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 Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

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: Avondale Dart advice Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonDreemgirl
11/6/2014 at 8:11pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Dreemgirl's Profile View Profile   Reply to Dreemgirl Reply   Quote Dreemgirl Quote  
Joined: 11/6/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2
Site Reviews Total: 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 Reviews 2018: 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
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hello,
I am going to look at a 2004 Avondale Dart 556/6 at the weekend (from a private seller) and am looking for some advice. I have read about the cracking panels problem - if I don't find any cracks is it likely that it shouldn't have a problem in the near future? Surely the cracks would have appeared by now, 10 years on?? I am aware they are lightweight and relatively 'flimsy' vans but it's the right size at the right price (£4000).
Any advice welcome. Thanks.


PersonGrampian91
11/6/2014 at 9:03pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
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 Reviews 2018: 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
Site Nights 2018: 0
Depends how much cover the panels have had. They may have been covered a lot of the time so extending the time before the cracks start to show.


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

PersonGrumpy01
11/6/2014 at 11:50pm
 Location: North Bedfordshire
 Outfit: Citroën C4 Picasso View Grumpy01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grumpy01 Reply   Quote Grumpy01 Quote  
Joined: 23/1/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1016
Site Reviews Total: 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 Reviews 2018: 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
Site Nights 2018: 0
The problem was the panels and how they where fixed to the wooden frame, the fixing hole should have a gromit in the hole to allow for movement most did not so the panel was fixed to the wooden frame with a counter sunk screw and split the panel. Once the panel has cracked it needs to be replaced. The cracking panels on Avon Dale caravans was a major financial drain and ultimately caused their demise. It was not only cause of panel cracking the chassis on the newer vans was too narrow on the 7'6" wide vans the overhang from the chassis rail to the side of the van wall is huge and it caused the van floor to flex so causing the front and rear panels to crack. In some cases the whole front end dropped mostly the models with the door near the front end. The biggest failures where on the 646's twin axles we had 2 eventually had changed to swift.
Personality I would leave well alone. Sorry to be full of doom and gloom, but it was possibly my thread that you have read, that's how we found UKCS.

-------------
"common sence is not so common"...Voltaire


PersonDreemgirl
13/6/2014 at 11:27pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Dreemgirl's Profile View Profile   Reply to Dreemgirl Reply   Quote Dreemgirl Quote  
Joined: 11/6/2014

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2
Site Reviews Total: 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 Reviews 2018: 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
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks for your replies. Turns out the guy rang me (retired caravan engineer who buys and sells caravans) and told me he had discovered cracks and that the van wasn't fit to sell! I shall steer well clear in future.



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

Prev       Next
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...

5954 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]  [Shop!]
[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 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder