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Subject Topic: Avondale Dart advice Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonDreemgirl
11/6/2014 at 8:11pm
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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  
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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.


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PersonGrumpy01
11/6/2014 at 11:50pm
 Location: North Bedfordshire
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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
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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.



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