While I do understand your angst, I'm wondering what an acceptable solution would be for you. It doesn't sound like repairing the defect by cutting into the roof and moving the internal bracket structure would be acceptable. That doesn't leave much room to work with. I seriously doubt that Newmar is going to roll out another 2020 Ventana with the awning properly mounted. I suppose that would be an ideal resolution, but I don't think that will be on the table.
My point here is that before you get to Nappanee, you need to carefully consider a workable mid-point solution between some fiberglass repair and replacement of the coach. In cases like this, I have found that demanding something that won't happen just complicates any possible resolution. Same with a confrontational approach. That usually just raises the temperature on both sides.
I think you would be best served in the long run by first asking how they propose to resolve the issue. Be prepared to ask questions and put some reasonable restrictions on what you will accept, but keep reality in focus. It is quite likely that Newmar has resolved other similar issues that involved relocating internal structural components and affecting an acceptable repair. Listen carefully to their suggestions and discuss your concerns fully, but calmly. I'm guessing you will be able to arrive at a workable solution in the end.
We've had a small amount of fiberglass and paint repair done by Newmar and I am pretty much of a perfectionist. The work that they did was excellent and the knowledge, concern for quality and caring customer service attitude of the techs was amazing. Give them chance to do what they do best; try to make the customer happy.
TJ
That's good counsel @TJ. I very much appreciate it. I'm certainly a little irked by it but I don't plan to go in there making demands. I am drafting an email to have it added to my punch list. When I arrive, I plan to ask my team lead what the proposed fix is for this issue (and other, much smaller ailments). My knee jerk thought when I realized I was impacted by this was that I think Newmar needs to remove both awnings, take them apart and check the components for damage, warping, bending as there may be internal damage already that I'm unaware of. After that, depending on how they support that bracket, that determines what the appropriate remedy is for correcting its location.
If
@flarider is correct and Newmar runs an aluminum backer the full length of the coach - then this is a simple fix. Unscrew the bracket, put it in the proper location, reinstall the awnings with repaired components if necessary, put some decor over the old screw holes and we're done.
However, if its a small metal plate that is only located in that one spot where the bracket is, then that's a bigger problem and I'm honestly going to expect them to remove the roof and put the support plate where it needs to be, then put the roof back on. It's a longer job, but they replace roofs at the service center. No reason they can't pop mine off to fix their own mistake.
To me, there's a big difference between dicoring some screw holes and dicoring the seams of an 11" x 4" hole in your roof with a fiberglass patch sitting on top of it. I feel the latter is more likely to fail in the future. The seams will move as the two planes will not be attached in any way, shape or form other than that dicor. As we all know, moisture is an RV's kryptonite and introducing avenues for its entry into your roof and sidewalls is rarely a good idea.
I certainly don't expect them to roll out a 2020 Ventana for me. The production floor should be well through punching out the 2021's by now so I’ll take one of those - probably to find it has the same defect
There are other ways to handle this too that I can think of:
- Put in writing, if/when they break, Newmar will replace em for free
- Here's your money back for your awnings - if/when they break, go visit Girard and let them install em.
Being reasonable is a two-way street and I'm sure we'll be able to find a solution. Hopefully, they recognize the issue immediately and I don't have to debate the merits of a proper installation with them, that's really my biggest concern.
