Looking to buy a motorhome, damp below window

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Swifty1234

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Hello all, we are looking to buy our first motorhome and I've looked at quite a few. The one in question ticks all the right boxes apart from some damp I spotted below one of the windows. I suspect either the seal has gone around the window. My question is whether it looks like it has been caught in time? Its a 2012 Chausson Flash 03. I've been wondering about a hab check but someone else I know has said they are a waste of time and having read through all the exclusions in the terms, I'm inclined to agree. Although glad to hear others views and or recommendations. Many thanks Jon

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Hi and welcome 🤗

That looks like the wall and possibly the floor under the mains hook up socket.
Have you checked the area out with a damp meter?
Is the area dry or still feeling wet?
Is the area of wall and floor at all spongy?
Damp spread quickly if it’s not stopped almost immediately.
That could have been happening for some time .
 
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It still feels damp to the touch. Floor feels solid although they have put some vinyl floor over existing. No signs of damp anywhere else
 
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I was trying to arrange a pre inspection but theyve said soonest appointment 2nd June

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Swifty1234 said:
It still feels damp to the touch. Floor feels solid although they have put some vinyl floor over existing. No signs of damp anywhere else
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So the leak has not been stopped!

I would at the very least want the vinyl up to test the floor.

The damp is likely to have affected the joint and seal between the wall and the floor
 
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No, its directly below a window in middle of the van. Its directly inline with where the cab overhang curve meets the flatter part of roof. Ill try and post another picture
 
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It may or may not be a lot worse than it seems. Before you part with your hard earned you need to get it checked out proffessionally. What looks small can turn into a total nightmare costing hundreds to put right.

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This might help.
I had some very minor leaking from one window on my 2008 Chausson.
It was explained to me by a professional that they use non setting sealant on the windows. So to cure a leak you remove the little finisher plugs from the window fixings and tighten them all up.
This worked for me.
This might allow you to determine how the leak occurred and how to fix it.
Having said the above my leak was about 5% of yours.
 
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You could see if you can get a mobile hab person to come and give it the once over for you, they should be able to check it and tell you where the likely issue is and give you an idea of what's involved in putting it right. Failing that I've dealt with JC Leisure and found them very good.

You could fully join the forum (£20) and then you'd be able to download the buyer's guide FOC as well as have access to help from funsters etc, we could even help you find what you want and help you avoid any money pits, saving dosh and a load of heartache. You've used up your 5 free posts now so won't be able to post any more unless you join, sorry.

Oh, also, if you become a full member you may find a local funster willing to give it a looking over for you as we help other members like that.

Edit ... you've joined whilst I was confabulating! :giggle:

Make sure you go into resources and download the Buyer's Guide. (y)
 
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Its a private sale and would appear not to have had much use over the last few years. They have owned it for 4 years
 
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Thank you, just going to collect my daughter

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Phill D said:
If that’s where the leak is from and the floor and wall base is that bad I would worry about the wall above , around and below the window.
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It seems ok everywhere else, just at the base where the floor meets the wall
 
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Looking at the first photo I suspect the water is coming from a leak in the pipework, do they leave water in it all the time or drain it down fully?

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Walk away loads more out there or negotiate a very large discount ask yourself why a new piece of vinyl has been put down, probably to hide the damp issue and you said it still feels damp, you have answered your own question, any doubt walk away

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Unless it is ridiculously cheap I wouldn’t touch it. I would say there is an issue at the junction of the wall and floor which can be the hardest to repair. I can’t see you being able to repair it without it being noticeable so would affect the future value.
 
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Is it this one by any chance?

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Motorhome Ford Chausson Flash 03 | eBay

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This site contains affiliate links for which MHF may be compensated.
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As I said run away it could cost thousands to repair.
The problem with damp is that unless you remove the internal wall & part of the floor (which are bonded to the insulation) it is impossible to see the extent of the damage. There could be rotten timbers in the wall & floor. Also water capillaries so there could be much more damage quite a long way from where the water enters.
 
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It says "Habitation Cert passed" so I'd be inclined to contact whoever did it and when, then see if they'd found it.
 
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