Faulty Panel

TexasPete
TexasPete Club Member Posts: 5
First Comment
in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Hi, we have a Swift Icon Trend 560 - single axle (Challenger 560). We have now had this from new for 18 months. Several months in, less than six, the panel between the kitchen and toilet had come away from the side of the caravan half way down going to the floor. It was returned and fixed under warranty, it happened again and was returned. This time more screws were added through the panel and into the side of the body. The retailer assured us that it is not part of the structure of the caravan. Have any Swift owners had this problem with theirs, because it has happened again and they are now saying that it is pothole damage. It may not be part of the structure, but it is screwed into the main side wall. I feel that it may be to what it is attached to. I have written to them quoting the CRA 2015 and various sections within, under the guidance of Which Legal, hence them now saying pothole damage. Your feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks. Tex M

Answers

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,278
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    #2

    I’ve heard of pothole damage being given for the reason for all sorts of failures. I suspect it is the latest get out of jail free card.

    You’re doing the right thing by applying the CRA under legal guidance. Good luck.

  • TexasPete
    TexasPete Club Member Posts: 5
    First Comment
    #3

    Many thanks. It seems part of the book of excuses.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,278
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    #4

    indeed!

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,663
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    #5

    Given that you have had the same repair fail three times I agree that the CRA is relevant. Frankly the idea that the same problem has failed three times defies belief. You will know if you hit a severe pothole and I can see no way Swift can back up their assertion and what proof they have of this. I would tell them where to go and say that you will be proceeding for recovery of the cost of the caravan.

    If you used a credit card or HP then you can claim against the providers, so if this is the case make a claim there as well.

    I know that Which legal have been successful in pursuing these claims before, so do not be fobbed off..

  • TexasPete
    TexasPete Club Member Posts: 5
    First Comment
    #6

    Thanks for your reply. It's a shame they did not say this on the first or even second occasion.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,663
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    #7

    The fact hat they said nothing and fixed it under warranty makes the current repudiation almost impossible to defend. The warranty covers only defects and by authorising the repair they are admitting this was not the case.

    If the original failure was to blame then hey have performed a faulty repair and are still able. Somewhere along the line they need to be realistic.

    To me if a pothole did the damage they are admitting that the caravan is not fit for purpose, potholes are everywhere and all vehicles need to be able to deal with them, although I am not aware oof any legal cases on this..

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