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Subject Topic: 100% damp reading Post Reply Post New Topic
Personjjclb
via mobile 14/8/2020 at 8:12am
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Please bare with me, I'm new to all this.
I have a 1997 abbey expression which was gifted to me about5/6 years ago by a very kind family member.
we holidayed in it for 2 years then stopped when baby number 2 came along as neither child slept well and I was sleep deprived.
It was always our intention to service it this year (now they sleep) and go back out in it. Covid came along and service was postponed but happened this week.
A guy came (recommended by a friend) he informed me RCD test wasn't tripping but offered no option to fix. after some googling I discovered this is a safety issue, so we are now hunting an RCD that fits and will replace that- in the mean time we have RCD adapter plug or willing to go without electrics.
Next he tested the damp and told me it had 100% damp reading every where and to use this year and scrap it and buy a new one (not an option sadly).
I've been scanning posts and now wonder if repairing this is something we could do? (if I can talk my partner into it).
I asked him what the damp means structurally, would it fall apart whilst I'm towing? everything else on the body work he gave a pass to.
On the back right rear panel and the front left side their is some marking on the wall, non of the panels feel spongy, no smell of damp or mould anywhere. It has been used by my children (with an adult)for overnight sleepovers and a playing in.
Is their any hope or does it need to go for scrap? Would it still be use able if not repaired until a point it starts to fall apart then scrap it? Do I just keep it as a play van after this holiday? Any advice appreciated.


Personmarg6
14/8/2020 at 9:06am
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i would be asking questions regarding this persons qualifications! 100% damp the walls would be soaked, no way you wouldnt know about that, i suggest you do a search for a proper mobile caravan service guy to come out and look at it

your option which would be far cheaper to fix would be to buy a tent electric hook up and have that in the caravan


PersonBob61
14/8/2020 at 9:44am
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I think I would get a second inspection from an expert. Buy a damp meter (not too expensive) and test it yourself...100% damp all over sounds a bit OTT.

He didn't offer to take it off your hands cheap, did he?

Post last edited on 14/08/2020 10:15:33


Personiank01
14/8/2020 at 9:53am
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If damp there may be mould and mould spores are very bad for the human respiratory system. At 100% damp al over the caravan would be totally waterlogged as if it has been submerged.
Was the technician Approved Workshop Scheme accredited or just some local Joe who thinks he can fix caravans. May be worth while getting a AWS technician in for a second opinions.


PersonColin21
14/8/2020 at 10:54am
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I would definitely get a second opinion. If a caravan was 100% damp all over I'm sure it would be immediately obvious as soon as you opened the door. I doubt it's anywhere near as bad as that. I agree with what iank01 says. You haven't just dragged it out of a river I presume.

The RCD problem is an easy fix, even if you have to replace the consumer unit. They are not that expensive and quite easy to change for someone with reasonable DIY skills. First though just check the earth connection and your mains lead, as it may be as simple as that.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


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PersonBroggiemonster
15/8/2020 at 12:03pm
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1st, buy the damp meter. You can’t really know what you face until you have your own verified figures. The biggest problem you face is if the framework is rotten and you have to rip it down to rebuild. At that point the decision to it’s survival will be the cost of repair and your skill set. Even if it is beyond reasonable repair, having that damp meter will prove useful should you choose to get a replacement caravan. However to reach a decision you need to know how bad it is to start with.....


Personkevin-t
15/8/2020 at 12:14pm
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Have it rechecked.


https://youtu.be/tea3uknHOVc


Personjjclb
via mobile 16/8/2020 at 9:56pm
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thank you all for the replies. I will invest in a damp meter. Their is no visible mould although under the seats I have found some soft patches. it's an old van. My fil has a damp meter he will loan me.
Me and my partner (who is okay at DIY but needs motivating, he fixes things at work just not at home 😂) are going to try to fix it up.
Buying a new van isn't an option- we wouldn't use it enough so it we can keep this going for 3 years with some tlc that'll do us. If we do end up using it alot we may consider a newer van then.


Personblueexpo97
17/8/2020 at 7:04am
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This site might be of some use to you.

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


PersonPaul and Nikki
via mobile 17/8/2020 at 2:23pm
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100% damp would basically mean water seeping out of the walls!!



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