Should i or shouldn't i
- Thread starter agreen11
- Start date
Presuming as the van is now 20 years old that this will be a private sale. The main concern of course is damp and as in other threads it could be worth finding a local AWS technician to assess the van before you part with any cash. In any event ensure that everything operates on gas and electricity, look out for any signs of damp like staining or sponginess or smell. Check the date on tyres (four digits first two week and second two year - so 0121 would week one in 2021 - ideally should not be over 5 years old). From the photo it is not clear exactly what the problem is - there are specialist cleaners like Fenwicks Windowize for surface problems or has been said you can have copy windows remoulded (costly) or maybe google caravan breakers.
Replacement caravan and motorhome windows
eeco-ltd.co.uk
Replacement Caravan and Motorhome Windows - EECO
Providing replacement and reboned windows for over 60 years in the caravan aftermarket guaranteeing customer satisfaction and a bespoke service.
Hi,
Everything checks out but the cracks and delamination around the windows are a concern. It's a shame the current owner let them get in such a sorry state. I have tried breakers with no success.
Everything checks out but the cracks and delamination around the windows are a concern. It's a shame the current owner let them get in such a sorry state. I have tried breakers with no success.
If it is internal condensation you should be able to repair it, look on you tube for several videos on this. If it cannot be repaired you can get replacements made to order but they are expensive, try EECO and caravan crazy but I would try dismantlers first.
SCM are possibly he biggest but if you google caravan breakers there are several others. The window should fit all the Avante range for that year, as it is common to all of them and probably other years when that model run was made. Like cars they do have model runs for several years with minor updates. If it is for another year though make sure you have the measurements to check it.
SCM are possibly he biggest but if you google caravan breakers there are several others. The window should fit all the Avante range for that year, as it is common to all of them and probably other years when that model run was made. Like cars they do have model runs for several years with minor updates. If it is for another year though make sure you have the measurements to check it.
Tried that too, these things are rare. I got a quote from EECO and that was coming in at £1332 including VAT and they need the old windows and the turn around time is 8 weeks which is a problem as I have no indoor storage. I think I might have to let this one go. It's such a shame this caravan will probably end up as scrap for the sake of some new windows.
I guess that is an option, whether it's worth spending 1300 on an a 20 year caravan is another matter.
TBH it looks like it has been badly neglected over recent years. Unless you are certain there is no water ingress and all habitation stuff is fine I’d walk away.
EECO can take the old window and reproduce it if they do not have the mould in stock, but only at a cost and it will leave you with a security problem. I doubt the cost can be justified. If they have the mould from a previous sale this could work though.
If everything else is right then it may be worthwhile but I would only go ahead with caution and you need to deduct the cost of the window replacement.
I did ask if they had any moulds but no joy.
If I can get it for the right price I will take it, I will use the price of the replacement costs of windows as a basis for my offer.
If I can get it for the right price I will take it, I will use the price of the replacement costs of windows as a basis for my offer.
It may be better to simply walk away as you will still have the hassle of replacing the windows?
Mel
Moderator
Have you looked at https://sfmcaravans.co.uk/search?q=Elddis+windows
looks like they are very low on stock though
Tricky decision, go over the rest of the van with a fine toothed comb and a damp meter and an engineer, before deciding
Good luck.
looks like they are very low on stock though
Tricky decision, go over the rest of the van with a fine toothed comb and a damp meter and an engineer, before deciding
Good luck.
Strangely enough it was an Eldis Avante we nearly bought about two months ago after we fell in love with it.
The Pre Purchase Report from the mobile engineer changed all that though. Ingress/damp around the front Windows being one of the issues ......
The Pre Purchase Report from the mobile engineer changed all that though. Ingress/damp around the front Windows being one of the issues ......
Old caravans are a bit like old cars, I recently bought a 20 year old Toyota Rav 4, for £1200. It failed the MOT with a faulty Catalitic Converter which from Toyota cost £1250. So even if I paid the £1250 it would not increase the value of the car. Perhaps you need to spend a bit more and get a newer caravan which does not need any windows.
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