Hi There, we are completely new to caravanning and as such we have been looking around for a good starter van but we have hit a couple of problems. Firstly is evidence of damp in a caravan, repaired or otherwise, an absolute no-no ? We have seen a few, very reasonable caravans, all of which have some evidence of water ingress, and we are unsure of the ramifications of purchasing a van which has been damp. We would appreciate some impartial, non dealer derived, advice. Further, is the lack of a hot water system a serious handicap? Again many reasonable caravans have, cold water only. We have children and would again appreciate some impartial advice. Many thanks to anyone who is able to help, Graham.
First Time Buyer Problems- HELP!
- Thread starter Graham_5068264
- Start date
Damian
Moderator
Graham, the problem with getting a van which has evidence of water ingress is you not knowing how long it has been leaking, and how far advanced, if at all, any rotting has gone.
For example, our first van had movement on the grab handles, but didnt seem too bad, but 6 months later, upon full investigation, the whole front end from half way down the window and all along under it had rotted out.
If the van has damp which has been repaired, and the owner can show proof of repair, then redecorating is all that is needed, and there is plenty of stuff available to do that, but if repairs are needed, then either you do it yourself, which is very time consuming, or get it done by a van repairer, which can be very expensive.
It would be worth buying a damp meter and testing the vans you are looking at, to see if it is still damp, or not.
As for hot water, it is not a real problem not having on board hot water, more of an inconvenience, as it means boiling kettles to get water to wash up, or have a wash, however, if you use good sites, there is always the on site facilities.
For example, our first van had movement on the grab handles, but didnt seem too bad, but 6 months later, upon full investigation, the whole front end from half way down the window and all along under it had rotted out.
If the van has damp which has been repaired, and the owner can show proof of repair, then redecorating is all that is needed, and there is plenty of stuff available to do that, but if repairs are needed, then either you do it yourself, which is very time consuming, or get it done by a van repairer, which can be very expensive.
It would be worth buying a damp meter and testing the vans you are looking at, to see if it is still damp, or not.
As for hot water, it is not a real problem not having on board hot water, more of an inconvenience, as it means boiling kettles to get water to wash up, or have a wash, however, if you use good sites, there is always the on site facilities.
Like Damian says, it is very difficult to determine the extent of damage caused by damp on the basis of signs on the surface. If you're lucky, it is just in the visible affected area and can be repaired relatively easily. If you're unlucky, damp has crept much wider under the surface than immediately apparent without removing panels. That's what makes damp much like a game of Russian roulette.
Many thanks for your response, as i said to Damien, if damp is an issue i will err on the side of caution.
Many Thanks
Graham
Graham - I'd avoid damp like the plague if I were you! We had a 1 year old van some years ago, which after 7 years and despite regular servicing was full of damp causing it to be virtually worthless. There are good DRY vans about, keep looking. Hot water is all a matter of convenience, get it if you can - it's so much easier with oyung children to sluice them off in the van.
Hi graham For a 1st time caravan buyer it is important that your 1st van is a good one. If you end up with a leaker you will be put off .A lot will depend on your budget, there are good bargains to be had out there. Lunar have a poor reputation as leakers so do recent avondale but the older ones seem ok
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