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Topic: WOO HOO DAISY`S FIRST TRIP WITH OUT US

campfrog

31/5/2015 at 7:10pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: vango tigris 800xl

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Well here we go, Bought a 1998 Bailey Moselle on a whim, put it in storage until Hubby got over the initial shock and now we're going to take her out for our first weekend in her. Trouble is we had the storage company do a service on her and I dont know whether to laugh or cry! This is some of the things they 'serviced'

1) 'Caravan is full of damp' when I asked how bad, they said 'the tester beeped everywhere'.

2) The clock was unsecured

3) caravan lights too dim

Just wondering if ive been ripped off and what should have been checked during a service?

Also as its our first ever time out with a touring caravan I would be grateful for any information regarding essentials, set up, or anything that you may think would be helpful for us, thanks in advance

billy

31/5/2015 at 7:29pm
Location: North Essex
Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400

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It could well be full of damp & you can check yourself with a damp tester, they don't cost much. If you mean road lights are dim, usually easy enough to sort out, bad earth often just needs a new towbar plug. If they serviced it they could have sorted lights for a small extra charge.

If it is riddled with damp as they say then caravan is not really worth repairing at commercial rates, it's something most caravanners fix themselves, but a big job requiring practical skills & may not even be worth it if caravan is that bad.

Thats the possible scenarios but difficult to be any more specific with just info you have provided.

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david8858

31/5/2015 at 10:18pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SI H

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Usually a service checks the running gear i.e the wheels, brakes, hitch mechanism, stabiliser, if fitted and the domestic equipment on both electric and gas where applicable.

It will normally comprise a damp test.

I'd forget about the clock!

Chances are if its an old van the leisure battery will be in need of replacement. This will probably fix the dim lights.

If you can get it home and connected to an electric supply then leaving a heater on in the van for a few hours will likely dry it out.

The nose is a good damp test. If its smells damp it probably is. If it doesn't then it likely isn't as bad as they're making out.

I'd get a second opinion if I were you. One of the visiting caravan repairers would likely give you an opinion for not too much money and then you'd know where you are splodging (hopefully not) so to speak.

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David

sennen26

31/5/2015 at 11:18pm
Location: Lincs
Outfit: Skoda Yeti and Coach

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1. forget clock use a your watch.

2. dim lights you possibly have no idea how old battery is I would think it needs changing.

3.damp CHECK WITH A DAMP METER ALSO LOOK AT THE INSIDE boards are they soft and blown, does it smell damp. Our old van had damp and we used it for 12 years never did anything about it, a damp meter always made a noise but you could never see the damp or smell it. we sold the van on a (yes we did say it had damp).

Or get a second opinon .

Sennen

campfrog

01/6/2015 at 5:47am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: vango tigris 800xl

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Thank you all for the replies, david 8858, there is no mention that they checked any of items that you listed. Ive arranged for a mobile service to be done on thursday. Caravan doesnt smell damp and ive just ordered a damp meter, they did mention the battery was flat so maybe thats why the interior lights are dim! Oh well such an expensive lesson to learn that I have a wonky clock, DOH!

trog100

01/6/2015 at 9:14am
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there is "damp" and there is wet rot.. its how "rotten" your van is that you need to find out..

or in simple terms is it safe or fit to use without major structural repairs..

trog

campfrog

01/6/2015 at 10:41am
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Thank you trog, I asked them several times how bad the damp was and they said the meter beeped all over the caravan, and just told me that if its damp its damp! so im still none the wiser as to how bad it is

billy

01/6/2015 at 12:29pm
Location: North Essex
Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400

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How good are you with diy? All I have done on my 1980s caravan is clean seams & around grab handles with meths & run PU sealant along any dodgy looking bits. It's worked well enough. To run an older caravan you need to see it as an ongoing diy project & be able to fix bits as you go.

Get chassis & running gear serviced by fitter, about £85 every 2yrs but diy everything else, thats what I do.

the black fox

01/6/2015 at 2:32pm
Location: flint north wales
Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002

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as with all the above ,a good bright breezy day with doors and windows open will usually dry out any hint of damp ,its the nature of the beast to have damp .i certainly wouldn't bother with another service to get you more worried .
a awning is a must ,along with a water barrel and waste master ,if your going on electric hook up sites usually ,just get a car battery used or new makes no odds save you a heap of money .(always take battery out over long periods of not using van and charge in your garage) ensure that if you have a alko type stabiliser you have the correct towball and its not greased or if a normal one it is greased .
my advise would be to use it and enjoy it and by stuff as you find a need not because you think you might need it

iank01

01/6/2015 at 4:17pm
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Buccaneer Cruiser

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Remember that if there is damp, there is probably mould and mould spores can affect your respiratory system. make sure there is no mould in the caravan and maybe you can still use it.

Caroelle

02/6/2015 at 10:23am
Location: Worcestershire
Outfit: Bailey Orion 440-4

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We bought a 1983 caravan, used a damp meter but it seemed fine. When we had it serviced a year later we were told that it was 'riddled with damp'. We then had water ingress, but OH resealed it and we lived with the odd drip. The roof leaked round the vent so we replaced, it cost us less than £100 with all the parts and was very easy to do. As others have said a van of this age can be an ongoing DIY job.
However we continued to use it for another 10 years, and sold it last year to someone who intended to gut it and repair, so it is still out there somewhere.
The main problem with ours was that the onboard battery charger stopped working, so we had no lights or water pump. We bought a Ctek charger after advice from people here and that kept the battery topped up when on hook up. We have had some much help from people on here, so ask away if you have any problems. And enjoy your holidays! Even with damp, it will still be warmer and drier than a tent, and you can go away throughout the winter (we used ours in December).

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Caroelle

Jax365

02/6/2015 at 11:23am
Location: south cheshire
Outfit: VW Caddy Maxi

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Could just be 'overwinter' damp. Usually I stand up the cushions down the middle and open the lockers, wardrobe door (and fridge door or it will go mouldy) so that the vents underneath can let air in and out. If it's all been shut up for the winter, then that is the most likely explanation.

If you have ripply wallpaper, or mould growing anywhere (usually starts in corners and around windows) then it might be a bit more serious.

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moorlander999

02/6/2015 at 8:13pm
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i suppose its like owning a classic car - regular maintenance due its age???

enjoy it and dont worry too much if things break / fail / fall off / crack / leak etc

it can be fixed :)

trog100

02/6/2015 at 8:32pm
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i think its time caravan people stopped and considered what the mysterious "damp" word really means..

the OP really does need to find out what the useless service people really mean.. one simple question should do the trick.. is it safe to use..

trog

bernie bann

07/6/2015 at 11:35am
Location: bolton
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if u can get electric put a dehumidifier in it for a couple of days lights will get better once u charged battery also make sure ur wheels are tight ps if its in storage must be electric some were give it a hover and a clean if there no rottern wood then u shouldnt be to bad

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not enough weekends or beer

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