Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Offers Diary Contact Us

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Have all old caravans got damp?
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
23/9/2011 at 11:20pm
 Location: Blyth Northumberland
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Monarch two berth
View frederico's Profile View Profile   Reply to frederico Reply   Quote frederico Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   767

Site Reviews Total: 54
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 5 
Site Reviews 2020: 2 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 32
Site Nights 2020: 15
Site Nights 2019: 0

Is it possible to find an old caravan without damp? I have been looking for a caravan up to £2000. Sorry I can not afford much more. I have looked at ten so far in the last two months. All over the North of England. Advertised as no damp. You pick up a cushion and feel the walls at the bottom are spongy. The caravans checked so far are 1900 to 1998. New caravans seem to have much better sealing at windows and edges. I have a very dry 1998 Conway Crusader Folding Camper and am thinking about a caravan.

Fred

 



24/9/2011 at 12:03am
 Location: between here & there
 Outfit: 2 berth corniche 15 2 x-type jag
View realbusdriver's Profile View Profile   Reply to realbusdriver Reply   Quote realbusdriver Quote  
Joined: 17/7/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   621
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

i wouldn't say ALL old 'vans have damp, just the majority of 'em,

 at least thats the impression i got when we started our 'van hunt but that said i wasn't looking to spend anywhere near 2k. eventually found and bought a genuinely damp free 'van circa 1992, a little 2 berth avondale, which we have had for over a year now ,she's out in all weathers and still dry and damp free.

they are out there you just gotta look for 'em



-------------
no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

24/9/2011 at 2:23am
 Location: east midlands
 Outfit: swift 530
View madz's Profile View Profile   Reply to madz Reply   Quote madz Quote  
Joined: 21/8/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   334

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

My 1990 Abi is damp free (touch dry wood )

There are decent older vans around in your price range you have just got to be prepared to look carefully. We found ours 3 1/2 years ago at a dealers.

When you find a good one you may just end up like us not wanting to let it go. We originally brought ours to try caravaning and perhaps upgrade later but we like doing little jobs on our old van and find the new vans don't interest us as our old girl is great fun and has every feature we want.

 

Try looking on the ads on here be prepared to travel



24/9/2011 at 6:13am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Tessie and Patsy
View chilephilly's Profile View Profile   Reply to chilephilly Reply   Quote chilephilly Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   559

Site Reviews Total: 19
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

Quote: Originally posted by madz on 24/9/2011

We originally brought ours to try caravaning and perhaps upgrade later 

That was us too. We bought Bertha 2 years ago and never looked back. She is a 1999 Abbey Cabaret who is as dry as a bone.

 the new vans don't interest us as our old girl is great fun and has every feature we want.

 Absolutely. There is no need to spend eleventy zillion quid on a brand new van. Bertha  has the perfect layout for us and does exactly what we want her to. If it ain't broke, why fix it?

 




-------------
Keep calm and go camping....


24/9/2011 at 8:09am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

You are more likely to find a small caravan that is dry than a larger one due to less body flex. Mine is 1980s & appears dry. I sealed any gaps I could find on the outside with sealant.

The only thing stopping water ingress is the sealant & this will tend to harden & degrade after 20yrs.

Look around for an old German built caravan like a Hobby or Burstner, these do tend to be better built so might be a better bet although these can be damp as well.


Post last edited on 24/09/2011 08:16:50


Advertisement



24/9/2011 at 9:12am
 Location: East Devon .
 Outfit: Compass Omega 525 5 Citroen C5 Est .
View AlanHardware's Profile View Profile   Reply to AlanHardware Reply   Quote AlanHardware Quote  
Joined: 27/2/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   204

Site Reviews Total: 17
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 2 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 4

Mine is 33 years old and dry , it has double glazing but the chassis is an old steel c section type that needs painting to prevent rust , these older chassis are more supportive all around the body so I personally believe this type of build reduces the risk of flexing and leaking . There is only a toilet room and cold water supply but it is gas heated , has a good fridge and cooker with oven . Being small we use an awning which is 12 foot + x 8 foot for the extra room we like . Vans from 1980 on tend to use the Al-Ko type chassis and come with hot water and cassette toilet for more creature comforts but seem to be more susceptible to damp . Maybe looking at this time of year you will find a 1988 to 1995 van in your price range with minimal damp around a window or somewhere easy to get at that will be an easy off season fix or one that has been damp but re sealed by a good owner . Keep hunting , there will be a dry one somewhere close to you .


24/9/2011 at 9:31am
 Location: South Wales
 Outfit: Swift Corniche & Mondeo ST
View black ice's Profile View Profile   Reply to black ice Reply   Quote black ice Quote  
Joined: 07/8/2003

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   842

Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

We have 1989 swift corniche its as dry as a bone and damp free

Sue.



24/9/2011 at 10:47am
 Location: Blyth Northumberland
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Monarch two berth
View frederico's Profile View Profile   Reply to frederico Reply   Quote frederico Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   767

Site Reviews Total: 54
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 5 
Site Reviews 2020: 2 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 32
Site Nights 2020: 15
Site Nights 2019: 0

Thank you for your replies. I will keep looking. I am not in a hurry to find one. I would prefer one of a reasonable size with an end double bed and a fixed toilet. I am quite handy at DIY and would probably reseal everywhere and ad bits and pieces inside. I have not checked a Hobby yet and have not heard of Burstner. I will keep them in mind.

Fred.



24/9/2011 at 11:32am
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   23517

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

Have all old caravans got damp?

no, a bit of luck and good checking as you are doing now is the answer.



-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


24/9/2011 at 11:40am
 Location: west country
 Outfit: None Entered
View millermicm's Profile View Profile   Reply to millermicm Reply   Quote millermicm Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4665

Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

There are loads of dry older vans about in your price range. There are also some newer vans that have damp.
Keep looking and you will find what you want.

-------------
Steve




Advertisement



24/9/2011 at 11:57am
 Location: Huddersfield
 Outfit: swift conqueror 645+jeep commander
View geoff+emmy's Profile View Profile   Reply to geoff+emmy Reply   Quote geoff+emmy Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1088

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

A bit of damp may not be a bad thing and if you are good at d.i.y and can reseal yourself away you go and it will reduce the price of maybe a newer van

Not saying completly rotten just sealant needing attention

 



24/9/2011 at 12:32pm
 Location: south wales
 Outfit: 1994 abbey solitaire 2 berth
View rocky123's Profile View Profile   Reply to rocky123 Reply   Quote rocky123 Quote  
Joined: 18/6/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

hi our dora as i,v nicknamed her is a 1994 abbey solitaire in excellent nick for her year bone dry no damp. serviced every year by the previous owner, who was with the caravan club for 15 years. we are only the seconed owners.so glad we,v got her


24/9/2011 at 7:56pm
 Location: Blyth Northumberland
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Monarch two berth
View frederico's Profile View Profile   Reply to frederico Reply   Quote frederico Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   767

Site Reviews Total: 54
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 5 
Site Reviews 2020: 2 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 32
Site Nights 2020: 15
Site Nights 2019: 0

Have you 'bone dryers' checked for spongyness around your windows. At the bottom of the walls and floor in your seat lockers. At the back of your cupboards. The floor under the edges of th caravan? The 'bone dryers' caravans I have looked at all had damp. Obvously I do hope yours is bone dry. When was the last time you checked?

Fred.



24/9/2011 at 8:29pm
 Location: Hants
 Outfit: Fleetwood Heritage 640 EB & ML270
View Al+Mel's Profile View Profile   Reply to Al+Mel Reply   Quote Al+Mel Quote  
Joined: 18/9/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1312

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

Quote: Originally posted by frederico on 24/9/2011

Have you 'bone dryers' checked for spongyness around your windows. At the bottom of the walls and floor in your seat lockers. At the back of your cupboards. The floor under the edges of th caravan? The 'bone dryers' caravans I have looked at all had damp. Obvously I do hope yours is bone dry. When was the last time you checked?

Fred.





Last week. We bought a Protimeter Surveymaster (probes and ultrasonic non invasive damp detection) a while ago for a good price via ebay then used it.

Result from careful checking, no damp, no soft bits. Anywhere. Hopefully we can keep her this way.


24/9/2011 at 9:17pm
 Location: between here & there
 Outfit: 2 berth corniche 15 2 x-type jag
View realbusdriver's Profile View Profile   Reply to realbusdriver Reply   Quote realbusdriver Quote  
Joined: 17/7/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   621
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

Quote: Originally posted by frederico on 24/9/2011

Have you 'bone dryers' checked for spongyness around your windows. At the bottom of the walls and floor in your seat lockers. At the back of your cupboards. The floor under the edges of th caravan? The 'bone dryers' caravans I have looked at all had damp. Obvously I do hope yours is bone dry. When was the last time you checked?

Fred.


just today as it happens, our tin tent lives on our drive, so gets checked at least once amonth if not once a week ,and yes she's STILL bone dry and damp free ,even in the nooks and crannies with not a hint of spongeyness anywhere, wanna come and check yourself ?

-------------
no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far


24/9/2011 at 10:55pm
 Location: south wales
 Outfit: 1994 abbey solitaire 2 berth
View rocky123's Profile View Profile   Reply to rocky123 Reply   Quote rocky123 Quote  
Joined: 18/6/2011

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   100

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2025: 0 
Site Reviews 2024: 0 
Site Reviews 2023: 0 
Site Reviews 2022: 0 
Site Reviews 2021: 0 
Site Reviews 2020: 0 
Site Reviews 2019: 0 
Site Nights 2025: 0
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0

Quote: Originally posted by frederico on 24/9/2011

Have you 'bone dryers' checked for spongyness around your windows. At the bottom of the walls and floor in your seat lockers. At the back of your cupboards. The floor under the edges of th caravan? The 'bone dryers' caravans I have looked at all had damp. Obvously I do hope yours is bone dry. When was the last time you checked?

Fred.


last week and the old girl is holding out great. even after the the realy heavy rain we have had recently.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...















4472 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Special Offers]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2025


Advertisement


Advertisement