Pegasus Verona Shell split

DJP48
DJP48 Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited June 2016 in Caravans #1

Last year my 2012 Verona was returned to Bailey as there was a split in the shell at the bottom right corner of the nearside front window. About 4" long.It had been evident for some time and the supplier had been in contact with Bailey for quite a while.
They eventually agreed it was not pothole damage and took the van back for 6 weeks and replaced the whole shell. Since its return  at the end of last year it had not been used until this month. After a trip down into France lasting 2 days a noticeable bulge
has appeared where the split had once been. Bailey have agreed ,very promptly, to take it back for another 6 to 8 weeks!!! Anyone else experienced shell cracking and bulging?

Comments

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #2

    We haven't experienced it ourselves, but have heard that people blame 'speed bumps' for the caravan chassis flexing, and the shell bulging and splitting at points where it's stressed.  

  • xtrailman
    xtrailman Forum Participant Posts: 559
    edited June 2016 #3

    Have a look on here.

    [url=http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/community/topic/107455-alu-tec-2012-shell-cracking/] verona crack[/url]

  • Brian1
    Brian1 Forum Participant Posts: 242
    100 Comments
    edited June 2016 #4

    I had stress creases in almost the same position (bottom outside corner)  on both sides on my 2011 model.  Bailey said I had to pay for an Alko chassis inspection  - £273 as I recall - and if there was found to be no problem they'd refund the fee and fix
    the creases. 

    I paid for the inspection*, was duly refunded when no problem was found and the 'van went away last October and was returned in April. As far as I could see they had replaced the entire front shell.

    * apparently there are strain guages built in to modern Alko chassis.  The inspection (by an ALko engineer) consisted of a visual inspection of the chassis and getting the strain guage readings.

    I have to say also, that I haven't been too impressed by the way that the Alutech construction is very susceptible to dents (eg if something bangs hard against the shell).  I gather that current models have fibreglasscladding dueto this.

  • DJP48
    DJP48 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited June 2016 #5

    Thanks for the replies. So far I have not been asked for any up front payment. The van is never overloaded as all extras are carried in the car so all we have extra is the gas, bedding, minimalist clothing and food. Awning etc is carried in the car. Can't
    be overloading that is the problem.. Design fault maybe.

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