Hi I want to look at a caravan & have asked if I can bring a damp tester. The seller has said yes but not if its the 2 prong type because he doesn't want holes in his walls. That's fair enough, I wouldn't want anyone poking holes in mine either. Ok so my question is; is there such a thing as prong free testers because I've never heard of them? Is he just trying to put me off bringing one? Jeez I hate this buying business, it's fun looking around the new vans but scary that you might end up with a lemon. I know to look out for soft walls & pimpling, but some moisture can show up on testers even when the wallboard feels solid
Yes there are and I know that Hymer requires them for their damp testing. On enquiring technically about these I was told by the artisan doing the test on my van that they work on acoustics [sound].
I can understand that is very logical as the excess mass of water would significantly affect how materials behave to sound.
That said the kit he had looked very pricy and probably not DIY affordable.
I would seek if any reputed independent caravan service engineer has one and is prepared to do that specific test for you should you really get keen on the van during an initial viewing. That way you benefit from having somebody with most likely the expertise to use and interpret it properly.
We have one. Its a Protimeter Surveymaster and has both Radio Frequency (prong free) search mode and the normal resistance (two prong) measurement.
We got ours used from ebay but You can hire them from Tool Hire shops.
One problem with the prong free mode is that it can pick up some sub-surface fittings and show them as damp, however this is usually obvious as it will be an isolated reading, whereas damp areas normally extend along or down a wall or ceiling (if in doubt use the prongs as a backup - underneath the edge of a window seal or somewhere else thats unobtrusive).
Ahh thanks for that. It's a bit pricy so I think I'll do what you suggested & hire one. I really don't want to end up with a damp van. Had enough stress in the past with that
I think they have something to hide, If I was selling my new van, i wont mind anyone to damp test with prongs, I use my meter in my van just to keep a close eye on it,You need a bloody just eye to see the holes. Think ad give this van a miss.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
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Quote: Originally posted by bigbrood on 21/8/2013Ahh thanks for that. It's a bit pricy so I think I'll do what you suggested & hire one. I really don't want to end up with a damp van. Had enough stress in the past with that
just thinking same,hire one for the day.a builders damp meter will be better than the cheap ones.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Thanks again. I read through his feed back. Very mixed! Some very happy with vans, others have said things are not right that he didn't mention. I hate dishonest people! I've just advertised mine on here & listed all its faults. It's just not fair to expect people to drive for miles to find the van not as described.
you can test with the prongs without leaving marks in view, there is always corner trims, window rubbers and joint strips just push them back a little and test behind the strips once you let go of the trim it covers the holes again
maybe seller doesn't realise this and just wants to make sure 20 potential buyers dont all stick 20 holes each in his van that will be seen
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Topic: Prong free damp testers???
