do I fix it or let the dealer?

[tx_maniac]

My wife and I have a 1998 Monaco Dynasty that has been a great coach, but it has not slides. That hasn't been a problem until about two years ago when we "acquired" two rescue dogs; both lab mix. One weighs about 90 pounds and the other is around 60. We have been thinking about buying a newer RV with slides. We love to travel and won't leave the dogs home. In the course of becoming comfortable with driving a 38 foot class A, I scraped the right rear (fiberglass) while cutting too sharp out of the RV barn. I also scrapped one of the baggage compartment doors (aluminum). Those with a couple of other dings were estimated at about $6k to repair under insurance. The RV dealer has a full service department and I was wondering if it would be more cost beneficial to let them repair it or for me to do so before showing it for trade-in consideration (or plan B, sell myself). I know the latter, I would probably have it fixed first and detailed professionally.

Just would appreciate hearing from someone experienced in these matters.

thanks
Mike from Texas (hot, hot Texas)

[RoyM]

What do you have for tools and experience?

[tx_maniac]

I wouldn't attempt it personally. I'm a shade tree mechanic at best.

[jfran304]

If insurance will cover it I would let them. That is why I pay for it.

Jon

[tx_maniac]

Probably the best solution. It would put be in a better negotiating position with the dealer and I'd be prepared for plan B if that didn't work out. Thanks.

[Davdeb1]

If it is just scrapes, the hardest thing is to match paint and stripes. Minor scrapes can be sanded and gelcoat paint over.
If there is is scrapes on the doors, that is what they make bondo and glazing putty for. As long as you don't have to match striping, you can bête a really good roller, and roll the repair paint on.

[Jim_HiTek]

Since you're in Texas, take a nice trip over to the border and have a Mexican painter fix it up for you. Here in Mazatlan there are several very talented painters doing body work and matching paints. They always use top flight paints too. Betcha McAllen, Texas has someone that could do it for you.

My rig is a $8000 paint job in the US (or $5000 for a partial), but here in Mexico, I'm getting the old vinyl stripes removed and replaced with paint, the entire basement section repainted, and the upper area cleaned, de-oxidized, and gel coated. All for $800. I've seen the guys work here in the park on a couple RVs and he and his crew do excellent work.

You get a nice trip, and if you have your insurance company pay for it, they'll save so much money on it they'll probable not increase your rates.

I would like to 'Buy American'...but I just don't have the money. Remember the crash of '08? Half my 401k disappeared.

[TerryO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_HiTek Since you're in Texas, take a nice trip over to the border and have a Mexican painter fix it up for you. Here in Mazatlan there are several very talented painters doing body work and matching paints. They always use top flight paints too. Betcha McAllen, Texas has someone that could do it for you. My rig is a $8000 paint job in the US (or $5000 for a partial), but here in Mexico, I'm getting the old vinyl stripes removed and replaced with paint, the entire basement section repainted, and the upper area cleaned, de-oxidized, and gel coated. All for $800. I've seen the guys work here in the park on a couple RVs and he and his crew do excellent work. You get a nice trip, and if you have your insurance company pay for it, they'll save so much money on it they'll probable not increase your rates. I would like to 'Buy American'...but I just don't have the money. Remember the crash of '08? Half my 401k disappeared.

This is a great idea. Get it painted in a border town then come back and you only have to get the bullet holes fixed. They're a way smaller job than getting a whole paint job. LOL. OK everyone, just kidding, I think :-)

[wa8yxm]

No matter if you fix it yourself (if you have the tools and skills) or hire the job done by someone with the tools and skills.

Odds are it will cost you less than having the dealer do it.

If you hire it done, I do have a suggestion.. as the song says:

"My Mamma Told Me, To Do the Shop Around"

In Detroit area there are many body shops who can fix an RV, Took me a while but I found one that does first rate work, for 4th rate prices, 500 bucks there is worth about 2,000 at any other shop. (Alas that shop is closed now but the owner still works out of his garage). he has been doing this kind of thing since dang near before I was born (I'm 61) and used to have the contract for Grayhound (The bus folks) so he has lots of expierence on larger rides.

Does first rate work too.

I've had work done (Paid by insurance) at other companies, where.... Let's just say I was not as pleased and leave it at that (Thankfully on a now dead of old age car)