Hail Damage - 47 holes in the roof

W6LMJ · 07-13-2018, 07:13 PM

I was happily recording a hail storm through the windshield of a new Sunstar 27N while visiting Wyoming from Florida when I realized real damage was being done.

The wipers were being repeatedly struck by golfball size hail breaking them apart. Turning around I started to assess the damage. The lens was being knocked off the ceiling, the smoke alarm and antenna control were knocked loose.

Happily, no windows were broken, but opening the bathroom I was shocked to see the skylight shattered, the water pouring in through the opening. The screen broken-out and the fan broke on the floor. On the floor were numerous hailstones.

Using trash bags and grey 100 MPH tape I covered the opening and funneled the water into the shower. I continued to make a movie of the storm and damage.

Sadly, the toed, a Fiat 500C, was totaled. The roof of the Sunstar has over 47 holes through the fiberglass roof, breaking the plywood underneath. I am not sure how they will repair it. Maybe a complete new roof?

Below are links to the YouTube video of the whole affair. Using more grey 100 MPH tape I patched each hole in the roof and made a cover for the roof opening over the bathroom.

My family in Wyoming thought I would have to leave it in Rapid City, but I elected to drive it home and take it to La Mesa in Sanford, Florida.

It has been a week and I am waiting for the estimate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho3QFzo7jKU&t=46s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd0-yNnoKsc

BobC · 07-13-2018, 07:31 PM

I hope your insurance will cover the damage.

Mrmedia · 07-14-2018, 06:05 AM

We can empathize with you as our unit sustained hail damage in Michigan several years ago. Curious as to why La Masa in Sanford. We camp at Highbanks in Sanford for the winter. Best of luck on your repairs.

W6LMJ · 07-14-2018, 09:19 AM

Sanford is nearly full service and is where I purchased the Sunstar 27N three months ago. So far we have been pleased with them. This is our second motorhome from La Mesa. The first we purchased in Daytona Beach and took delivery in Sanford.

W6LMJ · 07-14-2018, 09:22 AM

I believe the insurance will cover it. The toad, a Fiat 500C, was totaled. We will keep it with a new windshield. I am very pleased with it as a tow vehicle.

BobC · 07-14-2018, 09:35 AM

Paint Band-Aids on the tow vehicle!

SarahW · 07-14-2018, 10:25 AM

We were at a meet up with an RV group in Arkansas a few years ago and we left a day before a hailstorm hit that campground. (Whew) Lots of severe damage and all was covered by the RV owners' insurance policies as far as I know.

workinrvers · 07-14-2018, 08:04 PM

went through a South Dakota hail storm 4 years ago. Totaled my truck and about $3500 damage to the RV .... roof was OK but vent covers, window awnings and slide awnings not so good. We also kept our p/u truck and replaced the windshield ....I can live with the dents for a virtually free vehicle.
Glad you didn't have to leave your rig up here ....probably 2-3 months by the time insurance settles and parts are ordered and then roof replaced. Would be risking bad travel weather coming to pick it up ....you were right to go south. Good luck to you and just think of the campfire stories you will have to tell. :-)

W6LMJ · 07-14-2018, 09:20 PM

Hi,
Good comments and thank you for the confirmation concerning my steps so far. I too am inclined to simply take the money, replace the windshield and work my way through repairing the Sunstar 27N. Hopefully, Monday or Tuesday I will have an estimate on the MH, pick it up and use it until La Mesa is ready to do the repair work.

I have been looking at what it would take to fix the dents in the car from the hail myself. It appears with a little patience and a lot of time I will be able to repair most of them. We shall see. I have not yet seen any comments on how Winnebago will approach repairing the roof. Whether the entire top will be replaced, or the individual breaks in the fiberglass top and underlying plywood. Whatever, I suspect I will have this MH for a long time and enjoy it mightily.

KatieVL · 07-15-2018, 06:42 PM

Have you considered taking it back to Forest City and have Winnebago Factory do the work?

W6LMJ · 07-18-2018, 04:43 PM

That is an interesting idea. How does that work? Can't stay in it if the roof is being replaced. So, a hotel or something? I am hoping La Mesa here in Florida will be able to do the repairs. But having it done by the factory would also be nice. I wonder if the insurance covers temporary lodging while the work is being done?

BobC · 07-18-2018, 05:04 PM

You can check but I would doubt that your insurance would cover temporary lodging in this circumstance. It's not a case of trip interruption.

Ranger Smith · 07-18-2018, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W6LMJ

Hi,
Good comments and thank you for the confirmation concerning my steps so far. I too am inclined to simply take the money, replace the windshield and work my way through repairing the Sunstar 27N. Hopefully, Monday or Tuesday I will have an estimate on the MH, pick it up and use it until La Mesa is ready to do the repair work.

I have been looking at what it would take to fix the dents in the car from the hail myself. It appears with a little patience and a lot of time I will be able to repair most of them. We shall see. I have not yet seen any comments on how Winnebago will approach repairing the roof. Whether the entire top will be replaced, or the individual breaks in the fiberglass top and underlying plywood. Whatever, I suspect I will have this MH for a long time and enjoy it mightily.

They have those paintless dent repair people too. It is amazing what they can do.

Honwing · 07-18-2018, 06:04 PM

I very much doubt you can get an appointment before October at the Factory. This is their busy season especially with GNR this month. When I called last month I was told earliest was September. We are having our wind damaged roof repaired down the street at Lichtsinn on October 1st.

rrambeau · 07-18-2018, 08:44 PM

We are headed west- did this just happen? Hail in July? I am shocked that this totaled your tow! Why was it totaled if it was dents and windshield? How can u keep it if it’s totaled- wouldn’t you be without a title? Sorry if these are dumb questions

W6LMJ · 07-20-2018, 07:09 AM

Good morning from Florida,
This happened June 28, near the Devils Tower, Wyoming. Hail storms are associated with severe weather and can happen from the spring through the fall.

Podivin · 07-20-2018, 08:53 AM

Terry, where in Florida are you?

W6LMJ · 07-20-2018, 08:59 AM

30 miles west of Daytona Beach. North and east of DeLand at the southern edge of De Leon Springs.

Podivin · 07-20-2018, 09:03 AM

Could you maybe be a little more specific??

Well you're safe, that's far enough away that I can't just drop in on you over the weekend.

W6LMJ · 07-20-2018, 09:08 AM

To your first question. Yep. But you would be welcome.