Damp

[JohnEv]

Evening all, just bought a swift conquerer 630. Thought it was a bargain turns out there is damp from window by cooker all the way across top / behind top cupboards. Question is this, if the damp ingress has been stopped, but the boards are still spongy does this affect the structural integrity of the caravan?
Only picked it up Wednesday, should I take it back?

 

[VicMallows]

It would be interesting to know how you have just discovered this damp so quickly if it was not obviously apparent when you bought the 'van?

I guess whether you take it back depends on just how good a 'bargain' it was, and what representations if any were made to you regarding its condition?

 

[JohnEv]

Fitting mug holders and they fell off!!

 

[Mel]

If you got it from a dealers and they sold it to you as not having damp, then you have rights under the CRA. (Consumer Rights Act) . Lots of expertise on here about that. Someone will be along soon to give you more details. In short damp is Bad and expensive. Often the rot has spread further than is externally apparent. Good luck.
Mel

 

[Damian]

If the wallboards are soft and spongy they are rotten and will never be any good. but if left may be the cause of really bad unwanted black mould, which you do not want !!!
Also if the wallboards are soft and spongy the van has been leaking for a considerable time, not a recent event, and the supporting main frame wood may also be rotten and need replacing.

Does it affect the structural integrity....it does not necessarily mean so, depending on how far the rot has gone, which will not be known until the interior of the van is stripped, and that is time consuming and expensive.

If you bought from a dealer, take it back .

If you bought privately you may have a problem, not in law, but in practice and getting money back from the seller, which may entail going through the small claims court, in spite of any legislation !!

 

[audiorob]

If it is extensive along the top it is likely that the external rail has been leaking for some time - as you will find on the forum caravan damp is usually more extensive than is obvious before you start work. You would expect early stages to be picked up on a damp report when the van is serviced, so a good collection of service stickers on the drawer bar cover is always a good sign along with sevice and damp test records. Good luck!

 

[Craigyoung]

....so a good collection of service stickers on the drawer bar cover is always a good sign along with sevice and damp test records. Good luck!

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It may well do , but I'm sorry to say I think that looks tacky to have them on your AFrame area , it looks a mess , I wasn't happy when they put them on my last caravan and I am not letting them do it on this one.

 

[Anseo]

....so a good collection of service stickers on the drawer bar cover is always a good sign along with sevice and damp test records. Good luck!

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It may well do , but I'm sorry to say I think that looks tacky to have them on your AFrame area , it looks a mess , I wasn't happy when they put them on my last caravan and I am not letting them do it on this one.

I take the point that the fairing stickers can be an outward positive sign to a prospective buyer, but copies of the service records should be just as reassuring.

For those that don't like the stickers a hot air gun and brake or carb cleaner is an effective removal method, just go easy on the hot air gun.