Swift and Elddis have now produced specially designed top corner caps in response to this common problem of cracking rear panels in some of their later models from 2012 onwards according to posts from an Elddis owners facebook page that l am a member of. They have also been producing the lower corner caps for many years now.
Maybe a call to the Swift customer care line would be a good idea to obtain further information as to if this type of repair would be appropriate for your model and year of caravan?
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Quote: Originally posted by bobmel on 27/3/2019
Swift have many caravans which one ?
2012 sterling Eccles 584, its the same rear panel fitted on all swift made vans from that time, a known fault but not according to Swift customer service.
You need to order the caps to fit over via a Swift dealer, who should be able to advise you on the adhesive to use.If the caravan had been serviced by a main dealer from new it would of had caps fitted to prevent it. Ours 2013 caravan was done when on second service.
Hi Albert.
My Swift developed a small hairline crack in the top rear corner and due to warranty etc., I completed the work myself.
There's no benefit to grind out the cracked area, but it is recommended to drill a fine hole at either end of the crack, this prevents further spread. Depending on model of van, there maybe a pair of narrow caps fitted at the point where the roof and panel meet, these need careful removal, and the top sidelights need removal too (measure and prep/drill caps to refit lights afterwards). I also found a slight bit of filing was necessary on the curve of the cap to ensure a good fit to the existing profile, before using the adhesive to bond each cap in place and clean away any residue.
Not a difficult job at all, just don't rush and check each cap fully before fitting, I finished by refitting the lights the following day.
Thanks for the reply, mine are little star cracks at the top of each side of the panel, looks like the corner of the wooden frame of the van is trying to push it's way through the panel.
While the weather is nice, I thinks it's a good time to do the job.
Quote: Originally posted by Albert_Swafega on 12/4/2020
Thanks for the reply, mine are little star cracks at the top of each side of the panel, looks like the corner of the wooden frame of the van is trying to push it's way through the panel.
I think that is the underlying reason for the failures, the frame is slightly too big for the end panel or vice versa. The resultant stress in one area of the panel eventually causes the cracking.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Quote: I think that is the underlying reason for the failures, the frame is slightly too big for the end panel or vice versa. The resultant stress in one area of the panel eventually causes the cracking.
Dave.
I couldn't agree more Dave, that's exactly what it looks like.
I can't believe it's not covered under warranty.
I still haven't fitted my caps, as the star cracks are quite small, i'm not sure if drilling the tips of all the cracks is the right way to go. As there's no rush, i'll ponder a while more before jumping in.
Hi Albert, stress cracks that go all the way through the sheet material do occur and need a small hole drilling at each end to stop them cracking further, yours is not like that.
The little star cracks are in the topcoat of the resin so I think you are correct not to drill any holes in them as I think it would do more harm than good.
I had a similar problem on the front of my van where the grab handles were attached inside the front locker. I was lucky as I could get to the bracket and trim it to relieve the excess pressure, you can't remove the rear panel to do the same so the cover-up caps seem to be the cheap option the manufacturers have adopted to overcome the problems they have created through lack of care in assembly or design.
Dave.
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
Sorry to revive an old thread.
My van doesn't have any cracks but I aim to keep it a good few years so am going to fit these caps as a pre-emptive measure.
However, I need to remove the little narrow caps that sit where the roof meets the back panel. (Mentioned in G7ACUs post above)
Any hints or tips for removing these? Are there any likely issues if I remove them?
Im all good to go, but these little caps made me stop and seek answers first!
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Topic: Crack on top corner of rear panel, Swift.
via mobile 28/3/2019 at 4:14am
