Damp in a van les than one year old

[johnk]

We bought a bailey pageant burgundy series 5 {06 model} last feb and its just had its first service.Received a phone call to say they had found water ingress at 25-35% across the roof panel.It has to go back in to Barrons for remedial work and to say we are disgusted is an understatement.

We have owned many older caravans with no problems with damp and have lost faith in this van.We will not be buying another bailey!

 

[Robfooty]

We had a ranger with a damp problem caused by a cracked front panel which was repaired under warranty no problem (new front panel). It hasn't stopped us buying from bailey, we changed to a pageant this year. As I said in another post I rather know there was damp and get it fixed and also when ours was repaired the repairers let me look at the old panel and showed me the work they were doing. There was absolutely no issue with having the work done it was done around our timetable i.e the van had a temp repair and then when we were ready it went in for the panel replacement. Looking at posts from others about other makes it sounds as though most have there fair share of problems, but then thats why you have a warranty. We bought with confidence even though we had a problem previously, I'm of the opinion that it's the way the dealer treats you as well that depends on whether you stay loyal. We didn't change because we didn't like the ranger we just had a deal that was too good to turn down.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Robfooty,

You have made an important point.

In life nothing is always perfect, and yes from time to time most technical products will develop a fault.

Whilst it can be annoying at the time, the level of disappointment can be countered if the process of correcting the problem is well managed.

I can heartily recommend Lakeland Plastics, who do have some shops but also sell through a postal catalogue. Not only is the order processing quick and easy, delivery is usually first class, and in the event that a product is not satisfactory, their returns and problem handling is excellent.

Whilst the item may have failed, the way the company responds to overcome that failure is impressive and should be a model for all businesses.

If only all caravan dealers held their customers with such high regard!

 

[STEVE_5041381]

Hi Robfooty - its not the technical issues we are commenting on but BASIC WATER INGRESS which should be the main priority on any caravan manufacturers build list. After all if its got water ingress its something we cant see and its not a very nice feeling always wondering if the repair has cured the problem or not time will tell - if not its usually happens when its outside the guarantee period. - I thought with the new Bailey designs which looks like the roof being a continuous piece between the front and back on the 5 series they should have cured this - I for one will be glad when the builders get away from sealant which to me never seems to give a permanent seal. Perhaps something like the American C caravans when the panels are riveted together may be the answer. But then maybe the caravan manufacturers dont want them to last too long.

 

[cris_408518]

From what you can see of present day caravan building the manufacturers seem to a few steps behind grasping new technology and using in UK caravan building.

With modern day bonding techniques and honeycomb composite/Alli/Resin/Wood panels there is no excuse for the failures people mention here. Van could keep their tradiyional looks if that is what people want and be stronger and lighter.

The caravan industry needs to look at the specialist vehicle and aircraft industries and then embrace technology and move up a gear.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Here here cris

 

[Angela_5076436]

Have to say got our Abbey Cardinal back from it's first service on Monday.

The very few minor niggles were dealt with - no hassle at all

[ like a bed slat which was not attached at one side so could slide ]

Had a nice set of pics of the sides of the van - with water/damp meter readings - all perfectly OK.

We have dealt with this dealer before - this is our second van from him - and it was almost an impulse buy last year .

 

[madeleine]

Good morning all

I dont know if any one remembers my posting last month but we had water ingrese after only 6 months in our Hymer Nova, Lowdham had us yo yoing for repairs untill we also lost all faith and are now awaiting del.of a new Abbey gts.

They did do a very good deal for us but we are still having to put over

 

[Guest]

Good morning all

I dont know if any one remembers my posting last month but we had water ingrese after only 6 months in our Hymer Nova, Lowdham had us yo yoing for repairs untill we also lost all faith and are now awaiting del.of a new Abbey gts.

They did do a very good deal for us but we are still having to put over

 

[madeleine]

Hi Madeleine,

I replied to your posting last month regarding our Hymer Nova 465 which is one year old on 18/03/07. Ours has a very wet floor under the bed locker. Believed to have been caused by a warped external locker door. New door ordered from Hymer and arrived damaged. Long wait for another door. Meanwhile floor covering had to be removed from below fixed bed to expose wet wooden floor. Hymer agreed to the warrenty work but we are now waiting one month for new vinyl floor covering to be available. The floor is drying out and we have been told there is no foor damage. The van has been with the Hymer dealer since January 20th this year for the warrenty work and a fist service. May I enquire what was the cause of your water ingress and how was it identified and solved?

Many thanks, Mike

Hi Mike

sorry you are still having problems.

We think the water was entering the van via the seam on the roof at the front of the van above the fixed bed.

We first noticed a water mark running from roof to floor in the toilet and in the front locker. We took the van in for 1st service and mentioned this, there was indead damp.

Hymer approved the work and so after not hearing anything for 3 months we rang and were told to take it back again for this work to be done. By this time we had lost faith in Hymers and the dealership so arranged to trade for another make (had to use same dealership to get the best deal as they took into account our problems). In between this they rang to say work had been done and we could pick up the repaired van, we explained and agreed to remove our bits and bobs from the van, leaving it with them as part exchange.

When we returned the seal had clearly not been touche, it was gunged up with sealent and looked a real mess!! The markes were still on the toilet wall and front inside the van (I suppose I was meant to clean them off)and under the bed the seat cover that we left in were soaking wet!! Boy am I glad we got rid, as I could see this being an on going problem with them insisting the work had been done and us having very differnt views.

Hope you have better luck, were picking up the new Abbey next week so fingers crossed.

regards

Madeleine

 

[Lee_374248478]

Hi robfooty,

Which dealer did you part-ex your ranger at ?

We're about to buy a Ranger 500/5 from a dealer and at a final check before signing on the dotted line we noticed a damp/mould on the inside front panel, right-hand side. The previous owner apparently has just upgraded to a pageant - wondered by any fluke it could be you ?

 

[Neil_374240133]

Hi everyone, I seem to have got you all talking on this subject.

Just thought I would up date you all on events here. The caravan is back with us; the dealer delivered it to our storage compound early February. It stayed there, unattended and looking forlorn until we used it two weekends ago. The deal offered to us was a free service (

 

[AnnM1]

What dealers and manufacturers fail to grasp is:

We vanners are a like minded bunch. We talk 'a plenty' on site(s) and gain invaluable information on good/bad experiences with caravans owned. Everyone is pleased to hear about the good vans but it is amazing just how many vans receive complaints against them. These are always discussed in great detail.

What am I getting at?

Just how easy it would be for us to put paid to all the problems. We only need to boycot rogues and, when they have little forecourt interest perhaps they will mend their ways --- that is if they are still in business.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to 'name and shame' on this forum. Mods will just axe the post.

Soap box folded up and put away now. Back to a nice cup of coffee, or perhaps something a little stronger!

Happy caravanning everyone.

 

[trucker]

What dealers and manufacturers fail to grasp is:

We vanners are a like minded bunch. We talk 'a plenty' on site(s) and gain invaluable information on good/bad experiences with caravans owned. Everyone is pleased to hear about the good vans but it is amazing just how many vans receive complaints against them. These are always discussed in great detail.

What am I getting at?

Just how easy it would be for us to put paid to all the problems. We only need to boycot rogues and, when they have little forecourt interest perhaps they will mend their ways --- that is if they are still in business.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to 'name and shame' on this forum. Mods will just axe the post.

Soap box folded up and put away now. Back to a nice cup of coffee, or perhaps something a little stronger!

Happy caravanning everyone.

steady ann its only 3.07 pm

Kevin H