Turns out when you cut down a tree, it leaves a stump.

[bbsneed]

Fourth trip out, stopped in a great location in Phillipsburg, MO called Rustic Trails RV Park. Getting into my spot required pulling in, turning, straightening, and hitting it again. I got so focused on not hitting my neighbor with my nose, that I failed to see the stump at my right rear. I managed to bash in the black aluminum trim panel under the front steps. Luckily, the gas line was not damaged. Anyone have an idea on where to buy the panel? Dealer quoted $410, with an additional $360 labor. Keystone won't sell directly to you. Does anyone konw of an aftermarket source, or done the repair yourself?

[DQDick]

Should be able to get it from trekwood.com, but the pricing seems ok to me.

[uhftx]

Find a local machine shop or welder that does TIG welding for aluminum, MIG is for steel, as well as ARC or Oxygen Acceteline for steel work.
You may have to bring it to them for measurements and the work and an estimate.
It is always prudent to get more than one estimate. Unless you find the right answer and a reasonable price on the first quote.

It is not a big deal to repair metal.

They can cut a piece of metal and weld you a new one on. I doubt if it would be more than a couple hundred for custom work. It isn't rocket science. I agree the prices you were quoted are way to high.

[bleedmichigan]

Originally Posted by bbsneed

Fourth trip out, stopped in a great location in Phillipsburg, MO called Rustic Trails RV Park. Getting into my spot required pulling in, turning, straightening, and hitting it again. I got so focused on not hitting my neighbor with my nose, that I failed to see the stump at my right rear. I managed to bash in the black aluminum trim panel under the front steps. Luckily, the gas line was not damaged. Anyone have an idea on where to buy the panel? Dealer quoted $410, with an additional $360 labor. Keystone won't sell directly to you. Does anyone konw of an aftermarket source, or done the repair yourself?

The problem with Trekwood or the dealers is they are selllibg you a 12’ or 14’ piece. The price will be high as it’s more than you want or need. You can find a sheet metal fabricator and get a piece made if you take them the bad piece.

[uhftx]

Originally Posted by bleedmichigan

The problem with Trekwood or the dealers is they are selllibg you a 12’ or 14’ piece. The price will be high as it’s more than you want or need. You can find a sheet metal fabricator and get a piece made if you take them the bad piece.

I want to reiterate. Take it to a welder. For 200 bucks or less. It can be fixed.

[jimcol]

A local repair guy bent a piece of flashing material and painted it to match. He stated he never orders OEM. Shipping is way too high and it always gets bent in shipment. Solved my problem. Don't know where you are at but I'd check around.

[laverdur]

Local metal fab shop is the way to go. I had a "J" panel made for the rear of my Monty for $160 vs. hundreds for a 12' bulk piece and hundreds more for shipping.

[dieselguy]

The TIG weld fix mentioned earlier may be relatively economical, but what you'll look at each time you're around your fiver will bring about the old saying ... "The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten”.
In my experience, not many welders are accomplished "metal fusion experts" when it comes to vertical welds. Plus ... the heat involved on such a thin piece of metal will warp the area even if you only tack weld the edges and allow a seam to show. Then, there's getting a paint match without traditional orange peel. Admittedly ... I'm a bit picky with my toys and equipment.