I bought a 2005 Pennine fiesta two months ago, I thought I was getting a fair deal.
I looked it over and couldn't see much wrong with it apart from the Traveling cover (rather weather worn).
I towed it home , no problems, put it in the garage, then during this week went over to take the insides out ie. curtains etc to clean them.
I pulled the camper out of the garage and noticed some bits of wood dropping from the back nearside corner.
To my dismay I found that if I tapped the panel (that is the panel on the outside of the camper) it sounds hollow, looking underneath the screws holding a plastic stirp were sticking out, as I touched them they fell out, it seems the wood behind the panel is rotten.
Thinking back to when I bought it every time I went to that corner the seller distracted me ( he obviously knew the prob).
My question is can I remove the outer panel from the trailer and replace the wood.
To say we are gutted is an under statement, where we were looking forward to spending weekends away throughtout the summer now looks a far distant dream.
By the way I phoned the seller, he said he knew about the problem, he then added that it had been left out in the open for 2 years hence the worn cover.
Yes, I'm afraid the old 'caveat emptor' rule is rough justice.
I'd recommend contacting the tech department at Pennine with a request for advice ... they are very good, and will certainly inform you as to what is possible.
I did however read of someone on this forum who had a similar problem and managed to fix it herself. She gave very good explanations with photos. Sorry I can't find the post myself, but it's definitely worth hunting down.
It's rather simple to replace rotted ply with a bit of thought.
I have just peeled back the aliminium from the ply (after removing the screws etc.), removed the cupboard inside the camper, cut out the bad corner, fitted new ply making sure it is fixed securely and solid.
I just have to put the cupboard back, reglue the aliminium ( if anyone is going to follow my repair be very careful not to crease the aliminium when peeling it back), replace the screws and reseal and make watertight all that is needed.
Again, if anyone is following my repair, make enough time before you start, it took me about 2 hours to get to this point, I envision another 2 hours to put everything back
plus the gluing and sealing waiting times.
One final note, do not let yourself make my mistake, NEVER allow a seller to distract you when buying ( my wife is amazed that my seller managed to hoodwink me because I am usually very careful).
molefink, is what that seller did actually legal? Isn't there a law saying that what you sell must be fit for purpose?
Even if it was legal it was very dishonest. I hope he has no luck with the money!
Private sale, "sold as seen" I haven't a leg to stand on.
Still, I am very optomistic, I will have a camper that I know will be sound.
Yes, it will have cost me time when complete, it cost me the modest sum of £28 for the ply, all the glue and sealant was donated to me by my brother (and his help in the repair).
Life is now rosier, will be in brean down for a week mid April in my "new" second hand solid and sound fiesta lol.
update: Wood all fixed.
I am writing this sitting in my Fiesta in Northam Farm Brean.
When I arrived the electrics didn't work, the water pump didn't work, I spent the night worried, got up the following morning, electrics working (I did nothing to them)just started working on their own, I found a blown fuse, water working now perfect.
Put up the awning, all perfect, her indoors has a smile a mile wide on her face.
Think I'll phone the seller and GLOAT.
Quote: Originally posted by molefink on 24/4/2013
update: Wood all fixed.
I am writing this sitting in my Fiesta in Northam Farm Brean.
When I arrived the electrics didn't work, the water pump didn't work, I spent the night worried, got up the following morning, electrics working (I did nothing to them)just started working on their own, I found a blown fuse, water working now perfect.
Put up the awning, all perfect, her indoors has a smile a mile wide on her face.
Think I'll phone the seller and GLOAT.
best do it with a pint in your hand.... sliuuuuuurrrrrrp!!!
------------- That's not a dog....... That's a Schnauzer
I have just bought a pennine fiesta but have a problem with the 12v system there is a brown plastic box with a built in charger and a place for a battery. There is a part that should connect to complete the system there are just bare wire should these have crocadile clips on to attacth to battery to supply power to foot switch for whale pump to work any one help?
Are there two wires ?, if so i would think they are the ones that connect to the Battery, rather than using crocodile clips use either these
or These
for a more secure connection.
------------- Exercise every day and Die Healthy....
I am glad you fixed it. I think Trance-Elbow may have been talking about me. I bought a 2002 Pennine Fiesta which also had the left side of the back panel which was rotten. I avoided peeling back the aluminium as worried I would pierce it. But had a special tool which meant after removing the cupboard I could effectively shave out all the rotten wood. I also treated surrounding areas with a wood hardner - just in case although it looked sound. Also, I filled in the holes where the water was originally getting in - it was through the trailer lights which were a little loose. Glad you've fixed it, just would recommend ensuring if you can that you find where the water was getting in a seal that too if you haven't already. happy camping.
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Topic: Pennine Fiesta HELP!!!!!!!!!!
