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way2roll's avatar
way2roll
Navigator III
Jun 15, 2022

Got the insurance money but I can't I do this myself?

A few weeks ago we had 2 blowouts that caused some cosmetic damage to our FW. It's mainly just one piece of Jwrap on the side, the plastic dual fender panel, step light and a Jwrap tubular aluminum support. I've seen how Jwrap attaches and it's not out of my comfort zone for DIY. I've done plenty of work on RV's, cars, metal work etc. The estimate came in about $2k and $1500 of that was labor. Jwrap is apparently more expensive to ship than the cost of the material. Less deductible, we got a check today for $1600.

Before I take it to a shop to have the work done, this seems like something I could pretty easily do myself in an afternoon. $500 in materials and I pocket $1k for my labor.

Thoughts?

27 Replies

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  • chris3403's avatar
    chris3403
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2022
    I ordered some J-wrap from a dealer at a pretty reasonable price. The dealer had the J-wrap shipped inside of a new 5th wheel they were having delivered so I didn't have to pay any shipping costs.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jun 15, 2022
    Get an estimate the Insurance company will send you the money. Pay the shop or do it your self. It's that simple.
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator III
    Jun 15, 2022
    Mfan wrote:
    Expensive to ship, because it's bulky and could damage easily. Check your body shops/dealers for pieces on hand


    Yeah, from what I've seen it has to be crated and shipped freight. Shipping is 3x the cost of the actual material. I could check a local dealer to see if they have a piece my length in the same color.
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator III
    Jun 15, 2022
    ferndaleflyer wrote:
    Thats what I would be doing----they paid so they are done with it.


    If it ends up costing more at a shop, the insurance company will cover the adjustment. But based on the limited damage, it seems simple enough to order the parts, use the old piece of Jwrap as a template for my cuts, screw it up, trim it out and done. Other than a few simple cuts, everything just screws right up.
  • Mfan's avatar
    Mfan
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2022
    Expensive to ship, because it's bulky and could damage easily. Check your body shops/dealers for pieces on hand

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