New Rig with Rust and Bubbles on Roof

[Pattonfrench]

Hi Everyone,

So, we have found a new 2020 Solitude and put down a deposit. The unit has been on the dealer's lot since last fall/winter (October 2019 build date). While doing a visual inspection, we found several areas of surface rust on the frame and several bubbles on the roof - see attached photos. The dealer has contacted Grand Design and has reported back that (1) the rust is a dealer issue and GD will not cover any repairs related to that and (2) that the bubbles are 100% cosmetic. GD said they will not put anything in writing about the defects, but did tell the dealer to communicate to us that the roof would be covered by the warranty if there were any issues and that GD will make sure we are "taken care of." The dealer said their techs have also confirmed that the rust is just surface rust and the bubbles are cosmetic. They said they will "fix" the rust issue, including pulling out the underbelly and checking the internals of the frame and treating if needed, but that it would be on our dime ($1,500), and there is no guarantee that it wont come back.

We're a little surprised that a large GD dealer would not take responsibility for failing to wash down the unit after taking delivery in the dead of winter. But, there's no guarantee that the other unit we're considering (which is out of state) won't have the same issues if we decide to buy that one.

We have a contact at Grand Design and will be reaching out to see what they say, as well.

Anyway, we were hoping to get your thoughts.

Thanks!

[Calbar]

Hi Everyone,

So, we have found a new 2020 Solitude and put down a deposit. The unit has been on the dealer's lot since last fall/winter (October 2019 build date). While doing a visual inspection, we found several areas of surface rust on the frame and several bubbles on the roof - see attached photos. The dealer has contacted Grand Design and has reported back that (1) the rust is a dealer issue and GD will not cover any repairs related to that and (2) that the bubbles are 100% cosmetic. GD said they will not put anything in writing about the defects, but did tell the dealer to communicate to us that the roof would be covered by the warranty if there were any issues and that GD will make sure we are "taken care of." The dealer said their techs have also confirmed that the rust is just surface rust and the bubbles are cosmetic. They said they will "fix" the rust issue, including pulling out the underbelly and checking the internals of the frame and treating if needed, but that it would be on our dime ($1,500), and there is no guarantee that it wont come back.

We're a little surprised that a large GD dealer would not take responsibility for failing to wash down the unit after taking delivery in the dead of winter. But, there's no guarantee that the other unit we're considering (which is out of state) won't have the same issues if we decide to buy that one.

We have a contact at Grand Design and will be reaching out to see what they say, as well.

Anyway, we were hoping to get your thoughts.

Thanks!

I can't comment on the roof but when we bought our Reflection 297RSTS in Sept 2018 it had a build date of October 2017 and it also had surface rust on the frame. Told the dealer we wanted the paint touched up and they did on the outside only as well as the axles. 2 years later rust came back so I properly prepped the tongue and painted it. I sprayed the rest of the frame with Corrosion Free rust proofing which penetrates the rust and prevents any further rusting. Been using on my cars for years and no rust. The rust will come back with the dealer touch up so I wouldn't spend the $1500 for them to do a poor job. The other dealer may fix the rust or may not have any if the trailer was not exposed to salt. Either way there are ways around this one if you like the trailer and the price is good.

Rob

[Pattonfrench]

Thanks, Rob. Great to hear you were able to fix the rust issue. Appreciate the input!

[Tigger1]

Hi Everyone,
So, we have found a new 2020 Solitude and put down a deposit.
Anyway, we were hoping to get your thoughts.
Thanks!

The roof will have some imperfections depending on temperatures and humidity. Here’s a picture of ours we’ve owned since Nov 2019 and have not had any issues. Keep up on maintenance, add sealant here and there where necessary and wash it occasionally with something like Spic and Span.

[Brewhedd]

My frame was rusted at delivery, a little surprising. The welded areas are the worst with zero treatment or paint prep. Funny but the dealer's PDI claims the frame was rust free. Anyway, I have treated with a spray on rust inhibitor.

[Pattonfrench]

Thanks everyone. I think we got to a good place. We spent 35 mins on the phone with GD this morning and reviewed pictures of the rig with them. They said the roof bubbles are 100% cosmetic but that the rust should be addressed. The dealer has stepped up and agreed to do a full rust abatement job on it, which will include dropping the underbelly. Very happy with the outcome.

[Calbar]

Thanks everyone. I think we got to a good place. We spent 35 mins on the phone with GD this morning and reviewed pictures of the rig with them. They said the roof bubbles are 100% cosmetic but that the rust should be addressed. The dealer has stepped up and agreed to do a full rust abatement job on it, which will include dropping the underbelly. Very happy with the outcome.

Glad to hear that this is all working out for you.

Rob