I should start by saying we're new to caravanning and I mean new.
We bought the Highlander about 3 months ago and she did look good, no musty smell in fact sound as a pound.
After we got it to storage thought I'd give it a wash and when I got to the roof the pictures show what I found. A botched repair job. Thought maybe I should get a damp test done and although the rest of the van was bone dry two small areas in the end washroom showed 28% and 25% damp respectively. OK I did it the wrong way round should have done the damp test first before buying....but ignorance is bliss!
Tried a couple of NCC/AWS repairers to be told they don't repair caravans older than 10 yrs....gutted!
So now I'll have to do it myself, the problem is I don't know where to source materials and what to order; eg screws, rail screw seals, roof strap etc Any advice would be welcomed.
At the top of the page, click on the tab 'Company Directory' then click on 'Servicing and Repairs'. Enter the location you need and a list of caravan repair companies will be found. I cannot see why any reason why an older caravan cannot be repaired as they repair boats with GRP panels that are much older so worth a shot as you might find a company willing to take on the work.
Approved Workshop Scheme has a customer satisfaction rating system to grade their engineers which may influence your choice. Often you will find same engineers listed in both organisations.
Your leak is a very common problem, even brand new vans are known to leak on the front or back roof joint!
With a botched job like that and obvious leak history (you've no idea how long that's been leaking!), perhaps best to get a professional opinion, at least as a first step, to assess the extent of any damage.
It was a search on AWS that I found Turriff Caravan Centre who seemed to have a good rating. They were the first to say that they don't repair caravans older than 10 yrs.
I suppose I can understand it in a way, once they start the work it may involve a lot more work than they quoted for, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt;o]
Thanks for the other link I'll try that.
I found a damp problem with my caravan and my caravan is 31 years old! I took it to our local dealer, who would repair it... but at a cost! They quoted me £2,000 but told me that if they found anything they couldn't see at first inspection it would likely be much more. The caravan isn't worth £2,000, that's nearly double what I bought it for, so I decided to have a go at repairing it myself. I recently completed the repair and we have just spent a week away with it, and the cost of the repairs came to £210. The materials cost very little, but as repairs to caravans are very labour-intensive, the cost of having the work done is horrendous.
Thanks at Colin21 I guess I would have much the same scenario, if I found someone to do it. I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet and just do it myself. If I was 30 yrs younger I wouldn’t have given it two thoughts but now I’m hesitant!
Quote: Originally posted by Grayhair on 18/9/2023
Thanks at Colin21 I guess I would have much the same scenario, if I found someone to do it. I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet and just do it myself. If I was 30 yrs younger I wouldn’t have given it two thoughts but now I’m hesitant!
As I'm 74 and with back and neck problems, I thought twice about it too but there was only repair it myself or scrap it as options. I don't want to give up caravanning just yet.
As I'm 74 and with back and neck problems, I thought twice about it too but there was only repair it myself or scrap it as options. I don't want to give up caravanning just yet.
A man after my own heart still relatively active, not willing to surrender. I'll be 80 in a couple of months with preverbial back problems also, but I aint giving up either. So I feel invigorated by your response...onwards and upwards
In case you decide to tackle it yourself, this might be of help to you.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by Monty15 on 18/9/2023
Your leak is a very common problem, even brand new vans are known to leak on the front or back roof joint!
With a botched job like that and obvious leak history (you've no idea how long that's been leaking!), perhaps best to get a professional opinion, at least as a first step, to assess the extent of any damage.
The engineers/Technicians that did the damp test were AWS approved mobile technicians and they scanned the van from top to bottom. And tried the old finger test to see if it was spongy. The woodwork appeared sound and there were only two small areas which showed damp. So, rightly or wrongly I'm going on the assumption that there's no wood deterioration.
I had hoped that somebody would give me an idea as to screw size and gauge for the offside awning rail and the specs of the rail screw seals so that I could order before attempting the removal. There are still some companies out there that think, even in the 21 century, that a post code of IV30, conjures up a horse and cart syndrome and won't deliver.
I'm 73 and done both front and rear roof straps plus one front awning rail and front window hinge on my 15 year old van. Access to the area to be worked on can be tricky, Ideally you want a platform so that you can work both safely and comfortably, especially with a bad back.
It can be messy and time consuming, hence the high labour costs at a dealership but the materisals are cheap and readily available and the skill level is doable.
Remove the screws holding the strip on, (if not stainless steel, replace them) and using white spirit to soften the sealant use a suitabl tool to carfully remove the it without bending it or scratching the paintwork. Clean off all the sticky gunge from the roof and strap, and then clean off the white residue that white spirit leaves with methylated spirit so is is spotless. Examine the area for any signs of damage and if neccessary fix it. Reseal carefully with a suitable sealant, Soudal RV61, Sikaflex522 or whatever and refit in reverse order.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Thanks for the information, it along with the link to Wizard from blueexpo97 should see me through. I've also watched a few YouTube videos on the subject so I'm eager to get it done.
I'm off tomorrow to the caravan to make a start, hopefully I'll get it stripped and sealed with tape in the two days I've allocated. Then I can order the materials since I'll have a better idea of what to order.
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Topic: 2011 Coachman Highlander 450/2 Damp
via mobile 18/9/2023 at 10:15pm
