Purchased TT (undisclosed salvage title came in the mail)

[gunninks]

So we purchased a travel trailer (2005 Wildwood LE 25EX) from a dealer that does repairs and has been around many many years. They told me they bought it from an insurance company. It wasn't an overly great deal in my opinion (6k) but is solid all the way around and is exactly what we were looking for to fit our family and current towing vehicle. The TT is in very good shape but it's obvious that it has been repaired in the front where the fold down bunk is. It seems very solid, I checked all the inside corners and the floorboard under the bunks. everything works as it should and there are no leaks. We almost got burned on another deal, the last minute we found extensive damage on the floorboards under the rear bunks and walked away immediately. In other words, we are very happy with it. I am sure we will use it for years before we decide to upgrade.

The problem and my worry is that when the title came in the mail, it was orange and states 'flood' under the 'Brand or Legend' section. This fact was not disclosed to us during the sale. Looking over sales agreement after the fact, I am fairly certain I did not over look anything. If this was disclosed before hand, I would have thought long and hard about the deal and probably would have asked for a lot less.

I know we purchased it AS-IS but what gives?? I am fairly certain this practice is considered 'Dealer Fraud'. Is there any thing I should do about this? Also, do I need to call State Farm and let them know? Most likely I will since it seems like the right thing to do.

If anyone has any thoughts, positive or negative please let me know. I guess if anything, I learned that Used Travel Trailer Sellers and Dealers can be shady...

Thanks,
~Steve

[newman_fulltime]

The dealer bought from co part its auction lot for all insurance companies to sale off totaled vehicles and recycle them instead of filling up junk yards

[gunninks]

Lynnmor wrote:
YOU can expect a big hit when it is time to sell or trade.

Ask for photos of the damage before repair, I bet they exist.

I know of a trailer recently purchased that had very minor damage, but a salvage title, they got the photos for their own satisfaction as well as for resale some day.

The resale value is what I am afraid of. I'll see if I can get photos. Thanks.

[Lynnmor]

YOU can expect a big hit when it is time to sell or trade.

Ask for photos of the damage before repair, I bet they exist.

I know of a trailer recently purchased that had very minor damage, but a salvage title, they got the photos for their own satisfaction as well as for resale some day.

[colliehauler]

gunninks wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
When the dealer told you (They bought it from a insurance company) did you expect anything but a salvage title? I think you have unrealistic expectations.

I do not have any expectations other than people being honest. I know, maybe my world view expects too much from people. Also, just because they bought it from an insurance to fix it up and sell it, to me being new to purchasing travel trailers, does not scream salvage.

Insurance companies don't sell non-salvage vehicles. If the dealer did not tell you it came from a insurance company I could see your point about not being honest.

[timmac]

gunninks wrote:
They told me they bought it from an insurance company.

The problem and my worry is that when the title came in the mail, it was orange and states 'flood' under the 'Brand or Legend' section.


Thanks,
~Steve

Any auto/boat/RV bought from a insurance company means it will have a salvage title, that's just common sense..

You should have done your home work better.. :C

[gunninks]

colliehauler wrote:
When the dealer told you (They bought it from a insurance company) did you expect anything but a salvage title? I think you have unrealistic expectations.

I do not have any expectations other than people being honest. I know, maybe my world view expects too much from people. Also, just because they bought it from an insurance to fix it up and sell it, to me being new to purchasing travel trailers, does not scream salvage.

[Old-Biscuit]

First off......
Dealer got TT from Insurance Company....RED FLAG

Second....
Salvage Title.....NOT disclosed by DEALER.
That should VOID the deal and you should get ALL Monies returned
State Attorney Generals Office should be involved IF dealer balks

Third....
YOUR Insurance company. WILL they insure a 'salvaged titled' trailer?

Fourth ....
Your Insurance Company is OK with 'salvaged title'
YOU are OK with the deal/trailer
Enjoy...go camping

Resale could be an issue later on

[colliehauler]

When the dealer told you ((They bought it from a insurance company)) did you expect anything but a salvage title? I think you have unrealistic expectations.

I just purchased a TT this winter that had a tree branch go through the roof. I bought it from a dealer that bought it from a insurance company.

[newman_fulltime]

A lot of insurance companies stamp total as flood for some reason.Sounds like the front wall leaked and got rebuilt.if you like the trailer and nothings wrong with it use it enjoy it

[gunninks]

gemsworld wrote:
You need to find out if your state requires disclosing to buyers the unit has a salvage title. If so, you probably have recourse if it's not stated in the documents you signed. Good luck!

I found that Michigan requires dealers to disclose salvage titles on vehicles when selling..
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1587_1588-76323--,00.html

Assuming the merriam-webster definition of (Vehicle: A means of carrying or transporting something), I would consider the travel trailer as such. I think they committed fraud by not disclosing the salvage status. Do you think its worth calling a lawyer? I am not unhappy with the purchase per se, I am just seriously annoyed by this and I DO not like being taken advantage of.

[GordonThree]

Lehto law did a video on this recently. Might be worth a watch, on YouTube.

He's a Michigan attorney but most states have similar laws.

[Community Alumni]

You need to find out if your state requires disclosing to buyers the unit has a salvage title. If so, you probably have recourse if it's not stated in the documents you signed. Good luck!