Warranty Repairs

[20052]

Warranty question, manufacturer (Starcraft) has declined warranty on any item I repaired and will not reimburse me for my cost to fix the factory defects. Going to the dealer to have 50 things fixed would have been futile in any alternate dimension. It took 2 months just to find all the defects and I wanted to use the rv, so i fixed the stuff myself as they were discovered. They should be thankful, grateful and helpful, but nah they aren't, they would not even send me a new panel and trim when a rain leak was discovered.

We purchased a brand new 2018 Starcraft Satellite trailer from Camping World 6 months ago. From reading all the forums I knew going in that the dealer sucks (and they do), the quality sucks (and it did) and the warranty sucks (and it does).

So soon as I got the trailer I started inspecting everything, there is nothing on the trailer I have not touched, looked at or repaired. A lot of stuff, dripping connections behind the shower wall, leaking toilet flange gasket,  loose trim, missing caulk, etc etc, etc, about 50 things I repaired, maybe 100 hours.

Less than 6 months later I discovered a hidden rain water leak that ruined the ceiling, it looked like it was there a long time. (here is where you get the violins out). Called the dealer they said it may not be covered, so i fixed it myself. Called the factory they will not warranty any item I repaired.

So here is my question, it's a point of "I'll be damned if i do and damned if i don't". If I don't maintain the trailer they will not warranty it and if do maintain the trailer they will not warranty it????

So what should I do to get whole again?? The roof leak put me over the top and now I am really questioning the whole RV thing, the fun is already gone

 

[Rene T]

You're screwed IMHO. You never should have started the repairs yourself and expect the manufacturer to reimburse you. How do they know you're telling the truth. It should have gone to a Manufacturer certified/approved dealer and all the repairs would have been covered.

 

[lynnmor]

It is best if you just fix it yourself and understand that there is no such thing as a warranty.  Taking a trailer to a bunch of clowns and letting it sit for weeks at a time, while rain slowly destroys it, is not going to help you.  These things are nothing more than a heap of cheap materials with much assembly required.

 

[Prior member]

I feel for you, since four years ago I went through the same thing. Fortunately for me Hurricane Irma totaled the piece of junk that I had and I got full replacement cost from Progressive insurance.

The best thing you can do are two things:
1. Every time some one here or any place  asks about that brand of trailer tell them your story
2. every time some one here or any place  asks about that dealer tell them your story

Jack L

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Your reward is that you got it fixed right the first time, and promptly. Enjoy it!


Few warranties allow DIY repair any more - the reasons are potential liability and the likelihood that the repair will have to be repeated anyway.  Yeah, I know you are a competent repair tech, but Starcaft doesn't know that and I'm sure they have a lot of experience with the other kind.

 

[grashley]

At least you got it fixed promptly and fixed correctly!!  Likely much more than you could have gotten from the dealer.

The best way to avoid all those hassles is buy gently used and let somebody else get all of that fixed.

Second best is to do a very thorough inspection at the dealer before you write the check, and demand all  issues be fixed before the sale is completed.  After the repairs, inspect it all again!  Once you complete the purchase, you lose all leverage for prompt repair service.