Should I Throw In the Towel?

kfp673 wrote:

wowens79 wrote:

Lantley wrote:
"three trailers, three units were major problems. This latest trailer just purchased late last summer is the latest to push me over the edge."

Your doing something wrong!
Either your doing very poor PDI when you first get your trailers.
You 're not keeping up with regular maintenance. You are not being obesrvant enough to catch/discover small issues before they become major problems.
Your latest issue is an example. It is common for skylights to leak in all models however the leak does not have to lead to a totally soaked ceiling!
RV's are in constant flux. You must be observant and aware at all times as you use your RV.
Pay attention to all the liitle squeaks and noises. If it seams weird investigate further. Notice a wet spot, find out why? Hear an odd sound,find out why? It is an on going battle, but you can win. You just need to be diligant aware and observant.
As to your current problem unless you have the skills to DIY you are at the mercy of your dealer and manufacturer. Executing the warranty is full of pitfalls

I think your statement that it is common for skylights to leak proves his point. Since they have been putting the same crappy leaking skylights in for what 15-20 years, you’d thing they could fix it by now.

100% agree. We buy trucks and other vehicles that depending on their use can take equal or in some cases far more of a beating, spend about the same $ on them, come with far more up to date technology and complication / engineering, and yet they ship with at least a 3 yr 36k mile bumper to bumper warranty (sometimes longer). I think it's really sad that the RV industry is so filled with junk that it is a common answer to hear "that's just normal you have to watch out for it". Imagine if your truck windshield leaked and caused mold at 15 months old with 18k miles on it and the dealer said "did you have it professional checked and resealed???" if not no warranty. I love camping / RV'ing as much as anyone but as consumers we tend to give them far too much leeway and even make excuses to support them using junk materials and rushing their build.

I agree with your points. But don't shoot the messenger.
RV 's are full of pitfalls. They are all leaks waiting to happen.
My point to the OP is that if your going to play the RV game you have to be diligent. You can't let the notorious skylight leak turn into a major disaster! My RV has 2 skylights and 3 exhaust vents. They are all potential souces for leaks. Yes I went up and down my entire RV to ensure the screws holding the PVC roof were all tight after I discovered a couple of triim screws backing out. I snugged and caulked each screw.
Should it be tha way?..of course not. Should I have to be always aware and diligent? Yes if I want to have a positive long term RV experience.
I took off my rose colored RV lenses years ago. I know the RV warranty.
Is generally more trouble than its worth. It's good to have for catastrphic issues but you are better off fixing things yourself vs. hauling it to the dealer and playing the approval wait and see game.

The notorious skylights leaks and all the other leaks are all the result of the RV flexing and moving as it goes down the road.
As long as it flexes there will be leaks. But if your diligent and observant you can stay ahead of the leaks...before something rots away.

By the way RV's are improving in terms of features and amenities however in terms of durabilty an RV is still a hand assembled box bouncing down the road.
An RV is not a car it is not built like a car. It does not work like a car. There is no steel or crash zones. Comparing RV construction to automobile construction is futile.
Once you thouroughly understand the challenges of driving your expanding home down the road. You will comprehend what it takes to keep that box in working order. An RV is far from a maintenance free turn key contraption.
I enjoy the RV game and have eperienced many pitfalls, but I have no illusions or expectations that my box will hold itself together without me proactively keeping it together.
You can either be diligent and find that drip or you can be complacid and uaware and the drip will eventually find you!
If the drips find you first it's generally too late and the damage is done.