We have a 2007 Bailey caravan and it has cracks in the rear panel in the top corners near the high level lights. There are a few either side.
Having done some investigation, and speaking to an expert, it appears this is a manufacturing issue that is well known. Bailey and other manufacturers used Sikaflex to bond the rear panel to the van, and this was not flexible enough which caused cracking of the rear plastic panel over time. Apparently, many were repaired under warranty but mine is clearly outside warranty now.
The expert stated that the only way to fix this properly was a new rear panel, using different adhesive. The dealer I bought it from has had a go at repairing the cracks but it has not worked.
My question is where do I stand legally with this? I informed the dealer (within days of purchase) of the cracks and he agreed to fix them if they got larger, which they did. He is offering another solution now (not a fix, more of a hide) that I am not so happy with but may give it a go.
However, since the van was supplied with a manufacturing fault, is there any way that I can insist that the panel be replaced, either form Bailey or the dealer?
I am pragmatic and realise the van is 9yrs old but it is dry and in really good condition. We plan to keep it for some time.
If you do want a refund & you have owned 'van less than 30days then current consumer law allows return & full refund of faulty goods without question within 30days of purchase.
If panel is glass fibre then scoring a groove in surface & spread some Araldite eppoxy resin over it for a permanent repair. If it is ABS plastic then suitable ABS adhesive might work. For a couple of quid a tube it is worth a try.
You wont be able to force them to a new panel, if one even exists?
A repair is about all your going to get. Unless you can get a refund. If you spotted the cracks before buying you really should have walked away from it.
Your only option is the dealer, you have no contract with Bailey.
Hi
Am affraid they where known for having cracks in them, were the back panel, met along side the awning rail.
As above dealer may be able to repair, and you should not have a problem with it as long as it a good job, and blended in right.
There are plenty on the road with the above problem.
The dealer may be able to get a back panel on special order from Bailey.
I had a 96 coachman and at 10 year old smashed the back panel and managed to get a new back panel.
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.
Unfortunately, I did not notice the cracking before purchase
I have had the van for nearly 2years but the cracks were noticed within days of purchase. This was reported to the dealer and we agreed that if the cracks got bigger then repair/resolution would undertaken even if outside of warranty. What that resolution was, was never agreed.
Thanks for the link to the Caravan Panel company, that is an option. However, I am pragmatic and it is a 9year old caravan. We plan to keep it for a while yet but my panel is a wrap around so will be £835. Based on this, I am wondering if a new panel is justified?
I am being offered a 'cover over' to hide the cracks once the cracks have been drilled. If it is done well and properly blended in, then it should be OK. I would prefer the replacement panel but the caravan is dry and the added risk of removing such a large item, disturbing the integrity of the whole caravan, and properly resealing the new part again could give rise to water ingress issues etc.
I have recently had this explained to me by a very competent caravan service and repair engineer,who is a customer of mine. I have had 2 Baileys before never had a problem as I was in the middle of purchasing my 3rd Bailey I was aware of the problem but I wasn't too sure what to look for, he showed me various makes of vans he had in his yard for repair and most had these fine fracture like cracks in them, he said the reason it appears more popular in Bailey is because they are a mass producer and there is simply more about most caravan manufactuers used the same company to produce the panels and it was the panels and not the fixing causing the problem. The fix is as Opensauce says to glue it my customers uses a small dremel type grinder then a special filler to do the repair its not as bad as you think
if you like the van and its not damp now then do some sort of repair before it gets worse once its done that will be it
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
Quote: Originally posted by PeterH12 on 01/10/2018
I have a similar problem to fix. Any chance of finding out what the "special filler" is as I would like to get hold of some.
Thanks
I think its just like a grp filler or epoxy type glue should be available from most good caravan shops. Since I replied to the post in 2016 I have noticed earlier this year I also have a couple of cracks in mine, mine were about 15mm long and there were 2 of them, as thet had only just appeared I cleaned the area with white spirit then I applied some clear epoxy glue over the top more as a temporary fix however I have had no further issue and they haven't got any bigger, I keep a close eye on it and check regularly with a professional damp meter and its dry as a bone
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
We had some idiot run into the back of us whilst towing and made a very small crack in the underskirt of the rear panel. We chose not to replace the whole panel but had an ABS repair done by West Riding Leisure in Huddersfield who did a superb job. It was all done on the written understanding that if it failed it would be rectified free of charge for the lifetime of my ownership of the van, that's how confident they were in their ability. It is now 8 years on and as good as new.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Quote: I keep a close eye on it and check regularly with a professional damp meter and its dry as a bone
Do you actually get readings of zero moisture? I am asking because we have some readings above 20% on ours and I am trying to figure out what is achievable. Most of our readings are in the 10 - 15 range but I wonder how you get to "dry as a bone".
When doing any sort of repair it's always best to clean with white spirit and then again with meths, because white spirit leaves a trace of oil which can affect glue and suchlike and meths will remove it.
Quote: Originally posted by PeteWBailey on 02/10/2018
Quote: I keep a close eye on it and check regularly with a professional damp meter and its dry as a bone
Do you actually get readings of zero moisture? I am asking because we have some readings above 20% on ours and I am trying to figure out what is achievable. Most of our readings are in the 10 - 15 range but I wonder how you get to "dry as a bone".
As its made from wood which naturally holds moisture zero will never be likely, a reading upto 14% is normal mine is anywhere between 6% and 12% over 14% but below 20% just really needs to be kept a watch on but above 20% will require some remidal work such a reseal
So where yours is above 20% I would check it closely and repair where you can but the areas below should be ok maybe just air the van as much as possible on dry days.
If you need to seal anywhere best to use sikaflex or tiger seal. if the area is around windows it may just be a compressed window rubber so try and plump them between your fingers or apply a rubber lube
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
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Topic: Cracks in Bailey
