Hail damage dilemma

TexT@bers

While camping recently in our 2015 T@B 320 S Sofitel we suffered through a hail storm (2 inch hail).  The insurance company totaled our camper and has offered us full price for our T@B or a reduced rate for a salvage title. The salvage title would allow us to keep our beloved camper.  Such a hard decision for us.  The camper has multiple dings (may husband calls them battle scars) but otherwise appears fine.  Of course, there are no Nucamp campers available for purchase in our area and due to the recent supply chain issues, etc., we would have to wait to receive a new camper. Also, not sold on dealing with the cassette toilet in the new 320's. We sent an email to NuCamp for possible factory hail damage repair, but have not heard back after multiple inquiries. Love the T@B 400, but too pricey for us, and again long wait to receive a new camper. Curious if anyone has had to deal with salvage titles or hail damage. 

Mellow_Yellow

So sorry to hear. I would be heartbroken. Would you be able to post some photos of the dents? My inclination would be to keep loving your trailer, especially if the dents are only cosmetic. 

rfuss928

I kind of agree with your husband.  I often have to remind myself our TAB is just camping equipment - not a show car.  That said, you may want to look into "paintless dent repair".  The folks that do this for door dings on auto finishes produce amazing results.  Just a  thought...
Have fun!
Bob 

TexT@bers

Here is one photo of our hail damage. Have the about the same on 1 side and the back, few on the front.
The Fantastic fan cover was smashed, but our fan is ok.  Planning to replace with Maxair fan if we keep the RV.

Sharon_is_SAM

@TexT@bers - not sure when you attempted to contact nuCamp, but they have been busy with uCamp this past week.  Did you email help@nucamprv.com?  

TexT@bers

My husband emailed help@nucamprv.com May 27th.  He was emailed back and said to send pictures to tech@nucamprv.com, and also contact our dealer. My husband sent an email with pictures as suggested to the tech, but we have not heard back.  We have not contacted the dealer yet, not sure if we trust a dealer to fix the damage.  Thanks for the info about uCamp, will try again tomorrow.   

Sharon_is_SAM

@TexT@bers - please follow up with them again.  Ask specifically about having it factory repaired.  If they asked you to contact a dealer, they may be waiting to hear from a dealer regarding this repair.

TexT@bers

@Sharon_is_SAM- Will do, thank you!

rfuss928

FWIW  I know some folks that had the entire roof replaced on a 2004 T@B with extensive damage from the weight of an added roof AC unit.  NuCamp did the repair and offered an alternative roof AC installation.  They are very happy with the results.
Good Luck!
Bob

kbdigitiqe

Just to weigh in on doing the salvage title - we did this on a beloved VW van a few years ago - my recommendation would be to only do this if you really want to keep your T@B "forever" because it will be worth nearly nothing on the resale or trade in market once it has a salvage title, which we found out the hard way and was pretty painful.

gophergrad

If they total it and pay you, can you still keep the trailer? Or buy it back for a fraction?  Then you could order a new one AND still use this one till the new one is delivered.

rhyno

If you decide to keep it for the foreseeable future and don't plan to get much out of it on resale, various charities in your area may take salvage titled vehicle donations when the time comes to part with it later. 

kbdigitiqe

Charity donation is what we ultimately did with our van…. But! Then it was an EPIC process just to get the salvaged title from the state, including multiple trips to the state patrol to have it inspected and lots of documentation 

gulfarea

@TexT@bers How about filling in the big dents then putting stick on solar panels over the dented areas! That way you can also upgrade to solar and hide the dents! Art

dlb

Talk to you insurance agent about the liability coverage on your vehicle if you are going to tow a salvage titled trailer.  You want to make sure it does not void any part of your vehicle coverage.