Hi , I am a new caravan owner and recently bought an Elddis xplore 554 . I have noticed a funny smell inside the van and on closer inspection have spotted some serious damp around the front window . My question is , can the plywood panel surrounding the window be repaired/replaced and does anyone have an idea how much . Its well beyond drying out . Thanks
Damp issues
- Thread starter Daiboy101
- Start date
I have repaired three Xplores in the last twelve months , all with the same problem. For a workshop repair you are looking at about £1000 ( if they will touch it) as the front window and hinge bar has to come off , the window seal, the front shelf ( which will also be rotted) and the wallboard and front window surround framing , On some variants the gas locker lid also has to come off and the wooden frame behind that replaced See attached pictures for what is hidden under the surface.Did you get any warranty when you purchased it if so get straight back onto them
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- Jul 18, 2017
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At this moment in time I wouldn't mind too much if I had to spend a £1000 getting this repaired as its stressing me out quite a bit . The water damage doesn't look anywhere near as bad as your photos but does look bad enough to warrant a professional repair/replace as the plywood lamination has parted and looks black in areas . It was an independent caravan dealer and I'm pretty sure there's no warranty 
- Jun 20, 2005
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How long have you had it, weeks?
Was it sold to you with any description of its condition?
The damage shown in your photos indicate a long term issue that was clearly there when you bought it.
I’d ask for,my money back.
Was it sold to you with any description of its condition?
The damage shown in your photos indicate a long term issue that was clearly there when you bought it.
I’d ask for,my money back.
- Nov 11, 2009
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Even if it was an independent dealer you have your rights under Consumet Retail Acts 2015. Have a read of the Which website it gives lots of information on CRA2015 and how to pursue your legitimate rights.
In the description for the caravan when I bought it , it says amazing condition throughout . But doesn't say "no damp issues" so have i got a leg to stand on if I try to get my money back ? I certainly don't mind trying
- Nov 11, 2009
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“Amazing condition throughout” is a description that to me excludes damp of that extreme. One thing with Which is that their consumer specialists will talk to you and give initial advice. There’s also a facility on the website to draft suitable letters to the dealership. For a payment of around £100 you get 12 months specialist advice throughout. Worth considering.
One thing is keep records of all contacts with the dealership, don’t just rely on word of mouth. Any tel contacts or direct contacts write your record and send copy to dealership.
Don’t give the work to another business and expect to claim from the supplying dealer. It’s their responsibility to repair, refund or possibly agree to a third party repair at their cost. This is because they have responsibility to ensure the work is done properly.
One thing is keep records of all contacts with the dealership, don’t just rely on word of mouth. Any tel contacts or direct contacts write your record and send copy to dealership.
Don’t give the work to another business and expect to claim from the supplying dealer. It’s their responsibility to repair, refund or possibly agree to a third party repair at their cost. This is because they have responsibility to ensure the work is done properly.
I have gone through Which' online tool where all the details are inputed and a draft letter is made up so I will send that the the dealership ASAP. But I will pay for the £100 payment for their legal advice as that's going to be of a massive help and money well spent in this situation .
Thankyou ( and all the others ) for your input , whatever the outcome , as I was completely blind going into this issue but feel much better equipped now .
Thankyou ( and all the others ) for your input , whatever the outcome , as I was completely blind going into this issue but feel much better equipped now .
- Nov 11, 2009
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That’s a positive step forwards. It won’t be easy as most dealers in a position like yours don’t roll over and capitulate at the first salvo. One possible weak point in your case is you have dismantled part of the van. Discuss the implications of that with Which.
Please keep us updated. Good luck.
I repaired mates Elldis it was about 5 years old,L/H window frame rotted,lack of sealant on front awning/roof bar joint.
In regards to dismantling part of the caravan , the photos I have taken are from the inside of the van where the seal peels back and no sealant has been disrupted or broken . Another photo was taken from the gas bottle area and a very thin metal sheet is pulled back to take the shot , then put back in its original position . I hope they don't go down that route because there isn't any damage , but thanks .
Just looking on their website , it states "All caravans are sold as seen and deposits are non refundable". Does the CRA2015 still apply if they show this ?
- Jul 18, 2017
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Most definitely as they are a supplier. Advertising "sold as seen" could be against current regulations however that you have set alarm bells ringing for many people. As said your best bet is Which Legal Services as they are best equipped to deal with this issue.
Yes , not great really . You'd think the manufacturers would be more precise when sealing these caravans
- Nov 16, 2015
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Unfortunately sealing and leaking caravans, is a big debating point on this and other forums.
- Nov 16, 2015
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Looking at the OPs pictures, the rot isn't as bad as the ones I did ( plywood came apart in my hands and on a later one , fungus growing inward completely rotted the soft frame pieces (see red circle on photo). The downfall of the design is that the window seal only comes with mastic applied to the outer edge (see marked up photo) and when applied this has to be carefully attached to maintain the seal all the way round and because the water comes over the top of the seal ( as the window is closed the 'bulb' on the seal can be deformed allowing water in) it then runs down the inside of the seal and wets the front shelf and then soaks upward through the wallboard. Given what the others have said I would straight back onto the dealers with a letter and photos and ask for your money back or suggest you may go to 'rip off britain' about the appalling state of the caravan (About time they did an article of badly made caravans
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