Hi All,
We viewed yet another caravan today this time it was a Bailey ranger 2006 550/6,the price was keen and its exactly what we want, however, there is evidence of a leak around the small roof vent above the kitchen which has manifested itself as softish boards and the ceiling coating has blistered I had damp readings of up to 50% immediately around vent but these decreased to 0% as I moved further away . I had a look on the roof and it looks in good condition so I suspect the seal on the vent has failed.
If its is due to a leaking roof vent it would seem a fairly easy repair, apart that is from getting on the roof to clean the old sealant. My main concern is about the water damage to the internal panel, I don't fancy replacing the panel as it would involve removing side cupboards, if dried do you think the blisters will disappear or will the damage be ever visible.
I have a photo of damage but don't know how to upload.
Any advice or opinions are welcomed.
The answer is that most Baileys eventually leak somewhere & as you have found the leak before you buy, get £500 knocked off the already cheap price & then reseal rooflight. Next year you will probably be resealing the awning rail.
Quote: Originally posted by michell8 on 01/6/2014Walk away to where? All UK built caravans leak or will at some point, as long as the price is right anything can be fixed.
True...might be worth a tenner. Depends whether the OP wants a caravan he can use or a project. The water won't just be around the vent. It will no doubt have run down panelling inside and although not showing a reading on the outside yet will still be there causing gradual rotting.
The ceiling will always look like that unless replaced and that is a big job and once removed may well turn into a mammoth task. It will be soft and rotting around the vent and sealing it will be difficult. If it was easy the present owner would have done it.
There are plenty of good caravans around and a little patience and time will find one. There is no need to buy damp ones.
i disagree ,if the price is right go for it at least you know where the leak is /was and its only a re-seal job .
it all hinges on the retail price and with it evident like that you have real bargaining power .especially if you intend to keep it a few years .
all vans leak somewhere at sometime and its all down to ££££££
Correct, & unfortunately many pay full price without knowing the extent of it. Damp repair work on an older UK built carvan is just part of normal maintenance.
Yes, lots of caravans suffer damp and there are lots of people only too willing to sell you one, but the money you are likely to have to spend repairing a damp caravan would be better spent buying a decent dry one. It's not only the cost but the time that it takes and during that time it is not providing you with a holiday.
Yes, if you want a winter project or you want to try to make a bit of money then buy a cheap damp one and do it up. If you want a caravan to go away in then why buy one that you can't use and waste all your money trying to repair it?
Damp problems in caravans are overrated, wood is not dry, therefore caravans are damp. Theres no leak that can't be stopped with a cartridge of PU sealant, no rotten floor that can't be bodged with IsoponP40. Its only a box to sleep in, if the price is right then buy it. The next perfect top price Bailey he looks at will probably be damp around the front windows at next service.