2013 Swift Corniche 20/6 Front GRP Panel Cracking
I noticed back in October 2015 that the front GRP panel of my caravan started cracking in the bottom left and right corners where the locker box lid sits. I contacted Swift who advised me to contact my nearest authorised Swift Warranty dealer to which i did. Photographs were taken of the cracks which both measured about 1 -1 1/2 cms long and a warranty claim made. Swift technical dept looked at the photos and stated that this was not caused by a manufactures fault but due to some large impact (possibly something inside the locker box hitting the corners), therefore they would not honor the warranty claim. The dealer and I were amazed as they stated that this was not caused by an impact but due to stress. The dealer kindly put in another claim and again this was rejected. I decided to contact Swift directly and emailed the pictures off to them again. After several weeks I received a response from Swift who stated " your case was reviewed and assessed by our GRP specialist who confirmed that the crack is not the result of a manufacturing defect, the crack is in an area where there is no pressure on the panel and this type of crack is synonymous with an impact".
I was not happy with the response so I decided to contact them again and explain to at no point had my caravan received an impact which to me must be some impact for the cracks to form in both corners and that after reading numerous reports appeared that GRP was prone to cracking in corners and junctions. I explained that I had 2 gas bottles in the locker (light weight canisters) obviously these were secured and very minimal items in there as I didn't want to overload the caravan none of which would cause the cracks as they were light weight. Again another week went by at which point Swift came back to me stating " Having discussed you case with the GRP manufacturing manager I have been unable to confirm what is likely to have caused the cracks you have detailed but for the gelcoat to break away from the laminate suggests large force, the cracking is also conclusive to stressing outside of the norm" To me I would like to know what stressing outside the norm is. Did i hit it with a sledge hammer, eh no. Did i throw my gas bottle as it, eh no, so please explain what the stressing outside the norm is!!!!!!, to me this is just a fob off and Swift are not interested. Since this response was received I have now noticed another area cracking on the front panel, the battle will continue. The funny thing is a colleague of mine has a Swift caravan of the similar age and this happened to him, but this time Swift claimed it was the way he was towing the van.
I have been caravanning now for 16 years and during that time I have owned Avondale and Bailey caravans which never caused my any problems and like a lot of caravanners I take pride in my van and have always looked after it inside and out. I always have it serviced at an authorised dealer to protect the warranty but now feel that this is pointless as the warranty means nothing . It would appear Swift have my money in there bank and are no longer interested in providing a customer service "its a thank you and good bye", which seems to be like a lot of these big companies now a days. I am very disappointed and would never buy another Swift Caravan, I will be advising family, friends and colleagues not too either.
I would love to hear from anyone who has had the same issues with Swift as I have or be able offer me any advice as I am not taking this lying down.
Comments
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If you bought the caravan from a dealer then you need to make a claim under the sale of goods act as your contract was with tbe dealer. To proceed further you might need to get a report on the problem before going to law.
Club members can get free legal advice from the heline and asduming you are a member I would speak to them. If not try tbe Citizens Advice or see if your householdolicy or any trade union have a helpline.
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Hairline radial cracks at a corner of a hatch moulding are not uncommon in yacht construction and can appear as the laminate cures, a process that continues for a considerable time, months or years, after the GRP has 'set'. Yacht deck mouldings are considerably
sturdier than a caravan, so impact is probably not the cause.0 -
We had an Elddis with exactly the same problem. Ours was 2nd hand though so no warranty as such...took it back to the dealer we bought it from who good enough looked into it and did a cosmetic cover which lasted a while but it came back through again. it
did not alter the construction or strength of the front locker door it just looked unsightly and slightly " un-looked after".... It never got any worse over the years and we sold it on with no problem, but understand how upset you are are. Being new it is
well worth battling on...good luck.0 -
As has been said your contract is with your dealer. It's their responsibility to solve the problem. They have agreed with you that this wasn't impact damage and that is a great first step.
It matters not what Swift say, that's the dealers problem.Speak to your dealer and let them know you want them to correct the issue under the sale of goods act. I wouldn't have any further correspondence with swift just your dealer.
Google sale of goods act quick facts, it will give you the information you need to claim from your dealer. Do not let this go un resolved. You deserve this to be sorted.
Internal impact is a new one on me
Kev
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Thank you to all that have responded I will do some research on the sales of goods act and see where this takes me. The battle will continue with Swift
As has already been suggested you have no claim under English law against Swift. You really are wasting your time. Any legal redress is via your supplying dealer. They (dealers) will know this and any suggestion otherwise, will be fobbing you off. Engage
with the dealer and try to obtain their help in getting a fix. With the dealer on side in my experience all things are possible.Ome "n" Dri
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