Damp Rimor

[MH1234]

Hi all. Absolutely devestated to be writing this post but my husband and I spent all our savings on a 3 year old motorhome last weekend (private sale) only to find we have damp in the N/S/R floor. We've had a damp good quality (pinless) damp meter on the area and it is showing 90%+ in a thin line (approx 2in wide) along each side of the rear corner floor (below bunk bed) in an l-shape (approx 50cm in length each side). Strange as there is no visible evidence of damp from inside or outside of the van, no softness of the walls, no marks etc which, as is my understanding, is usual with levels this high. As experienced caravanners who have been stung once before with a damp van we feel I feel like we were complete idiots to have missed this (we did check for damp just ironically not this particular corner at the time of sale). My husband is rather chill about the whole situation saying that we will get it repaired (he's actually a damp specialist/building surveyor for houses so has knowledge of this sort of this just not specifically for motorhomes) however I'm traditionally a worrier. We have someone coming out in a few weeks to take a look but in the meantime can anyone advise re rough ball park figures we are likely to be looking at to get this repaired properly please as they can't get out sooner and my anxiety is through the roof right about now. Know these figures will vary as will depend on the extent of the problem but is it likely to be closer to £1000, £3000 or £10000???) My husband is going to try and strip the lino back today so see if he can see what's going on. He's been under the van but the area is covered by fibreglass so no clues from the exterior. Thanks so much in advance.

 

[MisterB]

Sorry to hear but it can be sorted. It might just be a leak from pipework that has recently happened, if the readings are truly that high and it was a 'historical' leak then it's strange you didn't see it when inspecting, which is why I'm thinking (hoping) it's only just happened. It might have been surface water (condensation or cleaning?) that has travelled to one corner due to the level of the motorhome

Husband is doing the right thing, checking where the 'damp' has come from, hope it's something he can fix simply

 

[chaser]

Has a bottle of water or pop leaked.

 

[MH1234]

Thanks both for your quick replies. No nothing been spilled and not yet got round to cleaning. My husband did have to rest on the lower bunk and pop the damp meter to the floor by reaching through one of the slats (as couldn't open the garage door due to where its currently parked) so I'm wondering if some contributing condensation may have been caused by his breath (it was freezing outside). Having said this I've been scrutinising the paperwork given to me by the seller and whilst there is a clear hab check from 2022, folded up inside was another hab check from 2023 showing damp of 30% in the same place we are getting these readings now so looks like it's an issue that has been going on for at least 18 months making it even more confusing as without the damp meter and this report you cant tell anything is wrong, even at readings of 90%+. So pleased to hear it can be fixed (we plan to keep the motorhome for ourselves and children so not as worried in relation to trade in value but more in relation to structural safety and longevity).

 

[MH1234]

Does it sound like it could be a very very expensive repair? £1000 I can take but if we are likely creeping up beyond £2000 this would be a different scenario. It's only 3 years old

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[The Coops]

Are there any rubber/neoprene mats down in the areas showing damp? They will cause really high readings as they will trap condensation from the temperature differences inside and out

 

[The Wino]

Without knowing exactly what's going on I think it's going to be impossible for anyone to come up with an estimated cost for the repairs. It's going to be wait for the report and hope for the best.

 

[MH1234]

No mats. It's an empty interior garage underneath a bottom bunk in that corner (bathroom on other corner). Yes, i understand that repair costs can vary wildly, just wondering if I'm doing my usual catastropising by panicking that it could end up being something stupid like £10k (another poster on here had apparently been quoted around this figure also im not sure the extent of his problem). I guess I will just have to wait and see and hope I dont develop too many more wrinkles over the next three weeks with through what I hope is unjustified worry

 

[MH1234]

Thank you so much for all your quick replies btw, what a foru!

 

[AndyPK]

Does the ‘van have any sort of warranty left - if it’s only 3 years old, and has had regular mtce and hab checks?

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[Two on Tour]

Please be aware that the pinless type damp meters can react to metalwork and can give false readings.
I have and use a pinless damp meter, and mine picks up the aluminium angle at the base of our MH floor to wall fixings as a high damp reading.

 

[chaser]

No mats. It's an empty interior garage underneath a bottom bunk in that corner (bathroom on other corner). Yes, i understand that repair costs can vary wildly, just wondering if I'm doing my usual catastropising by panicking that it could end up being something stupid like £10k (another poster on here had apparently been quoted around this figure also im not sure the extent of his problem). I guess I will just have to wait and see and hope I dont develop too many more wrinkles over the next three weeks with through what I hope is unjustified worry

The thing is even if it's damp which I doubt it probably only needs some mastic sticking in somewhere, which you are probably paying less than a tenner for.

 

[DandG5515]

As stated above, my pinless meter gives false readings near metal, I then use a pin meter to check before ripping everything apart.

 

[Jo662]

Does the ‘van have any sort of warranty left - if it’s only 3 years old, and has had regular mtce and hab checks?

As AndyPK says,is there any warranty left,as some have a 10 year manufacturer warranty, as long as they have had hab checks every year ?

 

[MH1234]

Oooo this gives me some hope, thank you! It would make sense if it was picking up metal given that it's just a 2in wide track running along the wall in each direction from the corner which I assume there lies some aluminium?

I have no doubt there probably is some damp around the area given the 30% noted on the hab report from 18 months ago but was panicking at the 90%+ readings.

Fingers crossed it is just something small and easily repairable and I can get back to being super excited about our new purchase and adventures ahead and not stressing that we have been intentionally or unintentionally ripped off (as tends to be my luck...im so very naive at times!)

Thank you again to you all!

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[MH1234]

As AndyPK says,is there any warranty left,as some have a 10 year manufacturer warranty, as long as they have had hab checks every year ?

Yes I have read that Rimor have a ten year warranty reduced to 5 years for subsequent owners so still withon that period however we can only find hab checks for 2022 and march 2023 so it looks like more than 12 months have passed since the last one, which also indicates some damp at 30% in this same area, so im assuming warranty void. Yes we should have checked all this before purchasing but didnt know the 2023 check existed and the seller appears (and still does so I dont want to accuse anyone just yet) very authentic, trustworthy and helpful (so much so I was actually recomme ding him to a friend yesterday regarding another van he is selling)

 

[Riverbankannie]

If the washroom is in rear corner, one thing to check is all the water pipes and fixings as, unless all was drained thoroughly, one could have frozen and pulled apart causing a leak. Do you know if the MH was properly drained including boiler and taps?

 

[MH1234]

The washroom is in the drivers side rear corner, the damp readings are showing in the passenger rear corner underneath single bunks (the bottom of which also doubles up as a garage area). Will ask my husband to check the pipes too though just incase they feed across to this side

 

[MH1234]

The van hasnt been drained down for winter yet as is still in use if that's what you mean?

 

[The Wino]

Yes I have read that Rimor have a ten year warranty reduced to 5 years for subsequent owners so still withon that period however we can only find hab checks for 2022 and march 2023 so it looks like more than 12 months have passed since the last one, which also indicates some damp at 30% in this same area, so im assuming warranty void. Yes we should have checked all this before purchasing but didnt know the 2023 check existed and the seller appears (and still does so I dont want to accuse anyone just yet) very authentic, trustworthy and helpful (so much so I was actually recomme ding him to a friend yesterday regarding another van he is selling)

When you say another van he is selling is it a small time dealer pretending to be a private seller? Seems strange to be selling two motorhomes! If so I'd definitely be getting back in touch to say there's a possible damp problem. They might say it's a private sale but probably wouldnt be very keen on adverse feedback on whatever system they're advertising on . Are they ex rental motorhomes?

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[MH1234]

Yes, ex rental (which I personally don't have any issue with...we have a well serviced diesel engine that has been nicely run in. Lots of cosmetic repairs needed in the habitation area but ones the seller made us aware of and are happy to tackle having experience of converting our own campervan, it's just the damp that concerns me which could happen rental or not....we have had a caravan before with damp that wasnt an ex rental but didnt bother repairing it as traded it up (with full honesty re the damp). This case is different as we cannot to trade up so need to get fixed one way or the other. We did ask directly about damp and the seller advised us there were no issues and allowed us to use his damp meter which suggested all ok but the previous issue noted on the hab check report from 18 months ago wasn't mentioned. Im desperately hoping this is because it was sorted at the time or was a minor issue and that my husbands damp meter is just picking up the aluminium frame. I've just spoken to him armed with advice from these replies and he has said he will check all seals, lift the lino and check again with a pronged meter later today to put my mind at rest so fingers crossed

 

[Googlebot]

Hi,

A lot of garages get damp, they aren’t heated terribly well and tend to have lots of wet gear chucked in. This is especially so for hire vehicles.

The contactless damp meters I don’t trust terribly well. I would get a prong one and sink it through the lino. Then you will have a much more accurate measure of any issues and it is unaffected by condensation.

I had a wet rear garage, turned out the wheel arch was leaking and tracking back to the garage.

If the floor feels solid and doesn’t move, I would be tempted to test properly, if genuinely damp, expose and let it dry out then fix whatever is leaking and carry on.

Unless it’s extensively damp and rotten, you may not be looking at much money at all so try not to worry. Repairing my wheel arch cost £15 in sealant and a few hours of time. Dried it and all sorted.

Can you post a few pictures? Might help you get advice?

 

[MH1234]

Thanks John, I'm hoping it's just something simple. We need this van to remain safe and to last us many years yet! Good idea re the photos. Ive attached some. The high readings are definately along the floor running around the edges closest to the exterior. The floor feels solid but readings are coming up anywhere between 50 and 90%+ along these areas. Could be the garage door potentially. Won't know until we lift the lino I guess. Hoping these some metal under there which is being picked up instead!

 

[Riverbankannie]

That locker door has got to be on the suspects list. Green algae growing. Once you find the source, I am sure you will be able to dry and fix. The more you get to know your new MH the better positioned you will be to keep it in good condition for your future trips.
Good Luck.

 

[MH1234]

Thank you, I truly hope so! We were so so very excited and this finding has just put a bit of a downer on things. Don't regret the purchase at all just want to get it fixed asap as I have visions of it costing £1000s (I always go to worse case scenario as a default....major fault of mine, hence the camping lifestyle....best medicine for mental health I've found, until now ). Thank you everyone for all your replies. They have chilled me out a little. Will updated further once my husband has had time to take the lino up and check that pesky door seal and again once our own hab check has been done on the 20th (I should have said my husband started his career as a joiner so as long as it is repairable either way I'm sure he could have a good crack given the DIY advice on here should a coachbuilder prove far too pricey)

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[MH1234]

Out of interest at readings this high is it a given that (assuming these readings are correct) that the floor, or affected parts, will need to be replaced or should they still be hard and no signs or rot could they be dried out? Of course the leak will need finding and fixing as a separate issue

 

[buzz1]

Thanks John, I'm hoping it's just something simple. We need this van to remain safe and to last us many years yet! Good idea re the photos. Ive attached some. The high readings are definately along the floor running around the edges closest to the exterior. The floor feels solid but readings are coming up anywhere between 50 and 90%+ along these areas. Could be the garage door potentially. Won't know until we lift the lino I guess. Hoping these some metal under there which is being picked up instead!



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Do you heat your garage?
I find in my burstner if I leave my two heating ducts open to allow hot air in to warm garage that causes buildup of condensation, as in garage area your more closer to the outside elements, so been keeping them shut ever since and had no problems for the last 3 x habitation checks .

 

[Figaro]

I'm sure you'll soon get it sorted and have many years enjoyment

 

[Googlebot]

Out of interest at readings this high is it a given that (assuming these readings are correct) that the floor, or affected parts, will need to be replaced or should they still be hard and no signs or rot could they be dried out? Of course the leak will need finding and fixing as a separate issue

You will need to look and assess if it’s rotten.

My view is if the wood is sound, fix the leak, dry it thoroughly. Treat it with anti mould paint or spray and carry on.

I very much doubt the wood is so rotten you will have to replace anything. If it feels solid and is smooth and flat, it’s very unlikely to need replacing. It has been very obvious in the past when the wood is beyond repair, it bulges and has no strength left. You won’t have to push very hard to get the prongs in, they just slide. Ask me how I know.

 

[buzz1]

Also make sure your garage doors are hang correctly, ie equal gaps in between door and frame otherwise door seals will let water in .
Hope you get it sorted