I've noticed there always seems to be a lot of post on the caravan forum about damp problems in Caravans including the floor.We had a T.T. for donkeys years and never had any problems with water rotting the underside of the trailer. As we have recently moved to a F.C. wonder if there is anyway of checking to make sure we don't have any problems as I assume the underside construction of a F.C. is closer to the construction of a caravan than a T.T. It was easy to check the T.T. because at the end of the season it was placed on its side in garage but obviously can't do this with F.C.
Ah, you've put your finger on one of the least discussed aspects of FC ownership - damp.
Firstly, *all* bonded construction caravans, built with using the traditional aluminium sealing rails will leak, it's just a matter of time - could be two or three years, or it could be two or three months.
That's why (finally!) all the caravan manufacturers are now employing different construction methods - common to all of them is the objective to get rid of those sealing rails and the associated screws..
Pennine, however are still using the 'old' method - sealant and screwed rails at each corner.
That is where it will leak!
On the plus side, there is very little rail to remove and reseal - and if you do it before the water gets in and the panels go spongy (and they will!) you will be able to keep water ingress at bay indefinitely.
As yours is a 2010 model, there is a good chance that you can catch it now, before damage has occurred.
During storage, a good cover should protect the seams completely, so any resealing can probably wait until the spring.
However, my advice would be to ensure that it gets done then, before exposing the camper to further use.
If it's not already damp, you've provided continued protection. If it is damp, you will be preventing the problem form getting worse.
There is a tendency for people to think that campers won't rot like caravans - but they do, and they will. A Pennine bonded panel will rot just as happily as that on any caravan - and, to be honest, no-one has ever accused Pennine of over-zealous sealing of the exterior joints!
As stated, it's an easy job to do on a camper - just short lengths of rail at a very convenient height. Just ensure that you use lots of mastic - and, above all!, *do* it.
------------- Getting Old, Staying Active (much to Mrs Folder's dismay..)
Just a thought. F.C is kept in the garage all the time and only taken out when we are using it. (we dont go camping if weather is going to be wet so it rarely sees rain) In theses circumstances would it still be a good idea to take off the rails and re seal or would it be best to leave them rather than disturb the sealant?
Camcroft F.C doesn't have damp as far as I'm aware. I was really wondering how to make sure the underside of unit stays water tight. Oldfolder seems to be referring to the corners of the unit.
We have a 2002 Pennine Pullman and before that had a 1997 one, both kept on the drive. Our friends had a 1980's Conway trailer tent for donkeys years that was stored outside their house and currently have a very nice 2006 outside their front window. None of these have shown any signs of damp or water ingress. Not saying it never happens but I think Oldfolder is just scaremongering.
Take it all apart if you must but I am inclined to think you would be doing more harm than good.
Just my opinion.....
89angela, Thanks for your advice. Seems from your years of experience storing your unit outside we should have no problems especially as we intend to store FC indoors. We also intend to have the brakes and running gear serviced at the start of the season. from the few replies received it doesn't look like damp is problem in TT's and F.C's
Just keep an eye on it the way you would with any major item you own.
You can soon smell damp - get it out and open for regular airings if you can and open the cupboards to check everything's OK and you shouldn't go far wrong.
You are more likely to have problems with mould on the canvas than damp in the trailer body and there are plenty of threads about that for you to read
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Damp and F.C.
