gene_n_shan1999
Arkansas
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Joined: 04/09/2008
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We live in NE Arkansas and our 38' 2004 Dutchman was hit in the recent floods. We were a couple hundred yards from the river but still managed to get about 6 inches in our trailer.
Obviously we have no idea how long it was in there. The carpet was soaked and a couple of the floor tiles were beginning to pop up by the time we were able to reach it. The insurance company considers it a total loss and gave us a salvage value of only $1,300.
My question to you guys is this: At that low of a buy back price, is is possible that it could ever be repaired? Or should we just consider it a gonner?
This is our first trailer and we bought it new back in 2004. The rest of the trailer is in such great shape that it seems like such a waste! One RV dealer told us it was not repairable.
My husband is an electrician with both mechanical and building skills...and has repaired both cars and homes...but never an RV.
I'm worried that we may get in over our head and end up with a sagging and smelly trailer. I also worry about mold issues since we have 3 small kids. Is there any hope? What types of repairs and replacements are we looking at here? Any thoughts? I'd just like to hear some opinions of experienced RV'rs. They would be GREATLY appreciated.
Shannon
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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All they gave you was $1300.00?? seems kind of low, what insurance company do you deal with? Think I want to stay away from them.
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tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
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its hard to say with out seeing it ,but if its just the floor i would get the floor covering off as soon as possible and dry it out as soon as possible , but as cheap the buy back price is i might take the chance the major appliances would be worth more then the salavge price.
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amaze
Ohio, New Albany
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I agree the cost of the appliance would cover $1,300. Anything is repairable it is the cost to have it done. If you were able to see underneath the flooring it might give you an idea of the intensity of the damage.
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rvdogette
SW Louisiana
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Looks like some haggling is in order. That is awfully low. The dilemma is the trailer will have a salvaged title which will kill it's value. So get every dime out of them you can. Like Tom Kat said try to dry it out ASAP. I am sure their is lots on info online about getting rid of any possible mold. I can't say whether it will be worthy of repairing, because it depends on the extent of the damage and what kind of materials your sub floors are made of, plywood or press type board, I imagine that would play a huge roll in your decision making. Good luck. I hate it for you guys. I hope it works out. Keep us posted
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amaze
Ohio, New Albany
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Shannon did not say what the settlement is for the trailer. She said if they want to buy it back from the insurance company it is $1,300.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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All they're telling you is that the damage repair cost would be greater than the value of the trailer (when done by a professional). I'd check with the person who DID the estimate to fine out what the material costs would be before making up my mind. If DH can do the work that still wouldn't be a good idea if material costs themselves exceeded the value. Then all you'd have to decide is how much is his labor worth. Good luck / Skip
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Roadhouse66
Sanford, MI
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amaze wrote:Shannon did not say what the settlement is for the trailer. She said if they want to buy it back from the insurance company it is $1,300.
Thanks, I misread her post....I thought the insurance company was only only going to pay them $1300 for the loss. That would suck if you owed way more than that on it....if anything is owed.
If they pay it off and you aren't out any money, I would let the camper go, and buy a new/newer one.
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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I'm guessing your insurance company gave you a check for the flooded trailer, and is willing to sell it back to you for $1300, which is substantially less than what they gave you already. Correct?
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GHarper
New Hampshire
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I agree, dry it out as soon as you can. Get a copy of the repair cots that were supplied to the insurance company. I know in my area they use $150/hr as a labor base and have been known to pad that number as well. You could check with Duchman to see what they used as a subfloor, some use marine grade materials. You may also need to open up the walls at floor level to see the damage there. Good luck
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