Hi, I am new to this site and caravanning in general. I used to caravan with my parents who are still caravanning now, so I do know my way around them a bit.
We have just been offered the above caravan for free and of course jumped at it.
I should mention I am a carpenter so I could see the extent of the damage from what I could see, though the construction of caravans is completely new to me.
The inside wall panels to the front windows have extensive damage, it is completely rotten and falling away from the outer structure while at the same time pulling the outer structure in. This has led to a massive gap where the front windows close onto. The sides are also damp stained which is to be expected.
The floor seems quite spongy though there is quite a large span between the galvanised frame, and so I am unsure if this is normal?
Some water marks are visible around the windows toward the rear, but the seals are all in need of repair so this maybe a simple job.
The shower tray has a small crack which needs repair, I assume a new tray is not possible but can a repair be done?
The first task in my mind is to make it water tight, I am fully aware I need to remove all the awning rails ect and reseal, replace window seals and window handles.
I suppose I am in a place where although getting a caravan for free is fantastic, I don't want to spend so much on it that I end up spending more than I could buy a sound caravan for.
Could anyone advise on the best way forward, and if that is to repair, to advise on how a caravan is constructed (how timber is fixed to the outer skin for example) and where the best place to source materials for this model would be.
Please excuse my ignorance with this, I am new so I just need a helping hand from some experienced caravaners.
Bought an ABI 5 years ago to find it was absolutely rotten. Took 6 months to repair and I'm still finding things now (let's just call it "work in progress")
When replacing the timber I used exterior no more nails to secure it to the outer skin and to help with the joints.
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Topic: Abi Globetrotter 1992 Damp
