Reflection Electrical Fire

[HankABG]

We took delivery of a 2016 Reflection 27RL 5th wheel on 2-11. It had an electrical fire under the right slide out on 2-13. Has anyone had similar experiences? Wondering about repair times and if smoke smell lingered.

 

[J&G garage]

Sorry to hear of this problem with your new trailer. I haven't heard of another fire in a Reflection. Do you know what exactly caught fire?

 

[HankABG]

Thanks for the reply. Looks like it started at a 110 volt junction at the right frame rail under the right rear slide. Burned the junction as well as the wiring to the slide. Not sure what else was affected.

 

[SWJewellTN]

Daaaamnnnn, never heard of that happening on a new unit no less. Let us know the results of the investigation.

 

[Clsfly]

Haven't heard of any fires on GD units, don't know about repair times (depends on the damage). Did the coach get visible smoke inside? The smoke smell won't just go away, a through cleaning of everything, walls, floors, carpet, window treatments, etc. will have to take place and a couple of days of ozone or hydroxyl treatment will have to take place. Have them treat the coach interior and the basement. Don't let someone talk you into just cleaning and spraying a deodorant (it will wear off). A professional service in the smoke odor removal business should be used, not the RV dealer. I would insist on the ozone or hydroxyl treatment. This all depends on the extent of the smoke intrusion into the coach. Good luck and sorry to hear of your bad luck.

 

[Bob Hoff]

I think I might consider discussing the possibility of replacing the entire unit. With it being only 2 days old, it is essentially a new unit that is no longer in new condition. Not so sure I would want a new car that has had damage repaired (that wasn't my fault) so why would I want a repaired 5th wheel that costs even more than my car. I was an electrical contractor for years and was involved in rewiring many fire jobs. I have to agree with Clsfly about the steps to get it back to new condition. It was very rare for a repair to not have odor unless they did a very complete and professional job. Well beyond what an RV dealer will do. I think I would be asking for a new unit and if they decline at leasst I have set the bar high for their repairs and deodorizing.

 

[Canyonlight]

Hank--never heard about this on any GDRV in our nearly 2 years of owning and forum involvement. This sounds serious.....what has your dealer and GDRV said about this ? Please share some pictures.

Dan

 

[Clsfly]

I agree with Bob, I'm sure the dealer is going to be reluctant to trade, I would run this replacement option by someone at Grand Design and see what they say, Remember you never get what you deserve only what you negotiate for.

Chuck

 

[goducks14]

Was there actually smoke inside the trailer? If it was just on the outside the smell should disappear.

 

[HankABG]

The Grand Design loss inspector was out yesterday. He said he was unable to determine the exact cause but it appears to be a problem with a 110 volt junction at the
Rt. Rear Frame Rail feeding the rt slide out.

 

[HankABG]

Clsfly:

Thank you for the comment! I have to be careful with my response as I don't want to get tossed from the site.

Yes, the coach filled with smoke as did the space between the floor and belly skin. The belly skin burned as well as the wire harnesses. "Service Master" is doing the smoke eradication work.

Hank

 

[HankABG]

Bob

We agree, the trailer should be replaced. The concept you outlined is called "Diminished Value" (CV) and the example usually given is that a car that has been wrecked and repaired, even properly repaired, is not worth what it was worth before it was wrecked. The same concept applies to this case. DV is not recognized in all states, but it is recognized in Oregon, where we live and where the trailer was sold. We have requested, several times, that the trailer be simply replaced. Then it could be repaired and re-sold. In fact, that would be the quickest and least expensive solution for all involved. However, the dealer has taken a stance that it is GD's decision and GD has stated that
they will only do what is required under their warranty.

Thanks for your comments

Hank

 

[HankABG]

Dan

The dealer has said "we're out if it. It's Grand Design's problem." and Grand Design will only repair based on their warranty.

I will post pic's when I can. I am new to this forum and not sure how to post pic's.

Thanks for your comments!

Hank

 

[HankABG]

Clsfly

Thanks for the comments and recommendations. Believe me, we've been negotiating! But it takes two, or in this case three, to conduct a good faith negotiation.

Hank

 

[HankABG]

goducks14:

Unfortunately, the coach and the basement were filled with smoke. Interestingly, the smoke alarm did not go off? My wife is very sensitive to smoke and smell, this
could be a very unfortunate situation.

Go Beavers!

Hank

 

[Bob Hoff]

Well, that is not a good outcome, or at least not to this point. Your insurance company may be willing to get involved to have this replaced right so they aren't on the hook for some or all of the repairs.

 

[goducks14]

goducks14:

Unfortunately, the coach and the basement were filled with smoke. Interestingly, the smoke alarm did not go off? My wife is very sensitive to smoke and smell, this
could be a very unfortunate situation.

Go Beavers!

Hank

Wow. Electrical smoke is bad as far as trying to get rid of the smell. My youngest sons car caught on fire a year ago and we kept some of his stuff that was in the car in our garage for a few weeks. The smell never left while the stuff was in there.
Just curious and if you don't mind me asking, which dealer in Oregon did you buy from?

 

[Clsfly]

not sure who you are dealing with at GD, jumping up the food chain may not hurt

Don Clark (co-owner): [email protected]
Bill Fenech (co-owner): [email protected]
Ron Fenech (co-owner): [email protected]
Jerry McCarthy (VP Service Operations): [email protected]

 

[SWJewellTN]

Do you not have laws where you bought it that gives you time to back out of a deal? If it were me I'd be going to the top at GD with a lawyer if I had to.

 

[HankABG]

Thanks Bob

I am making the claim with the insurance co today. Probably not worth the time, but I might as well.

Hank