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Subject Topic: Buying a damp van? Post Reply Post New Topic
Personearmonster
21/2/2015 at 2:07pm
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I need some advice.

My family are considering getting into caravaning, and want to make a cheap purchase to see how we get on, but don't want to buy a wreck of a van (as some of the vans we've seen have been).

We just looked at a 1993 Sprite Alpine 4 earlier today, and it looks to be in really good nick, apart from some water damage in the rear lower corner.

Basically the wood has rotted away on the side wall right at the bottom rear corner which I assume could be getting in through the rear lighting panel, but don't know enough about vans to tell if this is a fairly straightforward/inexpensive diy fix.

My question is, is it worth spending £700 on this van (inc. awning) or will the repair be too big to make it worthwhile?

Sorry if that all sound a bit vague.

Any advice would be amazing.


PersonCARAVAN1996
21/2/2015 at 2:30pm
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be very very careful


Personbilly
21/2/2015 at 2:51pm
 Location: North Essex
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Provided you diy & you have a bit of skill then this type of repair is not expensive, just time consuming. Which is why caravan workshops charge so much. All you need to buy is some polyurethane sealant like Sikaflex512 or cheaper brand & some exterior grab glue for replacement frame work. I found IsoponP40 gpr car body filler good for building up rotten floor corners. So probably £50 worth of materials provided you are prepared to put the work in yourself.


Personjeff juke
21/2/2015 at 9:27pm
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The first thing you want to buy is a damp meter.

Why give yourself all that work when there are a lot of damp free vans out there.

One problem your gonna have is, if the damp has not been cured or the repair shows badly is selling it on again.

Its your money spend it wisely i know there are 100s of damp vans out there ive got a "T" shirt which says,I looked at 100s of vans before i bought this.

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Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


PersonBob61
21/2/2015 at 11:31pm
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You can get a good damp free van for £700. I wouldn't waste money buying any van with damp in it.

By the time water ingress has become visible on the inside of a caravan it will have soaked and rotted a much larger area which always becomes apparent once the panelling is removed and the unfortunate owner discovers the size and expense of the problem.


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Personmwooly10
22/2/2015 at 1:28am
 Location: Manchester
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After looking at lots of caravans too around 1996/99 and all worth between £1200 & £1700.. was told they were all dry and everyone was damp, as said best investment is a damp meter, best £10 you'll spend when looking.. i eventually went for a bargain one, 1994 no damp and cost £650 with awnings. There are damp free ones out there, just dont take anyones word for it and get a meter to check

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Milky coffee with 2 sugars please..


Personmillermicm
22/2/2015 at 11:21am
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Why buy a damp one when there are plenty of dry ones?

At £700 and damp it doesn't seem a great bargain.

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Steve



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