Saltwater Damaged Trucks into Tampa

[LargoLes]

After asking and asking were our truck was and being told it was delayed again and again, the dealer finally told me what really was going on. It was bad news, for mine and more then 300 other ones on the ship that came into the port of Tampa earlier this month. I was told the ship hit a storm on the way over and more then 300 trucks sustained salt water damage. I was told that all will probably be a told loss. They said I could order a new one and the replacement orders would be expedited. I am still deciding if I want to order a new or find one on a lot. I am pretty upset with my dealer for not telling me in the beginning what was going on. If anyone got a truck that came through Tampa resonantly, needs to check for any salt water damage. I don't know how many of the others they my have cleaned up before shipping.

 

[curatchko]

What the hell is salt water damage??? My truck gets salt water damage every winter... .

 

[LargoLes]

I take it that they got flooded some how. Maybe my dealer is handing me I line. ???

 

[GNoel]

Its no joke. Quite a few trucks in Baltimore are now salvage also. My truck and seven more that were headed to my dealer are now junk do to salt water flooding. Funny thing is that this is not the first time for this, the other seven trucks my dealer was waiting for were destroyed by salt water on their original order in October. DC reordered my truck on Dec. 24 with a priority code. If DC would just ship these trucks by train like my 2002 these problems would be avoided. I bet the bean counters are kicking themselves in the rump now.

 

[LargoLes]

Thanks for the input GNoel. I am glad to know my dealer wasn't trying to pull something on me. I guess I may be ordering a new truck again.

 

[GNoel]

I guess this was DC's Christmas present to us, wait nine weeks for your order and then try again. I guess my girl couldn't swim. I received a new VON from the dealer today, unfortunatley it seems to be a useless number.

 

[PHX ATC]

You mean they ship them across the Gulf of Mexico to FL? What friggin morons!

 

[Dave Beck]

Paint inspection

Originally posted by LargoLes

I take it that they got flooded some how. Maybe my dealer is handing me I line. ???

I too am waiting for delivery which is overdo. My dealer tells me that the truck is being held in Newark, NJ for a "paint inspection". The decision won't come until Jan 5 when DC goes back to work. Because of this delay (the're have been 2 others) they, the dealer, are going to "give" an extended warrantee. Sounds good but think about it. Actually it's just another patronage to keep me from cancelling. If something is wrong, but still within their lawfull right to sell, all the warranteee does is protect them against any unforseen claims in the future. Right now I've about had it with them myself. If it isn't one thing it's another. They've definetly failed to deliver on time. I'll wait until Jan. 5. Good luck !

 

[DF5152]

Originally posted by GNoel

Its no joke. Quite a few trucks in Baltimore are now salvage also. My truck and seven more that were headed to my dealer are now junk do to salt water flooding. Funny thing is that this is not the first time for this, the other seven trucks my dealer was waiting for were destroyed by salt water on their original order in October. DC reordered my truck on Dec. 24 with a priority code. If DC would just ship these trucks by train like my 2002 these problems would be avoided. I bet the bean counters are kicking themselves in the rump now.

they dont care the costs will be tranfer to you the consumer if you think they will take a lose u are mistaken you as the consumer always get it in the "end"

 

[XJSuperman]

Wouldn't mind taking one of those "salvaged" trucks and making one hell of an offroader!

 

[y-knot]

I would think that if they hit a storm and are claiming "salt water damage", then there is probally more then just "salt water damage". When they load the transport ships they do not strap down or fasten the trucks, they simply park them in long rows. I can imagine them shifting and rubbing up aginst each other in rough seas. This I would imagin is what most of the damage is from.

I will keep an eye out for these trucks, which should start showing up in the "rebuilders" listings. Like mentioned before, they would make great off-roaders. Or just real cheap "new" trucks.

 

[Dave Beck]

Salted New Trucks

Originally posted by y-knot

I would think that if they hit a storm and are claiming "salt water damage", then there is probally more then just "salt water damage". When they load the transport ships they do not strap down or fasten the trucks, they simply park them in long rows. I can imagine them shifting and rubbing up aginst each other in rough seas. This I would imagin is what most of the damage is from.

I will keep an eye out for these trucks, which should start showing up in the "rebuilders" listings. Like mentioned before, they would make great off-roaders. Or just real cheap "new" trucks.

I'm located on Long Island, and the truck will be used on the beach now and then. Don't need it "baptised" in the gulf of Mexico before I even get it. The dealer hasn't mentioned really why the truck is being held other than for a "paint inspection". You're probably more than right in regard to DC's shipping methods and related outcomes. I've heard stories about large numbers of trucks just being washed off and given up for lost. What really bothers me is the unseen damage that might have occured and won't appear for a few years. Especially electrical. I think that's why they are offering me an extended warranty. If and when this truck ever shows up, you can bet it'll be gone over extensively before any money changes hands. I'm sort of hoping they just cancel out and start all over. Make life alot easier that way. I still have a good taste for Dodge trucks - just not salty ones.

 

[Dave Beck]

Just an update - Dealer called today cancelling delivery. Truck was originally ordered 10/27. Stood by their original statement that it was held for "paint inspection", and now rejected. I'll probably never know the real truth, but here's my opion FWIW. These vehicles being shipped out of Mexico and undergoing ocean voyages just aren't making the trip too well. Some get banged around on deck, some get soaked with salt water, some fall overboard and never seen again. The dealers don't want to tell you the whole truth being affraid you might cancel on them. DC doesn't want to come out with a statement because who wants to take a chance. Now they want to offer me another one. How do you fellas feel about this ? Can DC be trusted ? Whatever they send me will still be out of Mexico. Still take that same boat ride, and probably incur the same torture as the original one. Isn't there some way you can get a ( Cummins/Dodge) dually made in the USA ? Has to be ! Or am I wrong ?

 

[nickleinonen]

i am sure glad my truck came to me by rail

 

[KBennett]

Maybe this will cut into the "cost savings" of building outside the US and production will come back here.



If it was me LargoLes, I would order a new "600".

 

[Moterhead]

Originally posted by Dave Beck

Just an update - Isn't there some way you can get a ( Cummins/Dodge) dually made in the USA ? Has to be ! Or am I wrong ?

AFAIK, all the diesel trucks are built in Saltillo. Not all of the trucks shipped across are damaged or salt soaked. Mine left Vera Cruz on 11/25, arrived Tampa 11/29. Arrived Key West 12/11. It's the best built Dodge truck I've owned and I've had several. I've crawled over, under, and all around my truck. There is no salt damage to it. It's as near perfect as any new vehicle I've owned.



At 222 miles I left Big Pine for Michigan to visit my kids and grandkids. 24. 6 mpg for the trip up. 21 for the return. Running quite a bit faster coming back.



If you want a Cummins Ram & don't want it shipped by ship, then buy it from a midwest dealer. West and midwest trucks go by rail from Saltillo to Laredo, then on by rail. Any south or east coast truck is likely to be shipped by water.

 

[XJSuperman]

I may be wrong but I do believe there is a plant in St. Louis that puts out the diesel rams as well. My father had(has) a '99 2500 CTD that was built in St. Louis... . it was purchased here in Florida. new in '99.

BUT my new '04 was built in Mexico.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I think they're all built in Mexico now, but I'm not 100% sure (I seem to remember reading that somewhere. ) If you want to avoid the boat trip, order one through TomeyGun - he's in St. Loius. I doubt they ever see a boat on their way to him. From what I read, you can't beat his price - well worth a plane ticket to go pick it up. I like my local dealer a lot, but I would seriously consider ordering from Tomey if I were going to buy a new one. I'm not affiliated with anyone - just a suggestion.



LMAO@curatchko, by the way. :-laf :-laf

 

[sag2]

My 03 came from Mexico, the new 04 from St Louis.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I guess that blows that theory. Thanks, sag2. Maybe it's the PT Cruisers that are all built south of the border.