Motorhome Reseal

Holmesgang
Holmesgang Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited October 2023 in Motorhomes #1

Hi everyone.  We bought a 2017 Elddis Prestige 135 in March and are very pleased with it.  However, when chatting with a Habcheck engineer, who we had asked to do a full damp check (it passed with flying colours - no damp at all) he suggested that it might be a good idea to have the motorhome resealed as it is now 6 years old and the sealant tends to get brittle after that.  We know that the motorhome has had a repair for water ingress so I recently asked Habcheck for a quote to do this.  I was shocked to be quoted over £2k!  The habcheck engineer thought it might be a few hundred pounds ...  

My questions are:

(a) do you think a reseal is a good idea or not needed?

(b) has anyone had this done recently and what did it cost?

We are not willing to pay over £2k but a few hundred pounds seems reasonable for peace of mind for the next few years.

(we are new to motorhoming this year but have been caravanning for 20 years prior to that)

Thanks everyone.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2023 #2

    In my 50+ years of caravanning and motorhoming I have never heard of anyone having a van of any type resealed. It’s possible that disturbing things could even cause problems so if all is well, I’d leave it as it is.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited October 2023 #3

    I think things maybe a little different these days TW. Higher temperatures and strong sunshine seem to be drying out sealant.  Roads are also shaking up vehicles far more than ever. I have had to re-seal bits on my motorhome over the years. This year on my 11 year old motorhome I used >this RV tape< on all of my roof seams. Works a treat and easy to apply.

    peedee

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2023 #4

    I’ve still got an LV, PD, so I’m not talking only about times gone by. I wouldn’t dream of resealing unless, like yours, repairs were necessary and then, again like you, I’d only do the relevant bits. The OP is talking of doing the whole vehicle with no current just cause which I view as unnecessary, or possibly even harmful.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited October 2023 #5

    Is yours not a campervan TW, and as such much more weather proof than motorhomes? This leads me on to a lot will depend on how the vehicle is constructed but I do agree it is unlikely the whole vehicle will need doing especially if only six years old. Having done some re-sealing of windows and skylights myself and the roof it is not a difficult DIY job and £2000 is daylight robbery.

    peedee

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2023 #6

    It is, PD, but with an add on roof which is as vulnerable as any other construction and over the years we’ve had all types including caravans and coachbuilt motorhomes so my personal experience is varied.

    I'm glad you agree that in the OP's case a total reseal, which is the topic of the thread, seems unnecessary 👍🏻

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited October 2023 #7

    It is, PD, but with an add on roof which is as vulnerable as any other construction and over the years we’ve had all types including caravans and coachbuilt motorhomes so my personal experience is varied.

    And by the sounds of it lucky. Many do suffer from water ingress and do need at best resealing or worse expensive repairs if leaks are not spotted quickly.

    peedee

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2023 #8

    Quite so, PD, but that’s repair you’re referring to rather than the action the OP is asking about where no leaks exist. What do you advise him to do? I consider it an unnecessary move as I’ve said several times.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited October 2023 #9

    I would suggest he thoroughly checks his seals for drying out and if in doubt seek further advice.

    peedee

  • Holmesgang
    Holmesgang Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited October 2023 #10

    Thanks for your thoughts both of you. 

     

    I had never heard of resealing the whole unit. We were previously caravanning and never had an issue in 20 years.  

    But we wonder if motorhomes are more prone to the sealant starting to crack after a few years?

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2023 #11

    Not that I’ve ever heard of or come across.

    Personally, I’d only reseal as part of a repair. I can’t help thinking that a total reseal might ring alarm bells with any prospective buyer as it will appear that you were repairing a very leaky van!