Forum Discussion

russmorr's avatar
russmorr
Explorer
Dec 30, 2013

how serious is screw hole in exterior of new motorhome

My wife and I are purchasing a 2014 Winnebago Vista and travelled to the dealer on Saturday for initial inspection. It looked great, just what we wanted..except during the manufacture a screw from the inside had punctured the exterior wall and left a small hole. Before we sign the papers to purchase, I want to know how serious a repair this will be and are there potential problems that can result in the future due to this damage. I am surprised that Winnebago didn't catch this problem before shipping. I guess their quality control is not as good as we thought. We opted for the full paint job so I don't feel good about paying all that extra money and then having to worry about future paint or leakage problems. Should we delay signing the purchase papers until the repair is done? Your opinions?
Class A

117 Replies

Show More
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2013
    They make a flush mount blind rivet that can fill the hole and require only a minimum of paint match. If done properly, it will be difficult to find, and will not be a leak problem. If done wrong, it will always be an eyesore and something that could decrease the value of your coach. Make them repair it to your satisfaction before you finalize the purchase.
  • NHIrish's avatar
    NHIrish
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    I would wait to give them an incentive to do the job correctly. If the damage is in the GELCOAT fiberglass, it can be properly repaired quite easily. The issue may be paint match. I suppose you could require a factory repair...but then that adds lots of miles back to the factory for what amounts to a minor repair.

    If it is in FILON, the repair may be visible as they can not match the threads/texture of the FILON as easily.

    I missed a small screw repair done on a FILON travel trailer when I was new to all of this. Because it was in FILON, the repair was quite visible and drove me crazy. I would not have accepted delivery....but once you have it, you have it!

    Regardless....hold off giving them any money until the repair has been made.
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    russmorr wrote:
    My wife and I are purchasing a 2014 Winnebago Vista and travelled to the dealer on Saturday for initial inspection. It looked great, just what we wanted..except during the manufacture a screw from the inside had punctured the exterior wall and left a small hole. Before we sign the papers to purchase, I want to know how serious a repair this will be and are there potential problems that can result in the future due to this damage. I am surprised that Winnebago didn't catch this problem before shipping. I guess their quality control is not as good as we thought. We opted for the full paint job so I don't feel good about paying all that extra money and then having to worry about future paint or leakage problems. Should we delay signing the purchase papers until the repair is done? Your opinions?


    Surprised? I'm not one bit. Quality control is not he same in building a auto, not even close, actually pretty non existent. This will be just one of the first things you find most likely. Yes, it should be able to be fixed properly. It's just a screw that went too far. Had one on a fiver dining table that went through the floor. I suppose they missed the carpet being ripped up.

    My opinion is it shouldn't be a problem to fix. But go through the rest of the MH in detail. Starting from the outside working your way in. Don't be surprised what you find.

    Where is the hole?
  • 2bzy2c's avatar
    2bzy2c
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2013
    It could fester into a huge problem. Water leaks into the wall, causes Delamination of the side of your RV. Giant money to fix delams, if even possible.

    Good idea to have it fixed before you take delivery. Warning, the dealer may just want to brush it off as no big deal. It is a very big deal.

    Also, make certain it is noted somewhere on your paperwork. If the RV has been rained on during delivery, there is water in the wall. Mold, delamination etc. could develop. That way you have proof that something was wrong before you took delivery.
  • wannavolunteerF's avatar
    wannavolunteerF
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    I would delay.... any hole in the exterior is a chance for water to get in.. and we all know water leaking/intruding into the interior is our worst enemy. Not sure if there would be a fix to suit me..
  • Raymon's avatar
    Raymon
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2013
    I personally would not want a hole in the exterior no matter how small. Infiltration of water will cause delamination over a period of time. The hole can be repaired, if done properly. If you allow the dealer to make a repair, I would demand a five year "written" extended guarantee against leakage and delamination for the repaired area.

    I would require the repair be made to my satisfaction before I signed any papers for purchasing the MH. You are in the driver's seat. Don't let the dealer talk you into something you will be sorry for later. I wish you the best.

    Ray

About Motorhome Group

38,743 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 06, 2025