Expected damp levels

Pazzy
Pazzy Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited May 2023 in Caravans #1

Hi, 

This is my first post here. Me and my family are on the hunt for our first van. If watched many inspection videos and guides I have a check list to go by. But what I'm finding is that everything we look at has some sort of damp level. We have a budget max of £8000 but limited to1400kg MTPLM weight. Can I expect damp in every van I inspect?

Thanks for any advice 

Comments

  • eribaMotters
    eribaMotters Club Member Posts: 1,193 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2023 #2

    What are the damp level %'s as they be be within acceptable levels. For example the furniture in your home is damp, but you would not worry about it.

     

    Colin

  • dave the rave
    dave the rave Forum Participant Posts: 806
    500 Comments
    edited May 2023 #3

    Obviously depends on ambient humidity etc but any reading below 15% is not a problem.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited May 2023 #4

    There is loads of info online but here’s an old thread about it -

    https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/information-technical-tips-advice/motorhomes/damp-meter-readings/

    Essentially, moisture is all around us and that’s why levels of up to 15% are normal. As EM said, you need to know what the test readings have revealed in order to understand if a van has a problem or not.

  • ClubMember3D062FD103
    ClubMember3D062FD103 Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited June 2023 #5

     I fancy a Bailey Pageant Burgundy as my first caravan and have looked at 2 this week.  I use a cheap "pin-less" moisture monitor I bought off Amazon for £32.  First one was <5% all over except the back offside left corner (above toilet) was >50%.  Closer inspection showed the wall covering was bubbling badly - so clearly full of damp.  Second one today looked great - mostly <5% but back offside left (again) was 25% and front offside (inside cupboard) was >50%.  Wiped surface to check no condensation (the non-pin versions shouldn't be affected by condensation) - same result.  No visible surface sign of damp but front was  slightly soft.  I think the join between the roof and front panel has lost its seal.  Depressing really.

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