Damp coachman vision 545 18 plate

[Tracey1982]

Help!!! Coachman vision 545 18 plate

Service today had advised there is a crack on the top of the van high on the rear side panel (partner has washed the van three times and hasn't noticed it and trust me he would so it's not big) also advised the damp level in the bedroom is 40 plus (clearly due to crack).

We have had damp traps in the van and very little has been collected since we bought it last year (with a full service report).

Also they advised the oven cooker heat dispersal fans are running constant when they master is on. Possible faulty sensor.

The radio cable is missing an end and is not connected?

The main issue is the damp and crack which we want sorting ASAP.

Estimated damage please.... And advise on the others

 

[Buckman]

Sorry to hear about your crack. Is the crack on the top of the front or rear panel? Those damp traps do not work and will never work and are a waste of money. The radio cable should not be a big deal to repair and I would think neither the cooker.

If you are based in the West Midlands I can recommend Premier Towing Centre, but expect to pay at least £600. See https://www.premiertowingcentre.co.uk/. You can send them pictures for an estimate.

 

[Tracey1982]

High on rear off side panel

 

[Buckman]

High on rear off side panel

Apologies as I was not aware that the side panels on a 2018 Coachman were GRP as thought only front and rear panels were GRP?

 

[Tracey1982]

Partner going to take pictures today just wondering about realistic prices. We have full service history and this wasn't picked up in last service and there is no damp smell or moisture in walls that we can see anyways or touch

 

[Tracey1982]

This is the crack..
It's tiny

 

[Buckman]

Partner going to take pictures today just wondering about realistic prices. We have full service history and this wasn't picked up in last service and there is no damp smell or moisture in walls that we can see anyways or touch

Did you buy from new or second hand? If second hand when was it purchased and was it from a dealership?

 

[Tracey1982]

Did you buy from new or second hand? If second hand when was it purchased and was it from a dealership?

Second hand full service history included. Picture of crack added now.

 

[Buckman]

Second hand full service history included. Picture of crack added now.

How long ago did you buy the caravan and was it from a dealership as the answer could save you money?

 

[Tracey1982]

It was bought privately and 12 months ago not through a dealership.

 

[Buckman]

It was bought privately and 12 months ago not through a dealership.

Sadly that rules out any leeway. In the meantime get some clear Gorilla duct tape and paste a strip over the crack. Worked for us for several months before our crack was repaired and our crack was a lot bigger and at the front.

 

[Tracey1982]

I don't mind paying to fix it as it's cost nearly 20k but was wondering realistic cost, due to size of the crack surly it can't be more than a few hundred at worst case scenario? Gonna buy a dehumidifier now and leave it in bedroom for a few days

 

[Buckman]

I don't mind paying to fix it as it's cost nearly 20k but was wondering realistic cost, due to size of the crack surly it can't be more than a few hundred at worst case scenario? Gonna buy a dehumidifier now and leave it in bedroom for a few days

Be aware that the dehumidifier dries the air in the caravan and this is replaced by more damp air from outside as the caravan has numerous vent holes around it. Maybe a bit pointless using a dehumidifier plus the cost? Firstly as said you need to cover up that crack temporary before considering doing anything to dry out the damp.

 

[woodsieboy]

I would clean the crack out and fill with silkafix, keep an eye on the damp readings and see if they come down, we had similar crack on a van and it stopped the damp and was still there when we traded it in

 

[birdman101]

If it is only a Hair crack Captain Tolleys will creep in and seal it.. I had an hairline crack around a grab handle on a previous caravan and it did the job and never leaked again,

 

[ProfJohnL]

Dehumidifiers do not cure the problem, they simply hide it and in some circumstance can make the problem worse. Your far better preventing water getting in, than trying to mop it up afterwards. To that end sealing the crack by some of the means already mentioned is a start.

Just make sure the caravan is freely ventilated to remove any excess moisture - remove cushions and soft furnishings, open lockers and draws to encourage free air circulation

As for costs to repair, It is complicated because by the time you detect dampness inside a caravan, it means its been getting wet for some time already, and without exposing the affected area by removing panels etc, you cant easily work out how much has been adversely affected. However being a 2018 model it does most likely mean the construction of the caravan is less likely to have porous wood inside the walls, which hopefully will limit any permanent structural damage.

You will be best served arranging for a member of the AWS (Approved Workshop Scheme) to view and produce an estimate, as they should have the tools and knowledge about the construction.

 

[Buckman]

In the past, people have suggested drilling a very small hole at either end of the crack to prevent it spreading further?

 

[Beachball]

I don't mind paying to fix it as it's cost nearly 20k but was wondering realistic cost, due to size of the crack surly it can't be more than a few hundred at worst case scenario? Gonna buy a dehumidifier now and leave it in bedroom for a few days

Where you take it for a service have they given you a price how much to fixed it i am like you i would want it repair asap

 

[Dustydog]

Don’t panic Tracey. Birdman has mentioned Capt Tolleys. See this

Which part of the U.K. are you? If SW I can recommend Martin and Sam Lovell. MJ Lovell

My own caravan has two similar cracks. Captain Tolley has worked well for last 10 years. No crack creepage nor water ingress. Was the 40% reading close to the crack?

 

[otherclive]

Don’t panic Tracey. Birdman has mentioned Capt Tolleys. See this

Which part of the U.K. are you? If SW I can recommend Martin and Sam Lovell. MJ Lovell

My own caravan has two similar cracks. Captain Tolley has worked well for last 10 years. No crack creepage nor water ingress. Was the 40% reading close to the crack?

Further to DDs post a friend of mine had his motorhome repaired at MJ Lovell. It had extensive damp and it was a costly repair, but two years on it is still 100% and showing very low level readings when his AWS tech checks it six monthly.