We have a 2015 Bailey GT65 Verona which at its last service a couple of weeks ago showed damp at up to 30% around the wheel arch areas.
This was caused by a cracked in side the plastic wheel arch area.
''I have submitted a claim to Bailey for the damp found around your NS wheel arch, unfortunately this claim has been rejected by Bailey stating the following:
“Rejected - Due to the component being beyond the initial 24 months of the Manufacturer's warranty. "Structural degradation or other damage caused by water ingress through no permanently Sealed seams or joints (such as, without limitation, around windows, hatches, doors and roof lights), beyond the initial 24 months of the Manufacturer's Warranty.''
After submitting the claim to Bailey the dealer has just contacted me stating the claim has been declined as follows .
Surely the failed area is to be deemed a structural joint and due to its location. and is an area where water ingress is inevitable it it fails is an integral part of the structure.
I assume it is an Alutech.
My 2016 Bailey has a 6 year body shell integrity warranty saying:
6 Year Bodyshell Integrity Guarantee Bailey Alu-Tech caravans are covered by a six (6) year Bodyshell Integrity Guarantee from the initial date of purchase. This cover extends to any structural degradation to the bodyshell that arises as a result of water ingress through any permanently sealed seam or joint with the exception of exclusions stated in the terms and conditions. The following item is covered for three (3) years from the date of first registration • Colour fastness of caravan bodyshell panels.
The exclusions say this: • Structural degradation or other damage caused by water ingress through nonpermanently sealed seams or joints (such as, without limitation, around windows, hatches, doors and rooflights), beyond the initial 24 months of the Manufacturer’s Warranty.
I find it very confusing as they have a 3yr warranty for parts and components which is made up of 2 years comprehensive cover followed by 3 years manufacturers warranty on specific items which seems to be the bits Bailey don't make.
Then there is the 6 year body shell integrity warranty. So which covers the wheel arches letting in water.
Note also the exclusions says "without limitation" in the list of seams etc. The 6yr warranty does not but refers to the terms and conditions.
I'm struggling to make head or tail of what they do mean.
However fear not, they also say this:
Touring Caravan Warranty Cover Total customer satisfaction is our top priority at Bailey. Our quality ethos extends to the aftersales service and market-leading manufacturer’s warranty package that comes with every new Bailey touring caravan. This not only ensures longterm peace of mind but also enhances the re-sale value of your investment.
If it's a crack then I would have thought that was caused through damage and not covered, if it is a crack in the joint seam (as in parting) then that should be covered under warranty.
So the crack is inside the wheel arch? How does water get in there to cause 30% damp unless you are constantly towing it in wet weather and the the spray off the wheel would have an effect, but 30%, I would not be convinced thats where the leak is if it was mine. I was told that the only place to check effectively for damp on the alutech body was at the bottom of the walls, not sure if that is the case though.
Thanks again for all the interest.
To be honest my thoughts are the same as yours and i am a little skeptical as to the amount of damp ( 24 to 30% )
I will give you all an update when i have had chance to visit the van in storage and also grill the dealer as to the exact findings
Get yourself a damp meter and check the readings. You may be surprised at the difference between yours and the dealers readings. Perhaps a ploy to make money out of you?
Hi, My First comment posted.
I bought a 2nd hand 2014 Bailey Pursuit 540-5, three years ago. Fine until this year, then towing back from Devon 5hrs in rain found floor along off-side was very wet. Had to lift all plastic floor covering and dry out. Removed OS road wheel and found a gapping crack on the rear corner of the OS wheel arch box. Removed the mudguard and found the crack went 20cms along the line of the screws securing the mudguard.
Checked paperwork and found an invoice for Greentrees a dealer who replaced the wheel arch box in 2016. They had cracked the wheel arch box during fitting and covered up the crack with sealer - the hardened sealer shows the pattern of the crack underneath. Three years later; low and behold water ingress! No sealer was found between the wheel arch box and the caravan floor! Shoddy workmanship was the cause.
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Topic: Bailey GT65 Damp in wheel arch area
via mobile 01/3/2019 at 9:50pm
