Motorhome Reseal

Holmesgang replied on 10/10/2023 13:02

Posted on 10/10/2023 13:02

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.

Tinwheeler replied on 10/10/2023 13:12

Posted on 10/10/2023 13:12

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 replied on 10/10/2023 15:57

Posted on 10/10/2023 15:57

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 replied on 10/10/2023 16:19

Posted on 10/10/2023 16:19

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 replied on 10/10/2023 17:35

Posted on 10/10/2023 17:35

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 replied on 10/10/2023 17:55

Posted on 10/10/2023 17:55

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 replied on 11/10/2023 07:33

Posted on 11/10/2023 07:33

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 replied on 11/10/2023 08:12

Posted on 11/10/2023 08:12

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 replied on 11/10/2023 08:28

Posted on 11/10/2023 08:28

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

peedee

Holmesgang replied on 13/10/2023 12:03

Posted on 13/10/2023 12:03

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 replied on 13/10/2023 12:47

Posted on 13/10/2023 12:47

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!

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