Hey there guys,
So after reading all your advice I had decided to take the caravan back! Then a friend said to take down to the local caravan shop and get them to take a look
lovely people at Canterbury Caravans ... Had an extensive (free) damp check and the lady that runs the trade in/sales also had a look.
So took a very good friend (electrical engineer and long time boat/fishing lover) and explained that I had purchased But had offer of return or renegotiation, buyer nightmare that luckily hadnt been our problem!
The guys thoughts, with time fixable but not for the 2150 I had paid ... Patch under kitchen window not a big problem ... thetford door in toilet area a tad more problematic, frame at bottom needs removing and replacing as well as wallboard ... Floor ok underneath, may need top layer replaced.
Basically they said that the price it's with is 1000 not including the almost new Isobella awning and everything you need to go away ( flat screen TV etc) the sales lady showed me round an older van up for 3000 and to be honest it wasn't in as good condition (baring damp)
Called the lovely man back and he offered her to me for 1000 all in!
My horse has recently retired so I have spare time ... What would you do?
My dad is a plumber, brother in law runs a wooden furniture company so has offered to do all joining ect, electrics and has hve been checked and all AOK!!
The lovely guy at the shop offered to do the odd job/give advice on an hourly rate if we get stuck ... For the money I think it's worth a shot!!
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You don't say how old your Bailey Ranger is or where you are located.
I run a 1997 Bailey Ranger and it has damp, but the worst of it I repaired myself and the rest, I can live with.
Because of its year and therefore no resale value, we will continue to run it until we either retire from camping or it falls apart. Either way, it will do us just fine for now.
It's a 2000
Such a shame someone has done a bodge and not a real job as its in amazing condition everywhere else, the fabric on the seats is like new!!!
I have 3 caravan holidays booked in the next 2 months and to hire one would cost that so I figuere even if it lasts us a few years it's worth it
I'm located just outside Canterbury in kent, i think my team of workmen who Inwill pay in BBQ and beer are more that capable of fixing her to a good standard to be honest. My only concern is the aluminium as the damp in a small area has been there a while and it has a few pin prick bubbles so hoping that doesn't cause too much bother ... That I would have a clue on
I was advised by the caravan engineer that on any damp areas, I should bore through the inner ply wall, pick out as much insulation as I could and then install Penny Vents to allow a circulation of air that will eventually dry out any dampness between the aluminium walls and the insulation.
I have installed about 6 Penny Vents, all inside cupboards/lockers so they are not noticeable and dampness checks have revealed a very noticeable drop in damp levels.
The dampness is now of an acceptable habitation level and the van should now last for many years.
I wanted a bit of a project so planning ( after this weekend away) to strip out wall boards and bottom wood frame then drying out before replacement before next holiday (6 weeks time ) I will do all stripping and drying then get frame made and install new wall board after new door is fitted.
I have a very old house so have regular repairs (window seals/painting, replacing facias and roof tiles) so im not shy of hard work ... At least with a caravan I don't need a cherry picker to repair it lol
Yes mine were reading 22-ish but are now down in single figures.
I also have a dehumidifier which I put on for a week before we head off on any trips at the beginning of the summer.
That just dries out any dampness in the seating that may have accumulated over the winter.
Good luck with your repairs. They will all be well worth it.
Thank you!!!
I can't wait to get stuck in to be honest ... Only thing that has stopped me doing it is the trip this weekend lol
Then will heat/use dehumidifier to dry then attempt repairs ... I am thinking best to take out the bottom wood frame while wet as its so soft but will have to wait and see what the aluminium looks like ... The waiting game for me is the worst bit lol