Dent in caravan

[trucker]

After washing my caravan today I have found a 3 to 4 inch dent (line) on the near side at the rear of the van and also the awning rail is dented a wee bit. I know it wasnt there before it went for the service 2 weeks ago and all I have done is drove 45 miles home and put it into its resting place at the side of the bungalow.

Should I inform the dealer even though I cant prove that it was done in their care, I did check the van over when I picked it up and didnt spot it, I also looked directly at it today and could not see it, you have to be at an angle to see it.

Im gutted even though its only small

Kevin

 

[Northwood]

I know exactly how you feel

About a year back I took possession of my new caravan, of course I signed for it on delivery, only to discover via a friend that there was a very small dent in the side panel.

I reported the dent to the dealer at the first opportunity I had, would you believe their immediate response was, you must have done it sir.

It's a hard one to prove.

Good luck with the repair, I'm sure you will get lots of assistance off the forum members on the best approach to have it restored to its former glory.

 

[forestgump]

dont think you will get much joy just stick a reflector over it .

 

[MikeJE]

....and match it with an identical one on the other side for the sake of appearances.

 

[JTQ]

....and match it with an identical one on the other side for the sake of appearances.

I dont think you will ever see both sides at the same time.

Anyway they often put things like doors windows loo hatches extra differently on one side of the van to the other; there is no symmetry.

 

[MikeJE]

I dont think you will ever see both sides at the same time.

Anyway they often put things like doors windows loo hatches extra differently on one side of the van to the other; there is no symmetry.

Doors, windows and hatches serve an obvious purpose. If I was viewing a caravan intending to purchase a reflector on one side only would arouse suspicion. It might be concealing something more sinister than a dent. A punctured outer skin maybe?

 

[Fenester]

Caravans just dent so easily. I dented my newish van by letting the waste master fall against it!

I used to get upset by dents in the van but over the years I have learnt to just let it go. The trade in value does nt seen to down with the odd ding or two.

The bottome line is that every caravan is going to get dings a some stage cause the aluminium is just so so soft. A flying stone and awning rail, the handle of the aqua roll etc etc.

I know it is usetting but then if you want to keep things top tip all the time then you can worry too much at it really spoils the enjoyment.

It is s*ds law that when you by a new caravan or car it always gets damaged or scratched in the first month or so and then never again for the rest of its life!

 

[Fenester]

Caravans just dent so easily. I dented my newish van by letting the waste master fall against it!

I used to get upset by dents in the van but over the years I have learnt to just let it go. The trade in value does nt seen to down with the odd ding or two.

The bottome line is that every caravan is going to get dings a some stage cause the aluminium is just so so soft. A flying stone and awning rail, the handle of the aqua roll etc etc.

I know it is usetting but then if you want to keep things top tip all the time then you can worry too much at it really spoils the enjoyment.

It is s*ds law that when you by a new caravan or car it always gets damaged or scratched in the first month or so and then never again for the rest of its life!

Sorry on typpos no editing ffacility I can see on here.

 

[Missedagain1]

Hi Trucker,

I had my old van damaged while in the dealers care ( dent in the side panel) the dealer said it wasn't done by them. So after that I drew the outline of the sides front and back of the van put all the marks down on it and got the dealer to sign to say that the marks were there when it was dropped off for repair/service. Then when I picked it up I got them to go round with me to identify any other marks.

Never had any more probs.

I did put a reflector on the dent and a matching one on the other side and when I traded it in the said dealer mentioned that Bailey never put reflectors there, to which I said remember the dent that you didn't do? I got full trade in no probs!

Trev.

 

[trucker]

we are lucky as you can only see the line if at an angle and sun shinning on it but I know its there. Reflecter not an option in the position, illl have to live with it. what winds me up is we look after our things, so should these people

thanks for your replys

Kevin

 

[forestgump]

sorry you are just another punter.

 

[forestgump]

sorry you are just another punter.

 

[readcaravans]

without sounding like im trying to start an argument, or even trying to defend where you took the caravan, but could the damage not have occurred on the trip there or back? i only ask because it does happen a lot.

one example sticks in my mind. it was an old chap several years ago who only lived a couple of miles away. when he got to our premises the entire offside of the caravan was damaged and scratched. he was utterly bemused how the damage got there and especially when he was so very fastidious with looking after it. after some time and some probing questions he did recall manoeuvring the caravan around a parked car on a country lane. BINGO! he had caught it on overhanging trees. this could have taken some convincing if he had left without being noticed.

i have even had several occasions of customers vehicles driving/reversing causing damage. 2 customers have reversed into our awning showroom, 2 have reversed into our used stock and 1 delivery driver reversed into a customers caravan whilst he was in our reception dropping the caravan off for a service.

i suppose the point i am trying to make is, that sometimes damage can happen to a caravan without you knowing, but its not always necessarily the service centres fault or them trying to cover it up. there are times when no-one is to blame and no-one knows how it has happened.

 

[DeliDave]

we use Golden Castle for servicing and the receptionist goes round the van with you checking for any damge and marking it on a sheet,then you check it before you leave with the sheet.Never had a problem at all with them.

 

[trucker]

Ive got a very good relationship with my dealer, which I dont want to damage (excuse the pun) I was just very upset on Saturday when I found it, but now Ive calmed down and thought about it I know they wouldnt do anything about it and who could blame them (See Reed caravans reply), ill have to take better care when inspecting the van post work to ensure any damage is reported there and then.

Kevin

 

[trucker]

sorry you are just another punter.

Dean you need to find another dealer!!!

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Kevin

Like Deli Dave Whenever the Wyoming goes into Chiping Sodbury we jointly do a detailed body inspection agreeing on any blemishes. We both sign our agreement. On departure we have a quick look around. If a "new" dent has appeared then it's not my problem.

Once I've left their premises then I think it's probably down to me. Fortunately I've never had any damage, fingers crossed.

Can your damage be easily fixed?

I damaged the top n/s edge last year with a porch awning that wasn't up to the storms at Trewethett Farm. My dealer said leave it alone. It will detract from the value and if I px it in years to come I can quote them.

Alternatively you could make an insurance claim??

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[trucker]

Hi Dusty it would be almost imposible to repaire as you can only see it at a certain angle. My dealer also checks the caravan inside and out detailing any issues upon delivery to them, on the collection I check it but didnt see the dent.

i did have oil von my carpets a couple of years ago, new carpets were ordered there and then no quibble. As I said they are a good dealer.

Kevin