Extended Warranties - Page 2

Senecio · 07-19-2021, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backtrack15

I've heard of this before (resealing it each year), and I may have even seen it in the owner's manual (when I read it several moons ago). I don't like the way they handle this, but it is an area that is prone to owner neglect. Seems like an annual dealer inspection and health report (modest 15-minute check) might be a better compromise. Replacement of good sealant is a waste.

The bigger question is, assuming you didn't just add sealant, can the dealer find any seals around the "soft" area that are compromised? Is there any evidence of owner neglect? If not, they really ought to cover it. The dealer ought to be willing to argue your case to Winnebago.

EDIT: Does your shower have the correct skylight? There was a brief period during which they installed skylights that were not internally sealed (allowing water vapor into the attic from the shower).

Hi there,
So how can I tell which is the correct skylight?
Regards, Senecio

Senecio · 07-19-2021, 04:43 PM

Hi Backtrack 15
Hi there,
So how can I tell which is the correct skylight?
Regards, Senecio

backtrack15 · 07-19-2021, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senecio

Hi Backtrack 15
Hi there,
So how can I tell which is the correct skylight?
Regards, Senecio

If you’re in the shower, and you have the wrong skylight, there will be an open gap between the interior trim piece (the vertical portion that goes up into the skylight aperture) and the actual transparent skylight cover (gap goes all the way around). If you put your fingers up and over the edge of the trim piece (into the gap), you might even be able to feel insulation.

If there is no gap, then you have the correct skylight. If you search here, there might be photos or a thread on this subject. I can’t recall if I read it here or on FB.

Found the thread:
https://www.winnieowners.com/forums/...ie-357064.html

Senecio · 07-19-2021, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backtrack15

If you’re in the shower, and you have the wrong skylight, there will be an open gap between the interior trim piece (the vertical portion that goes up into the skylight aperture) and the actual transparent skylight cover (gap goes all the way around). If you put your fingers up and over the edge of the trim piece (into the gap), you might even be able to feel insulation.

If there is no gap, then you have the correct skylight. If you search here, there might be photos or a thread on this subject. I can’t recall if I read it here or on FB.

found it:
https://www.winnieowners.com/forums/...ie-357064.html

Hi Backtrack 15,
Thankyou so very very much for your insight and redirection to that thread, which could well be the answer to my problem. There appears to be no outside damage to the roof or sealant, so now I shall take a look inside the shower. I know the previous owner used the shower a lot. I think there should have been a recall on this problem, because now I have possible wood rot, destroyed insulation and a 30" X 18" soft spot.
So, I wonder why the selling dealer and the dealer I went to on Saturday did not even mention this possibility. They are both Winnebago dealers.
I shall keep you informed; this in about three weeks after I have been back to the trailer.
I hope that if this is the problem Winnebago will repair the roof and skylight under warranty.
Cheers, Senecio

backtrack15 · 07-19-2021, 06:38 PM

Glad to help! I hope they get it fixed for you.

Senecio · 09-13-2021, 12:11 PM

So much for the three-year structural warranty offered by Winnebago on their travel trailers.

To recap: I own a 2020 Micro Mini 2108TB, which was delivered in March. I am the second owner having purchased in June 2021. The problem is a soft area (18" x 30") in the roof that is immediately in front of the skylight and shower vent at the rear of the trailer. The area feels as though it is without any support underneath and definitely is not "walkable". The rest of the roof has a little play when walked upon, but nothing like the soft area.

So, after many e-mails to the Winnebago Towables Customer Care, the following is a statement of their support:

"After consideration with my warranty team based on the pictures and information provided, Winnebago will not participating in any coverage regarding the roof due to the unit being out of warranty.
Best Regards,
Benjamin Gill
Customer Care Specialist, Winnebago Towables
201 14th Street | Middlebury, IN 46540
O: 574-825-5250 | [email protected]"

Why did Winnebago ask all those questions and why did they want pictures of the roof, when their decision was based on the "unit being out of warranty?" And what is the value of a three-year structural warranty when it is not honored? To put stickers on the trailer and print a statement in the sales brochure that boast of a 3-Yr warranty is not worthy of a company with the reputation of Winnebago, or perhaps even that is misleading.

I offered to take the trailer to Middlebury, Indiana, but they did not want that, because Winnebago only do repairs that a dealer cannot undertake. So I am left with paying for a repair that has a ball-park price of between $4,500 and $8,000. How much exactly cannot be determined until the roof membrane is rolled back and the extent of the damage determined.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

backtrack15 · 09-13-2021, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senecio

So much for the three-year structural warranty offered by Winnebago on their travel trailers.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

My dealer says the warranty is non-transferrable (even the 1-year warranty). It probably says that somewhere in the paperwork but I missed it or forgot about it. I think it also says you need to replace all the roof sealant each year as well (which can be a basis for denying claims).

I'd honestly look real hard at fixing it myself. You need to source some of that TPO and learn how to adhere it to the new decking. Remove the soft bits of the deck back to the nearest roof truss and replace with fresh wood. Adhere the new TPO and use eternabond tape to cover the seams. Is it awesome? No. Is it likely significantly cheaper than $4500... I can't imagine it wouldn't be. How far do you think the damage extends?

Senecio · 09-13-2021, 07:00 PM

Hi there (Backtrack 15)

Going back to your first reply to me, and yes that is how long it has taken, the trim on the skylight is too short and I can see the plywood when I look. It is darkish in one are and there are water stains on the wooden framing (refer to attachments), which I can see after removing the trim piece around the skylight.

I can get the correct trim piece from the selling dealer at a cost of $145.95, plus tax and shipping costs. Wonderful service from Winnebago who graciously provided the new part description and part number so that I could get the selling dealer to order from them.

When I spoke with the selling dealer (this after contacting the original owner) and another dealer, they both said the warranty is not transferrable. I take issue with this because the sales brochure states that the unit structural warranty is for 3-yrs. and starts when the trailer is purchased by the original owner. The original sales contract has no mention of transferability, because the dealer uses a generic contract for several makes of trailer, or so he claimed. Notwithstanding you are probably correct when you write that Winnebago would deny the claim on the basis of the sealant not being replaced after one year.

I like your idea of doing the repair myself, but it is not practical for me, because I don't have an undercover work area. Also covering the rear half of the trailer with a tarp when not actually working would only be a partial solution. It is too cold in the Toronto to work outside in the winter and in the field where I store my trailer there is no water supply.

As to how far the damage extends, I don't know. I can only feel the spongy area that is about 30 in. across by 18 in. deep. I think it would be necessary to roll back the roof membrane to know this.

I look forward to any other suggestions or insights you may have.

Senecio

backtrack15 · 09-14-2021, 07:25 AM

It's a really unfortunate situation, the seed for which was Winnebago's manufacturing error that allowed water from the shower to enter the "attic" space. Unfortunately the actual damage was not noticed until your ownership.

Since you're receiving no assistance from Winnebago, it seems you have complete freedom to address this as you choose. As far as I can tell, you have a few options:

[1] Dry it out as much as is possible, and buy the proper skylight and install it. Mark the "no walk" zone on the roof and keep off of it. Hope for the best.

[2] Dig around and find another repair facility that is willing to do the repair for you. You may get a better price if you commit to a scope. You might ask for a replacement of all roof decking aft of a set point on the roof (pick a truss). They could then use new 4x8 panels to span from wall to wall. The only question here is the amount of water damage to the framing, but from your photos I'm guessing it isn't much at all (issue seems to be the composite decking).

[3] Find a short-term rental spot that is covered or enclosed and that will allow you to tackle this project yourself.

I'll be honest, being the dolt that I am... I'd probably research the risks of option 1 and go that way if the risk was minimal.

I wish you the best.

Marine359 · 09-14-2021, 09:53 AM

Senecio,
First you should determine if your Winnebago structural warranty was transferable. You should be able to get that info in the owners manual or by calling WBGO.
if it is transferable, depending on your state, you may be able to file against WBGO in small claims court. Small claims awards are limited and different in every state, but may be enough to pay for the repair if your claim is successful. It doesn’t cost much to file in small claims court. Take a look at this article. It may help you determine if it’s worth your pursuit.

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclope...hapter2-7.html

Marine359 · 09-14-2021, 10:17 AM

One other thing Senicio,
Although the structural warranty may not be transferable, you may still be able to prevail in small claims by arguing that Winnebago knew about this important defect, and did not reach out to the original owner to fix it, or should have issued a recall, which would have been transferable. Not giving legal advice here, just an angle you can research. For legal advice you should consult an attorney. But, the thread seems to provide plenty for an argument. https://www.winnieowners.com/forums/...ie-357064.html

Senecio · 09-14-2021, 06:40 PM

Hi there (Marine)
Please find attached the latest (received today from Winnebago Customer Care).
It is a bit cheeky writing that it is a maintenance issue, but there we go.

Senecio · 09-14-2021, 06:45 PM

Hi there Backtrac 15,
As you can read in the attached pdf, Winnebago Towables may have thrown a lifeline. So to take advantage of that I shall need to go to an approved repair shop. Maybe a pricy option, but at least it gets the job started. I shall report back as things develop.
All the best.

**creativepart** · 09-18-2021, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senecio

So to take advantage of that I shall need to go to an approved repair shop.

I read nothing that says it has to be an approved shop. I think certainly an independent RV tech could satisfy or even you could do it yourself.

Quote:

lf you choose to have the roof membrane peeled back in order to find a cause for the soft spot, that information can be sent us at the point in time for warranty consideration. lt is possible that we still deem it not warrantable, and we would not participate in any of the repairs or diagnostics.