Sand Storm Damage - Advice Needed

[woward]

Yesterday (4/27) we were caught in a sudden, fierce sand storm in I80 westbound out of Lovelock, NV. It was in a construction zone with no shoulders and fairly heavy traffic including lots of big rigs. Visibility was reduced to near zero but we couldn't stop or pull over due to no shoulders and risk of being rear-ended. Fortunately, we got through without a collision.

Unfortunately, the front of our 2008 Dip looks like it was sand blasted: windshield is frosted looking, paint is nearly gone where 3-M coating was not installed, chrome (bumper, mirrors, etc.) looks like buffed stainless steel, paint completely gone from Monaco logo, etc. There's also some paint damage along leading edges of slideouts. And, the canvas topper over the LR slideout was "sucked" out of its hard case and torn for about 3 feet. Not sure I've found all the damage because I've yet to get up on the roof. I have a couple questions for the group:

1. Any suggestions on what other damage I should look for besides what is obvious on the exterior finishes?
2. Suggestions on who might be best to repair all the damage (including properly replacing the windshield) - we are located in Northern California.

I've contacted our insurance carrier (Progressive) and am awaiting their response.

Bill

[Chuck 1935]

Don't forget ALL the filters and to change the oil.

[Ron Postma]

I also have progressive. I just had the monaco factory repair my coach that suffered from a head on crash. Progressive had my coach towed from Portland, OR to the factory in Eugene no questions asked. If you want to have them do the repair contact Zack in their service department they have the facilities to fix your coach properly. They did a great job on mine $30K worth of repairs. They are also fixing a Dynasty that went over a cliff at the Oregon coast $100K+ repair. If you want them to fix it just insist they do it. With my repair they set up a relationship with Progrssive.

[Lukeaa]

If you have the time, I recommend heading up to Eugene, OR. There are several shops I would trust. Guaranty would be my first choice. Where are you in N. California. I am in San Jose, but I grew up in West Texas sand storms and I feel your pain.

Luke

[RVThere]

We went through the same area eastbound on Saturday. We had clear sailing there but hit the snowstorm in Laramie, WY instead...

Good luck with your fix!

[Lukeaa]

I would also recommend DeMartini's in Grass Valley.

Luke

[woward]

My insurer, Progressive, seems willing to fix the damage to the coach. They've given me a list of repair centers they recommend in California:

American RV Service - Rocklin, CA
Benchmark RV Center - Sun Valley, CA
California Camper Repair - Newark CA
Quality RV Service - Fontana, CA
Snells RV Repair - El Monte, CA
Vices Collision Center - Citrus Heights, CA

Anybody have experience with any of these people? I'd like to know something about anyone doing the work before giving them my coach.

Thanks,

Bill

[Chuck 1935]

The only one I could comment on is BENCHMARK, SUN VALLEY. I am aware of an "honesty" problem with them and would tend avoid them.

[Lukeaa]

http://rvservicereviews.com/StateList.asp?state=CA

[itdave]

I agree with the issue on Benchmark RV and would avoid.

[Ron Postma]

Progressive wanted me to use one of their preferred providers but I just told them I wanted Monaco to do the work and they said ok. Don't let them tell you where to go. Do your research and select the one you like. DeMartini's is a good choice.