Damp check

[Tex Marshall]

We purchased a caravan March last year, a Swift Icon Trend 560 (Challenger). Within the first six months we had a number of warranty issues. However, on its first service this year, the damp check came back as 9% to 14%. We were told by the dealer that this was normal. We are not convinced of this, especially as it is the first year. Our last caravan had no damp issues (Bailey Ranger) in the first ten years we had it. Can anyone confirm this please. If this is not the case then we feel the unit is not fit for purpose and should be exchanged.

 

[ProfJohnL]

We purchased a caravan March last year, a Swift Icon Trend 560 (Challenger). Within the first six months we had a number of warranty issues. However, on its first service this year, the damp check came back as 9% to 14%. We were told by the dealer that this was normal. We are not convinced of this, especially as it is the first year. Our last caravan had no damp issues (Bailey Ranger) in the first ten years we had it. Can anyone confirm this please. If this is not the case then we feel the unit is not fit for purpose and should be exchanged.

Those values are well within the normal accepted levels. There is no such thing as zero percentage, concerns are only normally raises when values go above 15%.

The values can change with the weather, so you might expect higher readings in wet or humid conditions.

All quite normal at this stage.

 

[Tex Marshall]

Many thanks for your reply. Its due another check in a week.

 

[JRT]

We purchased a caravan March last year, a Swift Icon Trend 560 (Challenger). Within the first six months we had a number of warranty issues. However, on its first service this year, the damp check came back as 9% to 14%. We were told by the dealer that this was normal. We are not convinced of this, especially as it is the first year. Our last caravan had no damp issues (Bailey Ranger) in the first ten years we had it. Can anyone confirm this please. If this is not the case then we feel the unit is not fit for purpose and should be exchanged.

If you look at your service sheet/damp report it tells you the percentages that are within normal limits and those that require monitoring/retest or are a cause for concern.

We over the last six years have had readings up to 15% which have subsequently been less on later checks the following year for the reasons ProfJ mentions. Notably ambient conditions.

 

[GaryB]

What year is the Swift caravan and where were those readings taken? Since 2016 the inner wall boards are GRP and there’s been no timber structural members since 2014, the only wood used in bodyshell construction now is the upper surface of the floor. Those readings in the floor are normal, especially if they were the same in every location where the readings were taken.

 

[otherclive]

I assume you had it serviced in March so the very wet winter will have affected readings. My last van had readings up to 15% following a thourughly wet two weeks in Yorkshire and with two wet dogs coming and because of covid we had to use our shower.too. The trip back was also drenching. Two weeks after that it was serviced and some readings came in around 15%. But a couple of months later I prepared it for sale and had another damp check and the readings were down to a max of 12%.

Nothing to worry about and would be interested to hear what your next readings are now summer is here.

 

[Tex Marshall]

If you look at your service sheet/damp report it tells you the percentages that are within normal limits and those that require monitoring/retest or are a cause for concern.

We over the last six years have had readings up to 15% which have subsequently been less on later checks the following year for the reasons ProfJ mentions. Notably ambient conditions.

Thanks. Its just our last one showed nothing near those readings for a number of years.

 

[Tex Marshall]

If you look at your service sheet/damp report it tells you the percentages that are within normal limits and those that require monitoring/retest or are a cause for concern.

We over the last six years have had readings up to 15% which have subsequently been less on later checks the following year for the reasons ProfJ mentions. Notably ambient conditions.

It's just that our last one showed a lot less readings for a number of years, lucky I suppose. Many thanks.

 

[Tex Marshall]

What year is the Swift caravan and where were those readings taken? Since 2016 the inner wall boards are GRP and there’s been no timber structural members since 2014, the only wood used in bodyshell construction now is the upper surface of the floor. Those readings in the floor are normal, especially if they were the same in every location where the readings were taken.

Thanks. 2022 brought 2023.

 

[GaryB]

Thanks. 2022 brought 2023.

Only the upper surface of the floor is wood (plywood) and will be the only area checked for damp as the walls are GRP. If you're worried buy a damp meter and take readings yourself to give you peace of mind.

 

[RogerL]

Only the upper surface of the floor is wood (plywood) and will be the only area checked for damp as the walls are GRP. If you're worried buy a damp meter and take readings yourself to give you peace of mind.

Shouldn't they still be testing "everywhere" - they do need a particular type of test devive because the traditional pin-type won't work on GRP

 

[Dustydog]

If the OPs readings on the floor differ by more than 10% in any one area get worried.

 

[GaryB]

Shouldn't they still be testing "everywhere" - they do need a particular type of test devive because the traditional pin-type won't work on GRP

Apparently not (according to 2 x Swift dealers I've used) as there is no material in the wall/roof structure that can hold/absorb moisture.

 

[RogerL]

Apparently not (according to 2 x Swift dealers I've used) as there is no material in the wall/roof structure that can hold/absorb moisture.

It doesn't need material that can hold/absorb damp - if the joint between the roof and the wall fails, it'll leak - and that needs fixing - sounds like those 2 Swift dealers are living in dream land.

 

[GaryB]

It doesn't need material that can hold/absorb damp - if the joint between the roof and the wall fails, it'll leak - and that needs fixing - sounds like those 2 Swift dealers are living in dream land.

Nope, it was also mentioned on the (now defunct) Swift Talk forum. Walls etc are a visual check only, dampness checks are done on the floor. From memory the theory was that any wall/roof leaks would be a visibly leak but wouldn't actually "hold" moisture.

 

[Dustydog]

Nope, it was also mentioned on the (now defunct) Swift Talk forum. Walls etc are a visual check only, dampness checks are done on the floor. From memory the theory was that any wall/roof leaks would be a visibly leak but wouldn't actually "hold" moisture.

This was the case. But as we have seen from some recent videos the internal furniture is becoming water damaged. Too late to fix and costing Swift a lot of money🙀

 

[GaryB]

This was the case. But as we have seen from some recent videos the internal furniture is becoming water damaged. Too late to fix and costing Swift a lot of money🙀

Yes, the water is now tracking along the surfaces it USED to soak into looking for it's next absorbent "victim". MDF wall board swells very quickly when wet! Until the construction is COMPLETELY wood free there will always be a sacrificial element to the structure.

 

[Martin_E]

The walls are sensory only, the inner floor as has been said is the only part damp tested.