Damp reading in new caravan.

[johnnyb]

Hi, can anyone tell me what is an acceptable damp meter reading in a new caravan

 

[otherclive]

Hi, can anyone tell me what is an acceptable damp meter reading in a new caravan

Anything above 15% would worry me even if you’ve used it in cold wet weather with dogs etc. But mine were nearer 10% in winter, and less in summer.
Damp meters can be expensive but a cheaper one is useful for spotting trends. Materials used in modern caravans aren’t always suitable for taking damp readings using a two prong meter.
What’s your concern?

 

[Dustydog]

Are the Alu-tech, fully bonded , no timber in the construction damp tested the same way as traditional builds?

 

[johnnyb]

Anything above 15% would worry me even if you’ve used it in cold wet weather with dogs etc. But mine were nearer 10% in winter, and less in summer.
Damp meters can be expensive but a cheaper one is useful for spotting trends. Materials used in modern caravans aren’t always suitable for taking damp readings using a two prong meter.
What’s your concern?

Hi otherclive, thanks for your message, I bought a new Elddis Affinity 574 Jan. last year. Just found readings between 12 and 14 in various locations throughout the van,bit disappointed!! Have been caravanning for over 30 years, never found readings like this in any new van I've purchased,and I've had a few!!

 

[otherclive]

Hi otherclive, thanks for your message, I bought a new Elddis Affinity 574 Jan. last year. Just found readings between 12 and 14 in various locations throughout the van,bit disappointed!! Have been caravanning for over 30 years, never found readings like this in any new van I've purchased,and I've had a few!!

It’s been a dire, wet winter that doesn’t help. I would just keep an eye on them looking for any trends showing an increase. Being throughout the van it could be just atmospheric effects. Not sure what your build and internal materials are, as there have been posts on the Forum saying that some owners haven’t had full damp checks at service due to the materials used being non permeable. Perhaps the Owners Club members might have some experience.

 

[RogerL]

Hi otherclive, thanks for your message, I bought a new Elddis Affinity 574 Jan. last year. Just found readings between 12 and 14 in various locations throughout the van,bit disappointed!! Have been caravanning for over 30 years, never found readings like this in any new van I've purchased,and I've had a few!!

That's about normal for any wood-based substance as it has some inherent moisture anyway - plastics and aluminium don't absorb moisture.

 

[Dustydog]

That's about normal for any wood-based substance as it has some inherent moisture anyway - plastics and aluminium don't absorb moisture.

Which probably explains why a number of Alu-tech and Composite caravans remain water ingress undetected until the floor corners start rotting requiring expensive remedies😢. By then the wonderful warranties have expired.

 

[IanB1485]

Be careful with damp meter readings some are calibrated for brick and some wood, always read the instructions about what are dry readings and what is damp , for instance kiln dried wood is 20% moisture or less. Also some 'traditional build' caravans have metallised wallboard in some areas which can give high readings.