My van has just been in for the first habitation service and has a major damp problem on both sides in the walls just behind the cab. I know that Auto-trail have a 10 year body warranty and the repair will be done under this warranty, but should I be concerned about any further problem as the van is less than a year old and you would not expect this level of damp so soon. Any thoughts would be appreciated, hopefully with reassurance, as I am worried I may be looking at a long term problem.
Oh dear!..that's terrible...and certainly not something that should be experienced on a newish vehicle..
Personally, at the very least, I'd want the fault(s) rectified back at the Auto-Trail "factory"(rather than just at some MH workshop/"agent", that happens to owns a mastic gun!).
I'd also want a detailed, written explanation as to where this "damp" originated and exactly what was done to rectify it.
I'd also want written reassurances that this would not have caused any long term damage and that if it has(and has therefore reduced the resale value), then Auto-Trail would be liable for the shortfall..! (although I've do idea how realistic that last point would be?)
I dare say that some would think that even the above is being "charitable" to Auto-Trail and that maybe you should be exploring the "rejection" route?....
..it may be worth reposting this on a few MH forums and see what advice it brings in?
Hope you get it sorted Badger, a very worrying time for you. Guess some folks might have just kept quiet and got rid by part-ex for an alternative, so good on you to fight for all of our rights!
About 10 years ago an annual check showed slightly high readings at the rear of my Motorhome. (was coming up from the floor) It transpired that the dealer concerned didn't realise that we had somewhat unusually been given a 5 year warranty. I still had the original paperwork - the test had been done on the final week of the warranty. When they realised that they would have to pay for the corrective action they tried to back down by saying actually the reading wasn't too bad and was probably due to the damp weather etc!
Slightly off-topic, but following on from Pepe's good advice above I also looked at the many suggestions on the 'outandabout' forum. Couldn't believe how so many posters seem to loose track of the original question in order to concentrate on slanging-off each other's comments! What a waste of what should be a friendly sharing of each other's (valuable) experiences and opinions of the original poster's problem e.g. poor damp test results. What is it about 'forums' - I have seen very similar personal/insulting stuff on other sites - notably one dedicated to broadband/internet problems where the main users also just concentrated on trying to be the only 'expert' on whatever question had been raised, normally by a 'new recruit who can't possibly know anything' ... like me! I soon noticed that that forum had the same 6 or so 'self- appointed' experts seemingly there just to play a power/ego game.
All that said, providing you are prepared to 'brace yourself as Pepe suggested there is still some good information there if you manage to stay calm!
Post last edited on 01/12/2013 21:01:26
------------- The older I get the better I used to be.
Badger-Stop press: Not sure if will help you but have just noticed this post from Scarylibrarian 29 Sept 2013:
"We were extremely happy with our Autotrail Tracker FB until it went in for its first habitation check in February 2013 and it was found to have dampness in areas around the floor and around the habitation door which showed readings above the normal range. This was identified by McPhail's of Hamilton and Autotrail, when approached, said it was happy for McPhails to carry out the necessary work under warranty. However, due to illness, McPhails aren't operating anymore and, being in Scotland, we are finding it difficult to find someone to resolve the problem. We originally bought the van from Brownhills in Birtley but they have moved further south to Newark and we really don't want to have to take it down there if at all possible. Does anyone know of anyone in Scotland who would be able to do the work under warranty? Apparently Perthshire Motorhomes will not touch vans not bought from them.
We still love our Tracker! It's a comfortable, well equipped motorhome and this has been the only problem we've had with it so far!"
------------- The older I get the better I used to be.
Quote: Originally posted by iggycamper on 01/12/2013
.....I also looked at the many suggestions on the 'outandabout' forum. Couldn't believe how so many posters seem to loose track of the original question in order to concentrate on slanging-off each other's comments! What a waste of what should be a friendly sharing of each other's (valuable) experiences and opinions of the original poster's problem e.g. poor damp test results.
What is it about 'forums' ...//.... 'self- appointed' experts seemingly there just to play a power/ego game.
I totally agree with you there, iggy' !
And as for Out&AboutLive, although it has some experienced, knowledgeable members, it also has more than it's fair share of "egos"...each one trying to see who can "pee up the wall" the highest! (..which, when you consider that most of 'em are probably getting on a bit, isn't very high! )
At least Badger' can pick out the bits that he finds useful..
(..and it makes you realise how "well behaved" this forum is...)
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Topic: Damp in new van
(although I've do idea how realistic that last point would be?)
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