Dealer Issue

[F117plt]

Originally Posted by stony30

I have a general question I'd like opinions on please. I purchased a new Diesel Pusher last fall and have taken a few small trips. Less that 600 miles. I took the coach to the purchasing dealer for some warranty work before our first "big trip". Repairs went fine and no payment was required. When the wife and I went to pick up the coach we found it plugged up with the heat off. Everything was froze like a brick, even the water in the commodes. The dealer was aware that the unit was not winterized and needed the heat on. Here is my problem, they claim that since they had to send it to Freightliner for a steering alignment, it's thier problem and I would have to seek payment for damages from them. That in the meantime I'd have to pay for the repairs, which today are a little over $2000, and then get the monies owed from Freightliner.

Has anyone ever been in a similar situation? I really feel that they are responsible and had total "Care and Custody" of the unit. I mean, even after they brought the unit back from Freightliner the dealer did not even turn the heat on, just plugged it up. For a unit with less than 3000 miles on it I feel a little unloved here.

Any ideas or comments are appreciated and welcome.

Thanks

Was your Aqua Hot damaged? I have read that a frozen Aqua Hot usually can't be fixed, but must be replaced.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by raineman

Hi. Sorry to read of your issue. No disrespect intended, but if it were me in your situation, I would have either winterized before taking it in or made darn sure it was addressed instead of assuming and hoping someone else did. No one will look out for your coach more than you.

Originally Posted by timetogo

It is a good idea to winterize yourself or pay the dealer to do it.

stony30
I agree with both raineman and timetogo, (but that is of no help to you at this point).

I'm sorry to say methinks if the dealer refuses to do anything for you may be out of luck.

An attorney's advice, (and perhaps a law suit), may be your only options.

However before resorting to legal action... (which i very much doubt would be successful).. I suggest you contact your insurance company to see if the insurance you payed for covers freeze damage.

IF it does they should fight the fight for you.

I wish you luck...(but that is of no help to you either).

Sorry

Mel
'96 Safari

[lanerd]

I agree with others... need to know exactly what "MADE CLEAR" entails. Was it a verbal statement to the service manager, technician, .....who. Or was it in writing on the work order. Makes a big difference.

A verbal can be disputed and unless you have a witness who will verify this actually was verbalized, I'm afraid it will come down to....I said....he said... or I never heard that statement.

if indeed it was written on the work order, as mentioned previously, you need to find out if that info was passed on to Freightliner....also in writing or just verbalized.

Good luck....

Ron

[oakcreekeric]

Update ??

[stony30]

At of this morning I have been told that they the dealership, are covering the costs, not Freightliner because they declined. It's been aggravating to say the least. I do have emails back and forth from before delivering the unit to them for the warranty work explaining the need for the heat, so I think that is what helped.

It's been a very big learning curve for the wife and I. If I ever have service work done in the winter again, it'll be winterized before I take it to the dealer.

As for the aqua hot question, as far as I know since I have yet to take delivery, it's working. It was working fine when I got everything warmed up and took the coach back to them. I hope it still is.

The wife and I are going east this weekend and picking it up and staying overnight to check things out and then and only then will we bring it home.

Thanks for all the input, it's been very, very helpful.

Thanks again,

Stony

[F117plt]

Originally Posted by stony30

At of this morning I have been told that they the dealership, are covering the costs, not Freightliner because they declined. It's been aggravating to say the least. I do have emails back and forth from before delivering the unit to them for the warranty work explaining the need for the heat, so I think that is what helped.

It's been a very big learning curve for the wife and I. If I ever have service work done in the winter again, it'll be winterized before I take it to the dealer.

As for the aqua hot question, as far as I know since I have yet to take delivery, it's working. It was working fine when I got everything warmed up and took the coach back to them. I hope it still is.

The wife and I are going east this weekend and picking it up and staying overnight to check things out and then and only then will we bring it home.

Thanks for all the input, it's been very, very helpful.

Thanks again,

Stony

Thanks for the update, looks like things are working out for you. Just make sure the Aqua Hot isn't leaking any water, I think that is where damage from being frozen would appear.
Jerry

[TQ60]

Photos and documentation with clear language showing what happened and them taking responsibility.

If a warranty unit then be certian warranty still valid...That means contacting the manufacturer and having them provide letter as such and that is on the dealer.

For aqua hot contact them asap and have them give advice for covering your butt.

Would assume there is a process for pressure testing the system so be sure that everything is tested and proven good before leaving.

If in warranty then have dealer work with aqua hot to certify it.

You do not need a weakened unit to fail 2 days out of warranty or 2 states away in warranty but warranty voided by this event.