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Hi I am new to this forum and hope to get a bit of sound advice from people who know what they are talking about. I am looking to buy a used caravan to replace our much used Abbey 415 gt 1983 which has been in the family for about 20 years. I have found a 1997 Abbey Spectrum 520 on sale for £4650 which is in overall good condition inside it is in superb condition with no dents or scratches to any of the units, everything works as it should. My only worry is that there are small areas of damp in 3 of the top corners which spread about 500mm from each corner. I have a good damp metre (I am a joiner by trade) and got readings of 40% at the source of the damp going down to about 20% at 500mm out. The wall board has not gone spongy yet apart from one tiny area in the back corner abut 25mm across. The damp is obviously caused from leaky awing rails the seller has offered to reseal all rails but to be honest that is a job I would rather do myself as then I know  it would be done right. My question is should I steer clear of any caravan with damp issues and try to find a dry van bearing in mind my budget or if the rails are sealed properly the damp will dry out and this should no put me off buying this van?? As I have said apart from these small areas of damp the van is in good condition and is an extremely well appointed and comfortable caravan with the benefit of a full Isabella awing. Any advice gratefully received.

Personally I would want it to be free of damp for that sort of money.  There are plenty of dry vans out there but you do have to go a looking for 'em.  I think it was Alan126 who looked at more than 50 before he bought!

Ali