National RV Detroit Shame on Airstream Belleville Michigan

If your thinking about purchasing an airstream I would read this first.

My experience with Airstream, National RV Detroit and it's staff turned what I thought would be carefree experience into a despicable array of lies, deceit, threats and law suits.

National RV Detroit sold me what they claimed was a brand new 2014 27FB Airstream International on 8-27-15.

Before I embarked from Minnesota to Detroit to purchase this unit, I addressed the fact and concern that this airstream had been parked outside for the last year or 2 on their lot, I was assured that the body was absolutely perfect. In addition I inquired if it had any hail damage and the reply from the sales person was the same.

After an overnight stay and picking up a ProPride hitch outside of Flint I reached the National RV and immediately began the pony show and walk around.
The airstream had been parked with the drivers side very close to a wall with very large wet cords on the ground, while watching where I walked I noticing a scuff on the exterior wall and was told WD-40 would take it off and that's a great way to clean the aluminum.. so hurry and look over here. We rushed through a long list of items, questions why the water sputtered, the pump ran continuous, the floor looked worn, how did the TV screen get scratched and missing remotes were quickly shuttered like flipping through channels.

Because I had to work outside in the rain to install my own trailer hitch, it was storming so hard that they had to close their garage doors to prevent water from rushing in. In fact, a snow-like hail was falling to the ground. I became dirty and drenched but had just enough time to get a tour of the parts department before they closed, purchasing an additional 500.00 in accessories.

I then pulled the airstream from Detroit RV to a Walgreens, less then a mile, to get soap and shampoo. Unfortunately the shower worked about as well as the air conditioner, a close 1 on a 1to10 scale. I took a few photos of the unit and began the long trek back home through scattered showers.

When I eventually stopped for gas in Watervliet MI, it was past sundown, and the Airstream was now dry again. 

Under the bright lights of the gas station I was horrified to discover the side of the Airstream, which had been parked alongside the dealerships building during the inspection, appeared as though it had traveled through a sandpaper coated washer. I snapped more photos and then spent the night.

I contacted my sales person at Detroit RV immediately the next morning and was told to simply "buff it out." Obviously she had downplayed my description of the damage. Again, I explained the extent of the damages, and was assured that no matter how bad it was, "Airstream takes care of their own , they provide a one hundred percent warranty." "Don't worry", I was told.

When I returned to Minnesota I brought the Airstream to a national repair firm. The estimator exclaimed immediately that "this Airstream has hail or some type of wind damage." He explained that the sanding marks throughout the side, front and back panels were caused from sanding the clear coat to remove sharp dents in the finish- however that did not woirk because the dents are still in the aluminum and the finish was ruined. 

First I contacted Airstream direct and the regional rep informed me that it would not be warranted and that this is a problem between the dealer and me, period! I argued that Detroit RV is representing Airstream products and service but that did not sway his decision. I let him know this was not going to fare well for any side- so hence this letter in social media.

I contacted the Detroit dealership to question why they had not disclosed damages. The manager said point blank, the Airstream was in perfect condition when it left the lot, we have never had hail here and because you signed a release your out of luck- period!
The fact is that I never signed a release, the paper work was still in the RV because the person handling the inspection (their mechanic) was probably too busy with a can of WD-40 covering the damage.
The call did not end well.

The next day I notified my sales person at National RV Detroit that I had escrowed an $18,000.00 payment, but in good faith allowed checks for $6,000.00 and $1,000.00 to clear and a 50000.00 bank loan to proceed.

One week later the Detroit RV manager called, screaming over the phone, calling me a thief and liar. He swore they have never had hail or any type of wind damage.

Weather records indicate on 9/5/2015, a two foot diameter tree was tree blown down and 0.5 diameter hail hit the area, with National RV Detroit in the direct path of the storm.

National RV Detroit then called the police, reporting that I stole the RV, I received a call from the law enforcement officer and after I explained the situation and he confirmed that Detroit RV was not forthcoming with the truth, he refused to press charges.

I have reviewed the photos I took, one block away from National RV Detroit, and sure enough after magnifying the photo with software you could barely - but positively pin point damages on the side of the Airstream.

It bothered me looking back to when National RV asked me why I couldn't’t see the obvious when walked around the unit until a paint less dent professional told me when a surface on silver or white is wet even a pro cannot see damage caused by scratches, hail or other types of wind damage until the water or coating comes off and dries, WD-40 is a trick often used.

With all of the proof that I have documented, which includes formal repair estimates, phone records, and GPS/time stamped photos, one would expect Airstream, as well as their dealership, to respond as though they genuinely care. But they have proved their agenda.

National RV Detroit  told me to file a claim against my insurance company, an effort again to escape their liability. After an adjuster looked at the damage and scratches from their coverup attempt, I was promptly denied for obvious reasons . I'm sure theirs a reason why they dont file a claim with their insurance company. 

Shame on Airstream for allowing a company like National RV Detroit to represent their interests.

Airstream takes care of their own. Unfortunately I experienced this first hand. Airstream first, consumers last.