Advice on dampness in caravan - looking at buying

[howdenbiker]

Hi,

I looked at a 2004 Avondale Argente today, it was in immaculate condition inside and out. I used my damp meter and around the shower and under the seats it showed some dampness but still in the green.
When I tested under the windows on the front panel the gauge went straight to 100%. I assume this is a van to avoid? Pressing my fingers against the panel above the end of the seats it felt like there was nothing there at one point (didn't want to press to hard just in case!)
I wonder what level of dampness is usually encountered in this age of van, is every one going to have a level of damp?
Thanks

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

When I tested under the windows on the front panel the gauge went straight to 100%. I assume this is a van to avoid?
I wonder what level of dampness is usually encountered in this age of van, is every one going to have a level of damp?

There are second hand caravans that don't have damp. Go for readings below 15 - 20%.

 

[Parksy]

Excessive damp is a good reason to avoid any used caravan, and in view of the fact that Avondale ceased trading and there were forum posts regarding front panel cracks at the time that particular caravan is definitely best avoided unless you could buy it at a rock bottom (scrap value) price and are prepared to renovate it.
Have a browse through the Used Caravan Buyers Guide for top tips on how to avoid common pitfalls when buying a used caravan.

 

[howdenbiker]

I've also looked at a 2004 Elddiss Avante of the same year which looked in excellent condition, I'm going back with my damp meter next week, are you aware of any particular problems with these?

I'm going through the buyers guide as well!

 

[Damian]

All caravans have the unfortunate ability to leak, and usually the seller will not divulge whether theirs does or does not
No make is any better than any other so your damp meter is your best friend.

Readings up to 15% are quite normal, and depending on the weather readings of 20% may be just transient thing.
Any reading over 20% and you have to start thinking whether or not you want to take a chance.
Personally I would never touch a van with 20% or more reading in any place.

 

[Parksy]

As Damian mentioned, no brand is universally bad or good, much depends on the previous owners and how they looked after the caravan and in particular it's service history.
Treat each caravan inspection on an individual basis and use your damp meter to spot obvious signs of water ingress.
Take a hand torch to carefully inspect the interiors of under seat / bed lockers and overhead lockers particularly along joints where the side/front/ rear panels meet the floor or roof.
Always have a look behind curtains and carefully lift a small section of window rubber on each window to check for mould or other signs of damp.
A slightly spongy floor in an otherwise good caravan shouldn't be a deal breaker, this could be floor delamination which is treatable so factor in the cost of repair when negotiating a deal.
Caravan tyres invariably have plenty of tread but they must be replaced if over 7 years old maximum because the sidewalls deteriorate and punctures become inevitable, so tyres is another bargaining lever for you to use.
Most used caravans from private vendors appear well looked after on the surface so by delving a little bit deeper although you may have to wait for the right caravan to come your way you will not be wasting your money
Good luck with the search for your next caravan, please keep us informed of your progress even if it's to tell us how you unearthed a poor specimen disguised as a bargain.
It goes without saying that if you need help, advice or support don't hesitate to ask, our knowledgeable friendly forumites can usually come up with an answer

 

[Raywood]

The caravan sounds like one to avoid as if as damp as suggested it needs a lot of money spending on it. As the others have said damp is something you have to watch out for when buying secondhand but any make can have it so all you can do is be careful.

 

[ProfJohnL]

If you make a point of asking vendor (private or trade) "Has the caravan ever suffered with damp" the vendor is obliged to answer honestly. Because that becomes a term of the contract if you decide to purchase. No if they don't give a straight answer, then that suggests at best the don't know, or at worst they are trying not to disclose the information, in which case walk away.

If they claim its been damp free, and you do decide to purchase, but you discover damp when you get it home, you have a claim for goods not as described and even against a private purchaser you are entitled to your money back.

Most leaky caravans do so because during construction the sealing was not properly carried out (it's virtually all done by hand and with dubious quality control). So if its was caught early enough, and put right properly, then the caravan could be a fine. The problem is evidence of damp takes time to show, and usually by the time its actually noticed, you cannot be sure how much unseen damage it has done.

If you find an older caravan without any damp Them you are doing really well.