Camping World Dropped Our Camper

[65MAX]

Replace In Kind

Due to the SEVERE and EXTENSIVE damage, they should REPLACE the unit in kind! Anything else is unacceptable.

 

[NMWildcat]

Due to the SEVERE and EXTENSIVE damage, they should REPLACE the unit in kind! Anything else is unacceptable.

That all sounds good, but just how do you think you would actually accomplish this if it was your unit?

 

[PenJoe]

So far, the question has not come up. The Op is dealing with CW. Is CW self insured for incidents like this or are they insured? If CW carries insurance, the insurance company may total it.

 

[Mr. Dan]

That all sounds good, but just how do you think you would actually accomplish this if it was your unit?

Right and "I would make em replace" might make a fun video.

 

[RamManMN]

I won't. It's not the responsibility of the insurance company. When you open a claim it puts a black make on your insurance record even if it wasn't your fault.

Not true in my experience. Google the term "subrogation". Basically your insurance company has an interest in the insured property and in making sure it gets fixed. They will hold the opposing insurance company's feet to the fire to make sure they don't 3nd up getting stuck with it. CW on the other hand will want to fix it as cheaply as possible. If you accept it, they are off the hook and any problems you find later they can say it happened later. So having your own insurance company involved protects you since your interest and the company's interest are in line.

We have had several accidents where the other party was at fault and this has always worked great for us and USAA still lists us as "premier drivers".

 

[Midwest Ed]

I did not see the answer anywhere, but is the dealer proceeding with repairs? I hope not. They should not begin repairs until the damage has been documented by a professional 3rd party. That's either a different repair service or your insurance. Could also be the dealer's insurance doing the documentation if it's a reputable insurance carrier.

If the dealer wants to start repairs now then he's only looking to get out of, as fast as possible, potentially paying for a full replacement. His cost to make said repairs, even if he writes off his labor, will be far cheaper than the alternative.

If you do not inform your insurance they will almost certainly have the right to cancel you or worse. They might deny some future claim you make due to undisclosed damage or due to other assertions based on the previous repairs. At least inform them. It's not the same as filing a claim (at least that's been true for me with an Independent Agent.) It is in their interest that the repairs are either a sound solution or should the unit be totaled. They are not going to want to insure any unit if they think previous repairs were substandard.

Let your insurance company deal with repair shop. If your carrier deems it totaled, taking their money and then letting subrogation due it's thing might be a way forward?

 

[Tlmgcamp]

From comments on the 2 RV forums I watch and personal experiences of a close friend, I wouldn't trust CW to install a spare tire cover on my TT.

 

[RobbieH]

I would not take it back. I would make em replace

They already did.

 

[Iwritecode]

They already did.

They did? I haven't seen any updates from the OP on a resolution yet.


This was the last update from almost a week ago:

I call the FR customer service line and spoke with a tech and he was very thorough with his Q & A. He told me to get in touch with the frame manufacturer, Lippert, and they will document everything and determine if a frame consultant would need to be sent to inspect the welds and the integrity of the frame itself. They gave me a case number to reply with all photos and documentation. The Lippert rep was very in depth with his Q & A as well.
I feel a lot better about having these guys in our corner and to provide guidance through the repair process. We'll see how this goes.

 

[RobbieH]

I am either hallucinating or there's another thread. I could have sworn he went with a replacement from them, an Alliance to be specific. IDK, I'm losing it I guess.

 

[Iwritecode]

I am either hallucinating or there's another thread. I could have sworn he went with a replacement from them, an Alliance to be specific. IDK, I'm losing it I guess.

That was a different thread.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f34/need-advice-dealer-damaged-new-rv-before-pickup-279652.html

 

[BrokenArrow]

Look, if you would have backed into one of their new 5th wheels on their lot and damaged it, do you think they would have just said, that’s not a big deal will make it like new again. Heck no, they would have done everything they could to make you pay for a new 5th wheel. Listen every industry out there hires dumb people and don’t train them, why because it cost too much and these CEO’s don’t care. They make their millions and you get horrible service. I agree with you, “pure negligence” and improper procedures to move your rig from point A to Point B. If it were me, I’d hire a lawyer and get the 5th wheel replaced at their expense. This wasn’t a part that failed and contributed to the accident, this was negligence due to their standard policies and procedures. Don’t settle for a quick fix, get them to replace your 5th wheel. Think about it, is a 5th designed take a hard impact like that? What about the overall structure, frame, cross members, gel coat, electronics, plastic holding tank connections and the list goes on and on. Finally if you ever go to sell it, you’ll have to disclose the damage and now your overall value of your rig has just plummeted.
Just a few things to think about.

I don't think it an over reaction for us to seek assurances for future issues. This is gross negligence on camping world, have you ever watched the way they jerk those campers around in the parking lot. They don't even secure them to the ball on the mule fork lift, which is very stupid if you ask me

 

[eagle6700]

Update

I appreciate all the commentary and suggestions and I have taken them into account. Here's where we are at with this issue.
1) CW insurance company is managing repairs and will give us all documentation
2) Lippert is in the loop and is monitoring repairs to jacks and frame.
3) once the floor under the bed is removed, pictures focusing on welds, especially by landing jacks will be closely inspected by Lippert.
4) Forest River is aware of the issues and have it documented.
5) We just switched insurance companies a month before this happened and are reluctant to make a claim. Even though this was not our fault, if we turn this in and activate an investigation, that could be considered a claim. Not ready to go there yet.
6) CW will give us an affidavit that documents the accident, the damage and the repairs.
Repairs will take about 2 weeks, then we are leaving on a trip mid September and will get a chance to make sure everything is good to go.

 

[RobbieH]

That was a different thread.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f34/need-advice-dealer-damaged-new-rv-before-pickup-279652.html

Ah yeah. For some reason they ran together in my head!