Serious Damp in the new Bailey Pageant 7 Limousin

[Northwood]

Can the members please be of help.

New caravan, obvoius signs of damp, I have involved Mendip Caravans / Discover & Leisure to be told that I would have to pay to have the van towed back to Bristol from Tenby, should that be correct when the condition of the interior of the van is so poor that I have requested a replacement van.

Damp indicator Crystal containers, placed in the van in different locations all with showing water.

Site of cabinet to the R/H side of fridge warped to the point that the fridge door will not open.

White residue present throughout the van, told that this was normal.

Plastic container in the closet R/H side of fire, water droplets running down the said.

Fixed Bed damp, Front lounge cushions damp, front loung seats damp. Shower room door sticking, Holes discovered in flooring allowing damp into the van.

Please advise needed, first new van.

Bob

 

[Zafiral]

Was your van factory fresh, or was it a display model?

 

[xtrailman]

bob

until it is tested professionaly with a damp meter, you cannot claim the van is damp!

Maybe i am totally wrong.

But i believe your systoms are completly normal, i hope it is.

Crystals are certainally not an indication of damp.

Swollen wood work is a result of the wood absorbing mositure from its surroundings, some shaving may be required, but is normally nothing to get excited about.

As i have said, i hope my gut feeling is correct.

 

[Northwood]

Was your van factory fresh, or was it a display model?

Factory fresh

 

[Northwood]

bob

until it is tested professionaly with a damp meter, you cannot claim the van is damp!

Maybe i am totally wrong.

But i believe your systoms are completly normal, i hope it is.

Crystals are certainally not an indication of damp.

Swollen wood work is a result of the wood absorbing mositure from its surroundings, some shaving may be required, but is normally nothing to get excited about.

As i have said, i hope my gut feeling is correct.

Ray,

If you seen the condition in the van it would break your heart,

I shut it down the end of October and it was only by chance that I returned back to the van saturday covering a 160 mile round trip.

I lifted the front seat to find that a hole cut into the floor to allow the overflow pipe from the heater had not been sealed allowing damp into the van under the front seat.

I placed my hand above the fridge door to find a draft blowing in drom somewhere I could not find the location, but it must be behind the sink base cabinet.

With the amount of water present in the crystal containers it not damp I'm seeing its one inch of water that cannot be doing the van any good thats obvious.

Thanks for comming back mate.

 

[Robfooty]

Have you been ventilating the van during the winter? We have large skylight on vent and all the front windows plus shower room and one window at the back on vent. We open the cupboards and take out the contents so air can circulate.

Have you got heat on? Turn it off.

Our bailey gets signs of condensation, white spots on doors partitions, windows etc, comes off with a cloth and some polish.

Our cushions used to feel damp if left in the van all winter so we take then in now, the sponge in the cushions absorbs moisture and then releases it when the van gets warmer.

You should have holes in the floor, these are usually but not always covered with plastic grills but some of ours are open to the air, the holes are for ventilation.

Our shower room door does warp sometimes but we left it closed this year and it has been better.

All in all I'd say it's condensation, open all the windows on a dry day and let the air through, open all the cupboards and put the cushions on the ends, prop the mattress up and let the air get underneath.

I would be reluctant to pay to have the van taken back until I knew it was definitely damp.

 

[xtrailman]

bob

i agree with robfooty.

The air draught you describe is simply the air vent for the gas fridge, it is normal. you should have been given two plastic covers that fit over the outside vents, i have forgot to fit them once, and no problem occured.

My inboard pipe also was not sealed, it is normal. I put mastic round mine mainly to keep mice out. This is not a problem.

Holes and draughts in your van are there to vent any build up of gas, should a leak occur.

I have the electric fire on for a couple of hours during the winter to dry some of the moisture out.

Movment of air prevents condensation.

A damp expert friend of my lady told me that.

 

[Zafiral]

The above remidies are fine if you store at home, but for us who use storeage facilities it is much harder.

I have stored my last Bailey sealed for 3 winters and never had issues like you describe. I cannot believe you dealer is asking you to pay for the van to be taken back to the manufacturer. Remember, your contract is with the dealer not the manufacturer so in my opinion if the van has to go to the manufacturer, that is the dealer's responsibility, not your's.

 

[Guest]

I am terribly sorry but I have difficulty in accepting the comments mentioned. If caravans are accepted as being normal with these sorts of conditions, then I am very glad I do not own one of these types. I have never had similar problems in any of my vans, so I feel that either there is a problem, or the weather conditions where the van was stored were extreme.

Water running down a panel??

White spots everywhere??

Warped doors??

Draughts through the fridge??

These are considered normal????

Yes, mattresses and cushions can get very cold if left in the van over winter, and yes, it is a good idea to bring them indoors for a day or so before using them again. Yes, there are floor vents to allow air to circulate, but these will only introduce damp if the environment is water wet. Crystals, as mentioned will not tell you anything as they will absorb any moisture from the atmosphere, and you will be fighting a losing battle if you expect them to remain dry. Only a professional damp meter will tell you if there is a serious problem with damp in the van, and if so, then it definitely needs to be attended to under warranty.

If as mentioned, people have fridges that have not been installed properly by allowing air draughts and unsealed pipes, then I feel the dealer and manufacturer should be at least advised. Ironically the only time I had that problem was with a UK motorhome in the 1980's. With my EU vans I have never had the problem. You should also not need to add extra vents to the existing ones to stop draughts. These are only to allow the fridge to work better in cold periods by restricting the air flow EXTERNALLY.

Air should always be circulating the van as it is impossible to fully seal roof vents and the aforementioned floor vents act as conduits. If that air is very damp then yes, you may get a damp feeling inside the van, and if the sun shines then yes, you may get a bit of condensation. But it should not persist. Warping indicates to me, poor quality.

Sorry, I am not agreeing with the others, but can only tell what my experience is.

 

[DeliDave]

we have a bailey indiana and have not took anything out,locker doors and fridge open cushions away from walls thats it and it seems fine,cant imagine anyone spending 14k on a van and seeing water running in it as normal id be well concerned,would be worth taking it to dealers just to be on the safe side.

 

[KINGCHIP]

Heard of this before, unfortunately you bought a touring caravan, therefore under the warranty its your responsibility to take it back to your supplying dealer.

 

[Zafiral]

Rob

Not necessarily true, a lot of Bailey dealers offer transiant warranty so you do not have to travel to the supplying dealer if there is another closer.

 

[ValA.]

If you really feel you have a problem can you not advise Discover Leisure/Bailey that you intend to call out a mobile Bailey approved service engineer to check the van over - and if there is a problem will expect them to foot the bill for towing back to Bristol and replacement of the van.

If there isn't a problem, and you are just seeing a problem when one doesn't exist, then it would be only fair that you paid for the inspection yourself - but at least you wouldn't have had to pay to have it towed away, only to be told that it wasn't such a problem as you imagined.

Don't just take this lying down - get a professional opinion, and if the caravan really has problems then reject it and ask for a replacement. There have been several other postings on here about panel failure on Baileys, including severe damp getting into roof panels, so you would be very well advised to sort it out sooner rather than later.

I have to say that when we bought our Swift the dealer we bought from (who would now also be Discover Leisure) were less than helpful when a serious problem developed. Because we were so concerned about the state of the axle on the van we took it to a very nearby dealership (Not a Swift dealer at the time) - who pulled out all the stops, including calling out Swift themselves. The problem was very quickly resolved thanks to the local Dealer, Swift, and Alko - so things can happen, even under warranty, without the dealer you bought from being involved.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Bob

As all the others say I think it is imperative you establish asap what the problem is. A full professional damp meter test seems to be top of the list.

I have had three Baileys over the years and all stay outside uncovered when not in use. Only this week I paid her a visit and can say the seats are very cold to the touch but not "damp", no white spots etc.

May I suggest you have a word with Kelly Watts at Bailey and ask if she will organise for one their approved repairers from the list below to carry out the initial tests. It may well be you can tow the caravan to one nearest you or maybe they are mobile? I don't know. At the worst it will only cost you a few pounds to establish independently if there is a real problem that needs resolution.

As said before , just remember you Contract is with the supplying Dealer and maybe it is your responsibility to go to them. I don't know what you agreed at the point of sale.

Keep us all posted.

Cheers

Alan

Wales Retailers

AUTO-MASTER (SOUTH WALES)

LLWYNA FARM

UNIT 3 LLANHARRY ROAD

BRYSANDLER

PONTYCLUN

R.C.T.

CF72 9DB

TEL: 01443-222-234

BLAZERS CARAVAN COMPANY

ELBA CRESCENT

CRYMLYM BURROWS

FABIAN WAY

SWANSEA

WEST GLAMORGAN

SA1 8QQ

TEL: 01792 643326

FAX: 01792 650336

www.caravansinswansea.co.uk

CARAFIT CARAVAN SERVICES

BUSINESS PARK

CROSS HANDS

LLANELLI

DYFED

SA14 6RB

TEL: 01269 831215

FAX: 01269 831231

THE CARAVAN HOSPITAL

A48 ST HILARY

COWBRIDGE

VALE OF GLAMORGAN

CF71 7DP

TEL: 01446 774747

FAX: 01446 773747

CARAVAN MASTER

UNIT 2 BLOCK A

TALBOT GREEN BUSINESS PARK

PONTYCLUN

R.C.T

CF72 9FG

TEL: 01443 449973

FAX: 01443 449973

CARAVAN MEDIC

MOBILE SERVICE

SOUTH WALES

TEL: 07989-100086

FAX: 01792 892218

CONWY TOURING PARK

TREFRIW ROAD

CONWY

WALES

LL32 8UX

TEL: 01492-592856

DISCOVER WREXHAM

DUNSTER ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

WREXHAM

LL13 9RE

Tel: 01978-664300

Fax: 01978-664832

www.discover.co.uk

FLINTSHIRE CARAVANS

76 STATION ROAD

QUEENSFERRY

DEESIDE

FLINTSHIRE

CH5 2TE

Tel: 01244-830438

Fax: 01244-810352

www.flintshirecaravans.co.uk

MCSR

(MOBILE CARAVAN SERVICE REPAIR) WALES

MOBILE SERVICE

SOUTH WALES

TEL: 07816-600-686

SUNNYHAVEN CARAVAN DISTRIBUTORS

GORSEINON ROAD

PENLLERGAER

SWANSEA

WEST GLAMORGAN.

SA4 1GE

TEL: 01792 892884

FAX: 01792 899144

www.caravansinswansea.co.uk

 

[Northwood]

Thank you for your reply Bob

 

[Northwood]

Have you been ventilating the van during the winter? We have large skylight on vent and all the front windows plus shower room and one window at the back on vent. We open the cupboards and take out the contents so air can circulate.

Have you got heat on? Turn it off.

Our bailey gets signs of condensation, white spots on doors partitions, windows etc, comes off with a cloth and some polish.

Our cushions used to feel damp if left in the van all winter so we take then in now, the sponge in the cushions absorbs moisture and then releases it when the van gets warmer.

You should have holes in the floor, these are usually but not always covered with plastic grills but some of ours are open to the air, the holes are for ventilation.

Our shower room door does warp sometimes but we left it closed this year and it has been better.

All in all I'd say it's condensation, open all the windows on a dry day and let the air through, open all the cupboards and put the cushions on the ends, prop the mattress up and let the air get underneath.

I would be reluctant to pay to have the van taken back until I knew it was definitely damp.

Thank you for your reply Bob

 

[Northwood]

bob

i agree with robfooty.

The air draught you describe is simply the air vent for the gas fridge, it is normal. you should have been given two plastic covers that fit over the outside vents, i have forgot to fit them once, and no problem occured.

My inboard pipe also was not sealed, it is normal. I put mastic round mine mainly to keep mice out. This is not a problem.

Holes and draughts in your van are there to vent any build up of gas, should a leak occur.

I have the electric fire on for a couple of hours during the winter to dry some of the moisture out.

Movment of air prevents condensation.

A damp expert friend of my lady told me that.

Thank you, Bob

 

[Northwood]

The above remidies are fine if you store at home, but for us who use storeage facilities it is much harder.

I have stored my last Bailey sealed for 3 winters and never had issues like you describe. I cannot believe you dealer is asking you to pay for the van to be taken back to the manufacturer. Remember, your contract is with the dealer not the manufacturer so in my opinion if the van has to go to the manufacturer, that is the dealer's responsibility, not your's.

Thank you for your comments Bob

 

[Northwood]

I am terribly sorry but I have difficulty in accepting the comments mentioned. If caravans are accepted as being normal with these sorts of conditions, then I am very glad I do not own one of these types. I have never had similar problems in any of my vans, so I feel that either there is a problem, or the weather conditions where the van was stored were extreme.

Water running down a panel??

White spots everywhere??

Warped doors??

Draughts through the fridge??

These are considered normal????

Yes, mattresses and cushions can get very cold if left in the van over winter, and yes, it is a good idea to bring them indoors for a day or so before using them again. Yes, there are floor vents to allow air to circulate, but these will only introduce damp if the environment is water wet. Crystals, as mentioned will not tell you anything as they will absorb any moisture from the atmosphere, and you will be fighting a losing battle if you expect them to remain dry. Only a professional damp meter will tell you if there is a serious problem with damp in the van, and if so, then it definitely needs to be attended to under warranty.

If as mentioned, people have fridges that have not been installed properly by allowing air draughts and unsealed pipes, then I feel the dealer and manufacturer should be at least advised. Ironically the only time I had that problem was with a UK motorhome in the 1980's. With my EU vans I have never had the problem. You should also not need to add extra vents to the existing ones to stop draughts. These are only to allow the fridge to work better in cold periods by restricting the air flow EXTERNALLY.

Air should always be circulating the van as it is impossible to fully seal roof vents and the aforementioned floor vents act as conduits. If that air is very damp then yes, you may get a damp feeling inside the van, and if the sun shines then yes, you may get a bit of condensation. But it should not persist. Warping indicates to me, poor quality.

Sorry, I am not agreeing with the others, but can only tell what my experience is.

Thank you Sir, the warping to the side closet next to the fridge was so bad that I could not open the door during the the period of time I stayed at the van 24hrs in my this laminiate was not designed to withstand such conditions.

Winter lock up.

 

[Dustydog]

Thank you Sir, the warping to the side closet next to the fridge was so bad that I could not open the door during the the period of time I stayed at the van 24hrs in my this laminiate was not designed to withstand such conditions.

Winter lock up.

Bob

I have to say this is not the norm.

I do hope one of the local Bailey service people can at least sort out a diagnosis. One major step in the right direction.

Cheers

Alan

 

[BobbyBoy_374399080]

Hi Bob.

Its Bailey policy as set out in the Warranty Handbook with your caravan that warranty starts at the dealership, It's your responsibility to get your caravan there. The warranty reimbursement to Dealers does not cover mileage or traveling time and the manufacturers will only start paying for warranty work done at a Dealer premisses.

It's upto any franchised non supplying dealer if they wish to carry out any warranty repairs during the first 12 months, they are not obliged to and many will not - it's best to buy localy to avoide this situation or buy localy to where you will be sitting the caravan.

Some dealers offer a mobile service others do not. Blazers & Sunnyhaven Caravans may do and they are very close to Tenby.

Make sure anyone you use is NCC registered or the manufacturer will cancell the warranty.

Ventilation is a must in caravans and all manufacturers advise the upholstery is removed when storing the caravan over the winter.

Caravans and water dont mix - get this looked at asap.

Just a point - if the Dealer who you bought the caravan from delivered it to site for you because they know you are unable to tow (unsuitable car etc)then they are duty bound in law to collect it from site and return it for warranty work or even for annual servicing.

Remember do not miss your annual service or the manufacturer will cancell the warranty - the dealer will have no say in this.

Bobby Boy

 

[Northwood]

Hi Bob.

Its Bailey policy as set out in the Warranty Handbook with your caravan that warranty starts at the dealership, It's your responsibility to get your caravan there. The warranty reimbursement to Dealers does not cover mileage or traveling time and the manufacturers will only start paying for warranty work done at a Dealer premisses.

It's upto any franchised non supplying dealer if they wish to carry out any warranty repairs during the first 12 months, they are not obliged to and many will not - it's best to buy localy to avoide this situation or buy localy to where you will be sitting the caravan.

Some dealers offer a mobile service others do not. Blazers & Sunnyhaven Caravans may do and they are very close to Tenby.

Make sure anyone you use is NCC registered or the manufacturer will cancell the warranty.

Ventilation is a must in caravans and all manufacturers advise the upholstery is removed when storing the caravan over the winter.

Caravans and water dont mix - get this looked at asap.

Just a point - if the Dealer who you bought the caravan from delivered it to site for you because they know you are unable to tow (unsuitable car etc)then they are duty bound in law to collect it from site and return it for warranty work or even for annual servicing.

Remember do not miss your annual service or the manufacturer will cancell the warranty - the dealer will have no say in this.

Bobby Boy

Thanks for the advise

 

[caravanoracle]

all the symptoms described are due to a build up of condensation. this in its self is due to incorrect useage and/or storage and not a fault with the caravan.

 

[JohnKS]

Put a cover on it. No problem with damp then. This winter has had many extremes of temperature so condensation is possible. Ours has a cover and we haven't had a problem but then again it's a Swift!

 

[Northwood]

all the symptoms described are due to a build up of condensation. this in its self is due to incorrect useage and/or storage and not a fault with the caravan.

I followed what I beleived to be the correct proceedure for laying up the van for winter, but I did not account for wind blowing into the caravan via external holes. I have should placed my van in a lock up to prevent internal damage, look up fit fot purpose, then you could be of help.

Thank you for your comments.