Community Forums

The_Edge · 05-28-2017, 10:42 AM

On a trip last week, I-77 was closed at mile marker 68 up in the mountains of WV. The interstate was closed north bound due to a chemical spill. We were diverted off to the main emergency bypass route, but there was an accident there as well. We were stuck in a train of cars on a paved mountain switch-back road. It started out as a divided two lane road and then changed into a 1 1/2 lane road with no center lines. In trying to cross a small one lane bridge on a tight corner, we did some damage to the bottom portion of the passenger side. From the front wheels, all the way back. Two cargo doors are very badly damaged. One will not open and the other has to be held closed with a cord. There is a deep scrape to the remaining cargo doors. No damage to the tires, and we were able to continue on our trip. No damage to the slides or anywhere above the cargo doors.

I consider consider ourselves lucky to be able to continue on our trip. But, we learned some important lessons on his one. Always be careful when you are up in the mountains. A lot of those old roads are not suitable for RV's. Low bridges, narrow bridges, and no place to turn around. And, I should have had my wife spot me on the bridge.

I live in Greensboro NC, and I was wondering the best place to get the repairs done. I am willing to drive up to Newmar for the repairs to get it done right. I am leary of Tom Johnson's Camping World and I am not familiar with any body and paint shops in the area. I am equally concerned of the insurance company's recommendation.

GaryKD · 05-28-2017, 11:05 AM

Hi The_Edge,
Sorry to learn of the damage. There is a coach at Camp Newmar right now who had some side panel work done by a highly recommended body shop. It was done very poorly. He is now going to get it done by Newmar and get it done correctly. Consider taking pictures and contacting Newmar to see when it can be done.

The_Edge · 05-28-2017, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi The_Edge,
Sorry to learn of the damage. There is a coach at Camp Newmar right now who had some side panel work done by a highly recommended body shop. It was done very poorly. He is now going to get it done by Newmar and get it done correctly. Consider taking pictures and contacting Newmar to see when it can be done.

Thanks Gary. I am waiting to hear back from Newmar. I have a trip planned in September, and so I wanted to get it done by then. But, if the lead time is greater than that, at least the coach is drivable, and I could bring it up after the trip. It just looks ugly as sin, and brings a tear to my eye when I look at it.

TomandGloria · 05-28-2017, 11:24 AM

You might want to consider a trip to Winter Garden, FL and have Independence RV do the repairs. They had to fix factory oversprays and dirt in the clear coat on my new Ventana. They did a really nice job, and we stayed in the coach over night on the lot so they could buff it out the next day.

GaryKD · 05-28-2017, 11:33 AM

Hi The_Edge,
Don't feel alone. I've been there and done that.

wca01 · 05-28-2017, 01:31 PM

Bob's RV Body Shop in Marion NC is the best in the country. I would drive many miles for them to do any body repair for me. In fact I drove all the way from Maine just so they could do the repair for me. It will be like new when they finish with it.

828 460 7352
828 442 4333

Before the sale of Tom Johnson to Camping World, they did all of the TJ body work. Since the sale they have done none for TJ.

They really are quality. If you contact them, tell them I told you about them.

Good Luck!
Wil

The_Edge · 05-28-2017, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wca01

Bob's RV Body Shop in Marion NC is the best in the country. I would drive many miles for them to do any body repair for me. In fact I drove all the way from Maine just so they could do the repair for me. It will be like new when they finish with it.

828 460 7352
828 442 4333

Before the sale of Tom Johnson to Camping World, they did all of the TJ body work. Since the sale they have done none for TJ.

They really are quality. If you contact them, tell them I told you about them.

Good Luck!
Wil

Will,

Thanks for the reference. I will check them out. I looked at their website and it seems they are certified by Newmar to do insurance work. A brief google had some nice testimonials as well. That would we a heck of a lot closer than bringing it up to Newmar for the repairs.

Dave

wca01 · 05-28-2017, 05:38 PM

They really are the very best. They have done several repairs for me for problems like yours. If your doors are badly damaged they will get new Newmar doors

They even repaired a hitch frame for me that another service had almost destroyed.

After damaging the passenger side cabinets, I have learned to make "square" turns. Don't worry they will make you whole.

They will even let you stay in their building in your MH overnight with 50 amps - no water - no sewer.
Good Luck!

Wil

Boomer · 05-29-2017, 07:30 PM

Probably a little far for you, but after my house gutter decoration on our coach, Ansley RV in Duncansville, Pa. made humpty-dumpty look brand new, in fact I would bet no one could see where the damage was, and it was significant.