Community Forums

jacandjer · 08-05-2011, 12:43 PM

I took our motorhome to Camping World prior to our summer vacation (which didn't happen in the motorhome) to have an ABS warning light checked out and also asked them to find out why the generator wouldn't start (I suspected that I failed to properly stabilize the gas prior to storage and it varnished).

Two days after dropping it off for service, I was told that I should come in to discuss the "incident with your motorhome".

It appeared that while the technician was attempting to start the generator, he noticed smoke coming from under the motorhome and by the time he reached the area it was fully engulfed in flames. Seems there was "probably" a fuel leak at the generator and while the technician was INSIDE the m/h using the AUXILLARY boost switch to try to start it, the fuel ignited.

Camping World explained that this was an "accident" and they were thankful that it hadn't happened to me while I was on the road and could have been killed! They were willing to cover any deductible that I had on my insurance and I should contact them. For whatever reason, GEICO agreed to cover the "accident" under my comprehensive insurance ("will not result in a rate increase") and issued a check to Camping World for $5,500. Repairs were done and after two months, I got the m/h back.

My main question is why was this covered by my insurance? I would think Camping World would have liability insurance to cover such incidents. Also, in my opinion, this "accident" was caused by incompetence and/or negligence on the part of the technician. If there was a fuel leak it was probably caused by him (second day of working on generator) and I have never heard of trying to start the generator from inside the cockpit using the AUX boost switch (thought this was for engine starting).

Just had to vent!

I'm

AFChap · 08-05-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

I have never heard of trying to start the generator from inside the cockpit using the AUX boost switch

I have done that several times ...the boost switch works both directions to start the engine if the chassis batteries are dead OR to start the generator if the house batteries are dead.

It is certainly possible that the technician was negligent in some way, directly or indirectly causing or contributing to the cause of the fire, but how to prove that?

Normally when two parties and/or their property are involved in an accident, their respective insurance companies negotiate as to who pays what, just as it sounds like happened in this case.

And I have to add ...in my experience, CW is one of the worst possible places to have an RV worked on. It certainly would be my own absolute last choice...

H. Miller · 08-05-2011, 01:07 PM

GEICO is probably subrogating against CW. This may/will require MUCH longer time so to keep policy holders happy, you're paid and they "hash" it out.

bluepill · 08-05-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. Miller

GEICO is probably subrogating against CW. This may/will require MUCH longer time so to keep policy holders happy, you're paid and they "hash" it out.

+1.

Be glad that Geico was willing to do this for you, rather than leaving you holding the bag.

They will spend a bit of time negotiating, then settle and close the case.

Tha_Rooster · 08-05-2011, 02:04 PM

Most all repair facilities assume no liability, my sons 6 month old truck was hit $13,000 worth of damage while in the body shops possession another tire was damage. Since it was not involved in the accident insurance refused to pay and body shop said they did not do it. So he was out of pocket a new $200 tire not his fault.

Triker56 · 08-05-2011, 04:24 PM

You should had the ABS warning light checked out at a workhorse shop.
Onan generator done at CW should have worked.
No way could you prove the technician was negligent in any way.

You are very lucky that they even offered to pay the deductible.

It is mainly your fault for not using stabilizer last winter.
And exercising the generator for 2 hours every month at a 1/2 load.
If you had used stabilizer and followed Onan storage instructions.
The tech probably wouldn't have been working on it.

DAN L · 08-06-2011, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

You should had the ABS warning light checked out at a workhorse shop.
Onan generator done at CW should have worked.
No way could you prove the technician was negligent in any way.

You are very lucky that they even offered to pay the deductible.

It is mainly your fault for not using stabilizer last winter.
And exercising the generator for 2 hours every month at a 1/2 load.
If you had used stabilizer and followed Onan storage instructions.
The tech probably wouldn't have been working on it.

i use stabilizer and drain the onan genny's float bowl if i anticipate not running it for 2 weeks or longer. it primes easily the next time i start it.

Camping4fun · 08-06-2011, 05:32 AM

Being the owner of a NAPA AutoCare & big Truck center that's why I pay over $5,700.00 a year for insurance, to take care of my customers if anything happens. Thank God in over 14 years we have never had a lose of any type. Things do happen but it how you take care of it after it happens that makes the difference. Be glad that Camping World helped you at all, how they stay in business with there customer service is like the 11th wonder of the world.

wa8yxm · 08-06-2011, 09:13 AM

Many shops have a "not liable for ____" sign, which by the way is generally useless.

In this specific case I think it was handled properly however.. That is, Unless you specifically told them of the fuel leak. This one is not the fault of the shop.