Wood rot help

martic

Hi all,I bought our first caravan a few week ago and when purchasing had not a clue what to look for with regards damp, rotten timber etc. I bought the caravan for E1,000 and have spent a few weekends away in it with the wife and kids, only this weekend we were away and the rain didn't get time to come down,after wakening up this morning we noticed water lying on the ledge inside the front window,so i started looking and found part of the wall through out the caravan were if pressed you could put your finger through it.

1: I am a carpenter by trade and am wondering is it much of a job to fix the wall panels myself or should I leave it in somewhere.
2: Is it advisable to or not to remove the kitchen units as there is rotten wood behind the unit next to the door.
3:has anyone replaced window and door seals as I'd say I will have to do that also.
4: If i do fix the panels myself what's the story with the wall finishing as it looks like its not wallpaper.

The model is Abbey Executive and Sorry in advance if my first post on here is abit of a long one

Buford T Justice

The ply is 3mm veneered, which can be got, but you might need to go to a specialist for it.

If there's rot behind the kitchen units and you want to replace it, then you can take them out, but be careful of gas connections, electrical etc.. and put them back the way they came. I'd also suggest that you water test the gas joints afterwards

martic

Thanks for the reply Fingers, have you any ideas when it comes to the finish of the inside should I try wallpapering the whole van again after I patch the area's or would I be putting unnecessary work on myself?

Buford T Justice

tbh, if the van cost €1000, then its hardly worth the hassle to have it completely re-covered. It'll be a huge pain, and a massive amount of work.

I'd be more inclined to only cover the sections that I've replaced. You may get a similar paper that wouldn't be as massively noticeable.