I have what looks like a hairline crack on the chassis of my caravan. There is a spot of rust, about the size of a penny, at the top of the "crack". This is my first van and it is five years old. I have only just purchased it from a dealer - is this something to bother them about or should I just paint a little Red Lead & Hammerite onto the chassis and not worry about it? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Cracked Chassis?
- Thread starter Colin_374329018
- Start date
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Colin,
First thing to do is to phone the dealer & tell them what you've found, ask them what they want you to do, most likely is they willwant to look at it themselves, if under investigation it is a crack, REJECT the van, as it is not fit for use.
If it is a crack, then yes it can be repaired, either replacement of the cracked chassis member (prefere) or by speciaist welding, but if it is welded & then repainted, even though it would be an acceptable repair, when you come to sell the van, it's you that will have to convince the prospective purchaser that it's OK!
First thing to do is to phone the dealer & tell them what you've found, ask them what they want you to do, most likely is they willwant to look at it themselves, if under investigation it is a crack, REJECT the van, as it is not fit for use.
If it is a crack, then yes it can be repaired, either replacement of the cracked chassis member (prefere) or by speciaist welding, but if it is welded & then repainted, even though it would be an acceptable repair, when you come to sell the van, it's you that will have to convince the prospective purchaser that it's OK!
GeorgeBColin,
First thing to do is to phone the dealer & tell them what you've found, ask them what they want you to do, most likely is they willwant to look at it themselves, if under investigation it is a crack, REJECT the van, as it is not fit for use.
If it is a crack, then yes it can be repaired, either replacement of the cracked chassis member (prefere) or by speciaist welding, but if it is welded & then repainted, even though it would be an acceptable repair, when you come to sell the van, it's you that will have to convince the prospective purchaser that it's OK!
Thanks. I rang the dealer and they are going to have a look. It may be that the van has already had a repair and the dealer is going to contact the first owner to enquire. I'll let you know the outcome. It could just be a scratch where something in the road has hit the chassis nad therefore nothing a bit of paint wont cure.
Colin, if it is a crack then the caravan is not roadworthy and the stability of the whole unit could be affected and be highly dangerous. If the Dealer inspects it and decides that it is roadworthy, I would insist that he provides you with a certificate to that affect, if he dos'nt I would reject the Van. I would also get another opinion. The law is on your side. good luck JTS.
Roger I think Graham is refering to Galafriude paint A lead based grey primer used on cut edges of galvanised meterials to stop it rusting as the plating has been damaged. used by electricians on galv cable tray.
Sorry I ment Galvafroid try a search on googleRoger I think Graham is refering to Galafriude paint A lead based grey primer used on cut edges of galvanised meterials to stop it rusting as the plating has been damaged. used by electricians on galv cable tray.
Thanks for the infoRoger I think Graham is refering to Galafriude paint A lead based grey primer used on cut edges of galvanised meterials to stop it rusting as the plating has been damaged. used by electricians on galv cable tray.
I was unsure what to do about it if it turns out to be a scratch. It's handy to know there is something I can use to protect it. Other than this problem the van is in almost new condition and we would be dissapointed to reject it now. Colin.
Hi
If it is a crack you need to get it seen to as soon as possible. The notch effect will cause the crack to accelerate and grow and untill complete failure occurs. However as the chassis is made from lcs welding should solve the problem
Sandy
If it is a crack you need to get it seen to as soon as possible. The notch effect will cause the crack to accelerate and grow and untill complete failure occurs. However as the chassis is made from lcs welding should solve the problem
Sandy
Galvafroid is one trade name for a zinc rich paint but is used much like 'Hoover' is to vacuum cleaner.
Should the chassis actually be cracked and assuming it's Alko/BPW, then I would suggest it is not simply low carbon steel but something a little more exotic, it's certainly a lot tougher and also pre-stressed in manufacture to give it rigdity .
Alko won't allow straightening or even a small hole to be drilled in it, this suggests to me welding is a complete no no!
Should the chassis actually be cracked and assuming it's Alko/BPW, then I would suggest it is not simply low carbon steel but something a little more exotic, it's certainly a lot tougher and also pre-stressed in manufacture to give it rigdity .
Alko won't allow straightening or even a small hole to be drilled in it, this suggests to me welding is a complete no no!
Welding galvanised steel requires careful consideration - the Zinc coating vaporises in front of the weld, and can cause the operator serious and immediate health issues. It's possible but it needs special training and facilities, and is it advisable on a thin section chassis component?
Assuming that it really is a crack, and not just the very visible edge of a zinc "cell" in the galvanised coating, then in all honesty that section of the chassis needs to be replaced.
Robert
Assuming that it really is a crack, and not just the very visible edge of a zinc "cell" in the galvanised coating, then in all honesty that section of the chassis needs to be replaced.
Robert
The normal "repair" for a damaged chassis component is replacement but this is highly specialised, beyond most caravan workshops.
Colin needs to get expert advice from the chassis manufacturer directly.
Colin needs to get expert advice from the chassis manufacturer directly.
Hi Colin, As Gary say's assuming it's a ALKO or BPW chassis the only way to repair a cracked chassis is to replace the damaged section, nither of the two main players will accept welding or drilling, having said that providing the part is available any decent caravan repair shop will be able to carry out this wor.
The reason I think it is a crack is the rust at the top of the thin line. On closer inspection there also appears to be a horizontal crack, of about a metre in length, on the inside of the nearside "A" frame strut - this could however be just be a run from the galvanizing process. My fear now is that the van has hit something in the past as are a few scratches towards the front of the chassis - although there are no obvious dents. I rang the dealer on Monday, he is contacting the previous owner to ask if any chassis repairs have been made in the past. All the dealers in my area seem to do business with each other so I wonder if I can trust any of them to give me an honest opinion. Is there any independent body I could get to inspect the chassis? You may be thinking why didn't he get under it and look before he bought it? I paid about
Colin,
Don't know anything about chassis and can only imagine how I would feel in your position.
I can't say I'm impressed with the response you have had from the Dealer. He is going to contact the previous owner you say. Is the previous owner likely to admit to passing on a caravan with a damaged chassis or is he more likely to deny all knowledge of anything being wrong.
I feel your dealer should have asked for the van to be returned for inspection immediately.
I would also suggest that it might not be a bad idea to try and gain information on exactly what your legal rights in this matter are. Are you a member of either the Caravan Club or the C.C.C. if so they have legal helplines for members. Failing that your local Citizens Advice might be able to advise. Arm yourself with knowledge of what your rights are before speaking with the Dealer again.
Good Luck
Robert
Don't know anything about chassis and can only imagine how I would feel in your position.
I can't say I'm impressed with the response you have had from the Dealer. He is going to contact the previous owner you say. Is the previous owner likely to admit to passing on a caravan with a damaged chassis or is he more likely to deny all knowledge of anything being wrong.
I feel your dealer should have asked for the van to be returned for inspection immediately.
I would also suggest that it might not be a bad idea to try and gain information on exactly what your legal rights in this matter are. Are you a member of either the Caravan Club or the C.C.C. if so they have legal helplines for members. Failing that your local Citizens Advice might be able to advise. Arm yourself with knowledge of what your rights are before speaking with the Dealer again.
Good Luck
Robert
Rob-TColin,
Don't know anything about chassis and can only imagine how I would feel in your position.
I can't say I'm impressed with the response you have had from the Dealer. He is going to contact the previous owner you say. Is the previous owner likely to admit to passing on a caravan with a damaged chassis or is he more likely to deny all knowledge of anything being wrong.
I feel your dealer should have asked for the van to be returned for inspection immediately.
I would also suggest that it might not be a bad idea to try and gain information on exactly what your legal rights in this matter are. Are you a member of either the Caravan Club or the C.C.C. if so they have legal helplines for members. Failing that your local Citizens Advice might be able to advise. Arm yourself with knowledge of what your rights are before speaking with the Dealer again.
Good Luck
Robert
We are not yet members of any club but we do intend joining. The legal advice I have so far is that if the chassis is indeed cracked I can "reject" the van or agree to the dealer replacing the damaged parts - I won't accept welding after reading the posts on the subject. My problem now is do I trust the dealer if he says there is nothing wrong with it? The chassis appears to be quite thick metal and I cannot see a crack on the other side. This leads me to believe it could just be a scratch which would also explain the rust and this I can easily sort out with Zinga The only thing in my favour is that we bought second hand to try caravanning after 20 years of camping and will be buying a new van after a year or two. The new van will come from this dealer and therefore he will be getting this van back in part exchange. He can't really tell me it is OK now, then point to a cracked chassis in two years time. (yes I know he could but believe me his life wouldn't be worth living if he did ).
Cheers. Colin.
Irrespective of what the previous owner says the buck stops with the dealer as he is the one that sold the van.
If you bought the van on finance arranged via the dealer contact them and tell them of your problem and say you wish them to become involved under the Consumer Credit Act 1983 as they are jointly and severally liable for the condition of the van (do not stop making your payments,and the finance must have been arranged by the dealer) failing that if you paid some or all of the deposit by crdit card (more than
If you bought the van on finance arranged via the dealer contact them and tell them of your problem and say you wish them to become involved under the Consumer Credit Act 1983 as they are jointly and severally liable for the condition of the van (do not stop making your payments,and the finance must have been arranged by the dealer) failing that if you paid some or all of the deposit by crdit card (more than
The PlotterColin,
First thing to do is to phone the dealer & tell them what you've found, ask them what they want you to do, most likely is they willwant to look at it themselves, if under investigation it is a crack, REJECT the van, as it is not fit for use.
If it is a crack, then yes it can be repaired, either replacement of the cracked chassis member (prefere) or by speciaist welding, but if it is welded & then repainted, even though it would be an acceptable repair, when you come to sell the van, it's you that will have to convince the prospective purchaser that it's OK!
I paid cash - except for the deposit of
Irrespective of what the previous owner says the buck stops with the dealer as he is the one that sold the van.
If you bought the van on finance arranged via the dealer contact them and tell them of your problem and say you wish them to become involved under the Consumer Credit Act 1983 as they are jointly and severally liable for the condition of the van (do not stop making your payments,and the finance must have been arranged by the dealer) failing that if you paid some or all of the deposit by crdit card (more than
Thanks everyone. It turns out the chassis is not cracked, just scratched - thankfully! Now it's time to rub down the scratches and apply a couple of coats of Zinga.
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