Bessacarr panoramic roof cracked

It all began in Austria 2022. It was a very hot summer and while sat in the caravan we heard a loud crack. Assuming something had hit our caravan I went out but nothing was seen. Later in the year we visited the New Forest and while eating our meal we noticed a long crack had appeared down the panoramic roof. Following this we had a shower of rain and then drips of water began to find its way into the van. I was lucky to have duck tape in the tool box and with the aid of ladders from the site owner I sealed the roof and covered the crack. I rang Swift and was told this is a window and not covered under the warranty. I stood my ground here, this van is sold described as a panoramic roof to which by description it constitutes part of the body, carrying a 10 year warranty. They argued it was still a window. After a long debate and insisting they spoke to their senior managers they agreed it was part of the body work. They asked me to book the van in with a local dealer. How ever having rung all the dealers in Kent and beyond it became apparent the only people who would carry out the repairs was our dealer we purchased it from, being 180 miles away. So Coupland Caravans in Louth took on the claim and have made a lovely job of the repairs on our caravan. Further to this we are also making others aware of a more serious issue. While travelling back from Austria we lost the corner section of the front skirt. Rather strange as no other damage apart from the skirt detached by a few inches. So I bought a new corner and re attached it. However while being repaired at Couplands they informed me that the front bulkhead and side panels had detached causing the front to flex up and down. An issue recognised by Swift. I am very grateful to Coupland Caravans for their expertise in finding the problem and carrying out strengthening repairs enabling us to use the caravan. The workshop manager showed me all the work carried out and explained everything.

Interestingly my brother also has a Swift which is showing front body flex up and down so it’s seems this has the same problem. This needs the angle sections inside the box securing the sides to the front bulk head removing, additional holes and extra screws including bonding behind the bracing.

Also the skirts need removing and the floor sections to side panel bonding with additions screws. The obvious first signs of a problem is the corner steady nuts not being in the centre of the hole. Any way all covered under Swift warranty,   Hope this article helps others.

Moderator Comment - I appreciate this has been written as a story but if the intention is to get a wider audience to this issue I think it would be better in the discussion area where more people are like to read it.