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It seems i have damp on our 1994 Craftsman Miracle van .... I have attached a photo in an attempt to explain where.  I took the interior front blind channels down to repair & found it very soft behind.  

It seems to go around the main front window & the main cross section under the windows (wood has been damp in the past as can see from under the front locker) .... It seems solid above the windows & both outer sides of the smaller windows.

Question is ....

Is this something that needs tackling (you cant actually see anything from inside the van as the blinds channels cover it) or

Does it need to be repaired ?? ... can it be repaired ??.

Whilst using for first time couple weeks ago i notice the windows got very wet from condensation overnight ... could this be causing this problem ??

The van is now kept in garage 90% (previous owner stored outside) of the time so everything feels dry & should only get wet when in use.

Looking for some feedback & advice as finding this damp has knocked my confidence a little, as thought i'de purchased well

Hi

We took our blinds off and found it a little soft.  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but when it was stripped back it was rotten.  The good news is it's very fixable.  If you look at my homepage you will see how ours turned out and whet we had to do to fix it.

Leanne

Hi Leanne.

Thanks for response ... It would seem that we have a very similar problem to what you had   ........... Unfortunately i'm not capable of carrying out that kind of repair myself ..... do you have any idea what kind of money it would of cost if someone else had done yours ??

Hi

I wouldn't have any idea of cost.  Hopefully yours won't be as bad as ours.  I would think you would almost certainly need to reseal the windows and rails at the least.  We found that's where our problem was, the rails above the windows.  If you don't stop anymore water getting in the problem will only get worse. 

I'm sure someone else will have an idea of costs involved and help soon.

Leanne

Hi g4fne ,
In answer to your questions
Does it need to be repaired ?? ... can it be repaired ??. I would say yes to both .
It needs to be fixed because it will only get worse and cost more to repair in the end . If you have a look at the links on my website ( at the bottom of the page ) it will show you just what can be repaired with a few diy skills . If you have someone repair it for you get a few quotes and include a mobile caravan repairer as they may be cheaper than a dealer . As to the cost i don't really know .

atb

Wizard

Hi g4fne,

I have *just* rebuilt the front window frame, front two side panels, side window frames and the gas bottle locker floor (you can see how damp it was at www.caravan.glanville.org.uk).  I was quoted various prices for repairing - all well over £1000 for just this front section.  With a little encouragement from the others on UK Campsite I have taken it on myself - it is all alot more achievable than you might think for a modest DIYer!  I would say that it is almost enjoyable - just don't set yourself too short a deadline for getting it fixed.

Good luck, Keef