Well that was my first thought but having read a fair bit on this forum I have been filled with some confidence and i'm now hoping it not all doom and gloom.
We have just bought a 1998 Swift Challenger 490LUX, van was overall in good condition and I feel we got it for a reasonable price when comparing it with the online price guides.
I gave the van a reasonable (clearly not thoroughly) look over when we went to purchase it. We spotted one blown wall but as the wall and all already it was dry and the caravan wasn't smelling we concluded it was probably anold leak that had been stopped at the very least and should be a simple rip out and replace.
Anyway after getting it home and giving it a more vigorous going over we have spotted a few areas that need attention. Both rear corners (side walls) are soft, 1 side right from the top all the way down the floor upto about 10 inches from the rear wall. Other side across the top from the window to above the door and below the window, can't see any lower due to the cabinets. Also under and to the right of the door (possibly behind oven).
Stripped a bit of the lining back and the wood behind has turned to complete dust so really worried it maybe too far gone and really worried about the door area. Its also pretty wet still so I guess water is still getting in.
First jobs on the list is to get behind the wall boards and see the extent of the damage and try to see where the water maybe coming in.
Would it be advisable aswell to take all the exterior trims off aswell and reseal all those as I expect they have never been resealed since it left the factory, or will I end up having to redo them once we start on the inside?
Hope I won't be bugging you too much with my many questions lol but found this forum and have checked out some the great websites from members solving such issues already
Hi, I think it would be best to leave the resealing for now and get on with the repair as you will have to do it again after the work is done . You could remover the trim clean up the old sealent and put gaffer tape along where the trim was while you do the job as you will have to replace some of the wood spares which is where the trim fix onto.
Wizards site is very good by the way..
Good luke
Colin..
------------- Range Rover DHSE + 2010 Swift Challenger 570.
Licence Cat.
C1
C
C1E
CE
don't despair Pitkin, I had the same thing with my van, when I discovered my error I was gutted, both rear corners and one front corner, with reasonable DIY skills and mega help from this site I replaced sections of wall, floor and resealed all of the rails, lights and number plate area and also repaired a delaminated floor. I did mine through the winter and into the spring, I check every 3 months with damp meter and all readings are less than 20%. I also decided to buy a full cover for the winter months just in case I hadn't repaired the right sections or if I hadn't done it properly. I have now had my van 3 years and am really happy with it.
regards
kevin
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, maybe too far gone....
