Repairing A Damp Caravan: Part 1 - Relocation & Removing The Windows

Follow us on our journey, as we repair the damp and rotten front end of our caravan, a 1997 Elddis Knightsbridge. In this episode, we tow it from its seasonal pitch into an undercover barn, where we will be completing the work. With the Welsh lockdown in force, will we be able to get the supplies that we need to complete the repair before either of us have to return to work? Will the caravan ever be the same again? And exactly how much silicone sealant will Jamie use in this project? Stay tuned for these answers and more!
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

[@tigertigerpantherfox3714]

I spent many years doing damp repairs and rebuilds on caravans in Derby! I can honestly say it's not something i miss doing.

[@jamesdecross1035]

I love how these two are completely 'unfazed' by anything.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Naivety takes us far 😂

[@TravellingK]

I’m impressed with how relaxed you are! While sticking the water meter through the wall or flacking off the bad wood. I do know those windows also come out if you open it up 180 degrees. Keen to watch more!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! Yea, there's nothing much else we could have done, really. I hadn't expected it to have been as bad as it was, once we started digging into it.

[@jonmallinson5921]

Very brave, I wish you all the best with the build and the future 😍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! We'll need all the luck we can get! 😂

[@lynnhirst1]

Wow ,god luck with repairs ,will be following and looking forward to next instalments ,we bought our safe fill gas bottle after your blog about them ,shame only had one trip this year . so here's to next year .

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your kind words, Lynn. Glad that we were helpful with the Safefill. We really like ours, so were happy to spread the word. Shame you only managed the one trip this year. Here's to hoping that next year will be better 😀

[@davidmbell]

Wasn’t sure how long ago this was recorded and how far you’ve got with it, but tip for you. The windows will come off the rail with the rail in place you open them as far as they’ll go upwards and the hinges then allow the windows to come off. So do the same in reverse. Refit the rail first then one window at a time, with the window virtually vertical the hinge will ‘hook’ over the rail and rotate down and in to place.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Morning David, This was filmed yesterday. I will reinstall as you suggested. Thanks for watching! Jamie

[@batandball617]

Oh dear, that looks like a complete front end rebuild. I look forward to the next episode after drying out and replacing rotten parts.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Yup, that's what we suspected beforehand. Fortunately, we have the space and time to do it, so we'll give it a good go!

[@batandball617]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Yes, those big sheds and a tractor look very handy to have access to. Im guessing that you were moving into the B&B/ alternative accommodation while drying/ repairs continue? Blue tarp and no windows might be a tad chilly at the mo??

[@nickbell8634]

This is the same issue I had with our 20yr old Elldis but opposite window. Did ours in a barn too. Had a mouse visit while no windows in, luckily all he took a liking to was the washing up sponge scourers.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! Yea, there's very little that we can do to stop the local wildlife getting in the at the moment with there being so many gaps and entry points. So far, we've been okay, but we keep an eye out for any invasions!

[@colinrimmer789]

Oh dear guys looks a bit wet, good luck with the rebuild 👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your luck - we may well need it!

[@wobbleboxadventures]

Great vlog best time to be doing this in lockdown in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 our vans been sent for painting so no project here to keep me busy lol

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

A respray really lifts an old van's appearance and makes them look great. Have you restored your van?

[@wobbleboxadventures]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels we sold our caravan and bought a crafter we self built that which we didn't vlog as didn't really know much about KZbin then. Now we have bought a VW T4 syncro 4x4 van as our daily drive which will have a self built interior and sprayed same as our our big van so little and large 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

This sounds awesome! I must revisit your Instagram as I'm sure we already follow you over there. Thanks! J

[@wobbleboxadventures]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels fab please do we are struggling for subscribers on KZbin but Instagram is going strong lol 👍

[@mikebass3721]

I had similar issues with a 25 year old Lunar. As I repaired one end more damp was found on the side. I rebuilt with new timber, insulation and boards with plush carpet on the walls. Was ok for about another 8 years until the floor finally beat me

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Wow! Amazing! If we can get another 8 years from this caravan repair, we'd be extremely happy!

[@mikebass3721]

Not only did it feel warmer but just like your finished project.....it was unique & personal

[@pkf4124]

My Swift has leaked in the same place, previous owners bodged it so my next job is the same as yours. Although mine is a bit more like Triggers broom.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! Episode IV, Return of the Bodge! I sometimes do a Bodge. If it gets you through a pinch, then it's worth doing. Good luck with your project 👍

[@craignelson-swiftyenzed7578]

Well... I came back to comment - up to part #3... well... judging by the number of repair videos it turned out ok in the end..(I hope - there must always be hope)... but I am resisting the urge to peek ahead... but gotta say I'm watching with a certain amount of slow train wreck horror... its shocking and terrifying.. but you just can't stop looking...

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

You were lucky that you didn't have to see it happening in real time...

[@craignelson-swiftyenzed7578]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Ah the power of the Saturday afternoon level 4 lockdown binge watch on the youtubes.

[@deanstanden6636]

Good luck with the damp repair. Yes buy an airstream to fix up like I did... Its only taken me 2 years and counting lol

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! One day, perhaps! The budget doesn't stretch that far at the moment 😀

[@deanstanden6636]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels I know that feeling because I'm finding out that neither does mine lol

[@ashleelmb]

This would be one of my biggest nightmares if I was to ever get a caravan or a motorhome..

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

There's two types of caravan... Those that are currently damp and those that are to become damp... 😂

[@ashleelmb]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Exactly. So as you've confirmed, having a damp caravan experience is inevitable. Oh god. 🤦‍♂️

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

@@ashleelmb Ah, but the time in between is worthwhile...

[@ashleelmb]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Did it cost a lot to repair? And did it take long to have the repair done?

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

@@ashleelmb See the last video. It was about a grand and yes, it does take time as they're fiddly little things to repair. Not complicated, but fiddly. Because of this, they aren't often economical to repair if you're paying workshop rates, so they're really DIY jobs.

[@MRWonderingHaggis]

Hi new friend from Scotland

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello! Very kind of you to join us. Where in Scotland are you? I have family near Glencoe.

[@MRWonderingHaggis]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Perthshire Errol Scotland

[@joanspriggs1498]

Hi as it’s your home how will you manage to live in the caravan whilst doing the big repair?

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

We've got family half an hour away and we're staying with them during the rebuild 😀

[@nickklee2216]

Love the videos. Really helpful. But that repetitive “Muzak” on constant loop in the background is awful!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Sorry about that. The music is from North Korea's torture handbook!

[@gerbilwilliams5848]

Hi Both

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello to you too!

[@MrPoppycat7]

Can you afford another caravan or are you sticking with this one for sentimental reasons? we had damp in our van in the same place as yours but we sold it on to a guy who was happy to do what you are doing, i just couldnt deal with it to be honest. look forward to the next installment xxx

[@MrPoppycat7]

P.S the welsh lock down is ridicullous!! i dare say it is coming to England soon too grrrrr x

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Alison, We've spent a bit on repairing the gas appliances, so sending this scrap seems a little silly. Also, we've got the space and the time, so thought we'd have a go. If it keeps the caravan going for another couple of years, then I think it's worthwhile. 😀

[@MrPoppycat7]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Yes that makes sense. good luck with it xxxx

[@sl3rtyb3rdf3rts]

Ah good old Lock Bollocks Lockdowns have aged like Milk in the Sun

[@saxchillz2328]

Did you do the corners they look damp

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

There's 11 parts! The whole floor gets taken up!

[@saxchillz2328]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels great I need to watch them all I'm on a similar project bought myself work. Nothing worse than living in a wet sock. Thanks