Hello! First post about my first caravan, a 4 berth 1993 Avondale and the discovery of not just a bit of damp but a lot. One entire side, part of the ceiling, some of the front and half of the other side.
I, actually we, got blinded by the idea of getaways with our dogs all across the country and did no research and bought the first one we saw without any idea what to look for.
Needless to say I'm not too phased, I am a very resourceful woman and if I can build a house repairing the damp shouldn't be all that difficult.
I have sourced the worst leak, a small but significant dink in the top awning rail. Other seals, old mastic, standard corrosion for an old van apparent so I've removed and re sealed all the trims/rails.
My main question (after all my ramblings, sorry) is now I'm in the process of removing the interior wall boards, polystyrene and rotten batten what is the best thing to insulate the van with? I have thought about using 25mm Celotex or is it best to replace like for like?
Also I intend to leave walls ply lined (birch ply/hardwood ply with a respectable face), as I'm redecorating and remodelling the whole interior of the van, but wondering if there's a reason why people don't do this?
Again, sorry for the ramblings but any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated!
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.
Yes indeed, welcome to the forum. I think the main reason why people don't do this more is that a lot of people aren't that practical these days, or so it seems. Good luck with your restoration project, and please keep us informed with your progress. Any questions, just ask, there is plenty of experience on here.
One thing to be careful of though if you are planning on major changes, is to keep the weight down, and the weight distribution right. Get this wrong and the caravan will be very unstable to tow.
when i did my last van i think i used celotex or equivalent, it had foil either side, i just made sure it was the same depth as the batten thickness. good luck with the job
regards
kevin
Colin21 I am keeping the layout very similar with the adjustment of bunks at the back instead of double bed/seating and double bed/seating at the front instead of the two singles. I'm re-fitting the hob/sink/oven where they were originally and the bathroom is remaining in place, amazingly the only area in the van with no damp at all! I will get it weighed before any distance towing and checked over/serviced by our local caravan service guy.
jonjesk did you have any issues with the celotex with regards to increased condensation? Just something that's been playing on my mind using foil covered products
For the walls have you found a source of the ply you want to fit? Original wall boards are 3mm, are you able to keep to that - just think of weight here...
Hi, i didnt notice any issues, we kept the van for 2 years after repair, we also used a dehumidifier periodically[only cos we have one]. I used the celotex after viewing similar repair on youtube.
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! Complete overhaul
