Hi everyone I'm new and looking to tap into the wealth of knowledge most likely sitting out there from like minded people such as yourselves. I recently bought an A'Van Cruiser in preparation of taking on a quasi Grey Nomad lifestyle as I start to wind down my working life. Never owned a Van before and always camped in a tent or a homemade camping trailer I built myself. But the wife she doesnt like to rough it as much as I do so I started with little steps and upgraded.
If anyone is familiar with the A'Van Camper trailer concept is is a pop up style van that has roof panels and sides that fold up to make an A frame style van when opened. Great idea but I have a problem with one of my corners. I understand it must be a high stress point based on how the van functions but this corner is starting to seperate and a gap has opened which could potentially allow water to damage the internals. As it is a high stress point I would assume there would be something in place to avoid this happening but whatever it is it has failed. Other than taking the van apart to repair it I was wondering if anyone else with A'Van camper trailer experience might know of a quick and not too unsightly and reliable fix. Yeah I guess I could screw an ugly L bracket to keep it in place but that would be just a bandaid approach and id prefer to fix it properly and keep it looking pretty. It looks as though the previous owner noticed it and covered it up with some silicone and I didn't notice it when I bought the van. Any advice would be appreciated.
This is a major repair and requires a pro, so a caravan repair centre in your area, and it wont be cheap. Their is some comeback, to the previous owner, so long as you didn't sign something that stated that you are buying it in an "As Is" condition. I hope you didn't pay too much for it in this condition. Unless you know how to do the repair yourself, I would pass it on to caravan repairers instead. The previous owners tried to hide the problem from you, so this implies that they knew of the problem
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Thursday 10th of February 2022 01:12:21 PM
montie said
02:31 PM Feb 10, 2022
Dom wrote:
Hi everyone I'm new and looking to tap into the wealth of knowledge most likely sitting out there from like minded people such as yourselves. I recently bought an A'Van Cruiser in preparation of taking on a quasi Grey Nomad lifestyle as I start to wind down my working life. Never owned a Van before and always camped in a tent or a homemade camping trailer I built myself. But the wife she doesnt like to rough it as much as I do so I started with little steps and upgraded.
If anyone is familiar with the A'Van Camper trailer concept is is a pop up style van that has roof panels and sides that fold up to make an A frame style van when opened. Great idea but I have a problem with one of my corners. I understand it must be a high stress point based on how the van functions but this corner is starting to seperate and a gap has opened which could potentially allow water to damage the internals. As it is a high stress point I would assume there would be something in place to avoid this happening but whatever it is it has failed. Other than taking the van apart to repair it I was wondering if anyone else with A'Van camper trailer experience might know of a quick and not too unsightly and reliable fix. Yeah I guess I could screw an ugly L bracket to keep it in place but that would be just a bandaid approach and id prefer to fix it properly and keep it looking pretty. It looks as though the previous owner noticed it and covered it up with some silicone and I didn't notice it when I bought the van. Any advice would be appreciated.
Dom,
You need to take it to a professional repairer to get it done properly.
You might take it up with the seller for some assistance but a private seller has no legal responsibility to give any warranty.
EJP said
04:23 PM Feb 10, 2022
To determine the extent of the problem the inner panels will have to be removed and that can be a problem in itself. Because the joint has separated, moisture woud have gotten in and there could be a fair amount of rotten woodwork behind the panels. Unless you are handy at repairs I agree with the others and take the van to a repairer.
86GTS said
07:37 PM Feb 10, 2022
EJP wrote:
To determine the extent of the problem the inner panels will have to be removed and that can be a problem in itself. Because the joint has separated, moisture woud have gotten in and there could be a fair amount of rotten woodwork behind the panels. Unless you are handy at repairs I agree with the others and take the van to a repairer.
Avan's are all sandwich panel construction, no woodwork involved.
From the photos it looks as though its already had a bodgie repair job done previously.
Is that old filler/sealant that I see?
As others have said, get it fixed by someone that knows what they're doing.
Bicyclecamper said
09:45 AM Feb 11, 2022
I don't really want to say this but it could be a write off, as the cost to repair, could quite well exceed what you paid for it. This will be a legal matter I feel. I would get a written quote, with photos taken by the c.van repairer pricing as he goes for each pic, and be prepared for a fight over it.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Friday 11th of February 2022 09:51:51 AM
Possum3 said
10:46 AM Feb 11, 2022
Dom, I know you don't like the solution, as it isn't pretty - To cheaply rectify you need to buy/manufacture steel angles and put on corner pieces. apply Sikaflex and bolt through panel to matching angle pieces on inside.
It could be made more attractive if painted a contrasting colour (Red/black) to make it appear to be original frame.
elliemike said
11:24 AM Feb 11, 2022
have an Avan Cruiseliner and have done this repair myself. Front and Rear.
The corner has most likely been leaking and rotted the back panel and side corner section.
The Rear Roof Roof springs need to be removed and then the rear out side panel released and eased back.
This is to allow visual access to the inside. Then you can asses what needs to be done.
If you have not got the skills to do this your self you need to see a Caravan Repairer.
But I know a couple of people who have done this repair to their own vans. It is possible but can be a BIG job.
-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 11th of February 2022 11:27:00 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 11th of February 2022 11:28:15 AM
Damn...reading all those replies was a little depressing....Yes It appears the old owner did do a bodgy job before he sold it to me and it didnt look that bad before it simply opened up the first time I used it. Although I am rather handy at fixing things I think I will take your advice and take it to an A'Van center near here and see what they advise to repair ...if it's over the top then I might just have to have a go myself and see what I can do. I will post results when I get around to doing it so it may help others. Thanks again everyone for your feedback.
KJB said
08:59 AM Feb 16, 2022
Dom wrote:
Damn...reading all those replies was a little depressing....Yes It appears the old owner did do a bodgy job before he sold it to me and it didnt look that bad before it simply opened up the first time I used it. Although I am rather handy at fixing things I think I will take your advice and take it to an A'Van center near here and see what they advise to repair ...if it's over the top then I might just have to have a go myself and see what I can do. I will post results when I get around to doing it so it may help others. Thanks again everyone for your feedback.
It is only timber and aluminium, don't forget ....not rocket science . I am sure , seeing as you are "handy at fixing things.." , that if you attack it quietly and carefully (do not go like a "bull at a gate ") that you would be able to rectify the situation - and probably also finish up with a better/stronger job than original . There are some good glues and screws readily available nowadays ...... Hope you get it rectified soon .... KB
Mike Harding said
09:41 AM Feb 16, 2022
Just a thought: (I know nothing of A'vans) - instead of much dismantling to get a view of the problems is it feasible for Dom to drill a small hole somewhere and insert one of those cameras on a bendy stalk?
Dom said
11:53 PM Feb 16, 2022
As EJP wrote earlier the van is all sandwich panel construction polystyrene covered in aluminum sheet....that's why I am shocked and disappointed more than anything that such a high stress point was so badly designed to allow this sort of thing to happen. One would have assumed they would have had some secret design that would have reinforced this corner to make sure this does not happen....EVER! But it seems like its a common thing....At over $45k for a new one of those, I certainly hope they fixed the problem now. I joined an A'van users group but it seems they dont allow people to ask for advice on fixing problems....I wonder why.
At least you guys are honest and I really do appreciate the feedback......even if what you did was scare Sh!t out of me...LOL
-- Edited by Dom on Thursday 17th of February 2022 12:03:02 AM
elliemike said
12:48 AM Feb 17, 2022
Dom wrote:
As EJP wrote earlier the van is all sandwich panel construction polystyrene covered in aluminum sheet....that's why I am shocked and disappointed more than anything that such a high stress point was so badly designed to allow this sort of thing to happen. One would have assumed they would have had some secret design that would have reinforced this corner to make sure this does not happen....EVER! But it seems like its a common thing....At over $45k for a new one of those, I certainly hope they fixed the problem now. I joined an A'van users group but it seems they dont allow people to ask for advice on fixing problems....I wonder why.
At least you guys are honest and I really do appreciate the feedback......even if what you did was scare Sh!t out of me...LOL
-- Edited by Dom on Thursday 17th of February 2022 12:03:02 AM
Dom
Althought the Panels walls, roof sections, doors are Poly Aluminium,Masonite Sandwich. Those corners and all other places that have Fasteners/Screws for connections, like door hinges etc. There is either wood reinforcing, in place of polystyrene, or as on the corners like in your pictures it is 24mm ply for about 300mm along the wall and to the floor.
That ply has got wet from a leak on the corner of the roof.
It has weakened/rotted the SPRING LEG pocket that is bored into the wood (again Plywood and Timber) of the back Bulkhead.
The spring Leg has forced the back panel backwards resulting in pulling the fasteners out of the 24 mm ply in the wall back corner.
You could remove the white plactic strip from the metal corner molding. The screws will be underneath that plastic strip. Remove those screws and using a combination of Jacking, pulling , pushing, spanish windlass, mates, whatever get the back panel back in position. Then try replacing the screws with long ones like 100mm long (or longer)
Have the roof raised to releave the spring leg pressing on the back panel.
That may close the gap and you can weather seal it.
In the meantime Re joining Avan Groups .
Try the Avan Club of Australia and your local state Avan Group (same https://avanclubaust.org.au/wordpress/?fbclid=IwAR3UXguN8dz0GdQ2QGmQIB1bxzOOK8P6TsFzMHmAF_EE8WakvaOA0EHTI_4
They have a good web site members lots of knowledge, and helpful web pages on maintenance , Mods, Repairs etc.
Hope that helps a little. But without actually seeing what is the extent of the problem I am only going off what I can see in your pics.
The method I out lined above I have successfully done on friends van and seen others do similar.
But it might not be enough in the long term.
No. 1 in pic. You can see the edge of the inside rear bulhead bowed out because of the Spring Leg Pressure.
No. 2 Remove that end cap and pull the plastic strip out of the Molding to reval the fasteners/
No. 3 Plastic Strip.
Clean off all that old adhesive sealer befor getting the corner together. Use Sikaflex 291 Marine/Automotrive Adhesive Sealer.
-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 17th of February 2022 12:51:27 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 17th of February 2022 01:06:54 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 17th of February 2022 01:10:24 AM
It might be worth your while to have a discussion with the seller as he clearly knew about this issue when he sold you the camper.
Whilst no State Tribunal has authority to rule on private sales a little bit of bluff might get a result with some assistance.
Unfortunately private sales are not covered under the ACA and the cost of taking the matter to a Magistrates court would far outweigh any benefit you would gain.
However, the seller may not know this so perhaps worth a try.
Dom said
08:03 PM Feb 17, 2022
Elliemike...that all sounded like it made a lot of sense....you have given me the confidence to maybe give it a go.....especially if the Avan center wants to take my first born child to pay for the repairs. (I love her dearly but she can be annoying). I have joined the A'Van Club of Australia but havent seen anywhere on their site where I can ask for advice on a problem....and there is a warning about complaining. I'll have another look but to be honest you guys have given me some pretty sound advice anyway....although chasing down the seller for some sort of recourse probably won't work...I think I am just stuck with the problem but there is nothing that cant be fixed somehow.
montie said
08:32 PM Feb 17, 2022
Dom wrote:
Elliemike...that all sounded like it made a lot of sense....you have given me the confidence to maybe give it a go.....especially if the Avan center wants to take my first born child to pay for the repairs. (I love her dearly but she can be annoying). I have joined the A'Van Club of Australia but havent seen anywhere on their site where I can ask for advice on a problem....and there is a warning about complaining. I'll have another look but to be honest you guys have given me some pretty sound advice anyway....although chasing down the seller for some sort of recourse probably won't work...I think I am just stuck with the problem but there is nothing that cant be fixed somehow.
AVan are pretty paranoid about negative reviews.....check it out.
elliemike said
11:55 PM Feb 17, 2022
Dom wrote:
Elliemike...that all sounded like it made a lot of sense....you have given me the confidence to maybe give it a go.....especially if the Avan center wants to take my first born child to pay for the repairs. (I love her dearly but she can be annoying). I have joined the A'Van Club of Australia but havent seen anywhere on their site where I can ask for advice on a problem....and there is a warning about complaining. I'll have another look but to be honest you guys have given me some pretty sound advice anyway....although chasing down the seller for some sort of recourse probably won't work...I think I am just stuck with the problem but there is nothing that cant be fixed somehow.
Dom not sure what you are looking at on the Avan Club of Australia web page, but this is just a snip of "click on" how to do stuff written by members. All available on the Club Web Site.
It sounds like someone needs to create an A'van group which is much more open to complaints, repair discussion and generally less censored and controlled. Try groups.io, they run a free forum/mailing list with 1GB of storage:
I think I have worked out the problem with the A'Van website.....they have not processed my membership and given me full access to the website....All I can see is the basic front page. I have sent an email to the Web Manager to set up my account so I can log in....I guess they got the same problem as everything at the moment....Suffering from C.I.P.....Covid Induced Paralysis!
Stevejaz said
01:21 PM Nov 17, 2025
Great find, this forum post. I'd love to know how it ended up. I have a similar situation with an older Aliner A Van. It has done about 80,000km over 5 years then sat in the yard erected for 2 more. Been developing the dreaded "corner bulge" for years and now @ 72 with arthritic knees it's getting more of a strain to put up. I like the idea of it springing up a couple of inches when latches are released and would maybe add some gas struts. Seen one article with RHS and steel tube sleeves for spring bolted to frame and had even thought about welding similar to Bumper bar at back. Toyed with the idea of a winch to raise roof but prefer to attack issue at source. A 250 Watt solar panel fitted to roof probably does not help matters but I don't want to loose it. Have recently converted to Lithium, with appropriate heavy and fused wiring and would like to replace 3 way fridge with compressor one. Feel it's time to do something about the spring fitting before anything else though.
Stevejaz said
10:05 PM Jan 17, 2026
Thought I would update after my last post. Have opened up front and back external metal skin of Avan and have got as far as dry fitting new wood. Waiting for epoxy to arrive atm. Tackled the worst corner first. Will replace front corner same side. Other front corner probably salvageable by flooding wood with thinned epoxy then filler. Rear left looks pretty good so I'll use the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" theory.
A few points for anyone considering such a job, who like me has never tried it before. I found a couple of adjustable cargo barriers at Sydney tools. Cheap enough @$40 each. Also a good trick I found in a Youtube video. Rather than lean roof against a building as most recommend, a clamp on the centre of the roof section, a couple of wood offcuts protecting the roof, enables a rope to attach control roof from going back too far. Found I can totally control roof and sides using cargo barrier to hold walls open while raising roof to remove springs. Come to repair with roof up in case I needed access from inside, which I did for some frame repair. Chisel and hammer turned out to be best way to remove old wood.
It took a real long time to measure and cut first piece, main issue being propping side and wall in correct position. Second piece was a piece of cake.
Filled cavity with 2 layers of 12mm ply, first being cut in half horisontally. Required to fit the slot for hinge end.Second layer I cut in thirds, not only because there is then less room to manuouver, but it will also put the horizontal clue lines again solid wood, rather than against each other. Also enables top and bottom to be fitted then middle slotted in. ATM fit is a little TOO tight so I will sand those joins a little before glue. I need to be able to fit before epoxy sets and don't want it all removed in the process either.
Main point is if I can do it anyone can. Just took a lot of thinking and slow deliberate steps, one at a time. Bottom line is it should be good enough into my eighties.That will do me.
Good One Steve, so you pull the A Van behind the Motorhome for the Grandkids?
Ineedabiggerboat said
02:27 PM Jan 18, 2026
Steve thats a helluva job youre tackling.
Good for you.
Im no expert but two things.
Make sure any water that gets in later has a path out.
Throw those screws and get stainless.
Stevejaz said
08:11 PM Jan 18, 2026
LOL Peter. It's my Man Cave. And Yes using stainless screws. Not the staples the thing was put together with in the first place. Not sure how to post photos here. They just come up as an attachment link for download but I guess if you are interested enough you will download. I will post updates.
I have posted elsewhere about Lithium upgrade. Total 'Kings' budget limitations here. Main reason for tackling job myself is a professional one would not only be out of my price range, but more than the A Van is worth.
Certainly not fixing it to sell but to extend my ability to chase Queenfish in North Queensland well into my 80's as a land based fisherman.
All going well I will probably finish the job with 4 new roof springs. a 2cnd 120ah lithium with inverter and go all electric. Replace gas bottles with rack for my 20"x4" electric fat bike. Have an upgraded trailer inside also with 20"x4" wheels, making for quite the beach fishing tractor. Also useful for gathering fire wood and fetching water.
As to charging batteries, I have a 100/50amp Victron controller and totally recommend the 360Watt Kings blankets. I have actually seen it put out 370 watts while not perfectly aligned to sun. I will get a second and probably run them in series producing about 40 Volts to cut cable loss. Probably make a fold up frame for the pair as well.
One point for anyone here watching USA YouTube videos on similar repairs. The structure is different in the USA ones.( although that could also just be age related). I will post some more detailed photos if requested.
The USA ones talk about a hole drilled in frame to house spring. Mine, which appears the same as OP's photo, has two pieces of wood either side of the spring and a metal plate across, which then has a right angle bend and is screwed into the side wall. Same deal at bottom of wall. It is water getting into the side wall wood which causes rot, then the screws pull out creating the dreaded corner bulge. This also reduces the thrust of the springs to assist in roof raise. I think the worst option though would be to replace the springs with new ones without first repairing or replacing rotten wood. The new stronger springs will just blow it out real quick I reacon.
Anyway Epoxy is at local Post Depot so maybe delivery tomorrow. Biggest thing here is it IS quite do-able, given a few basic tools and plenty of time and patience. Don't rush and tackle one job at a time has been my guide. As I said if I can do it anyone can do it.
Cheers Steve
PeterInSa said
09:35 PM Jan 19, 2026
Hi Steve, I do not know A vans and never will, Am OK with Epoxy, in some situations, in others, use it and you can never disassemble, it just something to keep in mind.
Stevejaz said
05:46 PM Jan 21, 2026
Good point Peter. I'm kind of hoping I never have to. Main area of use is in gluing the 5 pieces of wood together that make up the composition of the ends of the side walls, which are originally vacuum moulded with main fill being foam. Obviously they are not a 5 piece composite to start with, this being necessitated to retro fit. About 200mm (max depth) wood at either end. The front and back walls which are ultra light weight are secured with multiple large screws into wood, via an L shaped piece of metal. Main structural tie seems to be the full length hinge that holds the roof section to the front/back lower wall. That and the metal outer skin which is screwed via external trim into ends of wood sections. I have been questioning the wisdom of epoxy between wood and metal skin, for that very reason. Tend to lean towards strength and never having to repair again though.
I have done extensive repairs on a 25ft Roberts yacht using epoxy and this is simple in comparison. You do not have the luxury of straight lines and flat surfaces on a yacht.
I am not concerned about the inner wall but a good compromise might be to limit epoxy to outside edge where it joins external skin though. Maybe up to 100mm Max. I DO want the external skin secure though. The external trim merely overlaps the side wall. it is secured by screws into back (same in front) edge of the new wood. I will be soaking that in thinned epoxy for maximum penetration then skinning with a thickened layer of epoxy. Then use Sikaflex Pro both under and above metal skin. Probably a Run of Sikaflex as a bead on side wall as well. I have every intention of keeping water out if I can. A good flooding of Epoxy in spring cushion cut outs too. I do not want to do this again. For love or money. I would be more than happy to share my experience with anyone else doing the same job down the track though.
Hi everyone I'm new and looking to tap into the wealth of knowledge most likely sitting out there from like minded people such as yourselves. I recently bought an A'Van Cruiser in preparation of taking on a quasi Grey Nomad lifestyle as I start to wind down my working life. Never owned a Van before and always camped in a tent or a homemade camping trailer I built myself. But the wife she doesnt like to rough it as much as I do so I started with little steps and upgraded.
If anyone is familiar with the A'Van Camper trailer concept is is a pop up style van that has roof panels and sides that fold up to make an A frame style van when opened. Great idea but I have a problem with one of my corners. I understand it must be a high stress point based on how the van functions but this corner is starting to seperate and a gap has opened which could potentially allow water to damage the internals. As it is a high stress point I would assume there would be something in place to avoid this happening but whatever it is it has failed. Other than taking the van apart to repair it I was wondering if anyone else with A'Van camper trailer experience might know of a quick and not too unsightly and reliable fix. Yeah I guess I could screw an ugly L bracket to keep it in place but that would be just a bandaid approach and id prefer to fix it properly and keep it looking pretty. It looks as though the previous owner noticed it and covered it up with some silicone and I didn't notice it when I bought the van. Any advice would be appreciated.
This is a major repair and requires a pro, so a caravan repair centre in your area, and it wont be cheap. Their is some comeback, to the previous owner, so long as you didn't sign something that stated that you are buying it in an "As Is" condition. I hope you didn't pay too much for it in this condition. Unless you know how to do the repair yourself, I would pass it on to caravan repairers instead. The previous owners tried to hide the problem from you, so this implies that they knew of the problem
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Thursday 10th of February 2022 01:12:21 PM
Dom,
You need to take it to a professional repairer to get it done properly.
You might take it up with the seller for some assistance but a private seller has no legal responsibility to give any warranty.
Avan's are all sandwich panel construction, no woodwork involved.
From the photos it looks as though its already had a bodgie repair job done previously.
Is that old filler/sealant that I see?
As others have said, get it fixed by someone that knows what they're doing.
I don't really want to say this but it could be a write off, as the cost to repair, could quite well exceed what you paid for it. This will be a legal matter I feel. I would get a written quote, with photos taken by the c.van repairer pricing as he goes for each pic, and be prepared for a fight over it.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Friday 11th of February 2022 09:51:51 AM
It could be made more attractive if painted a contrasting colour (Red/black) to make it appear to be original frame.
have an Avan Cruiseliner and have done this repair myself. Front and Rear.
The corner has most likely been leaking and rotted the back panel and side corner section.
The Rear Roof Roof springs need to be removed and then the rear out side panel released and eased back.
This is to allow visual access to the inside. Then you can asses what needs to be done.
If you have not got the skills to do this your self you need to see a Caravan Repairer.
But I know a couple of people who have done this repair to their own vans. It is possible but can be a BIG job.
-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 11th of February 2022 11:27:00 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 11th of February 2022 11:28:15 AM
It is only timber and aluminium, don't forget ....not rocket science . I am sure , seeing as you are "handy at fixing things.." , that if you attack it quietly and carefully (do not go like a "bull at a gate ") that you would be able to rectify the situation - and probably also finish up with a better/stronger job than original . There are some good glues and screws readily available nowadays ...... Hope you get it rectified soon .... KB
Just a thought: (I know nothing of A'vans) - instead of much dismantling to get a view of the problems is it feasible for Dom to drill a small hole somewhere and insert one of those cameras on a bendy stalk?
As EJP wrote earlier the van is all sandwich panel construction polystyrene covered in aluminum sheet....that's why I am shocked and disappointed more than anything that such a high stress point was so badly designed to allow this sort of thing to happen. One would have assumed they would have had some secret design that would have reinforced this corner to make sure this does not happen....EVER! But it seems like its a common thing....At over $45k for a new one of those, I certainly hope they fixed the problem now. I joined an A'van users group but it seems they dont allow people to ask for advice on fixing problems....I wonder why.
At least you guys are honest and I really do appreciate the feedback......even if what you did was scare Sh!t out of me...LOL
-- Edited by Dom on Thursday 17th of February 2022 12:03:02 AM
Dom
Althought the Panels walls, roof sections, doors are Poly Aluminium,Masonite Sandwich. Those corners and all other places that have Fasteners/Screws for connections, like door hinges etc. There is either wood reinforcing, in place of polystyrene, or as on the corners like in your pictures it is 24mm ply for about 300mm along the wall and to the floor.
That ply has got wet from a leak on the corner of the roof.
It has weakened/rotted the SPRING LEG pocket that is bored into the wood (again Plywood and Timber) of the back Bulkhead.
The spring Leg has forced the back panel backwards resulting in pulling the fasteners out of the 24 mm ply in the wall back corner.
You could remove the white plactic strip from the metal corner molding. The screws will be underneath that plastic strip. Remove those screws and using a combination of Jacking, pulling , pushing, spanish windlass, mates, whatever get the back panel back in position. Then try replacing the screws with long ones like 100mm long (or longer)
Have the roof raised to releave the spring leg pressing on the back panel.
That may close the gap and you can weather seal it.
In the meantime Re joining Avan Groups .
Try the Avan Club of Australia and your local state Avan Group (same https://avanclubaust.org.au/wordpress/?fbclid=IwAR3UXguN8dz0GdQ2QGmQIB1bxzOOK8P6TsFzMHmAF_EE8WakvaOA0EHTI_4
They have a good web site members lots of knowledge, and helpful web pages on maintenance , Mods, Repairs etc.
Hope that helps a little. But without actually seeing what is the extent of the problem I am only going off what I can see in your pics.
The method I out lined above I have successfully done on friends van and seen others do similar.
But it might not be enough in the long term.
No. 1 in pic. You can see the edge of the inside rear bulhead bowed out because of the Spring Leg Pressure.
No. 2 Remove that end cap and pull the plastic strip out of the Molding to reval the fasteners/
No. 3 Plastic Strip.
Clean off all that old adhesive sealer befor getting the corner together. Use Sikaflex 291 Marine/Automotrive Adhesive Sealer.
-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 17th of February 2022 12:51:27 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 17th of February 2022 01:06:54 AM
-- Edited by elliemike on Thursday 17th of February 2022 01:10:24 AM
Dom,
It might be worth your while to have a discussion with the seller as he clearly knew about this issue when he sold you the camper.
Whilst no State Tribunal has authority to rule on private sales a little bit of bluff might get a result with some assistance.
Unfortunately private sales are not covered under the ACA and the cost of taking the matter to a Magistrates court would far outweigh any benefit you would gain.
However, the seller may not know this so perhaps worth a try.
Elliemike...that all sounded like it made a lot of sense....you have given me the confidence to maybe give it a go.....especially if the Avan center wants to take my first born child to pay for the repairs. (I love her dearly but she can be annoying). I have joined the A'Van Club of Australia but havent seen anywhere on their site where I can ask for advice on a problem....and there is a warning about complaining. I'll have another look but to be honest you guys have given me some pretty sound advice anyway....although chasing down the seller for some sort of recourse probably won't work...I think I am just stuck with the problem but there is nothing that cant be fixed somehow.
AVan are pretty paranoid about negative reviews.....check it out.
Dom not sure what you are looking at on the Avan Club of Australia web page, but this is just a snip of "click on" how to do stuff written by members. All available on the Club Web Site.
It sounds like someone needs to create an A'van group which is much more open to complaints, repair discussion and generally less censored and controlled. Try groups.io, they run a free forum/mailing list with 1GB of storage:
groups.io
Great find, this forum post. I'd love to know how it ended up. I have a similar situation with an older Aliner A Van. It has done about 80,000km over 5 years then sat in the yard erected for 2 more. Been developing the dreaded "corner bulge" for years and now @ 72 with arthritic knees it's getting more of a strain to put up. I like the idea of it springing up a couple of inches when latches are released and would maybe add some gas struts. Seen one article with RHS and steel tube sleeves for spring bolted to frame and had even thought about welding similar to Bumper bar at back. Toyed with the idea of a winch to raise roof but prefer to attack issue at source. A 250 Watt solar panel fitted to roof probably does not help matters but I don't want to loose it. Have recently converted to Lithium, with appropriate heavy and fused wiring and would like to replace 3 way fridge with compressor one. Feel it's time to do something about the spring fitting before anything else though.
Thought I would update after my last post. Have opened up front and back external metal skin of Avan and have got as far as dry fitting new wood. Waiting for epoxy to arrive atm. Tackled the worst corner first. Will replace front corner same side. Other front corner probably salvageable by flooding wood with thinned epoxy then filler. Rear left looks pretty good so I'll use the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" theory.
A few points for anyone considering such a job, who like me has never tried it before. I found a couple of adjustable cargo barriers at Sydney tools. Cheap enough @$40 each. Also a good trick I found in a Youtube video. Rather than lean roof against a building as most recommend, a clamp on the centre of the roof section, a couple of wood offcuts protecting the roof, enables a rope to attach control roof from going back too far. Found I can totally control roof and sides using cargo barrier to hold walls open while raising roof to remove springs. Come to repair with roof up in case I needed access from inside, which I did for some frame repair. Chisel and hammer turned out to be best way to remove old wood.
It took a real long time to measure and cut first piece, main issue being propping side and wall in correct position. Second piece was a piece of cake.
Filled cavity with 2 layers of 12mm ply, first being cut in half horisontally. Required to fit the slot for hinge end.Second layer I cut in thirds, not only because there is then less room to manuouver, but it will also put the horizontal clue lines again solid wood, rather than against each other. Also enables top and bottom to be fitted then middle slotted in. ATM fit is a little TOO tight so I will sand those joins a little before glue. I need to be able to fit before epoxy sets and don't want it all removed in the process either.
Main point is if I can do it anyone can. Just took a lot of thinking and slow deliberate steps, one at a time. Bottom line is it should be good enough into my eighties.That will do me.
I have posted elsewhere about Lithium upgrade. Total 'Kings' budget limitations here. Main reason for tackling job myself is a professional one would not only be out of my price range, but more than the A Van is worth.
Certainly not fixing it to sell but to extend my ability to chase Queenfish in North Queensland well into my 80's as a land based fisherman.
All going well I will probably finish the job with 4 new roof springs. a 2cnd 120ah lithium with inverter and go all electric. Replace gas bottles with rack for my 20"x4" electric fat bike. Have an upgraded trailer inside also with 20"x4" wheels, making for quite the beach fishing tractor. Also useful for gathering fire wood and fetching water.
As to charging batteries, I have a 100/50amp Victron controller and totally recommend the 360Watt Kings blankets. I have actually seen it put out 370 watts while not perfectly aligned to sun. I will get a second and probably run them in series producing about 40 Volts to cut cable loss. Probably make a fold up frame for the pair as well.
One point for anyone here watching USA YouTube videos on similar repairs. The structure is different in the USA ones.( although that could also just be age related). I will post some more detailed photos if requested.
The USA ones talk about a hole drilled in frame to house spring. Mine, which appears the same as OP's photo, has two pieces of wood either side of the spring and a metal plate across, which then has a right angle bend and is screwed into the side wall. Same deal at bottom of wall. It is water getting into the side wall wood which causes rot, then the screws pull out creating the dreaded corner bulge. This also reduces the thrust of the springs to assist in roof raise. I think the worst option though would be to replace the springs with new ones without first repairing or replacing rotten wood. The new stronger springs will just blow it out real quick I reacon.
Anyway Epoxy is at local Post Depot so maybe delivery tomorrow. Biggest thing here is it IS quite do-able, given a few basic tools and plenty of time and patience. Don't rush and tackle one job at a time has been my guide. As I said if I can do it anyone can do it.
Cheers Steve
I have done extensive repairs on a 25ft Roberts yacht using epoxy and this is simple in comparison. You do not have the luxury of straight lines and flat surfaces on a yacht.
I am not concerned about the inner wall but a good compromise might be to limit epoxy to outside edge where it joins external skin though. Maybe up to 100mm Max. I DO want the external skin secure though. The external trim merely overlaps the side wall. it is secured by screws into back (same in front) edge of the new wood. I will be soaking that in thinned epoxy for maximum penetration then skinning with a thickened layer of epoxy. Then use Sikaflex Pro both under and above metal skin. Probably a Run of Sikaflex as a bead on side wall as well. I have every intention of keeping water out if I can. A good flooding of Epoxy in spring cushion cut outs too. I do not want to do this again. For love or money. I would be more than happy to share my experience with anyone else doing the same job down the track though.