I need some advice, but I'm also writing this to vent a little. I dropped my RV off at the local repair shop because of a broken hydraulic line. When I went back to pick it up, rats had gotten into the wiring and destroyed it. The 12 volt wires going from the plug to the brakes and battery were completely chewed off. I assumed the RV repair facility would take responsibility for it, since it happened while the RV was in their custody. No such luck. They want me to pay $500 for the repairs.I have two ultrasonic pest repellants in the FW - one at each end. I used steel wool and expanding foam to block all the openings where rats can get into the RV. How can you prevent the rats from chewing the wires? This is the second time that I've had to deal with this and it's cost me $2000.

your right,rats!!, the dealer has signs there not responsable for any thing. I use peppermint oil ,in my boats and rv no mice.I,d find a mobil tech in your area he,d fix the wiring and a lot cheaper than a dealer.he could become a good friend.

I once watched a Jude Judy episode where someone took their car in for a repair. While in the custody of the repair shop, the car was broken into and things were stolen. They had it posted they were not responsible for any damages. The owner of the car took them to court to pay for the damages and losses. Judge Judy ruled in the car owner's favor. Reason? The repair shop had responsibility for safe keeping of the car and they were negligent in their responsibility to keep the car safe while in their possession. Even though they claimed they were not responsible, they were. They ended up having to pay for the loss and damage.I don't know the circumstances or the conditions of your repair shop, but it is something to consider. Small claims do not take lawyers and the cost involved. Just because they post a sign does not mean mean they are exempt. Something to think about there?

DutchmenSport wrote:I once watched a Jude Judy episode where someone took their car in for a repair. While in the custody of the repair shop, the car was broken into and things were stolen. They had it posted they were not responsible for any damages. The owner of the car took them to court to pay for the damages and losses. Judge Judy ruled in the car owner's favor. Reason? The repair shop had responsibility for safe keeping of the car and they were negligent in their responsibility to keep the car safe while in their possession. Even though they claimed they were not responsible, they were. They ended up having to pay for the loss and damage.I don't know the circumstances or the conditions of your repair shop, but it is something to consider. Small claims do not take lawyers and the cost involved. Just because they post a sign does not mean mean they are exempt. Something to think about there?As Judge Judy is NOT A JUDGE but an arbitrator she does not have to follow the letter of the law. She can do what she wants.

Moved to General RVing Issues forum from DIY.

Rats | Good Sam Community

NYCgrrl
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016
Etstorm wrote:
mabynack wrote:
I need some advice, but I'm also writing this to vent a little. I dropped my RV off at the local repair shop because of a broken hydraulic line. When I went back to pick it up, rats had gotten into the wiring and destroyed it. The 12 volt wires going from the plug to the brakes and battery were completely chewed off. I assumed the RV repair facility would take responsibility for it, since it happened while the RV was in their custody. No such luck. They want me to pay $500 for the repairs.

I have two ultrasonic pest repellants in the FW - one at each end. I used steel wool and expanding foam to block all the openings where rats can get into the RV. How can you prevent the rats from chewing the wires? This is the second time that I've had to deal with this and it's cost me $2000.

Saw a tip today
Take Irish Spring soap, cut in half and put in mesh bags under the rig.
Supposedly rodents hate the smell and stay away

Having watched a rat chew through a several inch thick concrete slab that held terrazzo tiles in a public hallway via CCTV respectfully I wouldn't count on the Irish Spring as a deterrent.
mgirardo
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016
Unless you can prove the repair shop knew they had a rat problem, you probably don't have a case for more than $100. Wiring isn't that expensive and the fix isn't complicated. I would tell them to keep their $100 and make the necessary repairs. They will have a happy customer and they will not have to lose $100.

-Michael
beemerphile1
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016
mabynack wrote:
The RV Repair Facility just e-mailed me and they knocked $100 of the repair bill. I'm a little upset. I figured that since it happened at their facility that they should be responsible for it.

Unless you can prove they were negligent, you are out of luck. You cannot hold someone responsible for what is considered an 'act of God'.

Be happy with the $100, they don't have to give you that.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Aug 31, 2016
If you've had this rodent problem previously, how can you blame the shop for having it again, especially since the shop had it outside at times. That's nature. That's not the shop's fault. You were lucky to get the $100.
mabynack
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2016
mgirardo wrote:
Unless you can prove the repair shop knew they had a rat problem, you probably don't have a case for more than $100. Wiring isn't that expensive and the fix isn't complicated. I would tell them to keep their $100 and make the necessary repairs. They will have a happy customer and they will not have to lose $100.

-Michael

It's a little more complicated in this case because they had to drop some sheet metal and pull the insulation and plastic cover off the bottom of the rig. They've replaced it twice this year for unrelated problems. $400 in labor.
mabynack
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2016
Thanks guys. I'm just frustrated. The wiring was fine and everything was working when I dropped it off and now I have to pay $380. I can see their point, too. They can't necessarily prevent rodents from chewing on the RVs they have in their yard.

I ordered some peppermint oil and it should be delivered today.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016
Peppermint oil? Since they are doing the work anyhow have them run it in conduit and never worry about it again.
Dick_A
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016
This is the same topic as another thread by the OP. Please see HERE

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