Independent expert for an awning inspection?

[Jbee84]

Hi all

I’m in a bit of a battle with the retailer at the moment for a faulty awning – we have multiple videos evidencing the fault, but they say it passed their test.

The next step is to find an independent expert to inspect the awning. I’m looking for suggestions of people/companies who provide this service. I’ve contacted the Caravan & Motorhome Club for suggestions and am going to try Trading Standards if I don’t have any joy on here.

Would really appreciate any responses! Many thanks in advance

 

[Dustydog]

Can you explain what you think is wrong please?
Are you a member of one of the Club's? I see you have spoken to them but until we understand the problem it is hard to discuss a resolution.

 

[otherclive]

Is it the dreaded roof filling up with water during rain? Then ballooning inwards. That's the only problem I've ever had with an awning.

 

[Damian]

Without knowing under what circumstances you have issues with your awning it is impossible to answer your question.

As far as experts are concerned, the makers are the experts of their products, no one else has the knowledge to know what is expected of your item

 

[Jbee84]

Every time we use it in the rain, it leaks water from the same place in the awning.

The manufacturer has tested it and it passed their test; but it leaks every time we've used it in the rain since we bought it a few months ago. So we're looking for someone independent to prove it's faulty, as they are unwilling to accept our video evidence as it doesn't match the results of their test....

 

[Damian]

I am afraid you will find that anyone you ask will tell you the me thing, "Awnings can and do leak"
Most will become more water resistant after being used and weathered, which with the older canvas types was when the fabric swelled slightly and sealed the sewing seams where the needle penetrated.

New fabrics tend not to be conditioned in the same way, welcome to "progress".

An awning is never sold as being 100% waterproof as this is something impossible to guarantee due to unknown usage, in what conditions and on how the awning sits relevant to the ground, the angle of the van and numerous other considerations.

Rather than wasting money on some self considered "expert", you would be better spending a little on seam sealer, then making absolutely certain that you are putting the awning up correctly with the correct tension and roof support and slope.

 

[Dustydog]

As Damian says no awning is waterproof. They never have been.
Exactly where is yours leaking?
Most instruction manuals make it very clear sewn joints will leak until they mature / weather with use. Wind will blow water through pole joint points etc.
Plenty of water sealer sprays on sale. But I'd give a chance to weather first.

 

[Raywood]

If it leaks it is not fit for purpose and you are covered by the Consumer Protection Act. If it leaks they would have to explain why a leaking awning meets there standard, and I cannot think of a good answer to that. I would just issue a small claims summons relying on the fact that it leaks as evidence that it is not fit for purpose, and take your evidence to court if need be. Even on the basis of economics they are almost bound to settle.

 

[otherclive]

If it leaks it is not fit for purpose and you are covered by the Consumer Protection Act. If it leaks they would have to explain why a leaking awning meets there standard, and I cannot think of a good answer to that. I would just issue a small claims summons relying on the fact that it leaks as evidence that it is not fit for purpose, and take your evidence to court if need be. Even on the basis of economics they are almost bound to settle.

Don't forget that under consumer law your dispute is with the seller of the awning. So if you did not buy it directly from the manufacture you should take the problem to the seller.

 

[Jbee84]

Hi all! Thanks for all the replies - I wanted to post a quick update to say we got our independent test done and managed to secure a full refund from the retailer after the awning proved to be faulty; hooray!

In case anyone comes across this thread in the future while looking for an independent specialist like we were; we used www.scottishmountaingear.com

 

[Dustydog]

Thanks Jbee. It helps to get the feedback. Well,done for persevering.

 

[Hutch]

Hi all! Thanks for all the replies - I wanted to post a quick update to say we got our independent test done and managed to secure a full refund from the retailer after the awning proved to be faulty; hooray!

In case anyone comes across this thread in the future while looking for an independent specialist like we were; we used www.scottishmountaingear.com

A good result thanks for the back up reply, always helpfull.