Leaking Window advice
Hi All,
We purchased our first caravan last October and just got it serviced. Long story short there appeared to be a leaking window and with all this rain today it has been confirmed.
Am I correct that to fix properly I need to remove the entire window and re-glue? I was thinking of doing myself till I read that and thought better.
As a temporary solution I was seeing if I had tarpaulin or maybe blank dustbin bags stuck down with gaffa till it can be properly fixed although concerned with residue. Has anyone used Captain Tolley's cure before and does it work since the feedback is very much mixed.
While talking to the technician he was also mentioning about protecting the window in full sun and the use of a towing cover. If I purchased a towing cover would that protect the front of the caravan from the rain or would the rain run down in front?
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks
Phil.
Comments
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Capt Tolleys will work on small cracks but stands no chance against a downpour.
If you tell us the make/model/year of van and which window it is, you may find someone here who has had the same problem.
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Thanks for the feedback. It is a Bailey Ranger 540/6 2008.
It is the front window. The van only has 1 large window at the front.
Thanks.
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If you purchased your caravan through a dealer did you get a guarantee? If so back to him to sort out. A towing cover would not solve the problem as any heavy downpour whilst on site would find it's way into your caravan which must be avoided. Not clear where the window is leaking. It is not a difficult job to remove the window and get a new seal fitted if that is the problem. If the window itself is damaged it should be replaced an expensive job but you could try caravan breakers or there are companies which will make one to match. People have re glued the two halves of the window together if that is the problem; I have not tried it but they appear to be successful.
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This is not too difficult a job. The window is secured by two hinges and two stays. There are also two fasteners to keep the window closed. The biggest problem is that the front window of this van is one piece and therefore heavy, in addition the A frame reduces access. You will need a trestle to support the window during its removal by simply removing the screws. Once the window is lifted clear (two people recommended) some masking tape should be placed as near as possible to the screw holes and the positions marked with a pencil. Use an adjustable set square to record the distance in from the edge of the screws. These are all the same. Remove the cover strip and then remove the staples to release the gasket. A new gasket and cover strip will probably be needed. Use w4 mastic tape to seal the new gasket, push well into position and staple into position. An electric staple gun is best. Trim to length and fit the cover strip. Allow the ends to overlap. Offer up the widow, screw the hinges in place and fit the stays and fasteners. This should complete the job.
All the best,
Ray
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Thanks all - I purchased a polythene sheet from B&Q and put it over the front, which has stopped the rain coming in. The van is being looked at after Easter hols.
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If you bought the caravan from a dealer within the last 6 months, it is deemed that any major fault was there when you bought it. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the dealer must repair the window regardless of whether they gave you a guarantee or not. My advice is call them and and tell them the window is faulty and allowing water into the caravan and that you want it repaired. If they refuse than you can consider a small claims action in the courts. It is simple and quite cheap.
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