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Seems like a lot of folk who buy a used caravan in the price range that I'm looking for suffer from leaking panels.  There are some worrying stories of woe on this and other sites and it's making me wonder if the whole exercise is worth it.  Maybe a trailer tent is a better option..... Please tell me there have been plenty of used vans bought which have not developed hidden problems - to be honest the leaks seem to be fairly easily solved but it's the attitude of some dealers that's worrying, Can anyone recommend a good dealer in the North Yorkshire area for used caravans?   Also wondering whether or not to stick to private sales although a friend of mine has just got himself a 'bargain' Swift Corniche which looks immaculate inside - he paid £300 for it 'cos the seller was expecting a delivery of a new van and needed the room.  Yesterday I saw my friend and he tells me that the rear wall in the shower compartment was all fusty and damp smelling - he puts this down to over use of the shower room amd has cleaned the wall covering and painted the whole rear wall area.  Having read some of the reports available I'm now wondering if he's got a bigger problem than he thinks - I reckon the whole of the inner section of that rear wall could be leaking water in from the outside.  If damp patches can be seen anywhere inside the van I would have thought that the water was obviously coming in from the outside - but could a shower compartment suffer due to the amount of water being sprayed inside?      Anyway like lots of other 'new' caravanners I would also like to say how impressed I am with the help available on this site - thank you all for your comments and advise given.

Best Regards

Drifter44

Thank Steve - Good link to that 1carps section - just shows what can be done but I thought dealers were able to do a damp test on these vans - this has really got me thinking hard about whether or not to stick to my original idea of a trailer tent - at least I'd be able to see if the canvas was OK ..... oh well, I'll just continue with my research.

Cheers Mate

Drifter44

I think as I start searching around I'll take my multi meter with me - if anywhere looks suspicious I'll check with the meter probes for resistance.  I think that must be how a damp meter works, but anyway on 2000k setting a multi meter will show if there's a current path (water or damp) and would be easy to check under lockers and the like inside the van.  Thanks for all your info Steve.

Cheers,

Ian (Drifter44)

Thanks for the info Taxater.  I'll see what I can get.  Cheers mate.