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Topic: Elddis cracked rear panel

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ChasNick

12/3/2018 at 12:19pm
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Hi Has anybody had a problem with Elddis caravan from 2013 regarding the rear panel cracking plus also re cracking after replacement? I would like to hear from anyone regarding this especially if they are refusing to cover with warranty etc.

tango55

12/3/2018 at 2:49pm
Location: Lichfield
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If the rear panel has cracked twice then it's probably that the wheels haven't been balanced causing severe bounce whilst in tow. Unbalanced wheels will shake the caravan throughout but the weakest part is the flexible rear panel which will eventually crack due to constant vibration.
Wheels are never balanced prior to leaving the factory of any manufacturer so it's up to the owner to have them checked for their own peace of mind.

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JTQU

12/3/2018 at 4:07pm
Location: Hampshire
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Certainly on other forums I have read of many Elddis rear panel cracking issues and also of replacement panels cracking again.
Unfortunately it is a big problem and a reason why I will never buy a van with ABS plastic used for integrity critical body panels.
The cracking reported is often at the upper corners, though has occurred along "tight" bends [like window recess edges] and from where fixing screws have been placed.
I think there are corner caps available that whilst not curing the issue solve it causing water ingress problems, IMO the more worrying issue. These are flexibly bonded over the cracks, sealing it from water but not too rigidly restraining things to themselves cause further cracks.
ABS is very susceptible to cracking and generally is deployed without any in material crack arresting reinforcing filler. Stresses from corners, tight bends, pressure from underlying hard points and swelling from screws are all issues, as is unfortunately the aging of the material from UV exposure.

Post last edited on 12/03/2018 16:37:46

ChasNick

12/3/2018 at 5:56pm
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Hi do they do these caps for the top corners near to the sealed joint. In fact one looks like it goes under the permanently sealed joint I wonder if water ingress warranty will work.

Scoobz

12/3/2018 at 10:37pm
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Quote: Originally posted by ChasNick on 12/3/2018
Hi Has anybody had a problem with Elddis caravan from 2013 regarding the rear panel cracking plus also re cracking after replacement? I would like to hear from anyone regarding this especially if they are refusing to cover with warranty etc.

Hi,yes I own a 2013 Avante ( biggest regret of my life) my van has just been in for its second rear panel change. I have also had the caps put on the bottom after cracking again. Basically the frame that the rear panel was fitted to is to big. It didn’t happen the first time but before the second panel was getting fitted the engineers shaved the frame at a certain angle before fitting the new panel.
Don’t take no as a answer, the problem is so severe Elddis try to get out of it on the 12 month warranty for plastics or the three year warranty. You will have a ten year water ingres warranty and the fact you have already had one panel changed and it is a potential damp issue you have the right to a new panel. Sadly you may need a independent engineeer ( if your dealer is of no help) to write a report and then issue a letter to Elddis stating the vans rear panel has failed again so under the faulty goods act and the van not being fit for purpose you need the panel changing or you will be issuing legal proceedings. You can do this through the small claims court at hardly any expense. (Contact CAB for help,they were brilliant for me).
My van is a pile of junk,I have tried to reject it but sadly after 6 months they have the right to repair,so my van is like a patchwork quilt. Two bouts of damp,leaks,front locker change due to cracking,4 aerials which still doesn’t work,floor reinforced due to sinking,to name a few.
Hope it has helped good luck Scoobz.

ChasNick

13/3/2018 at 9:14am
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Thanks for advice - yes Elddis will do anything to get out of there responsibility. Unfortunately my dealer closed in the first year so they also use that to get out of things. I will go to the small claims if necessary.

iank01

13/3/2018 at 12:55pm
Location: Worcestershire
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It must be remembered that your contract is with the supplier and not Elddis and Elddis are under no obligation to do anything. Not sure what you can do if the supplier has gone bust and you paid cash?

Johnnie Boy

13/3/2018 at 2:02pm
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Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 13/3/2018
It must be remembered that your contract is with the supplier and not Elddis and Elddis are under no obligation to do anything. Not sure what you can do if the supplier has gone bust and you paid cash?

We bought a new Elddis Xplore (cash) in 2011 from Discover who went bust not long after... had the Caravan serviced by another Elddis dealer a few miles down the road.
Think it was the second year of ownership we had damp problems.
The dealer who took on the servicing carried out all the warranty work which was approved by Elddis. (two water ingress issues) in the first 4 years.

Just like to mention we missed the first service and had to pay a percentage of the labour costs.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is find a dealer who can lean on Elddis and carry on with the repairs

ChasNick

14/3/2018 at 9:27am
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Yes I agree my service guys tries but once Elddis say no it get's difficult because they use whatever they can not to do things.

Grandad Kenny

17/3/2018 at 10:07pm
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Had both front and rear panels changed on my 2014 Xplore last September. The dealership has been fantastic, I have not had to deal with Elddis at all. Also had door handles and leaking taps changed with no hassle. Good luck especially as you have no dealer to assist. I think Iank is right with his post.

ChasNick

23/4/2018 at 12:38pm
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Hi All
I am looking for independent expert advise on these cracked panels - does anybody know a person or establishment that would be willing to look at this?

One of the problems when you are in dispute with a manufacturer/dealership on this issue is getting them to outline what they will/have done and why it happened in the first place - in writing. The dealer is compromised with their contract to the manufacturer and they deal direct with them and the manufacturer likes to keep things vague and keep a strict control of the information. My service engineer will not tell me exactly how my replacement was done so that I can compare it to how it is done now - let alone why it has happened again. Hence the need for an independent expert and any help with this could benefit all other people with this problem.

Chas

Denver66

28/11/2018 at 10:14am
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I've come into this thread a bit late, but here goes anyway.
Anyone having problems with cracked panels on Elddis caravan should take a look at the Q&A section on the SoLid pages on their website. They brag about how strong the construction is, how the stresses are spread through the whole structure and how it should last the life of the caravan. Clearly, the reality is somewhat different.
This is an advert for their systems and adverts must be accurate. A threat that you will report them to the Advertising Standards Authority might prompt them to take a claim seriously. In any event, I'm sure a judge would be interested to see the claims they make if you choose to take them to court.

Colin21

28/11/2018 at 10:34am
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Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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That sounds a good point Denver66. However, I can't help wondering how the phrase "last the life of the caravan" is defined. They may try and use that to get out of it, as it's a bit like saying that it will work perfectly until it doesn't.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin

Denver66

28/11/2018 at 10:47am
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Agreed Colin21, but if you look at their website you will see that they brag about extensive testing etc. The implication is that SoLid caravans are indestructible.
Customers are entitled to rely on claims made in adverts like this. At very least it's another string to our bow if we need to sue them.

Colin21

28/11/2018 at 11:27am
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Definitely, Denver66. Manufacturers should be held to account for their claims. I just know they always try to wriggle out of things.

Ironically I have a very old Elddis caravan, built long before they started using the SoLid construction, and it's fine. I haven't found any evidence of water ingress at all. I wonder what claims they were making back in 1992 when they built mine.

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Colin

iank01

28/11/2018 at 2:00pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Denver66 on 28/11/2018
I've come into this thread a bit late, but here goes anyway.
Anyone having problems with cracked panels on Elddis caravan should take a look at the Q&A section on the SoLid pages on their website. They brag about how strong the construction is, how the stresses are spread through the whole structure and how it should last the life of the caravan. Clearly, the reality is somewhat different.
This is an advert for their systems and adverts must be accurate. A threat that you will report them to the Advertising Standards Authority might prompt them to take a claim seriously. In any event, I'm sure a judge would be interested to see the claims they make if you choose to take them to court.

I raised a complaint about the misleading 10 year water ingress warranty advertisement on their brochures and the Advertising Standards Authority thought it was not an issue!

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