Good evening all
During the annual service in April the moisture readings on the offside wall and ceiling were way beyond the normal acceptable readings in my Coachman VIP. Its going in for repair next week, and I believe that this will include replacing the awning rail and drying out the wallboards and thereafter papering the existing wallboards. Does anybody have any experience of a similar repair and the longer term outcome. I was advised by the dealership that the wallboards comprise of a new composte material that does not trap water and therefore there will be no ongoing damp smells as a result of the water ingress. For info, I was able to take photos of the water running down the inside wall of a wall cupboard. All comments/advise will be gratefully received prior to returning the Van to the dealership next week for repair.
Thanks
Ian
i would not be accepting that repair if it was my caravan! you cannot just simply let the wallboards dry out with the level of water you have described and remedy it by papering over it! the wall boards need to be removed so as the internal frame can be checked and dried out fully. if i was you i would be contacting coachman immediately and getting them to come and see the caravan
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Hi Birdman thanks for your interest and advice.
I was advised by the dealership that the boards comprised of a composite material so after the leak was attended to the boards would be dried out and the walls and ceiling re - papered. Apart from checking the visual repair is there anything else I should check. My thoughts are that before signing of the repair I request that I ask for meter readings that I can witness. Is that a unreasonable request?
Are you sure they are composite boards as if so they do not absorb moisture and therefor you would not of got damp meter reading, Our new Swift has no wood in the body construction internal or external,therefore no damp readings taken. The only wood is the internal furniture. Before collecting your caravan I would ask for damp readings to be done in your presence.
------------- 2023 Swift Archway Woodford, MK3 Kuga ST Line X 190 ps AWD Auto
Now 52 years Caravanning completed.
Or buy your own damp meter. Toolstation do one for £27. Practice with it beforehand to make sure you know how to use it. But ask for, as above, damp readings to be done in your presence, before you get your own out.
Hi guys.
Dropped of van earlier this week for repair and have now been advised that original leak has spread to other areas along wall of van and roof rail now needs to be removed and replaced. Accordingly all awning and roof rails on the affected side of van need to be replaced. Thanks for all your advice. It's given me much food for thought and I will be researching the method and construction materials to ensure that the repair is carried out in a manner that will create no detrimental ongoing problems.
Ian
Quote: Originally posted by birdman101 on 12/11/2023
Are you sure they are composite boards as if so they do not absorb moisture and therefor you would not of got damp meter reading, Our new Swift has no wood in the body construction internal or external,therefore no damp readings taken. The only wood is the internal furniture. Before collecting your caravan I would ask for damp readings to be done in your presence.
The wallpaper will give a reading. I had 40% in one van that had 'no wood in the walls'.