Bailey Pegasus Brindisi 2017..... damp issue?

[Scriv11]

Hello...
We are seeking advice please...

Looking to purchase a 2017 Bailey Pegasus Brindisi on a private sale

Like many we are very wary of signs of possible damp. And viewed a very well cared for caravan being sold by a retiring couple. Tip top condition.... except we thought we felt softness underneath the rear corners of the van. On the outside.... no inside visible signs of damp or water marks...

Can anyone advise us, should we be worried?

Ideally we love to buy it.... but need sensible advice!!

Thanks ☺️

 

[Oscarmax]

I take it the retired couple will have no objection to a professional inspection, if not walk away.

 

[Scriv11]

They had it serviced last year I believe.... whether that would show anything up? But yes, I'd like a professional opinion! Haven't a clue what is acceptable

 

[Oscarmax]

Personally I would go for a full inspection, however if you have found softness in the rear corners off the caravan I just would walk away, in a private sale you have zero right or comebacks.

 

[Mel]

Look on the AWS website for a local mobile tech to come and give it an inspection. Bailey seem to have a bit of a reputation for damp floors. If the floor felt soft then this may be an indication of a much more extensive ( and expensive) damp problem.
Also ask to see the service records from the last few services. Look for any damp readings . However no damp then does not exclude damp now, so still get an independent inspection.
Caveat Emptor and all that.
Mel

Approved Touring Caravan & Motorhome Servicing in the UK

The Approved Workshop Scheme is the benchmark for motorhome and touring caravan servicing in the UK with fixed and mobile workshops nationwide.

www.approvedworkshops.co.uk

 

[Dustydog]

Scriv,
You have described the classic Alu tech water ingress failure. Rotting of the back and or front corners of the floor. Well documented on You Tube .
Frankly I'd walk and find another that has been remedied. Or follow Mel's advice , AWS engineer inspection. But no guarantee the seller will drop the price . Not a cheap fix for a new to you caravan

 

[Buckman]

We had our caravan serviced last year and this year it showed a bit of damp. Investing £60-£70 in a professional AWS doing a damp check may save you a lot of heart ache?

 

[Scriv11]

Thank you for your replies, it's much appreciated
Like I said when we put our hand underneath the 2 rear corners of the van and it felt squidgy....outside. But not all the the way along.

We had our caravan serviced last year and this year it showed a bit of damp. Investing £60-£70 in a professional AWS doing a damp check may save you a lot of heart ache?

sorry to hear that, can I ask where they found it? Should caravans be fully dry?

 

[Dustydog]

Thank you for your replies, it's much appreciated
Like I said when we put our hand underneath the 2 rear corners of the van and it felt squidgy....outside. But not all the the way along.

sorry to hear that, can I ask where they found it? Should caravans be fully dry?

See this thread for more answers to your questions

Elddis or Bailey

I bought a brand new Bailey caravan end of 2023 I have been disappointed with the build quality and finish details since day one, so I am considering changing to an Elddis affinity 550 but the service guy I used is inferring that Elddis have an issue with Damp can anyone give any feedback based...

forums.practicalcaravan.com

 

[otherclive]

Yes to my mind caravans should be dry and free from damp.. Many are, but far too many are not, which is a sad reflection on the industry. Unlike cars trying to get redress under warranty can be a very challenging task.

But you need to be aware that moisture readings will vary dependant on use, weather conditions etc. I always had a damp test (AWS) taken prior to putting the caravan up for sale. My last caravan was a Swift Sprite made in 2012 and put for sale 2021. None of its readings in early June 2021 exceeded 15%. Now that may seem a high to a newbie but they didn’t concern me or the AWS technician. The reason being that we had not long returned from a very wet and cold two weeks in Yorkshire, and the rain had continued after we got home. We had two dogs with us, and the site had decided to close their showers as a post Covid precaution. So there was lots of moisture about, wet people, dogs, towels/clothing etc. This all reflected in the damp survey readings. However, by the time the caravan was advertised for sale in later June the readings had reduced as measured on my own meter.

 

[Beachball]

If the retired couple has no objection i would have professional inspection done for damp if not i would walk away there are more caravans out there keep looking .

 

[Mr Plodd]

Just be aware that caravan damp readings are invariably taken from the inside during servicing etc, so will not show up any issues with the external floor ply skin.
If you can feel squidgy corners on the outside then that is a clear sign of damp having softened the external ply. That will not cure itself.
If you really want the caravan then point out what you have found and suggest that you get a quote (not an estimate!) to have it repaired and negotiate a discount on the price with the seller.