Another Cautionary Tale

[Wandering Sagebrush]

The 3Pins and I were chatting a few days ago, and it was mentioned that a mutual friend had their truck towed to a local dealer with some kind of a wild critter dangling from the engine compartment. Coincidentally, my Ranger is at the dealer having rodent damage repair work done. It appears we picked up a larger rodent at some point, and now have our ventilation ducts filled with nest material and rat turds. I’m not sure of the physical damage due to chewed wires, lines, and other components, but I anticipate at least 10 hours of labor at a $150.00/hr rate… so a minimum of $1500.00, not including parts.

I do have a rodent damage policy via my comprehensive insurance, with a $100.00 deductible. That policy is roughly $30.00/per year/per vehicle. I’m thinking that my decision to add rodent damage has me looking wiser than a whole tree full of owls.

What about you, gotta rodent damage policy?

 

[Marysmith.0901]

You made a wise decision by including the insurance cover for damages caused by rodents. I definitely think it was a smart move to add it. Repairing property destroyed by rats can be costly and this is where the importance of having only a $100 deductible lies. Even though I do not own one, the experiences shared by people like you give me enough reasons to think about getting one. It’s better to prevent a $1500 unforeseen bill at all costs.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I got the Ranger back from the dealership this afternoon. The total to repair and clean the ventilation system and other areas came to $2733, of which $2150 was labor. The biggest expense parts wise was for the fan blower motor at just under $500.

My share was $100, and I’m sure glad I had that rodent damage policy.

 

[goinoregon]

wow. the insurance company will now be identifying your local area as a pest zone....

 

[Jack]

Wandering Sagebrush, do you have any idea how the rat got into your Ranger?

We had a mouse problem in our 2019 SuprerCab (not 4 door) Ranger - got into food behind the driver's seat and started to build a nest in the compartment under the rear seat where the jack is stored. Was there for at least 2 days. I cleaned it out and left a bit of warfarin-type bait in the jack compartment. No idea how the mouse (mice?) got in.

 

[ski3pin]

From looking at my new Ranger, one way, I believe, they crawl under the black cowl at the large hole around the center windshield wiper post. Once under the cowl they can move to the passenger side where there are two two holes that bring outside air into the passenger airbox behind the glove box. I will be covering those two holes with stainless steel mesh.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Very pesky devils.
Frank

 

[ski3pin]

From looking at my new Ranger, one way, I believe, they crawl under the black cowl at the large hole around the center windshield wiper post. Once under the cowl they can move to the passenger side where there are two two holes that bring outside air into the passenger airbox behind the glove box. I will be covering those two holes with stainless steel mesh.

Here is a link that explains the mesh over the two hidden exterior holes under the cowl -

Check Your Airbox

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

I guess the "million $" question why isn't this a factory install?
It's so obvious that the screens are needed.
Frank