Damp in a New Caravan

If a caravan has had damp on two occassions within its 4 year lifetime but the damp has been repaired by a dealer and the van has been serviced anually is it more likely to get damp again than another 4 year old van that hasn't had damp before?


It would all depend on how well the repairs have been fixed. During your annual service the dealer should give your van a damp test and should give you the results. If the area in question stays at a stable level it should be ok. If however it rises, then ask your dealer to have another look at it.

Hobby 720 Damp Patch

by Maria Needham
(Merseyside)

We have come to re-open our caravan sited on a pitch but have a small damp patch on the rear side panel on the back of the caravan. How do we treat it?

You should really get this looked at by a professional. I should ask your local dealer to have a look at it and they should be able to advise you on how far the damp has penetrated your caravan and the best course of action to take.

Fleetwood Caravan Damp

by Mick S
(Spalding)

We have looked at two Fleetwood 560/4 tourers and both have had a damp problem. Do you know whether this a common thing in the 2006-2007 Heritage range of caravans?



Does anyone own one of these caravans and has suffered with a damp problem? If so, just let us know and we will post the replies on our website.

Dampness

by Jim
(Newcastle)

As a result of recent damp test. I was informed that I needed a section of wallboard replaced in my caravan.
Where can I get wall boards for an Avondale caravan.


Your best bet would be to either ask your local caravan dealer or to try a breakers yard. Most offer a mail order service, so distance should not be a problem.

Caravan Damp - What are our options?

by Kayleigh
(Glasgow)

We have just made what seems to be a common mistake first time buyers make - we bought a damp caravan. It has absolutely no visual signs of damp anywhere in the interior, however caravan service produced readings of up to 40% damp 'degenerative woodrot at all structural areas.' So, I'm guessing its not worth repairing it, can we sell it for scrap, would a dealer take it? We really are clueless.


I would guess that the seller did not inform you of the damp problem. Have you tried going back to the seller to see if you can come to some sort of comprise? Failing that, take advice from the dealer that did your service and ask them if it is worth repairing and how much it would cost. If they say it is not worth repairing ask them if they would do a trade in for another caravan.

Urgent Repair - Damp

by Denis
(West Yorkshire)

Due to being ripped off buying our first caravan that was advertised as no damp, we now find ourselves having to replace half of the floor, I am very handy but need advice on if I can replace the floor without touching the outer skin of the van. I have not started to remove anything yet apart from the lino that hid the damp. Please help as I am having to do the work myself as we spent our hard earned cash on what we were led to believe a dry and perfect van.

To all you DIY buffs out there, does anyone have any advice that can help Denis. If you do, please contact us and we will pass on the information to Denis. Thanks.

Water Damage in Corner of Seating

by Chris
(North Yorkshire)

Unfortunately we have a leak in the corner of our caravan but can't seem to find out where it is coming from. There does not seem to be any damage. Could anyone advise?


You need to book your van in with your local dealer before any further damage is caused. They will be able to trace the leak and repair it for you.

Damp Caravan

by Pauline
(Aberdeenshire)

Help! We're new to caravanning and have just bought our first caravan. It's a Swift 450se Challenger (think 1995) 5 berth.
We spent over an hour looking over it before we bought, checking all the corners and tell tale areas where damp could be. There was indication of water ingress around the flue area but our friend (he has owned several caravans) thought it might have been caused by snow coming in through the flue. There are no black marks in the area just some bubbles.
Since having it home and giving it a clean I've had time to notice things more. I have noticed around the door area the walls feel spongy! And it rained heavily the first night home so I checked all cupboards again and noticed on the front right hand side the wall felt wet
:(.
My partner is very hands on and can carry out repairs to anything. He was going to go over van at weekend and reseal areas round the roof etc.
My question is, should we keep the caravan and do the repairs or should we sell quickly? I'm just scared when we attempt to repair it will open a can of worms and be much worse than we expect.
Thanks!



You really need to have this looked at by the experts. Damp in a caravan can be a serious problem. My advice would be to ask your local caravan dealer to have a look and they should be able to tell you what the extent of the problem is and whether or not it is worth having repaired.

Adria Leak

by Shirley
(UK)

I have a One month old caravan with water pouring in from what appears to be non sealed edge of wet box locker. The van has had a temporary job done but that much water inside has damaged wall, bench and floor. The dealer wants to repair it but am I best insisting on caravan replacement?

Thanks.


As the caravan is only a month old and I presume that you are not happy about having a repair, I would ask for a replacement caravan. If you get no joy from the dealer, contact Adria caravans direct and see what they have to say.

Bailey Caravan Leak

We brought our caravan out of storage today to clean and found there had been a leak by a window causing wallbord to rot. Where can we match the pattern? It's a 2003 Senator Bailey Arizona.

Your best bet would be to contact Bailey Caravans direct. You can do this via their website (www.bailey-caravans.co.uk).

You could also try contacting a Caravan Breakers yard. A list can be found on our website. If you click on the site map on our home page and you will find a link called Caravan Spares & Caravan Breakers under the Miscellaneous section.

Bailey Senator Louisiana Series 5 Nov 2005 Leaks

by Muriel Lawson
(RYDE Isle of Wight)

Any info on leaks this particular make and model, only ours has leak at rear right from towbar affecting wardrobe and bedroom wall.


I have not read of any problems in the caravan magazines. I would suggest that you have this checked and fixed as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your caravan.

Although I don't think there are any Bailey dealers on the Isle of Wight, there is a mobile service and their telephone number is 01983-246077.