Swift Sundance 530 floor problems (1 Viewer)

Oct 7, 2013
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Having just returned to Motorhomes after running caravans for the last nine years we bought a 6 year old Swift Sundance 530LP.

Second time out the electric step fixing bolts pulled straight through the floor, (and no, we are not overweight, Well not all that much anyway !).

Our local repairer, (used by us for servicing etc for the last 16 years), pointed out that damp ingress had caused the floor to rot. Worse still, he stated that he had had about 2 dozen of the same age/model in for repair during the last 18 months. He explained and demonstrated the cause.

Fortunately, the supplier we bought from was excellent in their response with approval for "all that is necessary to be done to put the vehicle back into A1 condition" at their expense

However, if you own, or are thinking of buying a 2007/08 model Swift Sundance 530 it would pay to have the floor checked thoroughly before doing so !

Incidentally, this is our third Swift. Previously had a Royale and a Gazelle. Both trouble free.
 

rolandrat

Free Member
Jan 5, 2013
436
258
Lancashire
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1990
Unfortunately it's a well known problem and like you say it is best to get the whole floor area checked and certified before you sign on the dotted line. I have friends who have suffered with damp floor problems with their Swifts and Autocruises, the step area collapsing is usually the first sign and the toilet area as well. Other makes of motorhomes have a footwell and one step whilst the earlier Swift groups had a level floor and a double step entry, it's the latter that are suspect. They can be successfully repaired but at a price. One friend started with the step area collapsing followed by the offside toilet area and the most recent was the nearside rear from the wheelarch backwards and round the back. I have been to the body builders on every occasion to monitor the progress of work and it's very involved as all the surrounding furniture and fittings have to be removed then put back on completion. The body repair company prefer's the affected area's to air dry naturally once all the rotten timber has been removed then rebuilding commences. The cost is eye watering that's why its very important to insist on a damp check being carried out before purchase and there after regular habitation checks to limit any further problems.
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
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28,463
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Swift Escape Compact
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Since 1988
Swift Floor problems

Having made the post about the floor on my Sundance I have now found the previous threads on this subject.

Seems that we are lucky to have bought from a good dealer who is standing the cost of repair !

Phew !

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Jan 18, 2010
538
138
Airdrie Scotland
Funster No
9,996
Exp
6 years and 20 years as a tugger
Having made the post about the floor on my Sundance I have now found the previous threads on this subject.

Seems that we are lucky to have bought from a good dealer who is standing the cost of repair !

Phew !
Name the dealer we here that much about bad dealers let's praise the good ones

Bill
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
36,736
South Wales
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Since 1988
Swift Floor problems

Further to Rolandrat's post.

Our repairer also found problems behind the drivers position. Both parts of floor have been replaced. The rear area extending across the motorhome floor from door to toilet side.

The job has taken over two weeks to allow for the floor drying out and glue bonding to cure. The finished job is good but it was scary seeing the habitation space reduced to "kit form" in the workshop to enable the work to be completed.

The dealer we bought from has been great in dealing with the fault but must have ended up with very little profit on the deal after deducting the cost of the repairs. Still, they have probably secured our servicing and repeat business as a result of their actions, carried out without any hedging or quibbling.
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
36,736
South Wales
Funster No
28,463
MH
Swift Escape Compact
Exp
Since 1988
Swift Floor problems

In reply to bailey's post.

Let me get the motorhome back, (expected by the end of next week) and, if all is well, I will delighted to give the Dealer some good publicity. Good ones can be hard to find.

Watch this space !

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rolandrat

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Jan 5, 2013
436
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1990
It's good to know your in good hands and the dealer is putting it right for you, these sort of dealers are the salt of the earth and all credit to them.
 

rolandrat

Free Member
Jan 5, 2013
436
258
Lancashire
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24,164
MH
Hi Top
Exp
1990
We were down in France this year and and an Autocruise owner told us about his 3 year old motorhomes damp problems. It had been in a right state till he got it repaired, all he wanted to do was to get shut of it as he knew it was on borrowed time until the damp reared it's head again. He had originally bought it brand new.
 

jhorsf

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May 15, 2009
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Ok I just know I am going to get flamed for this BUT if the dealer is so great why did they sell you a rotten motorhome?
how the hell can you praise a dealer that sells you a rotten motorhome its no wonder they do not inspect what they sell or if they find a rotten floor still do not fix it when people are so forgiving

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Peter JohnsCross MH

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Deceased RIP
Jan 5, 2008
9,617
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East Sussex
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1,134
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Autotrail
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1995
These problems should have been spotted on the habitation service before the van was handed over to the buyer.

Worst still they should have been spotted on inspection by the dealers workshop BEFORE it was passed as being suitable for part exchange.

We would not have taken a van like that in p/x as we inspect all vans.

Peter
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
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South Wales
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MH
Swift Escape Compact
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Since 1988
Swift Floor problems

I fully understand the comments re the fact that this should have been picked up prior to us taking possession, but the following was done for us.

Between us seeing the motorhome and picking it up the dealer PDI resulted in

A new microwave cooker being fitted

The Fiamma awning being exchanged for a brand new one as the one fitted was found to be faulty.

A new Blaupunkt radio/CD player being fitted as a CD was found to be jammed in the existing unit.

A new vehicle battery was fitted as the existing one was showing signs of failing
.

None of these items had been picked up by us !

I agree it would be much better if the damp had been found/not existed in the first place but the quick action of the dealer concerned should gain some recognition, especially when you consider the unwillingness of some dealers to accept responsibility for problems.

I know the specialist repairers who are doing the repair work, having used them as service/repair agents for my previous motorhomes and caravans over the last 16 years and trust them to do a good job.

I may be making the best of the situation but my situation seems to be better than that of some other owners of motorhomes far newer than mine.

Rember -

The man who never makes mistakes never makes anything.
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
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South Wales
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Since 1988
Swift Floor

In response to jhorsf.

No I won't flame you as I do understand your comments. But have you noticed how all dealers are good dealers when you are buying, but not all dealers are so good when it comes to after-sales service?

So the fault should not have existed - Agreed.

The response has still been excellent. No arguments about responsibility. No "its not covered by the warranty". No "That's down to Swift".

Simply, "OK so there is a problem. We will put it right immediately and to your satisfaction". Booked into repairers within 10 minutes of my telephone call.

I also know exactly what is being done to rectify the problem and to stop it from recurring.

Compared to some of the threads I have now read on this site, regarding this problem and dealers/Swift's response, or lack of it, I still feel satisfied with the likely outcome.

Thanks for the interest in my problems.

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Allanm

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Jun 30, 2013
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I bought a car a while ago ( used ) and pointed out a few problems before I bought it. When I picked it up, not all these problems ( the dearer ones) had been sorted and the garage said to bring it back and it would be sorted under the warranty.
I refused to take it till it was all sorted and collected it a week later, with everything done.
I got the impression that the garage knew full well that there were still faults to fix and if I had taken it away, then the warranty company, not the garage would have footed the bill.
Seems like a shady practice, selling a vehicle with known faults with the intention of claiming on my warranty "insurance" at a later date.
Is this what the dealer who sold the motorhome is doing? Have they knowingly sold a vehicle with faults with the intention of claiming on the warranty when they should have paid for repair themselves?
Or have I got it all wrong?

Allan
 
Last edited:

jhorsf

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I wonder what the response would be if you found the problem with the floor in another year when you had a check done on it ?
I suspect that was what the dealer hoped would happen and they would have got away with selling you a rotten van as if they did a PDI as you said they would have know full well about the floor.
I think you are very lucky not to have to resort to weeks of hassle as you found the fault straight away and the dealer coughed up but that does not make them honest
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
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South Wales
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Swift Floor problems

OK. All comments are sensible and considered.

I really don't know how the dealer would have reacted in one year's time but it may not have been as good as now, who knows.

The only further comment I can offer in their defence is from the specilalist repairer. (As mentioned before I have used them for 16 years+). They said that the dealer is a good one who has the interest of the customers at heart and doesn't quibble over repair costs.

And yes, I appreciate that with business coming from the dealer they might say that. The only comfort is my personal relationship with the repairer.

I may be naive, (I've been called a lot worse), but I intend to wait until I receive the motorhome back, give it a good inspection, and then finalise my opinion.

It is heartening to see the interest shown by members. I am new to the site but feel that when the time comes to change my motorhome in the future I will be scouring the threads before committing !

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jhorsf

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Good luck with the repairs its good you have the job being done by someone you have used and trust, keep us all posted on the repairs.
 
Oct 7, 2011
350
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hereford
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since 1980
Really sad to here all these problems with British built motorhomes.
Said it before and say it again , Buy a Hymer.
I've had five old ones and not one had damp issues.
 
OP
OP
maison
Oct 7, 2013
5,867
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South Wales
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Swift Escape Compact
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Since 1988
Swift Sundance Floor problems

To those of you who have been following this Saga :-

The Motorhome is now back with us following repairs. At first (but thorough) examination all seems well now.

A section of floor some four feet wide and full width of the motorhome has been replaced at the rear and a second, smaller piece has also been replaced behind the driver position. All the floor has been sealed and undersealed and all joints appear to be good. The side skirts have been removed, resealed and replaced.

The repairer has suggested that I take it back in approximately 6 months to have the work checked and a damp test carried out. This, together with a two year warranty on the repair suggests that a good job has been done. :thumb:

Although it would have been much better if there had been no problem to resolve I now have a motorhome with a floor that I know is sound. (How is yours? Have you had it checked?)

The work was carried out with no fuss and with no charge to me.

I know opinion is divided as to whether or not the Dealer should be regarded as bad for not noticing the fault at point of sale, or good for the immediate and trouble free rectification. As far as I am concerned, (following discussions with the repairer) I consider them to be good.

Anyway I promised to give the name :-

Bridgend Motorhomes and Caravans
Tondu Road
Bridgend
Mid Glamorgan
Wales.

They are a small Dealership, selling pre-owned Motorhomes and Caravans and genuinely seem to care about their service and reputation. I will continue to use then for servicing etc. and will visit them when next I change units. Perhaps I will check the floor more thoroughly next time !::bigsmile:

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Jul 8, 2008
1,135
1,463
Weymouth, Dorset, UK
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3,231
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c build
Exp
6 yr
hi the problem ii the floors have not been seal on some vans
i have a sundance that i brought 2 yrs ago al was good as i got under and check my self i
have check several times since but ab 1 month ago found rotten floor under neath
now wating for repair

IF YOU you look on wift talk soggy floor you see what i mean

dave
 

jonandshell

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Dec 12, 2010
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I am pleased for you that the dealer kept his part of the deal.
You have had the job done VERY quickly compared to most.

It makes a pleasant change compared to many of the horror stories on here!:Eeek:

Good to see a happy outcome!:thumb:
 

jhorsf

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In my opinion you are very lucky to have found this as the dealer would have known about a four foot wide section of the floor being rotten and hoped you did not notice until it was out of warranty.The difference between a good dealer is they would have repaired it BEFORE they sold it not left it up to the new owner to find any faults.

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jonandshell

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Dec 12, 2010
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In my opinion you are very lucky to have found this as the dealer would have known about a four foot wide section of the floor being rotten and hoped you did not notice until it was out of warranty.The difference between a good dealer is they would have repaired it BEFORE they sold it not left it up to the new owner to find any faults.

Hoping the new owner doesn't find faults before the warranty is up is industry standard isn't it?:roflmto:

They sure as hell don't find 'em on PDI!!!
 
Last edited:
Jan 31, 2009
491
456
Shropshire
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5,511
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Van Conversion
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Pleased to hear your problem has been sorted but I guess that means that's Swift Sundance and Autocruise off my shortlist for my next van then. Doesn't leave a lot.

Any other shorties got known problems to be aware of? :Sad:
 

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