First my question: When you take your TT to the dealer for service, do you empty out your personal belongings first?
Now my experience: Last year we bought our very first TT brand new off the lot of a local dealer. We bought our trailer based on budget and floor plan. After taking delivery, the trailer spent more time at the dealer for warranty work then it did camping. The third visit it had been at the dealer for over 2 weeks fixing an electrical issue.
When I picked up the trailer I unlocked the trailer and went right to the battery monitor, made sure the batteries were charged and was satisfied that the problem was fixed. I didn't pay attention to anything else, and my wife would attest that I'm not real observant at times. So, I towed the trailer directly home and unhitched in the front drive. Then the kids went in the trailer and asked, "What happened to the DVD player?" I went in and sure enough, the DVD/surround sound system had been pulled out leaving the wires hanging from the cabinet cutout.
I went straight for the phone and called the dealer and talked to the service tech and explained what I found. He talked to his manager and reassured me that this had never happened before and to make a list of what was missing. The thieves had taken the DVD player, 20+ DVD's, a hand held GPS unit, canned food, lantern, toilet paper, and some bags of assorted toys that were on the kids' bunks, in all just over $1,000 value. There was nothing missing from the outside storage compartments.
At first I was really mad that this could happen, then I felt very stupid for leaving any personal items alone at the dealer. The sheriff's deputy had an inkling that it might have been an inside job, but they had no proof, and they didn't really investigate it at all.
After some bickering, threats, and tears from my wife, the dealer sent us a check for $1,000 so was a decent ending.
I just hope that my mistake can help other avoid this hassle.
2007 Dutchmen 29QGS
1998 F150
Equalizer Hitch
Me + Beautiful Wife + 4 Wonderful Kids = 1 Great Life
I've only taken ours into the dealer once and I didn't take anything out of it.
TV: Mint 1972 Ford F-250 XLT
TT: 1969 19' Excel; entertains 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2 You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to stay alive.
I don't carry because I have to, I carry because I get to. I like new things-
- when they're 40 years old! My pictures
The few times that I've taken it to the dealer I've removed everything of value. Like the sign on the service departments wall states "Not responsible for items lost or stolen". You were lucky the dealership stepped up to the plate and paid for your stuff, not many would.
2005 Jayco Jay Feather Sport 186
2005 Ford F-150 XLT Long bed 4.6 V8 3.55 axle
Reese WD & HP Dual Cam Anti-sway
The OP had no reason to not trust the dealer until this happened. So the comment made above is not merited.
Back to the OP. I am afraid this is simply a sign of the times. Things are tough for a lot of folks and many turn to theft, it's not right but it's a fact. I am glad your situation worked out good for y'all, but many times dealerships are targets for thugs. My buddy use to work at the largest RV dealer in the area and they had to hire nigh security officers because of break ins. Like I said I am glad it worked out good for you and it sounds like you have a great dealership behind you.
NCH
2000 Ford F350 4X4 PSD,CC, DRW
4:10's, BTM Muffler, Isspro Gauges,
Coolant Filter,CCV Mod
FTVB , Ford AIS
6.0 Cooler,SCT2 W/DP's 40 tow & 80 econo,Zoodad mod
2005 Keystone Hornet 30BHSS
Reese Dual Cam
Family of 4 saved by Grace!!! MY TRUCK OUR TRAILER
I just took mine back for A/C work, I took out the TV and DVD player and left everything else( small stuff) locked up in the compartments. I figure if they can't look in the trailer and see stuff, they won't be tempted.
I completely empty mine at the end of the season. Clean it and seal it up for the winter. I dont use antifreeze in the lines but I do blow them out and empty the hot water heater and fresh tank.
-Roger
2007 Forest River Salem 28FBSS
2006 F-150 Ford 4x4 S/B
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