Repairing A Damp Caravan: Part 3 - Removing the bulkhead and front seating area

In this episode of Repairing a Damp Caravan, Jamie discovers his love for a new tool, he removes the caravan bulkhead amidst a storm of profanity and finally realises that removing the front seating area will make his job a lot easier, but longer. Will the caravan be ready to move back into for the end of the Welsh lockdown?
Who are we?
We’re Jamie & Stacey McNeill, two, 30-something professionals, who’d had enough of the rat race in summer 2018, when we quit our jobs and sold our house, in order to live full time in a touring caravan in Wales.
Our channel shows our journey living this way, the highs, the lows and everything else in between. We also use our platform to advocate to others, the benefits of living a lower stress, more balanced lifestyle.
We have built our KZbin reputation to date on honesty and integrity - you won’t find us using ‘click bait’ titles or nudity to draw in ‘cheap views’. We’re here for the long-term to show that this way of living can be a lifelong change for you as well as us.
If you’d like to make contact with us, we’d be delighted to chat with you. We read and respond to every video comment, so feel free to raise a question or anything else that’s on your mind.
Best wishes,
Jamie & Stacey

[@CliffDaviszootour]

I would never attempt this and totally take my hat of to you. My biggest issue (apart from the obvious lack of skill, knowledge, a barn and inclination) is that in rebuilding I would want to strengthen everything and end up with a 3 ton caravan. Keep going, its a fascination process to watch.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Repairing a damp caravan is a fantastic, low-cost, and low-risk way to develop skills. If it all goes horrendously wrong at the end, then what you have lost? At best, maybe a couple of hundred quid? Damp caravans are given away 'free to collector', in which case you're already ahead. Even if you stripped it and sold off the windows and other parts, you'd probably break even.

[@peacealways2468]

You are certainly not mad, guys. This is great stuff. Plus, it's keeping people like me who are ill, well entertained! Bring on the next episode, my lovely friends!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Aw, I'm pleased that we're able to provide you with some comfort when you're feeling unwell. Get better soon. J

[@peacealways2468]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels thank you so much for that!

[@batandball617]

Wow, that escalated quickly. It’s turned into a bigger job, but at least when it’s done to that degree you shouldn’t have anymore bother with it again. Keep up the great work!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Yup, fingers crossed!

[@webpigjohn4959]

I just think you are a very brave bloke for doing this .. anyone else would have scrapped it.. really enjoying vlogs and can't wait to see the next episode 👌👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

It's heart-breaking to see perfectly good caravans, albeit with a bit of damp, being sent off for scrap for £200 or less. We sent one away from our site recently that was in good nick, except for some damp. Unfortunately, if you have to pay someone to repair it for you, then it is not worthwhile repairing. However, if you get one cheaply enough, then they definitely are!

[@webpigjohn4959]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I had a 2004 eldis 4 berth fixed bed TV aerial leaked in to the ceiling I repaired and replaced 2 ceiling sections .. the insurance said it was a write off .. one quote came in over £2000 to repair it. I used all original parts of a accident damaged van. We used van for 3 more seasons and sold it to my cousin who is still using it now. Love the vlogs keep um coming 👍

[@gypsygem9395]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I so agree with you

[@moyaking8961]

Brilliant, loving this. I have a 2001 Lunar Lexon es (my first ever caravan) that I bought and had shipped over about a month ago to Cyprus where I live. Caravans in Cyprus are as rare as hens teeth lol It does have a self seeking satellite dish on the roof which I'm thinking about taking off. The problem is how to repair great big holes in the roof. You had me looking in my local supermarket today for Fray Bentos pies, unfortunately they didn't have any 😦

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

No Fray Bentos....Nooooooooo! As for the hole in your roof, try and locate some thin aluminium, cut it to shape so that it covers the hole and glue down with plenty of SikaFlex. Job done.

[@ianpaulgamble2002]

You’re one brave man Jamie , The task is becoming more daunting by the day 😂, I look forward to the next stage, well done pal

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Ian, Yes, it's a big job, but we're getting there. It'll be worth it, once it's finished. I've had my father-in-law helping the past few days, which has given the project a real boost. Thanks for commenting!

[@CliffDaviszootour]

Same drill as me. Good old Lidl.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Right on!

[@batandball617]

Have you gone over to the “Parkside?” Lol

[@wobbleboxadventures]

Great vlogging of this epic repair fair play. Great work can't wait for next episode 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed it! There will definitely be more to come!

[@amandaarcher3357]

I love watching your videos, it is helping me work out how to work on my project van, thank you both, it makes 7r much less daunting! 🤣

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you're finding our videos useful ☺️ Feel free to ask any questions. If we can help, we will.

[@amandaarcher3357]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Thank you so much, that's very kind, you may regret that 🤣

[@TravellingK]

Yes, suddenly a bigger project!!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Karen! Yep, it's bigger than what we thought, but to be honest, once it's done, it will be excellent. We're installing a fixed, double-bed in the front end. We've removed the bulkhead and will be moving in to the front locker to take advantage of the extra space. The double bed frame will be structural to the front end - it needs to be, as the bulkhead provided some rigidity previously. We basically got to the point where we thought, _'We want a fixed bed, but we also want the large kitchen worktop, so the only way that we are going to get what we want is to build it for ourselves.'_ Before coming to this decision, we looked at all sorts of other options, including shipping containers, small static caravans and other touring caravans, but we came back to the idea that we love our little caravan! Sad, I know! Really excited for you about your recent land purchase - that's amazing! I chuckled and thought that you could market it as a 'stay-Kay-tion'! Looking forward to seeing what you do with it. I can definitely see a lovely sort of commune developing. Hope you are both well. Speak soon! Jamie & Stacey

[@retro423]

Excellent, but just to let you know that all that furniture and bulk head you're taking out of the front is structural which will leave the front end flexing, you may need to look into fitting some cross members in to stiffen it up

[@moyaking8961]

Great point!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Yup! Wait for the rebuild. The bed will become the new bulkhead!

[@robpovall]

Why do i get the feeling this is going to be a 24 part story ;-) Good luck guys

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha! There's a strict, 23 part limit! You should do something like this Po - You're ace at carpentry.

[@so-roadkill]

Nice work always like watching you guys we got another vauxhall cavalier to be able to tow our caraven

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Nice one! Love the Cavalier. It always reminds me of my friend's father, who sadly passed away when we were young.

[@stevelutwyche]

Great update Jamie, kept me entertained on a very wet Saturday morning where we’ve ironically cut short our last trip of the year in our ‘van due to some very inclement weather in Devon. Looking forward to the rebuild. Have you approached Fray Bentos for some sponsorship yet!? 😆

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha! I'll approach Fray Bentos and see what they reckon. Market their pies as ideal for caravan cookers or something! Glad to keep you entertained. Thanks Jamie

[@Parknest]

It is Aldi that sell Ferex tools. Lidl sell the Parkside ones. They're great value for money so they get my recommendation. This job is getting bigger but it will be 100% once it is done. The only major problem I had with my touring caravan was the floor delaminating. I was able to fix it without too much trouble and I discovered that it had been repaired previously. Judging by the newspaper that had been put down during the previous repair, it actually lasted longer than the original floor!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Yes, our flooring has also delaminated along the gangway. Will repair it before fitting the new carpet. Going to get the other, more pressing things done first lol!!!

[@rosw-gd9555]

good morning from the west mids, sun's out, hoping to sort out damp in our new-to-us 30something van. we're braving after watching your amazing vids for the nth time haha. thanks much again for sharing you rock 💚McNeills💚

[@rosw-gd9555]

btw how did you take the insulation? did you just scrape? looks neat

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your lovely comments. Glad that we've inspired you to undertake your own repair. With regards to the insulation, we just used an oscillating tool with a scraper blade attached to remove it. We then replaced it with the thinnest insulation board from the builder's merchants. Feel free to get back in touch if you need anything else 👍😁

[@rosw-gd9555]

we got one, bought as per your recommendation don't think we've got a scraper though will look again. ha! you'll regret that offer😂 thanks for the swift reply, bless you! have a fab day

[@tonycarper8624]

Hi been watching your videos I've also got a damp repair to do and watching your videos will be a big help what brand is your rotary saw trying to find the same one

[@jamesdecross1035]

For your touring, I see a camper-van conversion coming on, next.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

One day, yes, I would love to convert a panel van. Now is not the right time for us, sadly.

[@hondacivicej9544]

Thanks for the videos because i am doing the same project but alot of damp i have got, i dont want to spend alot on boards so im not sure yet what im going to do for the walls

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Good luck! All timber seems to be pricey at the moment. Ply is the obvious choice, but not necessarily the easiest choice.

[@colinrimmer789]

Growing, I can see two armchairs coming in 😂

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

I'm eyeing up a couple of Chesterfields on eBay lol

[@craignelson-swiftyenzed7578]

Alternate title: Mission commission creep... 😜

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Once you start, there's no going back...

[@joanspriggs1498]

Good luck with that but remember they climb and also the rats can get through tin We know as years ago they got in and got to what was in the tins

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Rats the size of cats! Yup, we'll try our best. Thanks for your comment!

[@hulkster677]

Jamie if you are going to get a oserlating saw get yourself a rechargeable one which are best I got mine from screwfix its a titan and you get 2 battery's with it

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Cheers for this. I know that a lot of people really rate rechargeable tools, but I much prefer corded tools as I am hopeless at remembering to charge them! Perhaps I will treat myself to one in January!

[@joanspriggs1498]

Being as your caravan is open to the elements make sure you don’t get an infestation of rats/mice settling in

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

We will try our best, however, there is a 4x6ft hole in the floor tonight, so is a little tricky! Will just keep food out of reach of the pesky, little blighters!

[@ct026]

Just bought our first caravan, 1999 Elddis Cyclone EX2000 5 berth. I checked, (what I thought) everywhere for damp and water ingress. No signs. Two days later I’ve noticed that the front left window frame is rotten. We’re gutted as it’s a lovely van. I don’t have the convenience of cover to carry out the work. 🤦🏼‍♂️ Question: are new window seals readily available or will you reuse the old ones?

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

New window seals are readily available, but we reused the old ones as replacements were priced at around £14/metre, which would have added considerable cost to the build. You could ask around for some undercover storage. Farmers are a good bet. Good luck!

[@deltawoods6963]

I have same caravan as you would I be able to take seats out of each side I put I futon in there I'm just concerned about the wires I'd keep battery box in place ?

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Up to you. For the ground level wires, you could board over them, which will keep them protected. The battery box is more tricky to work around, but I'm sure that it could be done.

[@deltawoods6963]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels cheers mate yeah that's what I was thinking mate 😊 many thanks for your help happy caravaning 😊😊😊