Hi
We exchanged our Swift Charisma 535 for a Bailey pageant Vendee last year as the layout suited us better. The Bailey was a year older and we had to pay a bit too but we were happy with the "exchange" until we discovered horrendous damp in the back part of the caravan and a potentially bad area at the front (all on the awning rail side). After a stressful weekend fretting I contacted the dealer who agreed to rectify the problem. We took it to a local workshop (but independant to the dealer.) They were a Bailey registered workshop so we were happy that the work would be up to scratch. The inside boards at the back had to be replaced (they were actually spongy). We were led to believe that both areas had been pretty much sorted and was happy with the work.
Unfortunately we have just had it serviced locally and the damp report has shown readings of 25, 30 and 35 all in the same areas. In fact the front is now worse than the back and the damp has extended to below the window, whereas before it was just in the overhead cupboard area.
I contacted the workshop as the work was done only 10 months ago. Admittedly I did not speak to the owner but I was told that those readings "aren't that high" and their 12 month guarantee is only really for "paying customers" and we had that work done as part of the warranty from the original dealer. I did query his remarks and he backed down and agreed to book it in for after the May BH weekend. Unfortunately it takes about an hour and a half to tow the caravan to this workshop. My worry is that I will get it there and they will try to fob me off. Am I in the right? Or am I being unreasonable?
Also, should we get rid of it? The shine has gone now and I'm beginning to wonder if we will always have problems. Unfortunately, we really do have no spare cash at the moment. I'm worried that this could be the end of our caravanning days. Back to a tent for us, maybe?
Would appreciate your comments,
Alison
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