Hello, we're just finishing a pretty extensive damp repair on a 1990 Trophy Olympic Silver. We've rebuilt the front, new timber/ply/repaired cracks and damage to ABS,rebuilt door frame, rebuilt the whole of the awning-side wall and taken down/replaced 3/4 of the ceiling and all the awning rail batten, resealed all rails/vents/trim/lights etc. I've used all the right gear - Sikaflex, mastic tape, bedding sealant etc etc.
I've lost count of the pin holes I've found in the ali skin but that I couldn't see until I removed the rotten battens - all quietly leaking away.The walls felt rock solid, no damp/musty smells and my cheapo damp meter didn't notice anything, the seller showed me a damp patch in a wall locker (a quick and easy fix thought I!) all the repairs stemmed from that - I kept digging away and repairing damp as I came across it. I've left the non awning side pretty much alone because it feels solid, there are no soft bits or bubbles but...herein lies the rub...
I know I should be pleased/proud of what I've done but I have a nagging feeling of unease that I've missed something or not yet discovered a leak which is going to come back and bite me on the bum sometime in the future....
So, my question is am I likely to ever feel properly relaxed and confident in the van being watertight and solid? Should I keep pulling apart wallboards 'just in case'? We only paid £400 for the van and the whole family love it - my wife and I have put so much time and care into it. Should I stop looking for problems and just enjoy what we have?
Think I'm just feeling a bit weird that this project which has consumed every spare second I have is coming to an end! Sorry for the long, rambling post.
if the rest of it looks and feels solid get on with using it.. find something else to do with your spare time.. i do understand that "fixing" can become addictive.. he he
Sounds like you have made some major improvements there, it's probably more solid than beore, so now you should get away in it and enjoy your van, I'm sure once you have used it you will feel a lot more relaxed about the work you have done and appreciate the van.
I do know what you mean about being a bit nervous of the repairs, I felt the same after my 1st repair, now it's just relief once I have finished ....... so I can crack open the beer
------------- 1st stop Brands Hatch
2nd stop Thruxton
Last Stop Brands Hatch
Next Stop Bournemouth Air Show
You are obviously thinking that there may be something going on under the skin on the none awning side and wondering sbould you start ripping that out. I would personally after all the hard work you have put in enjoy your caravan this season and leave any exploratory work until next year. You now know you can take on any repair work that may be necessary as and when it is needed so just enjoy your van this year. After all it may be OK and any enxiety just in your mind folllwing all the hard work hou have just completed.
Hi, buy your self a good damp meter take some readings around the van take readings again in a few weeks time you will then spot any increase in readings and pick up any probs early. also my work mate just booked 2wks in a rented static for his family almost a £1000, at that rate your £400 caravan puts you quids in. one or two weeks holiday for your family you could afford to chuck it away. so chill out and enjoy.
Well done on all your work on the van. I would now enjoy it for the season and know that you've done a good job and can be ready to tackle any further issues (I hope not). Just relax and enjoy it, after all, surely that's why you spent £400 buying it in the first place.
some folks buy "projects".. £400 sounds like a protect to me.. :)
i love things to fiddle with.. when my van reached the point there was nothing left to fiddle with i felt rather disappointed.. its starts off doing the obvious things then the less obvious things which turns into looking for things that dont really need doing but can be done..
it all becomes a hobby or pleasant pass time.. i stopped short of major ripping things apart i was lucky in the sense that major repairs were not needed so knowing when to stop was easier for me.. :)
i never bought a "project" i never do but i often end up with one..
Well done you,just relax and enjoy your van now.if you find anything in the future you know exactly what to do.Don't get paranoid and constantly look for problems cos with a £400 van there is always stuff to do.Take a well earned break for a couple of seasons
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Topic: nervous after damp repair...
