Hi all I've just bought a brand new unicorn 3 Cadiz only had it 1 week and the roof has developed a bad water leak from the joining strip on the roof. Has anyone had a similar fault and what is my best course of action it is back with the dealer at the moment but I'm worried about problems in years to come .
Dave
I would suggest you get a full refund. You are entitled under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to full refund within 30 days if goods supplied are seriously faulty & I think a caravan with leaking roof could be described as that. Do not take no for an answer from dealer it is the law.
We bought a unicorn Barcelona 1 in Sept this year 2nd hand.
We found 60% damp in front lockers and the roof paint peeling of around all the roof lights.
Took it back within 30 days and got a full refund.
So this law does work.
You can take it back after 30 days and still get a full refund under the same law. Bit harder but within your rights as not fit for purpose.
Can't belive the dealers had it up for sale again within 10days, as that van wanted some work on it, to put it right?
Good luck, and as opensauce said.
Dont take no for an answer.
Dave a mate had exactly the same problem on his new Cadiz, water was running down the wall by the nearside bed. The reaction from the dealer was first class but seemed to indicate that this was a common problem.
You can take it back they won't do anything but repair it .
After 4 years of trouble we sold ours .
Bailey design beautiful caravans but they are not put together very well . I have told Bailey through e mails and even at the shows I have spoken to bosses from Bailey . 4 years down the road they don't seem to have changed .
I'm glad ours has gone .
Even at the show today I thought how eye catching they are but would never have another..
I wish you luck what ever happens .
Hi thanks for all the replies still at the dealer and heard nothing still deciding what to do next. If it goes back what should I buy now? Or just stick with it.
Thanks again Dave
As others have said, I would reject the van. You will always be wondering if its been repaired properly, and where the next leak will be. And then you'll wish you had rejected it in the first place.
I think more people should do this, as dealers might start getting fed up with more refunds and either ditch the brand or demand better quality.
As far as I can tell that roof joint is the two roof sections butted together with a plastic strip on the outside all sealed with silicon sealant. Very simple and very simple to repair if it does leak.
My feeling is that it will be OK provided you keep an eye on it. Slightest leak and get it resealed.
The roof sections are actually the front wall and half a roof in one and the rear wall and half a roof in the other.
Not sure what the alternative is. Not sure Bailey would have a joint if it was possible to make it all in one length.
All caravans have lots of places for leaks. They make a shell which is basically resistant to water damage and water proof then cut lots of hoes in it for roof lights, windows access hatches etc, each of which is a weak point for leaks.
It may be very simple to repair if it does leak, but what happens when you've just embarked on a month abroad, and the rain starts pouring through the roof and onto the bed and in the cupboards soaking everything?
You don't get a "slight" leak, because the water pools either side of the strip, it then drains at a significant rate into the van.
Basically it looks like its been designed by a 5 year old.
Hi Navver
On the Barcelona S2 the roof is one panel from back to Aframe.
I only have the awning rail caps running from front and back and a cap joining the roof to the back panel.
Are the new models of unicorn contruction done in another way?
Jus had a look and they have gone back to a curved rear.
(forgot about that) So have they put a joining strip back in as on the old senators. If so they also used to suffer from water ingress on the joining stips. As did many more makes of van with the same system.
Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 14/10/2016
As they use fibreglass for the outer skin, I cannot see why they do not bond the joints after fitting with fibreglass resin.
They manage to build passenger jets with bonded wings, and the aluminium chassis of a Lotus Elise is simply glued together with epoxy glue. Why don't Bailey's bother?
1. Can't be bothered.
2. Keeps costs down slightly
3. Who cares, dealers can reseal it if it leaks.
Of course none of this considers the customer with a leaking roof.
Hi also bought a Unicorn 3 Cadiz in Sept 2016. So far one new window seal leaking new off side wheel arch box also leaking new awning rail. Also roof leak at the rear joint strap resealed but has to go back again in as still leaking, cupboard door badly delaminated, rear panel sealing strip to be replaced, awning light has been replaced not working properly, Dealer been good Bailey as with other manufacturers are rubbish. They brag they have been building vans for over 50 years I think that is more than enough time to get the basics right.
Quote: Originally posted by t600lcr on 17/2/2018
They brag they have been building vans for over 50 years I think that is more than enough time to get the basics right.
Agree with that ... and not only Bailey thats had enough more than enough time to get it right.