Evening everyone, first post, first caravan, first problem!
I'm after some advise really. I bought our caravan a couple of months back and knew it had a damp problem how bad I wasn't completely sure but I recon it was a good price as long as I repaired it myself and didn't put it into a dealer.
I have removed both front overhead cabinets and pulled the front section of ceiling down along with offside wall. I can see it's already been bodged in the past and the wood in the front offside top corner is shot and i'm moving back down the van till i find something solid. (proving difficult)
I need to replace roof braces or at least put a new ends on them, top corner timber and a fair amount of wall boards along with removing awning rails and resealing them back on.
So I guess my question is, are the timbers available pre cut to save time or is it a case of just making them?
Where is the best place to buy Bailey spares and have any other diyer's in dorset have recommendations for helpful dealers in the area?
Also I see there are different mastic roll sizes which would be the best one to use?
A waterproof cover will be going on this week before the rails are removed along with a de humidifier to dry it out for the repair.
Many thanks for any help, just hopeing my gamble wasn't one too far
Damp is always the biggest problem in caravans as you have just found out. im not in Dorset or anywhere near so cant help with recommending anyone, but if you google MCEA you should be able to find a mobile guy somewhere near you. Hopefully he would be willing to have a look and put you right, unless you have done anything like this before I think you will need someones expertise. I do know that there was a fault on the 2004 onwards model of the Ranger which was the ally trim across the front and rear roof and the grp front panel, most vans were recalled for replacements or fixing mine was one of those.On a brighter note once its all done it will be perfect and they are lovly vans to live with
------------- its our imperfections that makes us perfect
Hi there, I have also just signed up and we are practically neighbours! Having last year done damp repairs, (4th `van)
I would recommend Charles & Son, 21 Newtown Business Park
Poole 01202 733772. Started eons ago by his mum and dad,
Steve and Jackie now run the business. A mine of free helpful information, They do all repairs on motorhomes and caravans and supply parts and accessories.
You could deal with Bailey Parts Online, but you need to open an account, I preferred to deal with Steve. I made all my timber components, and mastic size is nearest to what you are doing, ie, 25mm awning rail = mastic, it will squeeze out anyway
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Great recommendation Tractionman i'll pay them a visit over the next couple of days I would prefer to support someone local, and if I run out of time (got to get it into storage in 4 weeks) I can always ask them to finish the job.
All looks pretty straight forward although many tasks look like a two man job i'm sure it will be ok
Yeah, I found that and if it`s your first it can be a little scary, that`s when my chippy skills came in handy!
I made cardboard templates to start as they are easy trimmed with scissors for fine tuning where corners/curves are involved. I got the two part spreadable flexible adhesive made for purpose from TradePur Woolsbridge Ind. Est. so that it all went back together as a bonded sandwich construction as it left the factory, i.e. 25mm insulation bonded to aluminium skin, then wallboard bonded to the insulation and timber frame.
Don`t make the mistake of some, in loose fitting insulation and bonding wallboard to frame only, you will compromise the structural integrity.
You will find these repairs are very labour intensive,
hence the high charges from companies, any more info give us a shout. Good Luck.
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Topic: Bailey ranger 500/5 awning rail damp
