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Ray Eklund · 01-18-2017, 04:37 PM

I missed looking at the top of our new Airstream that had hail dents on the top, white, roof and top corner aluminum. I did not see them and only noticed when I had a ladder to get to the top and install two vent covers.

It is difficult for valid opinions as one dent to one, is different to another.

- If the dealer says the dents are no big deal and does not affect the value of your Trailer.... Great. Keep it and get me another.

- If the dealer will give a 'gracious and large incentive' to take the trailer as it sits... do not feel like he is being cheated. His insurance coverage for inventory is paying, not the dealer.

- Over the years of traveling, you will get your own dents from gravel, birds or the kids and an errant tennis ball or soccer ball. Dents are a fact of Airstream and Tow Vehicle life. This also does not release the dealer from the 'gracious and large incentive' aspect.

- At a dealership in Denver I saw a several damaged new models on their lot for sale. When we bought ours, we removed that day. They are always moving inventory around. For sale is where they can see the trailer and sold, goes to... somewhere else.

- The inexpensive repairs at Jackson Center are cheaper for pop rivets. The 'buck' rivets like the original are expensive as they need to remove parts of the interior. Creating a possibility of more damage and misfitting.

Best for you. #1 Get your money back and walk. You paid for new.

Best for you #2. What is the cost to BUCK RIVET like at the factory? You want that amount of discount to soothe your pain.

With option #2. The dealer will most likely refund your money and sell the trailer at a discount, but either break even after insurance covers the value lost. If any, at all. There is always a 'live one' looking in a dealer's point of view. At least, then the dents are known.

Myself... depending on the dent size that are unknown to us, if they are like small hail dings... take option behind door #2. If they are golf ball or larger... door #1. If the dealer resists and it will take a lawyer to resolve this dispute... contact Jackson Center. The Army has a saying about contacting the General and it 'rolls downhill' to where decisions are really made.

rodsterinfl · 01-18-2017, 05:54 PM

Like others have said, take pictures. Make sure the dents are not rivet dimples. I only say this because someone mentioned a dent on mine and it was a rivet dimple. If they are in fact dents I would ask for a different one and say why. I have a few dents and scruffy spots but it is used and it came with that way. I would never pay new price and take something to be repaired under an agreement.

Tn Traveler · 01-18-2017, 05:58 PM

Wow! That is a difficult situation. Aluminum repairs are tricky. If you choose to go that route I would hire an expert on this type of repair (at the dealers expense) to inspect all work. I would have the specialist to write out the instructions and specifications that he would be following. Things such as buck rivets----no blind rivets, etc.

On the other hand I would reject the trailer. It's just not worth the hassle, and what do you do if not satisfied with the work. I agree with others. Let the dealer live with his problem.

ijustlee · 01-18-2017, 07:31 PM

I agree with the order another trailer folks. For what these things cost they should at least look new! Repairs open up possibility of other problems. You will get dents and dings in the normal course of use so I would rather get a new trailer at a substantial discount with a few minor dents as opposed to a repaired "New" trailer if you are in a hurry to take a trip.. If you can live with the dents and the dealer gives a really good discount, that might be an option. Otherwise, order another one and just wait, there is no reason for you to take on the dealers problem. Sorry you have to deal with a bad situation right off the bat!

gecko · 01-19-2017, 12:20 AM

Just to make sure, these are really de Rd that don't come and go, each centered around a rivet? This can be "normal" for an Airstream as it lightly shape shifts thru the day with heating and cooling.

If they really are dents apart from this, what did the dealer say happened? I'm with everybody else--insist they deliver you the new, unmarred original you ordered..

Countryboy59 · 01-19-2017, 02:04 AM

When I bought my Grand Cherokee there was a very faint crease I noticed after dealer prep, when picking it up at the dealer. I was told to come back and they would take care of it. When I returned I was told the "paint less dent" guy was going to "do the best he could" with it.

I ended up taking it to an excellent shop in Detroit where they repaired it flawlessly and matched the metal flake paint by blending across the next panel. It was amazing. Cost me $1200 and taught me a lesson. Walk away no matter how much you like it.

GeeSag · 01-19-2017, 03:42 AM

As mentioned above, maybe the OP is past the point of the sales process of where "Title & Risk of Loss Transfer" transferred.

Maybe it gets into the difference between when Title transfers and when Risk of Loss transfers.

And, maybe the customer is beyond the transfer of Risk of loss, so that helps define how easy it might be to refuse to take delivery.

Either way, there is a value to knowing that you have a product that was not a damaged repaired product. So obviously there has to be some value transfer here somewhere.

Please let us know how it works out.

The end result might:
(1) leave you with a trailer that you feel great about because you know you got a incredible discount.
(2) leave the dealership with the best recommendation for all the rest of us to see and value going forward if we are ever in the area in the need of that dealer's services.
(3) you just accept that they "Fixed it" and for decades always worry about if a new leak were to develop, was it a result of the repair, and you have a bad feeling about it for decades. How much is that worth?

Naper · 01-19-2017, 04:53 AM

If it was me I would ask for a replacement trailer. I could never get it out of my mind the trailer was damaged. When ever anything would happen I would blame the previous damage .

paiceman · 01-19-2017, 06:25 AM

I've thought about this issue and have reconsidered.

I'd secure my deposit back and look elsewhere for a trailer. There are only a few dealers I'd trust to replace a panel(s) and only two repair facilities OR the factory and that is asking a bit much for someone who wants a new unit - not a new previously damaged unit.

Good Luck

Bud

AWCHIEF · 01-19-2017, 06:52 AM

Curious, did you ever find out the story behind the damage?

jtwind · 01-19-2017, 06:56 AM

Personally I'd reject it. If not negotiate a big discount. Also ask if they are repairing it with the original type buck rivet or the olympic rivet often used. It's value quite likely goes down with the olympic rivet repairs!

Silvertwinkie · 01-19-2017, 09:07 AM

Reject it. Period. Depending on the dents, they either put a panel over the old one, or they shave off the rivets, remove the panel and place a new one in it's place and they don't reseal it from inside since the interior of the newly attached panel is not able to be reached without removing the interior trim and interior skin.

Get your deposit back and keep looking or order another one, but don't take this one unless you can live with the dents along with a major discount (more than the standard 19% off list).

2012FB · 01-19-2017, 07:10 PM

Even if you closed the deal and you were delayed in taking initial delivery I would demand to have the trailer replaced with a new. There is no way I would drive off the lot with that trailer regardless of their promise to repair and stand behind it for the next ten years. I would also caution to check the serial number on the "new" replacement when it comes in.

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