Have I got serious damp problems?

[Brum1]

Hi everyone.
During my motorhome's 1st habitation service in April, my dealer reported excessive damp around a side window.
I took it back in May for a recheck and was assured that all was well because the damp meter levels were then inside normal levels.
However, today when I removed seating to get to an under bed locker I noticed what looks like 'pinples' forming on the inner wallboard.
The area is directly below the area that was first reported to have damp.

So my question is...does the 'pimple' looking area mean that damp is getting worse of am I panicking over nothing?

I have not spoken to dealer yet, thought I would ask advice from others before I rang them tomorrow.

The thought of having my 18 month young motorhome needing major surgery and maybe being out of use is very worrying.

I have every confidence in my dealer to repair it. It is that it needs doing is what is of concern.

PS. I know this is the Pracital Caravan forum but I am sure of receiving more replies from here.

Thank in advance for your advice.

 

[Merve]

Brum,
Yes, it doesn't sound good. The pimples as you put it could be where the damp is lifting the vinyl or whatever material they have used. I have recently bought a protimeter mini damp meter not cheap but really handy to have because damp is the caravanners or motor homers worst enemy and nightmare. I can check myself now and will do - REGULARLY! My advice is get it in ASAP to your supplier or even get an independant test done. That way, you cant be fed any baloney from your supplier.

 

[Damian]

Pimpling of the walboard usually indicates damp degrading the board.
It would need testing to establish the extent of the problem, but dont be fobbed off by "Its OK mate,".it is NOT ok, it NEEDS investigation and repairs.

 

[Gagakev]

Sorry to hear about your problem Brum you must be gutted,
Sorry I cant offer any technical advice except that it really does need further investigation,
Hope it doesnt take too long to get sorted and hope you are back on the road soon, good luck mate.

 

[forestgump]

Empty post (likely not intentional - probably an Internet Explorer issue!)

 

[Gagakev]

Forest where you been??????

Lost for words mate-----------not like you

Are you using IE9 if so look at this sticky post and then you can speak to us.

 

[birdman101]

You definitly have problems ,leak will require sealing and wall board will need replacing.I had the same on a 18 month old Elddis.If you get a small pin and prick one of the pimples and then press on it you will find black rot come out.

 

[Brum1]

Thank you Damian for your reply.
I have spoken to dealer and sent photos,
Dealer suspects that it may need to go to factory for repair.

 

[Brum1]

Update...

Factory has received photos and eventually agreed that it needs to go back for repair.
I have since been advised that it may not be possible for it to go until January.
I have raised concerns that since first noticing 'pimples' to the lower section of inner wall, the upper area of wall (inside the over head lockers) is becomming quite spongy,
A delay of some months will clearly make any dammage much more severe and make their repair more costly to themselves but 'customer service' tell me not to worry because all dammage wil be rectified when it gets to them.
Brum

 

[Brum1]

Many fellow caravanners have advised that I should seek a replacement vehicle as opposed to having a factory repair, given that the damp was originally discovered when the vehicle was only 12 months old and the wall is now showing severe spongyness which points to huge water ingress.

What do you think?

 

[Dustydog]

Many fellow caravanners have advised that I should seek a replacement vehicle as opposed to having a factory repair, given that the damp was originally discovered when the vehicle was only 12 months old and the wall is now showing severe spongyness which points to huge water ingress.

What do you think?

Hi Brum

Our Guru on these matters is Prof John.

Hopefully he will give you a very good steer,.

 

[Damian]

You will find that the dealer/manufacture MUST be given the opportunity to repair in the first instance, and in the case of water ingress the repair should be the end of the matter as it will be completely checked out, all damaged items removed and replaced and re sealed.

Damp or water ingress does not make the van "Unfit for Purpose" as such as you have had the use of it and it has not stopped you using it, albeit with reservations.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I appreciated dusty's comment, but I do not think I am a Guru on such matters, basically its understanding your legal rights and how to apply them.

Having read the thread, I am of the same opinion as Damian. Too much time has passed since the product was purchased to be able to pursue a claim for replacement or refund under SoGA.

It seems you have been given a reasonable option to have the damage fully repaired.

I can understand your concern regarding the suitability of a repair. A full repair if carried out competently will be undetectable, and should restore the motorhome to the same condition as other motorhomes of the same design and age that have not suffered the same problem. An independent valuation of the motorhome could be a useful tool in this regard.

Provided the completed repair is undetectable and does not affect the value of the motorhome, then you are not out of pocket.

It is a reasonable position to expect the repairs to be carried out at your convenience, but with such major works involved it will help the process if you can work with the dealer and manufacture rather than being obstructive.

You may have claim against the seller, if the damage has caused any unavoidable financial loss as a direct result of the problem, but as always I recommend you seek professional legal advice before embarking on such a claim.

On general note, it should be a matter of shame to caravan and motorhome builders that despite over 40 years of construction experience and development, they still cannot guarantee a waterproof product every time.

Its an issue that keeps coming back to forums, and it shows how little development they have put both into design, and manufacturing, and understanding the impact that ingress failures have on their ultimate customers.

Its not like a light bulb that can easily be changed, or a tyre that is expected to wear, water ingress shakes the confidence of the customer, and a caravan with a damp problem will always be felt to be less good than it should be.

 

[Dustydog]

I appreciated dusty's comment, but I do not think I am a Guru on such matters, basically its understanding your legal rights and how to apply them.

Having read the thread, I am of the same opinion as Damian. Too much time has passed since the product was purchased to be able to pursue a claim for replacement or refund under SoGA.

It seems you have been given a reasonable option to have the damage fully repaired.

I can understand your concern regarding the suitability of a repair. A full repair if carried out competently will be undetectable, and should restore the motorhome to the same condition as other motorhomes of the same design and age that have not suffered the same problem. An independent valuation of the motorhome could be a useful tool in this regard.

Provided the completed repair is undetectable and does not affect the value of the motorhome, then you are not out of pocket.

It is a reasonable position to expect the repairs to be carried out at your convenience, but with such major works involved it will help the process if you can work with the dealer and manufacture rather than being obstructive.

You may have claim against the seller, if the damage has caused any unavoidable financial loss as a direct result of the problem, but as always I recommend you seek professional legal advice before embarking on such a claim.

On general note, it should be a matter of shame to caravan and motorhome builders that despite over 40 years of construction experience and development, they still cannot guarantee a waterproof product every time.

Its an issue that keeps coming back to forums, and it shows how little development they have put both into design, and manufacturing, and understanding the impact that ingress failures have on their ultimate customers.

Its not like a light bulb that can easily be changed, or a tyre that is expected to wear, water ingress shakes the confidence of the customer, and a caravan with a damp problem will always be felt to be less good than it should be.

Definitely a Guru Prof John

 

[Brum1]

Thank you to everyone who replied.
Brum