RV Repair: roof leak in 2007 Four Winds Class C, class c motorhome, coach don

Question
I purchased a 2007 Four Winds Dutchmen Class C motorhome on a Kodiak chassis 5 months ago.  During the first rainstorm since buying the coach, rainwater poured in thru the shower skylight.  I did not notice any water protrusion into the ceiling, but after using a water meter, I discovered two ceiling panels are wet, one of which was completely saturated, and the moisture had spread to both of the sidewalls, causing them to delaminate.  Removing some of the ceiling fixtures, I found the zinc coated screws to be completely rusted.  After the rain, I found the leak on the roof caused by faulty caulking around the skylight.

Four Winds has agreed to replace the ceiling panels and the sidewalls if necessary.  Obviously the leak started before I purchased the coach.  I want them to take back the coach, but they refuse.  I realize you do not give legal advice, but do I have to accept their offer, or do you know of other options I may have rather than accepting the repairs.  If I must accept the repairs, will the coach be "like new" when the work is finished?  I purchased the coach in Colorado.

Thanks,

Dennis

Answer
Hi Dennis, I'm sorry you have to go through this. I am sure you are just sick after such a big and exciting purchase goes bad. The only good news is, you are not alone. I have seen a few of these cases.
I talked to my buddy that is a sales manager at a very large dealer in the southwest. The sales contracts are very binding. There is very little room to wiggle out of them. The only hope you have to get out of the deal is to somehow prove the leak was preexisting. You will have to retain a lawyer, and take them to court. Use the rust and maybe even the mold that could make you sick as your augment. Use the threat of legal action as your bargaining chip. The art or negotiation is to start high and bargain down to what you really want. A new coach. You won't get your money back. But, you may talk them into trading into another coach. Don't be afraid to even trade up in to a nicer coach. If the dealer can make a little money on a up trade, they will be more likely to settle. Remember, they are stuck with the leaking coach. But start by threaten to sue the pants off of them. Be loud and completely unreasonable. Unfortunately, only the most ranting and raving customer ever gets these deals done for them. You must get a lawyer. The dealer will not do anything until you have legal action pending.
Now, If you chose to have the coach fixed. You will need to be very insistent that you allowed to watch the repair being done. You will need to call Thor, (Dutchman) and tell them how concerned you are about this repair. Talk to the dealer and the Tech that will be doing the repair. Make sure that he is getting the time he needs to do it right. Some manufactures are very unfair about the time they allow to make these repairs. I'm not saying that Thor is one of those manufactures.....But I'm not, NOT saying that either. I reasantly watched a fellow Tech fix water damage on a $500k coach. It was ugly. He got it back together to were it looked good as new. But it took 60 days.
keep a close eye on the repair in progress. Insists on the best and most experienced Tech they have. And don't accept the repair unless you are completely satisfied with the work. You may be amazed how well it turns out. Hope that helps. Good Luck.