Tennis Ball Size Hail

[Ronyx]

Over the weekend a hail storm hit the location where my 2017 Flying Cloud is stored. The following is just a sample of some of the damage. All roof vents where destroyed, the roof top solar port and AC cover have holes taken out as well. Front, rear, roof and street side all heavily damaged.

[JBBeaubeaux]

So sorry to see this. You have extensive damage, obviously.

We had similar hail in South Dakota. Here is a video of the experience, but not as much damage.

https://youtu.be/37-KO_Zt3vA

Airstream quoted $30,500 for repairs and that is more than we paid for the 2001 30' Airstream, so our insurance totaled the trailer. They gave us $30,500 and we negotiated buying back for $8,000.

[4RXLA]

Looks like a total loss unfortunately.

[Ronyx]

Originally Posted by 4RXLA

Looks like a total loss unfortunately.

That is my sense as well.

[Ronyx]

Originally Posted by JBBeaubeaux

So sorry to see this. You have extensive damage, obviously.

We had similar hail in South Dakota. Here is a video of the experience, but not as much damage.

https://youtu.be/37-KO_Zt3vA

Airstream quoted $30,500 for repairs and that is more than we paid for the 2001 30' Airstream, so our insurance totaled the trailer. They gave us $30,500 and we negotiated buying back for $8,000.

I can't imagine being in the trailer with it coming down like that! You must have been freaking out.

[PB_NB]

We were watching that storm and couldn’t believe it. I was thinking about this potential after seeing another trailer for sale with dents. They called it “dimples” I think.

We hope it works out for you!

Time to go looking for a roof to put over ours.

[Trowbridge]

Feel so sorry for you. This is worst case for an Airstream. Hopefully you have strong insurance to support whatever path you choose to take!

[SS-Houston]

We just bought an Airstream totalled from a similar storm, and it's a wonderful trailer. I think we spent about $1500 replacing the AC shroud, skylights, etc., which was all that it needed (other than the body work). Not as sexy as it was designed to be, but it's fine for us. Just depends on your budget and what matters to you. Good luck!

[Donnusa]

May I inquire whom was your insurance company? My 2006 Safari 25FB suffered hail damage in Montana last summer. Progressive offered me $17,500 to restore repairs. Airstream in Caldwell Idaho, estimated $23,000 to restore/replace damage. . Progressive said Airstreams estimate was over 50% of assessed value of trailer at $35,000. So without salvage to the unit all they would give me was $17,500 which was not enough to complete all the repairs. To make matters more complicated, the Progressive rep told me he “made a deal” with Airstream Idaho that if I made arrangements to get it repaired there, he would make sure I would get everything fixed! Except that I could only have the work done between the dates of December and January. So I would have to transport the trailer in the middle of winter and leave it there until they could “get “ to it because progressive and Airstream was doing me a “favor”!

[TravisH]

Originally Posted by JBBeaubeaux

So sorry to see this. You have extensive damage, obviously.

We had similar hail in South Dakota. Here is a video of the experience, but not as much damage.

https://youtu.be/37-KO_Zt3vA

Airstream quoted $30,500 for repairs and that is more than we paid for the 2001 30' Airstream, so our insurance totaled the trailer. They gave us $30,500 and we negotiated buying back for $8,000.

Wait...

So those little dings constituted $30K in repairs? I guess they just figured have to replace all the panels...

I could live with that "damage" for $22 although I suppose it's uninsurable going forward....

Trav

[Bobfrapples]

Liberty Mutual was fantastic with my Hail Damage.
Hail is the Elephant In the Room with Airstreams.
Love them, but I will never buy another one for this reason.

[JCWDCW]

You might be able to buythe AS back if they total it, and get someone to replace the panels for the amount of the insurance money.
We had a friend here in Ontario do that. He came out about breakeven I understand
JCW

[jhenry]

Ronyx very sorry for the damage We live NW and had heavy rain but no hail.

[james.mileur]

Originally Posted by Donnusa

May I inquire whom was your insurance company? My 2006 Safari 25FB suffered hail damage in Montana last summer. Progressive offered me $17,500 to restore repairs. Airstream in Caldwell Idaho, estimated $23,000 to restore/replace damage. . Progressive said Airstreams estimate was over 50% of assessed value of trailer at $35,000. So without salvage to the unit all they would give me was $17,500 which was not enough to complete all the repairs. To make matters more complicated, the Progressive rep told me he “made a deal” with Airstream Idaho that if I made arrangements to get it repaired there, he would make sure I would get everything fixed! Except that I could only have the work done between the dates of December and January. So I would have to transport the trailer in the middle of winter and leave it there until they could “get “ to it because progressive and Airstream was doing me a “favor”!

And.... the rest of the story?

[james.mileur]

I've heard time and some sunny weather does wonders to dents, and perspectives.

[thewarden]

I pay a pretty penny to store mine inside when we are not using it to avoid hail damage. Unfortunately, it was sitting the service lot of the AS dealer in Airdrie AB, just outside of Calgary, and got hail-damaged as well. Pretty frustrating. But life will go on. Although it is only half over, I am so done with 2020!

[Mike G]

So sorry. We were spared in Springbank, but the pictures from NE Calgary were horrific.

[AlbertF]

Originally Posted by thewarden

I pay a pretty penny to store mine inside when we are not using it to avoid hail damage. Unfortunately, it was sitting the service lot of the AS dealer in Airdrie AB, just outside of Calgary, and got hail-damaged as well. Pretty frustrating. But life will go on. Although it is only half over, I am so done with 2020!

Mine too! Got the email and the photos yesterday. Looks relatively minor, but all the rear segments probably need to be replaced. Haven’t been able to get through to the insurance company yet - “higher than normal call volumes”.

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by AlbertF

Mine too! Got the email and the photos yesterday. Looks relatively minor, but all the rear segments probably need to be replaced. Haven’t been able to get through to the insurance company yet - “higher than normal call volumes”.

My dilemma will be, who will replace the panels, as I am not sure this dealer has the expertise. I would have normally opted to take it to the factory to ensure it is done properly, but with the border closure that is not an option.

[AlbertF]

Originally Posted by thewarden

My dilemma will be, who will replace the panels, as I am not sure this dealer has the expertise. I would have normally opted to take it to the factory to ensure it is done properly, but with the border closure that is not an option.

Ask questions. I bought my trailer out of inventory, and learned that a front segment was replaced due to damage in shipping. I didn’t like the Olympic rivets, but the workmanship seemed reasonable.

They told me that one of their techs once worked on airplanes. I think we need to ask some questions.

An experienced aviation structures person should be able to do a fine job. I have a few aviation connections, and will explore that angle too.