Community Forums

gripper · 02-07-2010, 08:06 AM

My mirrors (both sides) are looking bad, in that the chrome is wrinkling and peeling. I want to replace them of course, but they look very expensive. Before I take the MH to Lazy Days, in Tampa, does anyone know if these replacements would fall under the extended warranty? Have any of you replaced them yourself?

tedward1555 · 02-07-2010, 08:16 AM

That's a shame, the chrome mirrors really set off the look of a coach. If they are expensive and warranty does not cover them, you might want to take just the arm portion (looks like only where the pitting is) to a chrome plater in your town and get them re-plated.
But I hope you get them replaced for free.
Ed

gripper · 02-07-2010, 09:02 AM

Thanks; Since I posted, I searched previous posts and looked up the mirror mfg., "Velvac". The Driver's side is $500+ and the passenger's side is $700+. So I will be contacting my Xt-warranty company, to see if they are covered. Roland

Gary RVRoamer · 02-07-2010, 09:42 AM

Extended warranties generally do not cover corrosion - it is considered "wear and tear". They also usually do not cover non-mechanical body parts. But maybe you will be lucky...

If just the arm is bad, you don't need to buy a complete mirror. Velvac sells parts too.

Superslif · 02-07-2010, 10:48 AM

Yes, they look bad..

My parents have either a 03' or 04' Fleetwood Excursion with mirrors that looked just as bad as your's. I think it was maybe 2 or 3 years back they contacted the manufacturer of the actual mirrors and complained about the poor quality in the chrome. They received 2 replacments, but I'm not sure if there was any cost involved. I'll have to re-post what the final outcome was.

You spend many $$$ for a higher end pusher, you would expect the best....I can see after 10+ years of road use, chrome becoming battered, but not after 5 or less years of use.....

But as far as their over-all experence with the Fleetwood product, it has been the best one. They have had one gasser and 3 pushers. I think their only other complaint is all the paint chipping off near the storage bays....causing corrosion....

On their way up from their winter spot in Southern TX. they are going to stop at the Tiffin plant in Alabama. Their eyeing the Allegro Phaeton line....

Superslif · 02-07-2010, 03:09 PM

OK, talked to my father, He said he had to fight tooth & nail to get Velvac to back up their stated mission of producing a quality product . His was well out of the warranty period also, but after much persuasion they (Velvac) sent two base units free of charge. Just the outside chromed outer shell. He installed them himself. Another idea is to call one of the many RV salvage companies that sell over-stock. Many are based in Ekhart IN. Somewhere there is a thread that lists many of them.

gripper · 02-07-2010, 03:17 PM

Thanks Superslif,

Looks like I be doing a lot of "calling around" in the next few weeks. If your dad replaced them himself, then I imagine that I can also. I just have to locate them.

Roland

**NLOVNIT** · 02-07-2010, 03:32 PM

Chrome plated accessories are really beautiful, but I believe the quality has gone down the tubes on this manufacturing process. I've seen several vehicles, not just MH's, that appear to be late model issue with peeling chrome plating.

Slightly off topic here, but a similar situation we faced. We bought chrome plated step bars from a well known mfr. for our 03 Chevy 2500HD. In less than 6 mo, the chrome started blistering, popping & peeling. The bars came with a lifetime warranty for the purchaser. After talking with the mfr. rep. we were told their supplier had a bad batch of plating. We went through 3 sets of chrome plated step bars in less than 2 years, all with the same issues occurring within months of install. Each time being assured the bad ones had been shipped back to the mfr & only good ones were in stock. When it came down to the 4th set they wanted to install, we told them keep 'em, remove the 3rd set of peeling ones from our truck & I demanded a full refund including installation, which I eventually received.

Jim's right. For the price paid, we should expect better results.

Lori-

Superslif · 02-07-2010, 04:03 PM

I do have to comment here. Our Ohio / Western PA. IRV2 sub-group (Pond Piggies) have a few get-2-gethers a year with 5 -10 families. These guys are always coming in with their chrome (rims, mirrors, exhaust tips) shined up to the max. Me included....My trailers outer surface including seals are always waxed or spayed with silicone to look as new. I don't look forward when I get a larger unit with more surface area to upkeep. But it's an investment where upkeep will translate into higher re-sale $$$$ and the pride of ownership.....

gripper · 02-09-2010, 04:13 PM

As an update, to my OP, I have contacted "Velvac", the distributor of the mirrors, and have ordered the right & left side, base units. I didn't bother to contact my extended warranty company - I figured it would be a wast of time. For those who may need to replace them, the total cost of the base units is $413.65, plus shipping. The driver's side is mfg. in China (maybe that has something to do with the quality?). The passenger's side is manufactured in Tiawan. The total charge includes a $20.63 charge, for rhe kit which has the chrome "buttons" to cover the screws, on the driver's side (mfg. in Mexico). I can re-use the buttons on the passenger side. Although I didn't order the 18" extended arm on the passenger side, it goes for $405.00, by itself. The total charge for the passenger mirror, arm & base, is over $800.00 "whew!"

Roland

Always-RVing · 02-09-2010, 04:24 PM

Hmmm,,,, for that much $$$$.... I would be looking at aluminum duct tape...

Whew!!! I sure hope mine hold up..

dezertcamper · 02-12-2010, 12:00 PM

The people who have the camp spot by us at Fontana Speedway have an Excursion (I think?) anyways they were having the same issue, and then the last time we saw them he had pulled all the chrome pieces off and had them powder coated black. His coach is the black and gray paint scheme so it looked really good. The only shine on the whole coach was the polished out Alcoa's. If I remember right even the ladder was blacked out.

The owner made a comment that all the powder coating he had done cost less then just replacing the 2 bad chrome mirrors.

Gadget Man · 03-13-2010, 07:09 PM

Gripper,

Looks like you have the same year and model Providence as I do!

What a bummer re: the chrome. If you end up re-plating the mirror arms, this would be a perfect time to upgrade to Velvac's LED mirror glass. Ran me $250 total.

Craig

gripper · 03-14-2010, 06:52 AM

Thanks, I havent decided to re-chrome the arm yet, but I will certainly consider the newer mirrors. I assume that cost was only for one mirror? Did you install it yourself? Sure looks good!

I have finished installing both bases and am pleased with the results. Roland