I've always wondered if its worth the expense of having my caravan serviced every year .... We are due to go away for a week on Sunday .. Thought I'd have my yearly service done before we go so i had it done today and they found that the chassis had a big crack in it ! And was told it how dangerous it could be ! Although I'm really upset that we can't now use the caravan next week I'm happy it was discovered before we had , what could have been a major accident .
Now I know why I have my caravan serviced every year ... If only for piece of mind
I took pictures of under my van before i fitted the mover to plan where things would go.
As i zoomed in on the computer i thought my chassis had a crack. My heart sank.
Went back to inspect it and found it was just a scratch in the metal. There is an earthing point there and they must have slipped with the screw or screwdriver and it had probably been like that from new.
Where is the crack? Can that section be replaced easily?
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No can't repair it having a new chassis fitted .... But love my little van so I'll just have to dig deep into my pockets :( I'm more disappointed that we can't use it this week .
We sold our caravan recently but it came with a full history every year since 2008 it had a service and everything was checked including the chassis , and gas pipes and we made sure there was no damp as well. and the buyer was very happy with it. .
A chassis crack?? Another victim of UK Speed Bumps and ATROCIOUS pot holes...
If anybody is concerned as such; a fatigue or damage crack detect dye can be purchased easily; glows up red under UV light.
Detects cracks down to a few microns (our aerospace shop floor use such a dye to detect any cracks in formed metal pipes or machined metal surfaces).
Surprised the specialist couldnt just weld or bolt a support patch cum butt strap over the affected area.
Bad luck there; least its being fixed.
------------- Regards
Chris
Caravanning for 22 years
1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0TD & 2004 Avondale Mayfair 510-5L
Previous towcars:
2002 Nissan Primera - sold
2002 Ford Galaxy - Died & scrapped. Good riddance.
1998 BMW 525TDS SE - PEx
1998 VW Passat SE - Crashed into & scrapped
1997 Peugeot 406 GLX - PEx
I would get a second opinion on the repair if I were you a crack should be able to be weld plated or bridged with a section of steel and bolted. Sounds like the dealer is looking at a nice expensive job at your expense. They can weld and plate artic trailers chassis and I have welded/plated my Land rover 110 Chassis more than I care to mention so why not your caravan? So sorry to hear of your problems but get this checked before spending any cash. hope it works out well for you. Remember the rule of thumb is an inch of good weld should be capable of holding one tone of weight if you get any argument from the dealer on welds not being strong enough.
Yes cracks can be welded. & no you don't need an annual service, every 2yrs is fine unless its to keep warranty current which is money for old rope for main dealers. It depends on mileage. 3-4kmiles per yr then every 2yrs, if only 1k or so then every 3yrs is fine.
Obviously visual checks on chassis etc should be an ongoing thing that every caravan owner should be capable of carrying out themselves as problems can occur at any time. Caravan owners who are blissfuly unaware of any mechanical aspect of their 'vans between annual services are the ones you see beside the road with a wheel fallen off.
I am a welder by trade, and yes it can be welded no problem,I would tack each end of the crack, Vee the crack out, weld the chassis, Then plate over, then apply a coat of galv paint.(zinc)
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
even if it's an alloy chassis it can be welded or even plated using the 2 pack glues that hold Aston Martin's & the like together. these 2 pack glues also work on steel so even if the chassis is cracked in close proximity to the floor they can still be repaired without fear of fire etc
It certainly looks like a bit of bullshine is being spread around