Cargo door installed improperly from factory?
I have an issue with my 2011 Coleman/Dutchmen Travel Trailer that I purchased new in 2011 and would appreciate hearing others opinions on the problem. I purchased my TT new in 2011 and it has, for the most part, been problem free and has provided us much enjoyment. When getting it out to clean it up recently, I noticed a problem. The trailer has a fold out cooktop and sink that is attached to the inside of an inverted Challenger Door. (The hinge is at the bottom and it opens from the top.) When I opened the door to clean and test the faucets, I realized that the screws holding the cooktop to the door have stripped out and detached, and the door looks very warped and uneven on the inside. The inside and outside surfaces have soft spots and swelling. Upon further inspection, I realized this is literally an inverted baggage door. There are weep holes at the top of the door frame, apparently intended for the bottom of the door, which has allowed rain water to enter the door while closed, with no means of draining out. There are two identical doors installed normally in front that are in perfect condition.
Since this is a mass produced trailer, I'm thinking that this issue was on all of them of this model. Unless, this particular unit somehow got the wrong door installed in this position. I don't know if Challenger made doors intended for this upside down installation with weep holes on the hinged end, that should have been used for this application, or if Dutchmen just took it upon themselves to install it this way. I sealed the holes with silicone to prevent further damage and contacted Challenger Door about the issue. The rep. from Challenger has worked diligently to find the old part number and has offered to custom make a replacement since the door is no longer made. However it is at my cost and the decals on the outside will have to be sourced separately. Dutchmen won't respond to my emails or calls.
Do you think, that this is a manufacturing issue with Dutchmen, and that they should correct it in good faith, or something that I should just deal with since the unit is four years old and out of warranty. Just looking for opinions.
Thanks!
Since this is a mass produced trailer, I'm thinking that this issue was on all of them of this model. Unless, this particular unit somehow got the wrong door installed in this position. I don't know if Challenger made doors intended for this upside down installation with weep holes on the hinged end, that should have been used for this application, or if Dutchmen just took it upon themselves to install it this way. I sealed the holes with silicone to prevent further damage and contacted Challenger Door about the issue. The rep. from Challenger has worked diligently to find the old part number and has offered to custom make a replacement since the door is no longer made. However it is at my cost and the decals on the outside will have to be sourced separately. Dutchmen won't respond to my emails or calls.
Do you think, that this is a manufacturing issue with Dutchmen, and that they should correct it in good faith, or something that I should just deal with since the unit is four years old and out of warranty. Just looking for opinions.
Thanks!
