hi there,bought my first caravan a 1996 swift, very pleased, layout we wanted etc all looked good, have since noticed bad soft spots around 2 windows. i was gutted. have sealed outside rubbers and all above windows and put heater in van hoping it may dry out, will it? if the wallboards have to be replaced, help, as the boards seem to be ready papered, will this mean plain ply and paper the lot or can you buy matching boards, thanks ann.
Hi I am a newby and last year we bought our first motorhome, a Carioca, 8 years old . It had soft panelling at the bottom corner of the largest window which made the van what I think was very cheap (after a lot of haggling) Anyway I too thought the job a bit too much for me and had the "experts" in to have a look. After a lot of huffing and sucking of teeth they started talking lottery mumbers so I had a go myself It meant seats, pump, charger, watertank, passenger seat, side trim and battery removal. I did a fair bit of research and didn't skimp on materials Sikaflex, carbond, W4 strip, timber battens, new panel, stainless steel screws and new insulation Now I am not a master D I Y er by any means but I feel I should tell you that it was an absolute PUSSY of a job, bit of patience and common sense is all thats needed. The whole job cost less than £100 and I defy anyone to find fault or damp. So if you feel the urge just go for it Its easier than you think. sorry for going on a bit
thanks Josiewales - just what I needed to hear- our van is older than yours, but there is hope!!
------------- Bringing up baby to be a seasoned caravanner - we bought one to holiday cheaply - working well so far - & caravanners are lovely - helped us on our virgin voyage & our awning!!!
Hi ann222 , have a look at my website http://www.1carpc.co.uk/wcdr/ and the links to The fixed it Club members websites to see just what can be achived , you should find on my site everything you need to know , but do feel to ask as many questions as you like , The Fixed it Club members are always around on here to advise you .
Anybody looking at this post really must have a look at the link the wizard has attatched on it you will find the best help ever for repairs relating to damp issues in your motorhome or caravan. I think the link is absolutely brilliant.
------------- you may be frustrated now but infront of me there is a big incline . yeh it may be slow but it is in front
Totally agree with 'josiewales'. It is not as difficult job as you think. You will never dry the damp out by putting heaters in the van or in my opinion even dehumidifiers. The damp is trapped between the outer skin and inner skin and all warming things up will do is produce steam/ moisture to spdread even further. The first thing to do is rip out the damaged areas on the inside. ( those bits have had it anyway ) let some air in and more important let some light in so that you can see what the extent of the damage is.
Make drawings and take measurements of what timbers were there or what is left of them and carefully cut out the damaged wood back to sound wood. ( wood can be wet but still sound, so plan it a bit) THEN let some warm air play on the area to dry it out so that the moisture can escape. When ready, get some decent timber of suitable sizes and some sikaflex and polyurethane adhesive and build it all up again. You may have to compromise on a replacement inner skin ( plenty available from Magnum Motorhomes or O'Leary's) and by the time the new inner skin is bonded on it will feel as strong or stronger than the original.
You dont need mastercraftsman statuson joinery. You will be surprised when you see how the manufacturers put it all together with stapes !!
Be brave, plan it , take pictures and make drawings
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Topic: damp caravan
