We went to pick up our caravan yesterday from Glossop Caravans after it has had its annual service. Unfortunately we received some bad news… we have damp.
It’s at the rear in the top offside corner. Glossop Caravans have been pro-active and already submitted a warranty claim. This is why it’s so important to get your caravan serviced in line with the manufacturers guidelines.
It appears we have a crack at the top of the rear end cap. While we were there, they positioned a ladder platform next to the caravan so we could both go up and have a look, and indeed there is a crack right on the radius of the corner, about 75mm long and when you pass your finger across it you can feel a slight step, which to me indicates something is causing one side to be pushed out… either something underneath or a slight twisting pressure on the corner.
I’m not sure how long the warranty claim will take to be accepted (or rejected… but that’s a potential nightmare) but the work apparently will take around three to four weeks.
So, hopefully we will still be going to the NEC in October with the caravan and I’ll keep you updated on progress.
Caravan Chronicles 
I have same problem with our 2014 Sterling Eccled Quartz SE. Found a crack in the sidewall between the upper rear marker light into the awning rail and a 100 mms split in the roof rear panel above the other crack. Seem manufacturers recommended repair( ??? ) is to fit a purpose manufactured shoe over the crack !! How this “fixes ” anything is beyond me
What year model is your caravan ?
Hi Stephen
Oh dear… not good news!
Ours was down to the rear wall framing not having the sharp corner of the wood rounded off that promoted the crack which was on the rear cap on the very top edge. However the fix that Swift had was to fit a cap (or shoe) over the top corner of each side of the rear cap. Glossop caravans did a fantastic job of fitting these caps and so far it has worked great…
Our caravan was manufactured in 2011.
Sorry to hear to hear about your damp problem, I do hope you manage to get it resolved. We are just coming to the first time we need to service our van. It is second hand (2010), however it’s our first van and first year of ownership. We’re looking for a reliable place to service the van and live in Gtr Manchester. I read you use Glossop caravans, would you recommend them?
Hi
I would have no hesitation in recommending Glossop Caravans to look after your servicing needs. I wrote a post a while ago when I spent the day with them while they services our caravan…. https://caravanchronicles.com/2014/07/10/annual-service-dealer-or-no-dealer/
For us, Glossop Caravans has always proved reliable and honest. I’d just like to point out that we don’t have any affiliation to them and this is just our honest opinion.
Cheers
Simon
Thanks for the recommendation, much appreciated. I also read your blog post, very interesting read, thanks.
Simon
Lucky some of these caravan manufacturers are not in the boat building business ! Disgrace that in 2016 they cannot consistently build a water tight box.
Hi Derek
In all fairness, up until now we have been completely dry for every test and the current situation is down to a crack in the top of the rear end moulding.
Although in my opinion, the crack has been caused by something at the back of the panel causing some distortion…. some of the sub structure not being the correct size or shape maybe because it’s fairly solid if you push on it. I’m not an expert in caravan construction so it’s just my thoughts.
I had the same problem on 2012 Eccles Sport 524, resulted in a couple of months lead time for a new rear end panel. Thankfully dealt with by Swift under warranty. This is not an uncommon problem. You should still be able to use it by applying a waterproof tape to the crack and just keeping an eye on it.
We part exchanged the van for a Bailey Unicorn 3 Madrid, which subsequently needed a new side due to a slight bulge in the panel. This was dealt with very efficiently by Bailey although 8 week turnaround over the winter.
Good luck.
It seems that these cracks in panels are quite common place withb them reported on Sift, Bailey, Coachman and Elddis caravans. So fra not heard of it with Lunar caravans but there may be some? On all our previous caravans we have never had any issues with cracks on the panels so why is it so commonplace these days with modern caravans? We hope that you get it resolved quickly. Are you off to the NEC for another caravan?
Hi Ian
Hopefully it will be resolved quickly, we hadn’t planned on looking for another van this year… but as it takes me a while to do the research, I guess we will be looking now… a twin axle, twin bed layout maybe.
We had issues with damp on our Lunar around the cassette door and the caravan went back to the dealer 3 times for the same problem and even on the last visit they never resolved the issue. We traded it in for a Buccaneer Cruiser with self levelling and a few other handy bits and pieces.
I agree. Our first caravan, a Bailey Olympus 460-2 we bought from Swindon Caravans. We took it back for its first service and were amazed to receive a similar report, with damp on the front off side corner. Being new to caravanning, and having bought a brand spanking new van, we were shocked but Swindon Caravans had the claim in before we returned to collect it from servicing and had it back to complete the work in a week.
I can’t praise them, and Bailey for that matter, enough. There was never any suggestion of doubt about the claim and the remedial work was faultless. So much so that when we went back last October, 3 years on, to look at the latest models we didn’t hesitate to stay with Swindon Caravans and Bailey, and bought a new Madrid. Very happy but will certainly be taking it to Swidnon Caravans for its service. Peace of mind.