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Topic: 2014 Buccaneer Clipper Roof Light Leak

SimonPBarrow

11/1/2018 at 9:23pm
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Buccaneer Clipper

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Hi,

I am new to this forum and desperate to seek advice. I have discovered a leak coming from the front roof light on my 2014 Buccaneer Clipper. Upon investigation by my Approved Servicing and Repair man, we have found two cracks in the roof light frame. To my horror (and despite having a 10 year water ingress guarantee) Elddis have informed me that because the van is in it's 3rd year, this is not covered by warranty!!

This is the latest in a long list of problems since purchasing brand new from Glossop Caravans in May 2014. I wont go into detail regarding the faults but the biggest of all was in 2015, the van had to have the whole nearside replaced (under warranty) due to bubbling in the skin. I have asked Elddis if it could be possible that the two cracks in the roof light frame were caused as a result of this work (roof flex whilst the side was removed) and they say "if it was, you would have known before now"................................

I have spoken to my insurer and they state that they only usually cover loss / theft / vehicle collision damage etc but they have agreed to look at the situation if I submit a claim from with two estimates.

Has anyone experienced similar issues and if so, how did you resolve it? I am trying to find out if there is a case under the "sale of goods act". What is the time limit on this?

I need to act fast as water ingress is not good and could cause more damage the longer I leave it. A new roof light is around £1300 plus VAT.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

tango55

11/1/2018 at 9:34pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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If the caravan is still under warranty then the problem should be addressed and repaired accordingly. If you can't get any satisfaction with the dealer or the manufacturer then I advise you proceed to the sale of goods ombudsman who should tell you the correct legal course of action to take.
You can find details in the link below but you need to sort the problem swiftly to avoid any further damage and this has to be the priority when contacting the ombudsman.

Link

SimonPBarrow

11/1/2018 at 9:43pm
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Buccaneer Clipper

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Hi,
Thanks for your reply. The warranty is 10 years for water ingress but after year three, it only covers permanently sealed joints (and apparently not roof lights).
I will follow your link though because I don't seem to be alone with this problem.
Many thanks.
Simon

woodman2

11/1/2018 at 10:45pm
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Quote: Originally posted by SimonPBarrow on 11/1/2018
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. The warranty is 10 years for water ingress but after year three, it only covers permanently sealed joints (and apparently not roof lights).
I will follow your link though because I don't seem to be alone with this problem.
Many thanks.
Simon

I would ask to see the wording on the warranty that specifically excludes the roof lights.

Why are the roof lights not considered to be "permanently sealed joints"

I think they are just trying to brush you off.

Pickled Onion

12/1/2018 at 1:27pm
Location: Near Alton Towers
Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H

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I think it's a case of we will say 'no, it's not covered' and maybe you will accept that excuse and walk away. I seems to be the first course of action for too many dealers.
I think persistence is the name of the game, after all the cracks in the rooflight frame had to have a cause, they don't just crack on their own.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Dave.

-------------
Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.

iank01

13/1/2018 at 10:46am
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser

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Quote: Originally posted by SimonPBarrow on 11/1/2018
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. The warranty is 10 years for water ingress but after year three, it only covers permanently sealed joints (and apparently not roof lights).
I will follow your link though because I don't seem to be alone with this problem.
Many thanks.
Simon

Never mind the warranty, claim from the dealer under Sale of Goods Act as the product is not durable taking into account the price paid as it is the responsibility of the dealer to sort out the problem. If you used a credit card for the deposit claim against the CC company. If on HP claim from the fiance company

bignod

09/2/2018 at 8:38pm
Location: Bridgend
Outfit: Elddis Crusader Storm & Shogun

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I had the same problem on my Elddis last year ,the offside walls were damp and the fault was traced to a cracked roof light frame. Luckily had the wall replaced and a new skylight fitted. The service center said that they had a couple of vans in with the same problem. They believed the fault is the hole for the skylight is slightly small and when the van roof warms up in sunlight it increases pressure on the frame and causes it to crack.

chris archer

via mobile 16/8/2019 at 8:25pm
Location: None Entered
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Its appalling the way they get away with things. Caravan manufacturers should be brought to book.
I have a 2016 buccaneer cruiser, purchased at 6 month old from private seller.
I forgot to transfer warranty. Big mistake on my part, bigger mistake was buying a Elddis caravan. I have never come across something so unfit for purpose and no recompense.
I would steer anyone away from buying an Elddis caravan, overpriced and unfit for purpose.

Pterodactyl

via mobile 16/8/2019 at 8:56pm
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The roof light frame on our 2014 Elddis cracked last year & was repaired under warranty.
No quibble from the dealer, although we had to wait several months before Elddis approved the repair, by which time they also had to replace some ceiling boards which got wet in the meantime.
Seems like your dealer is fobbing you off as the easy option.
If no joy, fill in the cracks yourself & then tell the dealer it's still leaking, so it must be through the permanently sealed joints; impossible for them to prove otherwise, so they'll have to submit the claim to Elddis.
Good luck & hope you can get it sorted soon.

Update. Just noticed that this is an old post. However I hope my reply may prove useful to anyone who has had their caravan serviced annually, in accordance with the warranty conditions, & who has the misfortune to suffer this problem.

Post last edited on 16/08/2019 21:17:29

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