Beetle infestation in paneling material

[Jheneise]

I purchased a 2018 Forza 34T in November 2018. We were very happy with our Forza’s fit, trim and performance. A couple of months ago, I first noticed some white powder on the top of the seat back in the dinning area. Fast forward, the other day, I found more powder in the bathroom on the floor. Straight above the powder, I discovered some pin holes in the paneling. While pushing on the wall, to my surprise, a tiny black beetle emerged. I was able to capture it and identified it as a Powderpost Beetle. Yesterday, after contracting Winnebago Industries, I began taking pictures at their request. I discovered additional powder in a kitchen drawer and the bathroom drawer. When I removed the bathroom drawer, I discovered about 50 exit holes in the drawer bottom. I then looked into the drawer opening where the furnace is located and discovered that the furnace is covered in powder from the exit holes in the drawer bottom. After doing some research, I found a very good article from the University of Kentucky regarding these beetles and have provided the link - https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef616

Just wondering if anyone who may have purchased a Winnebago product last year has discovered white powder in their RV. It seems that the commonality of all infested areas is the paneling. The drawer bottoms and the walls are made from the same paneling sheet material. I am awaiting a response from Winnebago.

[keymastr]

Every year there is a number of people who have purchased RVs with powder post beetle infestations. I believe Forest River had this issue a couple years ago. If it is not terrible I think they can bag and fumigate it. Large infestations may have done more internal damage. Search the forum for powder post beetle and there will be several threads you can read up on and see how it was handled.

[twogypsies]

It's good that you have Winnebago involved. Hopefully they'll do something for you. Did you buy it new? How long was it on the lot? I've never heard of this problem. Good luck!

[rgvtexan]

Not in a RV, but in a new bedroom set. A few years ago we noticed a white dust on the bed post of the foot board. We wiped it off and it reappeared. A few days later there was a hole with power in it. We called the furniture store and sent photos. They sent an inspector out to look at the bed room set.

Two days latter they replaced the whole set 8 piece set. No more problem.

[Bahamaniac]

I heard of similar problems last year with the same issues. Best of luck!

[Jheneise]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

It's good that you have Winnebago involved. Hopefully they'll do something for you. Did you buy it new? How long was it on the lot? I've never heard of this problem. Good luck!

We purchased at the year end sale November 2018 and the Winnebago Mfg date is September 2017.

[LinMinZoe]

I just discovered powder post beetles in my Minnie. I have a pest control person coming Monday to confirm. I found them in the ceiling over the bathroom door leading to the bedroom. 2 holes on one side, 8 holes on the other! Called Winnebago and the guy that called me back said he had never heard of that. He opened a case for me and said to call back when I have pest report. I'm hopeful that the damage is minimal and they can treat for these and that Winnebago will reimburse since I am still under new trailer warranty. Wondering if anyone else has recent experience that I can share with Winnebago. Thanks and I'll update once I get report from pest control company. I have to believe that Winnebago is aware that this does happen. My research indicates they are in the wood prior to trailer build and take about a year to emerge. Thanks for any feedback.

[Jheneise]

Hi. I am the member who began this thread. My experience with Winnebago via the Giant RV dealership In Montclair CA, was complete denial of any responsibility for the infestation. I requested that all of my drawer bottoms or drawers be replaced, the damaged walls be repaired and that they pay for professional fumigation specific to Powder Post Beetles. My dealer submitted my request and all were denied. I told my dealer that if the beetles return this spring that my next move would be to seek assistance from a Lemon Law lawyer.

I really love my DP but I am very concerned about continuing damage and future resale value. Up until last week and after having applied the recommended borax based treatment, (Bora Care), to all of the infested surfaces last spring, there has been no signs of activity. Then, on Wednesday, I found a new pile of powder coming from a wall which I could not treat. So begins the next chapter of the beetle. I will monitor and look more closely before taking further action. I did read that after treatment with the Bora Care that It can take another season for the larvae to become active, eat the chemical and die. We will see. This shouldn’t be the experience one has after making a significant investment into a brand new Winnebago DP. Keep us posted on your experience with Winnebago.

[LinMinZoe]

Thanks so much for responding. I'm not confident that Winnebago will help me either but I am going to press them to make this right. I have to think that other campers could have the same issue and the maker should want to know about that. Given that we tow these things around the country I really don't want mine to shake, rattle....and turn into a pile of powder . I will post again once I hear from Winnebago.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Jheneise

We purchased at the year end sale November 2018 and the Winnebago Mfg date is September 2017.

I hope both of you are keeping detailed written records of all correspondence with dealers and Winnebago, this will be substantiating documents for use later, if your case winds up in the legal system.

[mikee409]

I would think Winnebago or the lawyers would go after the company that sold them infested material.
Kind of like the Asbestos lawsuits. Not your employer being sued but the mfg. of the Asbestos product.
I got a feeling this is where this subject is going.
Hope it all works out for the RV owners.

[Jheneise]

Yes. I agree that if I engage a lawyer, they will go after Winnebago who will then go after the original materials supplier. Still watching for more beetle activity to determine if lawyers will be needed.

[LinMinZoe]

Got confirmation from 2 companies that my issue is powder post beetles. The best option to correct this issue is to fumigate the trailer. Tech said they have to use a high concentration (7x) of gas to kill them so the price ranged from $1500 to $4000. I have contacted Winnebago and plan to submit the quote and pictures of the beetle powder and holes in the ceiling. I will have to tow the trailer to the exterminator property and remove propane tanks so a bit of work on my end but if it rids my trailer of beetles it is worth it. From what I have read here and in scientific papers, these beetles are in the wood prior to construction so I'm hoping to get Winnebago to pay for this under the new trailer warranty. I'm concerned that that same wood pile was used in other trailers and would hope that Winnebago is also concerned. My trailer was one of the first 2020 models built and was delivered to Florida in March 2019. I will post again when I hear back and thanks for all the responses and input. Thanks to Jheneise for documenting your experience...I don't feel so alone

[Jeff-Ford]

Dang, I have not thought of these beetles being in wood of RV’s, I come across it in furniture and wood flooring..