You guys have been so candid and generous with your feedback, cautions, guidance, and suggestions regarding the repair of my bus that I wanted to give you an update regarding our decision process to choose a repair facility. We've just spoken with the owner of our preferred local service center, Dave Kobos of Apalachee RV Center in Duncan, GA (61 miles from our home). We were straight up with Dave regarding the concerns expressed here about an RV service center working on a Prevost. I'm happy to report that Dave confirmed that Apalachee RV is an authorized Prevost repair facility that has dedicated factory trained Prevost collision repair specialists on staff. They are also factory authorized by AquaHot (and, in fact, corrected an AquaHot problem that surfaced just after we first bought the bus). Dave and his top Prevost guy have reviewed the pictures of the damage and described to us his preliminary plan of attack (subject to alteration upon actually assessing the damage in person, of course). The major steps described by Dave so far mirrors exactly the suggestions that many of you have voiced - right down to the welding cautions (Dave does recommend replacing, and reinforcing the floor of the bent bay). Dave did comment that having a regular RV Center tackle this restoration would be like asking a bicycle shop to work on the space shuttle, so he understood and respected the concerns of my POG brethren.

Bottom line, we've made the decision to take the bus to Apalachee RV for a detailed inspection and repair estimate. If I hear anything in the process that shakes my current confidence level in Dave's team, I reserve the right to take the bus to another repair facility (probably Parliament Coach in Clearwater, FL).

Am I doing the right thing? Who knows? At this time, it feels right in my gut. Apalachee has done right by us so far (including modifying some of the controls - like repositioning the emergency brake button) to accomodate my disability/lack of mobility and make the bus easier/safer for me to operate.

If I'm making a mistake, time will tell and I'll own up to it and share my tale of woe as a caution to other poor Prevost newbies (I have very little shame left at this juncture of my life! ).

Thanks again for sharing your collective experience and wisdom. It is much appreciated and sincerely respected.