Hi, we have a Swift Icon Trend 560 - single axle (Challenger 560). We have now had this from new for 18 months. Several months in, less than six, the panel between the kitchen and toilet had come away from the side of the caravan half way down going to the floor. It was returned and fixed under warranty, it happened again and was returned. This time more screws were added through the panel and into the side of the body. The retailer assured us that it is not part of the structure of the caravan. Have any Swift owners had this problem with theirs, because it has happened again and they are now saying that it is pothole damage. It may not be part of the structure, but it is screwed into the main side wall. I feel that it may be to what it is attached to. I have written to them quoting the CRA 2015 and various sections within, under the guidance of Which Legal, hence them now saying pothole damage. Your feedback would be much appreciated.
I think EVERY indication is that something is very amiss with this particular van, or it may be a inherent fault with the model design!
There are 100s of thousands of us with much older and well used vans that have clattered down pot holed roads (are there ANY other kind these days!) and rutted tracks to sites for many years and many thousands of miles, and I don't recall this kind of query arising before!
It's a relatively small van, therefore there arguably should be less flexing movement in it's structure, caused by road conditions, 'Pot Hole' damage sounds like a BS answer to disguise inherent or manufacturing shortcomings!
Caravan construction is relatively lightweight and not of the most robust of materials, but it does seem rare for structural failure of that nature to occur. The inner wall may not be a 'structural member' in terms of construction, BUT it's most certainly part of the structure that is NEVER intended to be removed after manufacture!
Knowing how caravans are constructed, which is from inside to outside, with things like partition walls usually affixed THROUGH the outer decorative panels with reinforcing inserts at the fixing points, I'd question whether anything other than a bodge repair could be effected from inside, which may account for the failed repair!
From your similar post elsewhere, the suggestion of van not being fit for purpose if unable to cope with now STANDARD pot holed roads, and no written disclaimer that it must not be used on less than perfect roads, lends weight to your argument of manufacturer's responsibility, not yours!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Faulty Main Panel
via mobile 29/11/2024 at 9:38am
