Disaster Strikes As Thetford's Trays Are Fake

[@IANREA]

Oohh the way she put them gloves on, so professional, with a cheeky smile, definitely a proctologist

[@commuterbranchline8132]

When I was planning my van, I specified a stainless steel tray with two plug holes. I never fancied the plastic trays lasting any length of time. I’m 18st so I wanted to build it to last a while, I got a bamboo duck board made to fit the tray at the same time. It worked for me.

[@chrispearson4904]

I have seen so many of these shower trays which have cracked, so pleased you have spoke out about this to highlight the issues. Great vid.

[@WhipperdeetsAdventures]

It’s totally awful how that shower tray is rubbish like this :( great vlog 😊

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers mate . It just annoys me we all bought a product that is crap

[@vanforallseasons]

What a great video! I can't tell you how inspirational it is to see laughter in the face of what to many would be an absolute disaster. This is why your channel works so well - 1. Finds problem. 2. Just gets on with it! Keep them coming!

[@captaincoxyboy]

Thank you, I think you just saved me £500 as this was my next big purchase in my van build, look forward to seeing what you’ve done as a replacement 👍

[@wanderingbychoice]

Bravo guys for calling out a widespread problem these days, false advertising is wrong on so many levels, send Jackson’s the bill🙏👍🚌

[@mozzachoppa1689]

Thanks for the informative video. Bought the exact toilet set up waiting to be installed. Sending it straight back first class 😄. The same retailer has now changed their description. We'll done you. Looking forward to see what you're solution is. 👍

[@RhysOrwin]

We had a similar problem with a different tray. We had it speedcoated after we had cracks and it's been perfect since then.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yer that a a great idea SADDLY to late for us . But hey ya live and learn I guess

[@RhysOrwin]

@@UrbanVanlife sorry, wasn't meant as a jibe. More for others that come this way.

[@paulmills1605]

Hard to like this with the pain you've had, but a great video all the same to highlight and save others the pain. Well done to you both

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks Paul, it’s unfortunate it has happened but as you have said if it helps others then that’s a good thing!

[@robertcanning1888]

@@UrbanVanlife yeah a meant before folk fit a new one . looking foward to the next vlog

[@leecarter8718]

That is shocking. How can they be sold as a branded product when they aren't. I was just about to buy a so called Thetford tray to go with the Thetford toilet I've bought, I've always thought they look very flimsy which you have confirmed. Looking forward to your next video to see the solution. Thank you for sharing this with us, you have saved me having to go through what you and many others have done from what you've said.👍

[@dfanman1]

I was getting ready to install a plastic shower tray in my van, it's not a Thetford but it's still a thin plastic one. Great video guys! Not quite sure what I'm going to do now.

[@UrbanVanlife]

There are a few guys who make them to measure . The one we fitted is amazing and will last a life time . Give them a ring and see what they say . Granted it’s an added cost but it save having to go trough what we did . Or some people make a dry room wet floor as well you can buy the kit from screwfix

[@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife]

My biggest regret was installing the tray and cassette I wish I had bought a portable toilet and just fitted a standard shower tray Great video can't wait to see what you do next 😀👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

These shower trays have caused a lot of people drama! But we live and learn! Onwards and upwards 🤩😃

[@sarahldempsey4925]

What a freaking hassle to have to re do all that hard work, done in the first place. Thanks for the info on those shower trays - that is so valuable to know. Taking your advice Neil from the other day also and we are now looking into a few places for van builds. We have decided to go for the basics to live as we don't have enough time for a full build. Improvements on the basics will be done while travelling. Looking forward to seeing your solution for the shower tray. All the best to you both.

[@zx10rmac84]

Yes Neil, totally agree mate. Jackson leisure needs to be asked some serious questions, by serious people. ✊🇬🇧

[@UrbanVanlife]

Well that counts us out mate lol

[@leetaylor5348]

Oh Neil & emma .... boy o boy , what a darn shame ... all your good work , destroyed.. but knowing you two it will be all good in no time at all .... could you do like they do in a house , make it a " wet room " , tile it ??? . I will have to wait & see .... good luck ......

[@neillh]

As always another great job 👍 looking forward to seeing the final job

[@UrbanVanlife]

Cheers bud . Just waiting for a few bits then we can got the video out

[@FreeBirdUKVanLife]

Good on you for bringing that to people's awareness. 👍

[@DoingProjects]

I think the weak pint in those trays is how high the stepping part is and you end up putting weight on the edge of that area and it has no movement except to crack. I was worried about the water on the mettle im glad that the vaper barior was able to stop the water.

[@pathfinder303]

I have the same tray. I put ply under it to add more strength to the plastic and to avoid any stress when walked on. It still cracked !!!! I have decided to cover the plastic tray with a non slip floor covering as mine doesn't seem to have leaked as badly yet !!

[@UrbanVanlife]

We did the same with ours . It needs support under . You’ll never know how baddly intill you get it out

[@harrywatson7072]

Hi Neil sorry to hear and see the problem you are having I was going to fit one of these in our van but instead laminated a tray using fiberglass and it worked well

[@suziemc5291]

Following with great interest as we have a similar problem with our kontiki and I want to get rid of the stupid circular shower cubical and redo the bathroom so can't wait till the next vlog. Sorry you're having to do it tho xx

[@UrbanVanlife]

The final one should be out Sunday and Al will be reviled and I’m sure they can make all shapes and sizes as wel

[@Johnboyhaulage]

Hi Neil and Emma I had the same problem not with a Thetford shower tray but built with the same crap material hadn't even used the shower and the base developed cracks and the shower outle broke off 😡😡 will be definitely waiting to see your repairs next vlog 👍😀

[@cmeonthemove]

Trading Standards need to be made aware of this.

[@LeisureBit]

What a pain in the you know what. Seems shower trays cracking are a wider problem than just this type - look forward to your solution - hope you’re both ok and managed to get away in lieu (loo pardon the pun 😀) of having to fix stuff on your day off. All the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@AndrewandBarbara]

Just watched this guys. Feel for you. Just been out checking for cracks in ours as we got it from Jacksons leisure too. Hope you get it sorted soon.A&B.x

[@carolejenkin454]

I see on there website it now says the shower tray is designed to fit the thetford toilet, they must have changed their description

[@matemmess]

Hi, what a pain in the Harris. I'm looking forward to seeing your solution. I went the Tricoya route, not cheap but its been great.

[@johndanner4890]

Neil ive had the same problem, cracked around the waste outlet, i reinforced with resin and spayed expanding foam underneath 🤞🤞 - thanks for the headsup

[@noeljones8687]

When’s the next video pls waiting to see your new idea 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

It’ll be out today

[@EcoTree100]

Oh dear, gutted for you guys to find that. Good job your so handy you'l have it fixed in no time! 🤞

[@brianparker5228]

Great Informative video hind sight is a wonderful sense but unfortunately it always comes too late however when this job is finished you will have peace of mind and will never have to think about it again cannot wait for the follow up

[@brianwallis4544]

On my 3rd thetford shower tray for the toilet 400 series, total shite, a couple of millimetres thick. Don’t just break on the bottom but at the top where it meets the sides. Costing me a lot of money to replace these Theford trays from the same company you highlighted.

[@denisecafferky2248]

Oh what a shame, your lovely van. Looking forward to seeing how ye fix it

[@robinfuller747]

Shower trays should have foam supports around the under side.. The creates udl. And reduces stress fractures caused by movement...both by the van and body weight...it should also have a pitch of 8 to 12 degrees to waste....all under packed with foa. And brace....

[@darrenj3267]

coming from a live aboard background I've always been a bit suprised that people dont treat the ply floors (both sides) when doing the van build. G4 is ideal, for sealing wood and it's moisture cured so any dam in the ply gets sucked out. just paint it on and wait for it to dry and its pretty cheap

[@robertcanning1888]

Hope you sort it guys. A know you two will xx

[@officertravels]

Really informative video guys thanks! It's great seeing this kind of video even if it's extremely annoying that this has happened. We are about to start a van conversion and we aren't sure whether or not to bother with a shower. Love the channel and will definitely be following along! Cheers 🍻

[@AXISUK]

Ouch! I feel your pain! Definitely looking forward to the solution 😊

[@Garncec]

Great video guys!! Thanks so much!

[@UrbanVanlife]

Thanks for watching buddyv

[@clivemillington8452]

Good video , bit bad when they mislead you with a known name item like Thetford to get the sales up .bit demoralising having to lift the shower base up Twice . Also you are lucky that you have an EMMA to help you? 👍👍❤️

[@ourtravelsintess]

Great vlog, but sorry you had all this hassle and disaster in your van . Hope you get itb all sorted soon x

[@robertcanning1888]

A hope thats the end of youre bad luck. Laptop. 360 camera . Now water leak. My gran used to say it comes in 3s. Good luck for the future. Love watching youre vlogs

[@UrbanVanlife]

Think we had 4 now lol hope in this is the last one but probably won’t be mate

[@robertcanning1888]

@@UrbanVanlife hope its youre last. Wears you down that. Enjoy down south mate

[@dougmackie4833]

what a shame to see your van damaged through no fault of your own, but I'm sure the two of you do a great job fixing it

[@Jabba.1]

Looking to repair my tray while its out 2 layers of fibreglass underneath and 2 of fibre tissue on top, was also thinking of carbon fibre & resin but not played with that yet, plenty of coach and boat repairs in my younger days.

[@UrbanVanlife]

If you have the knowledge it’s always a bonus to be able to repair things

[@stephengreen909]

Thank you for all your advice.. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@bbej2016]

Are you going to varnish/treat the wood before fixing it to the floor or are you using marine plywood.

[@UrbanVanlife]

We used marine ply for the new floor

[@johnallen148]

Hi Emma Neil,what a bloody mess for no fault of your own what make was the shower tray bloody hell it’s so thin no wonder it cracked,Emma the look on your face when you but them cloves on lol 😮 I see now it was a thetford shower tray o no not good ,will be looking out to see what you have decided to replace it with definitely not a THETFORD one that’s for sure ,till next time take care and keep safe,John ⭐️🌹🍔🤩🥶❄️❄️🛠️📋👀👀

[@furface9779]

yes

[@jonsinky911]

Feel for you mate, I saw the quality of those things and being a boatbuilder kind of new i should custom make my own which would drain if the van was at a slight slope in any direction.😉

[@waynemantle6274]

Unlucky about the flooring pal, I hav sold slate slab as flooring it’s great 👍👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

That’s the way to go mate . No problems and no worry’s

[@craster_van_kippers]

Yep they’re shite! I’ve stopped a guy from fitting one o few weeks ago. When I posted about these on south central, I was amazed by the number of failed ones. I’ve fitted a resin cast one in another build I’m doing. Curious about your solution cos I’ve got cracks in my black van one and about to sort it out.

[@Motormad196]

Wasn't there a bad smell in the van from the wet flooring?

[@Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer]

No that was just neil farting!

[@adamhempshell5429]

That was painful to watch you rip your pride and joy to bits, can't wait to see what you have done. (In othere words get part 2 uploaded ASAP) 😆 and in your words "get that bastard out" 🤣

[@Sue.242]

Good job our 4th Emergency couple are on the case. Good job Emma can fix it 😅. Looking forward to next one as always. Hope your both well lovelies. I would of blamed Lottie my dog ha ha xx

[@grahamstaddon9990]

What a ball ache, that’s been leaking a while for mould to form

[@denisscott3073]

Hi Emma and Neil 👋 just us 2saying hi where looking forward to see your fix 🤔 den and sue 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚌🚌🚌

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hey guys we can’t wait to get this finished off so we can get to the jobs we intended to be doing . Thank you for watching ❤️❤️

[@wobbleboxadventures]

Shit mate what a bastard of a nightmare. Glad you found solution 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍🏻

[@antmck33]

Was the tray Plastic or fibreglass?

[@UrbanVanlife]

Plastic mate . There a cheep design and really awful

[@antmck33]

@@UrbanVanlife yep. That's why I've gone with fibreglass. If I hadn't already, I'd prob go with aluminium. Wish me luck 😂

[@titusreene3949]

Your right my shower tray did the same.....there crap

[@andypeat8154]

Hiya , I am just about to start a van build , aside from your unlucky leak your floor construction looks good , what does it consist of please - thanks Andy

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hi Andy everything we used is in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/poG7k2miYsmBaMU

[@UrbanVanlife]

Hi Andy everything we used is in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/poG7k2miYsmBaMU

[@richardockenden8669]

Sorry to see you had a spot of bother there, I`ve been looking for a decent shower tray for a while now to redo our sprinter shower room, acompany in Norfolk do custom made trays that I am considering and will go with as soon as I can finalise the size I need. Henderson plastics ltd.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Ohhhhh hold your horses there buddy . There is 100% fix coming soon and comes with life time garantee

[@richardockenden8669]

ooops I mean Crafter....lol....

[@richardockenden8669]

Great we were wondering what you are going to do ....

[@billsuthers3092]

Why does not a company make a copy in GRP, would sell thousands

[@UrbanVanlife]

You would think there would be some one out there with the tools to do this and yer they would make a fortune

[@Spicymuffin]

These trays are seriously pants. So brittle and mine is failing after 3 uses. In the process of looking for an alternative solution. Luckily this was noticed early and being actioned before maybe problems developed.

[@Thegasman51]

I really enjoy your videos and your down to Earth can do attitude. Some of the humour is good to , I especially like the helpful provision of a smaller brush !😂😂 If I can make an observation… it may be a good idea to wear a different/no cap as the peak leaves most of your face in shadow. On second thoughts …..😂

[@momwith4brats1]

LOL Emma the remark bend over Thank you for the laugh!

[@paulhulley5969]

Hi, so why do thetford make the toilet to slot into a shower tray base if they don’t manufacture them, that’s a strange on me, useless then really

[@UrbanVanlife]

Other way round I think mate others make a tray that slots in to the toilet

[@DavidJohnson-fs2dv]

There is a company base in Ludlow called Speedcoat who fix shower trays , I used them and can recommend them to repair my Burstner shower tray I did not have any water leak but was cracked, the repair has 10 years warranty. Check out their website. Hope it’s all fixed and good now, enjoy your videos.

[@GedandMichele]

So have you challenged Jacksons on this misrepresentation? I was just about to buy a fridge from them and gone to Grasshopper Leisure now

[@UrbanVanlife]

Jackson’s have now changed there wi site listing . And we have used grasshopper lots of times and they have allways been great to deal with

[@exploresandtosummit]

You may of helped me dodge a bullet there, Im about to fit out my van with a shower tray, ill wait and see what you do 👍😊

[@keswickadventure]

You’re brave - condemning Thetford so publicly - they have bigger pockets than you 😳😳😳

[@UrbanVanlife]

Who was condemning thetford ?? Did you watch all the video . Cos I’m 110% sure I showed the conversation I had with thetford proving that they do NOT make shower trays

[@silviopacitti465]

Love the merch, especially the 🧢 😅

[@glennfilth7033]

Is it not a fake ? So could trading standards help ?

[@nigelburton7408]

Hope the fix is a stainless steel tray with 3 inch upstand all round and drain pipe already welded on it. Thats my 'do it once' fix 👍

[@UrbanVanlife]

You been in my dms

[@jimomeara9804]

The baker's nightmare a soggy bottom.

[@johnharris6691]

What a shower they are that lot !?

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yes yes yes TOTALY agree

[@asaandthemarchharepart2903]

I'm happy you can have a bit of a laugh Both. Need to cuz that is disgraceful. Been following from the start on your Instagram and Facebook. No you will push this till the end Neil. Well done Sir 👏

[@chriswhotton7056]

Shit so what is a replacement tray ?, mines all braced properly underneath and they aint cheap are they cheers Chris

[@howardtennant5766]

I sincerely hope you resolve your shower leak problem asap and you draw as much attention as possible to plastic shower trays that are a very poor solution to bathrooms in motorhomes, It needs the industry to step up and offer better alternatives such as fiberglass or other composites,

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the channel keep up the good vid thanks lee

[@thelundstram4394]

Carnt wait 👍

[@Alivefrom45]

So glad we did not go with one of those trays

[@surfire1]

You do realise you installed your shower tray incorrectly? You’re meant to bed them onto a sand and cement dry mix. Not silicone. If you have voids and any part of the tray is unsupported, of course it’s going to crack when stood on. I would suggest you’re at fault, not the tray.

[@UrbanVanlife]

😂😂😂 sand and cement in a moving vechile . If this was the case why dose NO Motorhome manufacturer do them this way . And Iv never seen a single van build use sand and cement . So as for fitting it the wrong way us and evey Motorhome dealer ans van builder have been ALL doing it wrong I guess . I’m guessing it’s a special kind of sand and cement that dosnt move when the van dose . Like some kind of futuristic sand. You’ll have to tag us on Instagram to the photos of yours done this way

[@bliss_ventures]

So looks like JacksonLeisure have now removed the falsely advertised shower tray. I hope they’ll cop for some grief over this, but for a fact they’ll never see a penny from me.

[@UrbanVanlife]

Yea a few people messaged us over that . And good on them as well for rectifying that . Least we all know what we are getting now

[@Dom-sc9ih]

This is one for the Black Belt Barrister. All that work you’re doing should be paid for by whoever sold you that dodgy shower tray.

[@David_11111]

Yay... oh !

[@MrSamcab21]

Dan and mazie would of had that done in 20 mins ... shame they are in rainy spain , or you could of asked them for help lol

[@UrbanVanlife]

I think we did ok .

[@robertcanning1888]

Why do van folk not turn these plastic shower trays , upside down circular pipe over the drain hole and pour in epoxy and let it settle. Itll be heavier but more sturdy. Daz has the same probs . water can cost you a fortune. . awe the best guys. Dont ruin that bathroom wall neil. Youll sort it mate

[@peterhynes5316]

The tow over u a welcome back in Scotland

[@alinic721]

I'm going to fibreglass the whole of my floor n make the whole living area 1 big shower tray

[@UrbanVanlife]

Great idea, that way it doesn’t matter what gets wet 🤩

[@jonfenwick6200]

As long as the tray, is supported (fully) underneath, very seldom will there be an issue I am a bathroom fitter of over 12 years, and the amount of trays I go to install for people after having it just laid on the floor by the previous person is astronomical! It must be fully supported/cushioned from the under side to provide a completely solid, unmoving area/ base. Further to this, ply under trays, are a no no. Wood of any kind, is a no no. Its organic, it WILL soak water, (yes, even moisture resistant mdf, ply, or marine ply!), and support mould growth. Tanking is good, and as Ian notic3d, yes, the vapour bar DID stop the water from continuing on its path, as its non-organic (ie not a living/previously living organism made into a construction material ). I "wet room" EVERY bathroom I install , as , every bathroom IS a wet room. Think about it... steam rises, condenses , and runs down, so the whole room, from the ceil8ng , to the floor, should be tanked. Good luck, look forward to seeing what your plan is for fitting

[@UrbanVanlife]

Ours was supported under . But they should no have to be .

[@dudeleboski2692]

I put the same tray in mine, BUT fibreglassed over it. Its Very strong now

[@UrbanVanlife]

That’s a great idea

[@markhowards420]

Did you give Jackson's a bollo©️king?

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

i did click like but I didnt like what happened to the van. This happened to me when I had my coachbuilt. some pipes burst unknowingly and there was an almost invisible crack in the shower tray( never used the shower) and by the time I found out with the floor delamination, I was looking at 9K repairs,. I ended up selling the van at a loss as four years sitting on the drive had not helped after mum died. I think I lost about 15K on the selling price but at least I didnt have to fix it. I was horrifed to see how much damage on your van and all the work you had to do. I think I'd have been saying a few swear words. What utter crap are those shower trays!! even worse, as you said on the group, they arent even bloody made by thetford grrrr. I was doing a "masked singer" as you did the shower tray and was mentally shouting "take it off take it off" i'm glad the water didnt find its way to the metal of the floor. thank goodness the vapour barrier worked! Bad thing is, I have watched hundreds of vids of people using these trays in their conversion. if I get a bigger van I wont be having one in mine. great video and hope you had a word with Jacksons about it not being thetford and also being sh1t quality. Bessy regs-Kenny

[@keithspence1630]

Neil’s got hair 😅😅

[@robertcanning1888]

Dans on his way. Go and relax. He will sort it lol x

[@UrbanVanlife]

This has to be the punch line

[@anthonyellis1409]

O no dus that mine you got to rip everything up now Neil a Emma

[@robertcanning1888]

Read my comment further on. Neil will be honest and tell me if im talking shit. Lol epoxy fill. Covering the drain hole with a 4 inch pipe while it sets x

[@897aa33]

Consider altro linoleum for real deal.

[@UrbanVanlife]

We did think of that but I think the road we have gone down is the ultimate shower fix

[@897aa33]

@Urban Vanlife Most commercial showers at the truck stops using altro instead of shower trays...

[@andrewdundon5298]

Hard to build a van with out that shit 🤑