Damp Checking

[RubyOptics]

From my lurking here (and other MH forums tbh!) damp is the biggest no-no when buying a used motorhome. So, with that said, let's imagine a situation whereby finding a trusted used M/H dealer is impossible. If i need to test a used motorhome for damp myself, how do i do it? what do i look out for? what pitfalls can you help me to avoid?

As always, than you so much

Joe

 

[MikeD]

I would buy a "non invasive" damp meter - CEM DT 128 was recommended a few years ago on here.

I don't think they make it now but something like it must be available.

You are looking for a reading of less than 20% - that is when the industry accepts repairs are required.

15% and they would probably recommend you come back in a couple of months or so.

You may get in one spot a very high reading but you are looking for a consistent % across an area.

Check around every window/door/lower edge of the walls/ the interior surface of every exterior joint.

Remember the meter was designed for checking plaster walls/wood moisture content etc not motorhomes.

So an extremely high or low reading in one spot might not be damp but a dense fixing behind the wall. Check again a few inches either side to see if it repeated.

Some motorhomes are built with impervious interior surfaces and I am not sure how this meter would perform on those. Hopefully someone with more experience will be on shortly.

But for me as I have owned a damp motorhome - I would not buy anything with a damp problem or even if it ever had a damp problem.

Regarding dealers - there are some dealers out there with a good reputation and wish to keep it but alas there are a lot out there who don't.

Check out the reviews section for any dealer you wish to visit.

There are dry, water tight motorhomes out there. You just need to find them.

Happy hunting.

 

[RubyOptics]

That is incredibly helpful, thank you. As I live in Poland, I don't think the dealer reviews are going to help me much!! It was more a "If i check one out i see for sale privately, what should I look for" and you have told me just that. Thanks again!

 

[Vipar]

Watch out for salmon swimming up the walls. Definitely one to avoid???

 

[PhilandMena]

Ask to see the Habitaion check report. It will include a damp test completed by a competent person.