think a direct call to airstream is in order

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by SYC2Vette

Absolutely do not accept that Trailer and a $3,000 discount is ridiculously low for that damage.

^^^^^^
THIS

There is NO cure for Aluminitis...we all know how anxious you must be for your new Airstream...BUT you must walk away from this unit. $3K is laughable.
Contact the factory with photos and get them involved ASAP.

Originally Posted by Susie D

So they are giving us $3000 off the price if we take it. Or we wait for a new one at a higher price (2023 model) and it won't be available until Sept... Could anyone elaborate on what issues I may have if we take the damaged trailer? We asked about leaks, etc. and they said they will seal it and that it is fine to use. Should not get additional damage if we use it....

That seam has a structural rib behind it, plus it likely will need at least 3 panels replaced.
The interior will have to be partially removed and there is a very good chance it will leak badly if not repaired correctly or left in the current state.

Bob
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[Susie D]

Sent you a DM

[Susie D]

Thanks everyone for your input. From what I understood, we would get the $3000 off, which I agree is not enough, but they are also taking care of the repairs. I.e. we don't pay for the repairs, we just get to use it for the summer before they repair it. But it is risky, because there is no way to know just how much damage there is until they take the panels off and of course they can't do that until they have the parts to replace with... They say if we take it now, it's ours and we can't just return it after the summer if there are more issues. Doesn't sound great, I know. But my husband is thinking it's just cosmetic and everything will be fine. I will show him all of your comments, thank you.

[Susie D]

Also, I did take the above advice and I did reach out to Jackson Center. To find out what the repair cost would be with them and see what they thought about all of this. Of course they were closed already, so we'll see if I get an answer in the morning

[goransons]

The corner panel itself isn't as big of a deal as the seam they mentioned. That vertical seam has the main bow (some might say rib instead) which is the structure for the entire rear roof etc. That repair is going to be massive. The entire lower flat side of the trailer will have to be replaced, that structure, and the corner. You will either have a ton of olympic rivets or they will need to essentially pull the entire interior. I wouldn't take a 10k discount and a repair. Ask for a new trailer, it's worth the wait to not deal with the long term headaches.

[Boxite]

I had those two exact panels replaced by a qualified Airstream repair station …and those two panels properly replaced cost slightly more than $7K …and that was in 2018. The $3K they’re offering is B.S.

I believe I’d advise you to contact Jackson and see if they will expedite another unit for you. If you’d already contracted for this one, I’d offer the dealer a chance to visit with my attorney unless he assists in getting a replacement unit ASAP.

Good luck.

[SuperTrouper]

Sorry this happened to you Susie D. As others have said, the damage to the structural member behind the seam is troubling. I would only accept the trailer with a larger sum paid as an incentive AND a written agreement signed by the dealership AND mothership to have the trailer repaired in Jackson Center at some point in the future. Your time and inconvenience is worth more than $3000 IMHO. It'll be interesting to see what JC says. Bear in mind that JC will use buck rivets for the repair and the dealer will most certainly use olympic which are OK but will devalue the trailer if you plan to sell down the road. All things being equal, I'd wait for another one or a BIG incentive payment. - Brad

[ROBERT CROSS]

As noted several times previously...that is a job best done by Jackson Center.
Plan a JC 'vacation' and have it done right the first time.

Bob
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