I've be totaled!

[Flapper]

Yikes - a tear in the roof of my 2013 26.5RLS 5th means roof, right sidewall, and rear wall replacement. Dealer estimate of the repair is $17,000.
Ins. Co. wants to declare it a total loss, and send me a check for $24,000. Or, I can buy it from them as salvage for $5K, and they send me $19,000.

I could then repair (taking the risk there are no hidden conditions found), pocket the extra $2K, and completely re-insure it, as long as an "authorized" repair was done.

I'm off to the dealer to get better info about their repair estimate - how firm it is, etc. While they are not known to be affordable, they have been one of the best to work with in the past. But, would it be worth my while to call Jayco, and see if this is something they would do more affordably (I don't mind a bit of a road trip!).

Anyone else have words of wisdom to share about this kind of a situation? I have not committed to anything yet, and the Insurance Co, says there isn't any time pressure to decide.

[Sundancer330]

I would take the full check and run. Even if you do all the repairs most states still require rebuilt salvage to be listed on the title. This will sure turn off future buyers and this is where you will take a loss much greater than the 2K you will save at this time.

[Cdash]

Our starter trailer had the backwall rot out. I learned a lot from that experience. When we got the Jayco, we got $10,000 from the dealer as a trade value on a 10 year old lower end trailer and I had negotiated a good price for the new trailer, so I wasn't paying more to get a better trade. Before anyone worries, I told and showed the dealer the issues with the wall, so they were well aware. You may be able to flip it for more than salvage, but it would be a risk.

If it were me, I'd take the full payout and buy new (and carefully check the roof yearly as I now do).

[drk98]

I would take the money and run. Who knows what the final bill will be until it's actually finished. It might end up costing you more than $17k. Plus, that is a lot of repair to be done which might introduce more issues down the road. I'd take that $24k and find something else.

[oldmanAZ]

Does the $24k seem reasonable to you? Can you replace your totaled trailer for that?

[North of 49°]

Like the others have said, I'd take the money and run. $24,000 would go a long way toward a new trailer, or outright buy a newer one still on factory warranty. $17,000 worth of damage as the initial estimate is frightening.

[Crabman]

I assume the tear in the roof led to an unknown leak that later ruined the roof and walls?

[Cosmik Debris]

Looking back on all of your previous posts I'd say to start over with a new unit. Slide, delamination, hitch pin, dinged paint etc., too many bad memories, wipe the slate clean.

[norty1]

Last thing I want is a old camper to fix up. Take the $$$ and start shopping.

Lesson learned and you are very fortunate to have the offer.

[Flapper]

Just back from the dealer. The for-real "will not exceed" estimate is $18,000. Covers total roof, sidewall and back wall. They do not think the other sidewall has issues with delamination, but can see a hint of framing shadow. They think it is just not quite perfect from the factory. But no guarantees. They say only time will tell - if it gets worse or not. To do that wall would be an additional $9200!

They inspect the roof every year, and I do it too, in the spring. Damage probably happened sometime over the early summer, and was not noticed.

[GoodOldGus]

As others have said....take the money and run. Just happened with us this past fall. Our very first trailer (Jayco 23MBH) was totaled by a hail storm that hit our storage lot. Several other campers and trailers were damaged as well. We had bought it brand new literally 7 months earlier. Insurance covered our payoff plus a few hundred bucks. We're currently in the market for a replacement. Good luck!!

[DanNJanice]

I am surprised the insurance covered it. Was there an obvious tear in the roof from a branch or something? Usually, they will find some loophole to deny coverage for roof water damage. For example, claiming you did not properly inspect it, or did not inspect it often enough, which allowed the water damage to occur.
I will have to give a look at Amica the next time I insurance shop. I know Consumer Reports lists them as one of the best.

[Grawe]

I concur with the masses; take the generous pay out and start again with a new, untroubled RV. There are a million issues that could be happening under that roof and wall damage. Good luck!

2015 Jayco Pinnacle FLSA & 2008 Chevy Duramax

Anxiously awaiting retirement where I have been told everyday is a Saturday

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by Grawe

I concur with the masses; take the generous pay out and start again with a new, untroubled RV. There are a million issues that could be happening under that roof and wall damage. Good luck!

That's what I'd do. Good Luck with your decision.

[Jagiven]

I have not looked up any of your old posts. Why do two walls need to be replaced? 6 months of minor leaking I would not expect severe damage. I would be more concerned with possible mold.

I looked up a 26.5RKS at Hilltop. They have a 2014 forsale for $26K. If insurance is offering you $24K, I would say take it and run. You will not get that much for a trade.

I would also pull the propane tanks, batteries, and anything else you can, as they are not permanent fixtures of the unit.

Also have you talked with Mike's LP Gas and RV Service on Frost Street in Maplewood. I have never used them for RV service. I have bought parts and certified tanks from them. Seams like good people. This might be to big for them, but maybe not.

[bansai]

I'd take the cash and put it down on something new. 24K sounds low to me on that camper depending on what options you had... Hopefully you aren't still making payments on it so you can at least pocket 100% of the proceeds.

2013 Jayco Eagle HT Fifth Wheel Series M-26.5 RLS Prices and Used Values | NADAguides

[MI Camp]

Would love to know who is your insurance carrier? I thought most companies would blow of roof leaks as poor maintenance

[DanNJanice]

Originally Posted by MI Camp

Would love to know who is your insurance carrier? I thought most companies would blow of roof leaks as poor maintenance

I think the OP said their insurer was Amica. Agreed, most companies will refuse coverage for roof leaks unless it can be proven to be an accident. I guess if you show them your trailer with a telephone pole laying over the top of it, they might cover it.

[Flapper]

Originally Posted by MI Camp

Would love to know who is your insurance carrier? I thought most companies would blow of roof leaks as poor maintenance

It's Amica. The rip is right on the edge of the roof above the slide out. There is also a bend in the moulding. Dealer says it is pretty obvious "collision" damage (probably a tree). And it looks like the adjuster agreed. So for that, and subsequent damage, I'm covered. If it had been due to not caulking...probably not. It did help that the dealer also did a roof inspection in the spring, and passed it as being in perfect shape. So they have a professional's word, and just not mine.

[Flapper]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I have not looked up any of your old posts. Why do two walls need to be replaced? 6 months of minor leaking I would not expect severe damage. I would be more concerned with possible mold.

I looked up a 26.5RKS at Hilltop. They have a 2014 forsale for $26K. If insurance is offering you $24K, I would say take it and run. You will not get that much for a trade.

I would also pull the propane tanks, batteries, and anything else you can, as they are not permanent fixtures of the unit.

Also have you talked with Mike's LP Gas and RV Service on Frost Street in Maplewood. I have never used them for RV service. I have bought parts and certified tanks from them. Seams like good people. This might be to big for them, but maybe not.

I've had adventures related in old posts, but the trailer has been a peach. So there's no loss of love for it.

Yeah, saw the one at Hilltop, and was just a day late - an offer has been made.

The two walls have a very clear "starved horse" look - no bubbles or bulges, but all the framing is clearly showing through the fiberglass. The remaining side has a "shadow" of one framing member that can be seen from the outside in just the right light. Tech thinks it may be not so good factory quality control rather than water...but he won't commit.

There were a significant number of options and upgrades done that the Ins. Co. did not take into consideration. They are doing a re-estimate. Doubtful, but it might even get the original repair quote down below the 70%-of-market they use as the deciding point whether to total it or not!

According to Hilltop, Jayco actually contracts with them to do this kind of work for a significant number of rebuilds sent to the factory.