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Good Luck, I hope you get the result you want. 

Our van had no damp smell either and it was obvious that ours had been leaking for some time.  I think the heavy duty wallpaper they tend to use keeps the problem hidden too well.  When we took the "wallpaper" off there were parts that were soaking wet that had shown no signs of a problem inside the van.

Let us know how you get on.

Leanne

Just taken a much closer look as we have just taken photos to take to the dealer... and underneath the runners where the blinds slide down there is evidence of moisture .... I think our problem is much worse than originally thought!

 it!!!!!!

I'm afraid thats where our was.  The water was coming in on the rail at the front of the van - the one which holds the windows.  The problem was hidden by the blinds and only when we actually saw the puddles of water that had come down the runners for the blinds did we know we had a problem. 

Leanne

Sorry to hear about your problem mate. Hopefully if he`s a ruptable dealer he`ll do the decent thing, repair it or swap it. Been to a few caravan dealers to look at their 2nd hand vans and the amount that had damp was unbelievable. If you do have to get it repaired then there are alot of people on here who will help. Never dreamt of trying to repair my caravan untill I came on this site and the advice of the likes of Al and Wiz convinced me that I could.

http://www.kparsfan.bravehost.com/

Well ... I have had a VERY interesting phone call with the Caravan Club Legal helpline.

Under the Sale of Goods act the dealer is liable as long as it can be proven that the damp was there when I bought it and during its warranty period.  The warranty period is simply an addition to the Sale of Goods act so not worth much anyway.  As the affected area currently resembles lumpy french onion soup with a bit of soggy croutons thrown in for good measure I believe this should not be too difficult.

The CC have told me that I am within my rights to hand the van back and demand a replacement or have them repair the van FOC - there are loads of bits on the Practical Caravan website about this.

As the van is on finance with Black Horse, under the Consumer Credit act I also have protection and according to the CC and Trading Standards the finance company will step in as legally whilst I am the registered keeper, they are the owner.  Under the SOG as they assured that it was damp free and in a condition for which it was sold ( that it clearly wasnt) they are basically up against a wall.

So it seems all is not lost .... 

Well an update.... sorry for the delay but we were away for the weekend and Im now in Finland on business, cant sleep so thought I would update my cyber buddies!

Went in on Saturday with all the evidence and photos and saw the MD!!!  Well talk about take the wind out of our sails... they are going to stand by their warranty and look at the van with a view to repairing it.  My mate that came with us picked up that he said about ' the number of hours required may be too many' and that he implied they would swap it for a new one.  Now conisdering the rain pi$$ed on Sat night, I think they could find quite a problem.  I have told them I want photos of every single stage of the repair so I can see the extent ...

Now ... after what Maggie said .... should we simply push for a replacement dry van???

Quote: Originally posted by mig2k_uk on 04/5/2006

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It made me feel so mcuh better knowing there is help our there. I was so worried about damp as this is my first van. Now all I need is the time and the will.

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 Someone will be here when you need advice m8 , any questions ask away , only to glad to help .

atb

Wizard