Removal of dents in caravan side - what can be done?

[pturner]

Having brought a nearly new caravan which had its first dent on it (looks like an awning pole dent) but it was still there , I thought that I would have been less bothered about picking up new ones. However I was still gutted when I returned from a trip out from the site and arrived back seeing 2 small 'puncture' dents in the side of the van about an inch apart. They are unlike the other dent which is larger in diameter and doesn't have a deep indentation. The van has a large amount of aluminimum on the offside with only a front window due to the toilet/shower and back bunks having no windows on that side so these dents stick out like a sore thumb. We suspect bike handles or a sharp object making them.

The question is what can I do about them? Is there a way to repair them or do I have to put up with the unsightly dents?

Thanks in advance for your help

Paul

 

[Lutz]

You don't say whether the aluminium panel is absolutely flat or has a 'hammered' finish. Both can be repaired although flat is easier. A hammered finish requires a real expert to repair without leaving a trace. My caravan was dented by an attempted forced entry while in storage, but the dealer had it repaired by a body shop and the result was perfect. However, it did involve subsequent respraying of the whole side panel, which wasn't cheap. Fortunately, the whole repair was paid for by my insurance company.

 

[otherclive]

Have a look at the Caravan Medic website and their gallery of photos. They are a franchise and a neighbour used them for a repair which had created a gouge in the side of his late model Bailey. He was really pleased with the end result and I think the bill came to around £350. The links below would allow you to seek a quote via the main website, and the Durham one shows the types of repairs that franchsie has carried out. But obviously you would want to contact your local franchsie where you live.

http://www.thecaravanmedic.co.uk/RepairQuote.aspx
http://www.thecaravanmedicdurham.co.uk/gallery/

 

[emmerson]

Why not stick on a dummy vent? There are so many vents and hatches on modern vans, that I doubt if anyone would notice.
I'd stick it on rather than screw it, as drilling holes will invalidate your warranty.

 

[kopite]

oh dear first time out in new van and i`ve gone an put a said dent in mine but managed to get it about 4in down from awning rail so have bought 2 reflectors the same size as others and put one each side looks as good as new

 

[Dustydog]

Paul
Save your money. Go with Emmerson and Kopite's suggestions.
I collected an unknown dent when our Wyoming was new. A fix would have cost £250.00 but a couple of pretty Baily style reflectors were a couple of quid. If more dents appear than I shall add more stickers./ reflectors.