Repairing A Damp Caravan: Tips, Tools & Costs

[@cometahyakutake9375]

Just finished watching the whole playlist, spending a few days on it. It's April 2024 and really enjoyed it. I know you have moved on from van life, but thank you, your videos have been really lovely to watch. I would have never, ever worked in that cold, dreary weather. Yours was a true labour of love! Good luck!

[@craignelson-swiftyenzed7578]

Ah.. the sitting in the finished renovation, with hair tied back and makeup done reminiscing on all the wonderful moments that the project brought... the kindred, the bonding and sealing (rawrk rawrk) of your relationship together ❤...

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

It was one heck of a journey together and we had a few disagreements along the way, but still glad that we did it.

[@robjones9811]

The wife and I watched all the vids after finding some wall rot on our old 1990 eldis. Unfortunately before we could look at it lockdown kicked in and we let a couple who became homeless use it (there parents were classed as vulnerable) by the time we got back to it 3 weeks ago the bulkhead had gone. The wife wanted me to fix and i could, but nowhere to put it and after watching what you went through she has decided to call it a day for ours. Cracking vids thanks for the insight.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Noooooo! The intention of the series was to inspire people to do their own repairs, not show them what's involved to put them off 🤣 Fair enough, though. It was a pain at points. I'm in no rush to do another!

[@robjones9811]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels It never put me off only the fact i would have to work outside.

[@T.J4644]

Well done , you both look happy in your caravan which is lovely to see All that hard work paid off for you both well done

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks, Tina! We love it.

[@paulharkin6988]

Hi guys I've just binge watched all your vids on curing caravan damp. I've been thinking about buying an old second hand caravan but wanted an idea of what having damp in the van meant in terms of sorting it out. Your video's are a brilliant insight, congrats to you, you've convinced me to really think about if it's really what I want. I've subscribed now so will let you keep building my knowledge. Thank you again so enjoyed watching. Paul.

[@suzywalker3971]

Well done! It is so good to see you back at home. Thank you for the sound advice about testing for leaks.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

You are so welcome! Always happy to help another caravaner!

[@dhcaravancamperrestoresrep1501]

Great video guys plus you have done a great job. Very entertaining. Stacey, you are so wicked and have a great sense of humor. Loved watching your videos.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Crikey, Shaun! Don't encourage Stacey! She's gives me enough grief as it is 🤣 Glad you liked the videos! Take care;

[@sarmisegetusa101]

I recently bought an ELDDIS SHAMAL XL caravan from 1993 and I have to do exactly the same repairs as you, thank you for the videos posted by you

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad to hear that you're finding the videos helpful. When do the repairs start?

[@brayden-tucker-music]

Thanks you amazing humans. I spent my holiday weekend fixing a damp problem in our new purchase which we didn’t know about. I watched your series and it really gave me the confidence I needed to be able to get my job done :) peace

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your lovely comment! I'm super pleased that were able to inspire you to undertake your own repair. Here's to many more years of happy caravanning!

[@brianharriss4366]

Well done guys, really enjoyed watching the rebuild. Here's to a good season and keep the videos rolling 👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks, Brian. We've got a few more ideas in the pipeline. If you've got any suggestions, feel free to throw them our way 😀

[@rosw-gd9555]

watch in full don't skip or you'll miss the epic tool sounds👌 brilliant tips

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! Stacey likes her sound effects

[@George-hs2zm]

Absolutely Brill guys you seem like two really nice people. Stick at it can't wait for more content.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! We try our best! Take care, J

[@ianpaulgamble2002]

The series of videos were fascinating, I felt in despair and anxious during the whole process so I can only summarize what you guys were feeling, A very brave project which you did brilliantly and best wishes in the new look caravan , well done guys for your perseverance which would have probably broke most people, see you soon 👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! Thanks for your kind words, Ian. There were numerous times when we just felt utterly exhausted with it, but we got there in the end.

[@chrisdowns3725]

Great work, really enjoyable video. I'm part way through bodging up damp in my 1989 elddis vouge. Keep up the good work 😃

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thank you for your kind words. Which stage are you at? I could fancy restoring a vintage caravan at some point! Take care!

[@chrisdowns3725]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels so I got it last summer on furlough for next to nothing. I rebuilt the front end last summer and put the soft front side walls off until a later date (most likely the upcoming bank holiday weekend). Wife has recovered the seats and we replaced the tyres. First trip booked to hafan y mor in June and we can not wait.

[@georgialawton226]

Just watched all the videos on the project today, you guys worked so hard on it. It came out with a great finish, and you should be so proud of yourselves! I think that is the epitamy of trusting the process and it certainly paid off. Really enjoying your videos and both of you are such a great team 😃

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks, Georgia. We were pleased with how it turned out. There were definitely moments in which we doubted ourselves 😂

[@craignelson-swiftyenzed7578]

Wow! Another fellow, after the fact leaky caravan fix binge watcher?

[@mehmetgultekin5279]

It is really lovely! I am planning to live in a caravan either as an archeology student this is my biggest dream. All of your videos are really very helpful! Appreciated!!! Have fun guys :)

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Awesome. They're great, though can be a little chilly in winter. Where will you be working?

[@mehmetgultekin5279]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Indeed!! I am studying in Poland, Warsaw that is kind of tricky in winters though. The summer plan is to go Italy, Sicily for excavation and this opportunity to live next to archeological sites sounds adorable! I have just bought the car last week and now started to search for caravan. The last video I have watched was what to check before you buy a caravan and it is really useful! Sadly but I must admit caravan is the best idea to live while the epidemy! Best wishes :)

[@davidj5244]

Dear Stacey and Jamie, You are real hero’s here, I have watched part 1 to 11 ‘damp caravan’ series and found it amazingly informative and real . I am humbled by your commitment to a ‘lifestyle quantum leap’ and the problems you have encountered and met through the project. Exacerbated by the weather, Pandemic . You have had me binge watching the footage. I have a little 1998 two berth which has the same problem , Ruth my wife, committed us , against my judgment, to purchase it. Hands up! I have now changed my attitude. Having realised the potential adventure and practical advantages, partly from your KZbin approach. I was however in despair after I noticed the damp, at the front end, at the onset of rain in November, at that point , well I realised I would have to fix it my self! Where do you get honest , non biased , non profit making , realistic, friendly but human advice? I don’t remember why I searched KZbin, but I’m glad I picked up on your logo . All the issues you both highlighted have come to light but your experience and ongoing assessment you’ve shared are worth more than money. You have given me and others I think the confidence to tackle the project. Your sense of humour , logical assessment but human touch is, an ‘inspiration’ to me . Apologies for the expression, I was trying to think of another way of saying Thankyou . If I lived closer I would come over to shake your hands A happy and successful new year to you both. Dave Jewson (Suffolk)

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello Dave, Thank you for your incredibly kind and generous words. When we decided to undertake the repair, we did so out of a love & sentimentality for a vehicle that drastically enabled us to change the way we lived our lives. As such, we felt that we owed it to the caravan, to repair it and keep it going strong. I also think that repairing these things is an overall good for the environment - it's always more environmentally friendly to repair rather than be in a cycle of scrap and replace. I sincerely hope that your progress through the project goes well for you. I am always more than happy to answer questions where I am able to, if you have something that hasn't been covered. Best wishes, J

[@nova20l]

Just at the start of my Caravan damp repair project. Just got through watching your build. Many thanks in advance as you have already cleared up some mistakes I would have most definitely made. Not to say there is mistakes to be had going forward.😬 Like me sticking the side steady up through the floor. Seen your video on that a day after my blunder!!!!

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Heya! Enormously glad to hear that our videos have been useful to you, and also glad to hear that you are going to repair your damp caravan rather than scrap it. Too many good caravans end up going to the scrapheap for small damp problems and I always think it's such a shame. Don't beat yourself up over the side steady - it's a rite of passage for caravanners. Those who tell you haven't done something similar are liars!!! Enjoy your project. If you have any questions, I am always happy to help where I can. All the best, J

[@nova20l]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Im hoping it will be enjoyable !!!!! Thanks for your kind offer of advise .Your videos have already answered a lot and pointed me in the right direction . I am hopping to put the original furniture back in, so keeping the walls the original thickness is my first headache .I cant seem to find 3mm Plywood sheeting anywhere. Do I plane down the batons to allow for a thicker inner wall board ??? that means more deconstructing and work Or try pair back the furniture to suit after ....that may end in disaster if Im not careful .FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!!

[@colinrimmer789]

Really enjoyed the series Guys, thanks for sharing 👍

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@jimhowie7272]

This video is a great help only complaint the background music is so distraction can always hear you clearly.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello Jim, thanks for the comment. We use background music to cover up the hiss from the audio recording as we don't have a condenser microphone on our setup.

[@johnboy4809]

just found your channel after searching for fixing a whale tap and your recent video popped up. Great content and so happy to see your lifestyle change has been such a positive one. Now subscribed and job well done on the damp fix

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi John, thanks for your kind words. We haven't regretted changing our lifestyle, especially as we feel fitter and healthier than we have done so in years. Glad that you found the tap video helpful. You can look forward to more content from us next year, as we're heading off on a bit of an adventure!

[@martinroberts4391]

I've just finished the vinyl flooring in our first caravan and found damp around the toilet. Sure I'll be checking back in on these vids when I get into the repair.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

It's always disheartening to find damp, but I am glad to hear that you are going to repair it. Good luck with your repair!

[@stephenbradley8978]

thanks guys for the videos they are great i watched them all. im going to be getting a caravan of a friend for free, and this has front damp, smashed windows, seals are ripped and im not sure on anything else until i investigate. im going to be using bevan caravan and camping supplies as im only in rhyl north wales.

[@stephenclark4784]

Well done guys very informative. Just hope I don't have to go through it. At least it your home and all your own work

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hi Stephen! Let's hope so too! But, at least you know what will be waiting in store for you if you do! Thanks!

[@johnmorley4219]

thank you for your quick reply this is very helpfull i will take roofing batten and an electric hand planer

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Good luck with your repair!

[@hannahearly7952]

Hi both! Love the videos. You guys have inspired us so much. Thanks for the tips! What adhesive did you use to stick the 3mm ply to the caravan? We are having trouble sourcing the right adhesive because of the polystyrene 😢. Any advise would be very much appreciated 😊 xx

[@kevinjohn725]

Great video,Again

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gerardhoek7164]

Hi there enjoyed watching your project I have two small areas that need reboarding one at the front end offside corner and one at the back of the van near side in the corner where the water has got in-between the awning rail and the van. My question here is will it be ok to use thin plywood from B and Q as I can't seem to buy just one sheet of caravan wall boarding which is thinner than the one from B and Q you need to buy three sheats at a cost of about £75 the ply from b@Q cost about £20 I do intend the paper over the job when finished. Many thanks Gerard

[@thischannelisdiscontinued8643]

Wow, great video 👍😄😄

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks! 😊

[@thischannelisdiscontinued8643]

What editing software do you use?

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

@@thischannelisdiscontinued8643 Filmora. It's okay and works well for us.

[@thischannelisdiscontinued8643]

Brilliant thanks 😊

[@jamieellmers5511]

Hello to you both great video watched from start to finish lol and well done to you both for what you have accomplished I wouldn't even know where to start with what you have done lol I wouldn't even of attempted it lol hope your OK all the best

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks, Jamie. I'd urge anyone to give it a go. When you get major damp in a caravan, they're next to worthless, so you'd not be losing anything by having a go. Feel free to get in touch if you ever need anything!

[@jamieellmers5511]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels thank you and I might do in the future as me mum is planning on getting a caravan like yours so might end up happening lol but just don't know if I got the guts to do it will just have to wait and see lol and thank you for that I appreciate it you take care all the best and hopefully might bump into you in our travels lol

[@davidsilveira198]

Hey there, what length screws did you use for attaching the floor to the walls of the caravan? Your cideos are brilliant!

[@johnmorley4480]

hello Stacey and Jamie thank you for your excellent videos there was some very good tips and information i think you are very brave to do the tasks you took on. We have an older caravan which is stored in france and in a recent storm, bit of a tree went through the middle front window i thought getting a replacement would be easy thats not the case .ebay ,slalvage yards no luck i am able to get a brand new window which comes in two parts so it sandwiches the wall which would be easy to fit the only problem is they dont do the exact size so i am going to have to make the opening smaller which is not a problem for me as i am a carpenter do you remember how thick the wall timbers were ?? they look to be about an inch with an inch insulation what i am trying to do is get some idea so i can take somewhere near the size i need with me as i dont want to take a table saw and wood in france is quite expensive i know different makes could have different thickness walls best regards john ps some new caravans are real damp buckets and not that well made

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Bonjour John! I do not recall their exact thickness but around an inch is about right. The red roofing battens were 25x50mm, if that helps, though we later used the table saw to bring them down to size a bit. Good luck with your repair!

[@JohnMoore-tu9to]

It was. Me. who. mention the plastic for round your windows you get it 5mm thick that's what I used on my daughters caravan

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

A good point. I wonder whether it's as strong as the wooden ones? 🤔

[@briancrombie6747]

Can I ask what thickness of ply you used on the walls and ceiling. Was originally going to buy caravan wall boards till I see what you had done

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello! Not sure how I missed this comment, so my apologies. We used 3mm ply, which gave us the flexibility to curve it where needed. How's your project coming along?

[@baileyourhappyplace9664]

Have you serviced the brakes and changed pads etc? A video on this would be appreciated 👍 PS great videos and well done on the damp We too are considered living on our can in the next few years

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Not done the brakes yet. What I'll probably do this summer is whip the drums off and give them a good rub down as the caravan's done no mileage in recent years. Check out warden jobs. It's the easiest way to live in a caravan.

[@baileyourhappyplace9664]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Many thanks.. I'll look forward to that....where are Warden Jobs Advertised?

[@nickschofield8427]

great videos, do you have any advice for insurance? im planning my girlfriend and I start our warden job soon, but we are stuggling to be insured with the caravan as a form of permanent residence. any advice?

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Sadly, I can't offer you any insurance advice. You'll likely find it problematic. How much is your caravan worth? You may even just take the risk.

[@martinfield1484]

Great advice great video oh and your mrs is hilarious how do you put up with her😉😉😉

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

She has her upsides 😉

[@singlehanded3216]

Hey guys! New to the channel but really enjoying it! We’ve got a cool products that might just be perfect for caravan trips. Let me know if you’re interested

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello, Just had a browse of your website. Lovely products. I like your brand design and company ethos. However, I don't see how your products link to caravanning? Thanks Jamie

[@singlehanded3216]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels what better way to serve drinks while on the road/on the site :)

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Thanks for your reply I don't think that your products would be a good fit for our channel. We're more about low cost living, and whilst I think your designs are very clever, the £35 price tag makes them unaffordable for our target demographic. I'd suggest that you approach KingingIt, The Trudgians or Bob Earnshaw, who may be a better fit. Best wishes.

[@damianzalewski8824]

Very nice and helpful video. Thanks. I have question or if you can give me an advice (maybe it was mentioned in previous movies, sorry if it was) I have a minor leak on the roof, do you think that SikaFlex will be enough (now caravan is covered so no issue, but can be a problem when we start travelling). BR

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Where on the roof is the water getting in?

[@damianzalewski8824]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels Thanks for answering. I think that problem is in roof-body connection (above the front window). Is saw there a small puddle several times. I also think to follow your advice and to sealed the front window (I saw a few drop on the right down corner) I have Bailey Ranger 540/6, 2011. BR

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

@@damianzalewski8824 You'll likely find the mastic has failed on the window rails. How many alluminium rails across the front of your caravan do you have?

[@damianzalewski8824]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels sorry Jamie for late response, I have checked it and there is one rail connecting the body and roof, aprox. an inch thick. Of course there is a window rail as well.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

@@damianzalewski8824 I'd start there. How bad is the internal damage? What are your plans for it longer term?

[@cfishburn3177]

What wood did you use for the frame. Got to reframe my front windows on my avondale.

[@davidmbell]

How’s the repair been since? Always a worry when taking on something so large that what you’ve done has worked? I know when I removed the awning rail on my Elddis’ bathroom I was worried all the work I’d done on the inside would be wasted if the sealing hadn’t been a success. How’s the new layout working for you?

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello David, we've detected no leaks so far and we've had some really testing weather over the past month up here on Anglesey. The wind, particularly, has been incredibly strong, but we've also had sub-zero temperatures and heavy rain. I don't think we could have simulated a better set of test conditions. We're enjoying the new layout, thanks. We're still in need of a dining table fix, as ours no longer fits. I'm thinking of a drop in one like I see in some camper vans. Haven't had chance to dedicate much thought to it recently though!

[@johnbrady6756]

Hi Stacey,Jamie,I am 71 yrs of age and have owned lots of caravans for 50 yrs plus,I have repaired many of them and consider myself an experienced d. i..y er ,i have to say top marks Jamie ,and Stacey's dad.Stacey you are a star the jobs you have tackled considering you say you don't know about i give you top marks excellent.I wish you both all the luck in future with you'r lives and say happy caravan life.I now have a Dodge tractor unit towing a UK spec 5th wheel trailer with spongy floor here i go yet again 🤢😂 still repairing caravans.If you are interested i am on facebook name John Dodge photos of my outfit there. Bye.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello John, I had a look for you the other day but couldn't find you. I'm in no hurry to repair another caravan, but would consider doing another in future. Hope yours is going well.

[@And-gw8iz]

Enjoyed the process, I agree the background music was annoying, as were the sexualised jokes through the last video. Each to their own I guess no hate 😁 but really well done to both of you were in the process of this with our 2012 Ellis super cyclone!!! Not looking forward to ripping out but defo need to be done, great tips I shall use on mine and if we do half as good a job as you both (and dad) have done we will be winning. Subbed and will enjoy watching you’re videos

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hiya! The process can be daunting, but if you've got time and space to do it, it's worthwhile. Shame to hear that your caravan has succumb to damp whilst still quite young. We've known caravans on site that are still within warranty, having damp problems. I think all brands are much the same, sadly. Enjoy the process and feel free to drop us a line with progress updates! 😊

[@George-hs2zm]

By the way did you use OSB for the floor or just normal ply.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Front floor was keruing boards with foam board insulation topped with 3mm ply. Further back was 5mm board with foam and 3mm ply or similar! Hope this helps!

[@654Geoff]

I'm begin to think that a completely 'dry' caravan or motorhome is rare as hens teeth. Recently had to fix the awning on my motorhome. Fortunately no real damage but so much hassle.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Yes, they're just poorly made in my opinion. The manufacturers are fighting against weights, especially since the law change in '97. I've often wondered why single mould plastic caravan shells aren't a thing. Possibly weight there, also. Who knows!!!

[@datalore3276]

I was watching a video you made a few months ago and I have a question. The video was called"10 Things We Wish We'd Known Before Full Time Caravan Living" In the video, you said all year means march to the end of Nov so personally I would not call that all year and where are you supposed to live in Dec/Jan/Feb? I ask because I was thinking of living in a static home all year rather than renting as it should be cheaper.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

In 'normal' years, we travel during the British winters. For example, in winter 2019 into 2020, we spent 4 weeks in South Africa, 4 weeks doing Christmas with family in the UK, 4 weeks in Vietnam and 2 weeks in Thailand. Last winter, due to the ol' pandemic, we took the opportunity to rebuild the front end of our caravan, whilst living with Stacey's folks who are about half an hour away. We were back in the caravan from the beginning of February and it was cold during a cold snap, but we survived. Static sites will have different rules depending on where you are. Some permit 12 month occupation, others only permit 9. Check your wording of your contract. Ultimately, statics can seem attractive, but there's a lot of hidden fees associated with them. Good luck!

[@hasnainmahmood2892]

when do you plan on the next video especially with weather we have had over the last few days

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

😂 We're terrible KZbinrs! Hopefully before the school summer holidays. This is why we don't do Patreon, as we don't want the commitment of having to do it! What are you interested in learning more about?

[@jonathanlloyd2306]

"For the moist part" haha ha

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Don't encourage her....

[@jonathanlloyd2306]

I'm just jealous! I don't mind a bit of damp, and she's gorgeous 😜

[@ruaridhdavies2752]

I see man bun hehe suits you

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Can't afford haircuts. They're expensive! £10 every two months.... Pah!!

[@kianwaines204]

If it’s dripping I guess no need for meter and make work with what you got be creative and also Bristol based I need help this is helpful and what I call synergy

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Definitely no need for the moisture meter when it started leaking through. Good luck with your project.

[@kianwaines204]

I thought I was the only one🙈😇

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

There's a lot of damp caravans out there!!!

[@richardharris5533]

I've recently bought a tiny silverline nova caravan and have decided to sort it out as the whole back end is damp. Watching your videos is helping me decide how to approach the fix. I'm not necessarily a 'caravaner' and was wondering what type of insulation I should use to replace the old stuff. I'm hoping to spend no more than £700 getting it good and smart. P. S. I was wondering when you both are making another video as I enjoy getting tips and also like your travel videos. 👍🏼🙂 Cheers Rich

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Hello Rich, Thanks for your kind words. I'd recommend buying the thinnest kingspan or similar insulation board and using the table saw to cut your battens to the same depth. You're unlikely to find an exact match for what you have currently, so you're better off adjusting to what you can hold of. Hoping to put out more content. We're just feeling a bit uninspired at the moment! Take care, Jamie

[@LuckiesLife]

YES! I'm the 100th like.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Ha ha! And your prize is.... More videos!

[@RockyD]

Just watched this whole series over this weekend :) really enjoyed it.. thank you for sharing :) What I will say is watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWXTmI16fJp9b6c . I noticed in the first or 2nd video of your build that your front window recess section of the van around the window rail had plenty of cracks in it.. this is one of the main causes of damp. This is caused as when they make caravans they don't drill pilot holes to attach window rails, awning rails, roof rails etc. They just screw straight through which causes the outer skin (normally made of the fibre glass/plastic front and rear ends) Please look to to fix this as it's a major culprit for water ingress. Would hate after all this hard work for you to get more water ingress. (sorry if this has been mentioned before, not read any of the comments).

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Heya, Thanks for your comment. We assessed all cracks in the fibreglass and filled where we thought was necessary. Without sanding down the whole front end, refilling and regelling, you're unlikely to get rid of them. Fortunately, the mastic covers most areas. It's annoying that they don't build these things with greater care in the factories really!

[@RockyD]

@@TheMcNeillsonWheels ah good to hear. Glad you attended to it. Yes, I wish they would take more care in building the vans. They have moved on in many ways but the finer details that make all the difference are missing. I did really enjoy the series and it makes perfect sense to spend £1k on this repair and better than 3k on a van that could have the same issue. Hope it lasts till your ready for a change. Stay safe and happy 😊