Little Guy Provides A Happy Ending.....

[sandman]

Well Guys,

I washed my new teardrop today and you will never guess what happened next??? yes, it leaked like an SOB. I contacted Little Guy right away and spoke to their production manager and he told me to remove the inside ceiling panel. Well I did and it was rotted through. While I was removing the panel, I leaned over with my hand on the floor and it went right through it while I was on the phone with Little Guy. He heard me say an explicative and said that doesn't sound good. I said no, it's not, my hand just went through the floor. Needless to say, I am now in a Teardrop nightmare with a rotted teardrop. The factory told me replacement was not an option but repairing it would.

My quest to build and just buy a teardrop has been one countless mistake after another. My wife began crying and said we were just not meant to own a teardrop. Yep, I am really having a bad day. Over $5000 down the tubes for what I thought was a reputable trailer from a company that would stand behind it. I am in limbo as they decide how they are going to handle it. Won't know until tomorrow.

Boy, I am just about to give up on owning any kind of trailer and just go back to freezing in a tent...so much cheaper and less of a hassle and cheaper to boot. Sorry to vent...I am beside myself with frustration.

[cguardsman]

That just sucks! Hopefully they will buck up and do the right thing! Hang in there!

[rbeemer]

Have you checked the rest of the floor to make sure your hand does not go through? It sounds like there is more wood that could be bad. Take pictures off all the holes. How are your walls? With the ceiling and the floor replacement would probably cost less and make a customer happy.

[Mary K]

Oh Sandman, I am So Sorry!

Mk

[Classic Finn]

Ohhhhhh Noooooo..

Sandman ... They said they would repair it? Id have them repair the entire tear.. Top To Bottom..As Rick mentioned take and check all areas.. and take photos of it ALL.

Classic Finn

[Juneaudave]

You have got to have had the worst TearDrop experience yet!!!! My deepest sympahthy. Wasn't that Little Guy fairly new? I simply cannot imagine putting my hand through the floor unless the materials were bad to start with!!! Please let us know how to help!!!

[elmo]

I don't think I am going to complain about any of my teardrop problems again! Sorry Dude!

[Gringo Loco]

Dude, I am so sorry . I know how badly you have been wanting a TD, I have followed most of your post since I joined. Like most have said check all of the trailer and take pics of everything, make sure to have hard copies of the pics also. I hope the dealer or company do the right thing, especially since we have so many members who could speak negatively of their products. Keep us informed.

[sandman]

Yeah, I checked all around and found that pretty much all the damage is within the front and 6" of the plywood floor is rotted. The production guy called me back a few minutes ago and said they would pay my expenses if I could drive it up to the factory and they would repair it in one day. The only thing is everytime I have had something new repaired, it's never the same...cars, motorcycles. He offered to trade me an 2006 Model but I would be right back in the same boat since it was made the same way as my 2005.

What is the lesser of 2 evils>.....drive it all the way to Elkhart, IN and have it dissassembled and rebuilt...and trust it won't leak again??

Take the 2006 and risk having the same problem????

Both options do not really appeal to me. I think I just want my money back and forget it. I don't need the aggravation....

Thanks for all the support and letting me vent everyone. Maybe I should buy one of Madjacks tears since I KNOW i could trust it. Yeah, I am bummed but the sun will shine tomorrow and everything may look brighter after sleeping on it.

[mikeschn]

Sorry to hear about all your troubles Sandman.

Maybe you should build an all metal teardrop!

Seriously though, with regards to the 05 versus 06... My gut feeling would be to find out where the leak problem is, verify that the 06 is leak free, and then take that.

And yes, the sun will shine again.

Mike...

[neal b]

i hope you get your problems fixed that just plain sucks

neal b

[cguardsman]

did you pay for it by credit card??? might be some recourse through them if you did.

[deputydogrick]

Sandman,
I worked on boats for many years and rot was a way of life. See if you can figure out if it is water or insect damage. With water you will see the trail of past leakage. with insect you will see little piles of sawdust, tiny holes. etc. If the damage is confined to a small area and the manufacturer won't help you, there are several low cost options open to you. First determine where the leak is coming from and fix it if you can. there is a product that we used on boats called git-rot you inject it into the bad wood and firms it to the point that you can work with it. If you are dealing with insects also, I'm sure you know there are products that you can use to get rid of them. Don't get discouraged there is nothing there that can't be fixed. The epoxys and other things out there today are amazing. I'm sure everyone here will help you in anyway that they can. Post pictures and ask advice, I have found this forum to be like a big family, full of friendship, help and advice.
Good luck
Rick

[martha24]

I'm so sorry to hear about your new teardrop.
Seems like if the company knows that these years are prone to trouble, any of their dealers should check them out completely before selling them.

I think I would check out the 06 carefully & see if there are any signs of leaks. If there aren't, take that and maybe where they are prone to leaking do some extra caulking or something.

Best of luck.
Martha

[Classic Finn]

Hmmm ... Just maybe if you can get your money back .. Id take and get the tear from Madjack ... for an option..or as Mike mentioned check the 2006 for leaks on premises and take that..but have them check for leaks who you purchase from..

Classic Finn