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We have just been to look at a 1998 Abi nightstar and it looked great.  No smells, as new seats, all lights, cooker etc working.  Only problem wall paper in shower room feels loose from the walls owner says this is probably because they use the shower a lot.  Also inside cupboard on wall and roof, in the dining area next to shower room feel soft.  Is this due to water from shower or something we should steer clear of?

We do not plan to use the shower much - would the damp spread / cause  more damage? 

Sounds to me that the wallboard is rotten and I expect it is hiding other problems. Walk away there are plenty of other vans out there.

David

Thanks for your advice - we have decided to give this one a miss.  Better to be safe than sorry I suppose.

Now to start looking again.

Invest in a cheap damp meter from Ebay for about £12 and take this with you, this will put your mind at rest. Get one with a read out and follow this advice:

Readings between (0-15%):   no cause for concern.

Readings between (15-20%):   dealer to make a note of these readings and re-check at next service.

Readings between (20-24%):   possible early signs of ingress. Look for tangible evidence or ask for a re-check.

Readings between (25-30%):   moisture evident, remedial work required; may not need strip-down unless surface damage (staining, pimpling, and softness) is apparent. (There is a risk of wallboard deterioration due to retained moisture in the structure if resealed only.)

Reading (31 % and above):   structural damage is occurring, deterioration inevitable. A full strip-down of the affected area is required.