The open road, endless horizons, and the unparalleled freedom of a nomadic lifestyle – for countless Australians, the allure of caravan living is an irresistible dream.
But before you trade your bricks and mortar for wheels and an awning, a sobering reality check is in order. Because while the glossy brochures promise adventure, what’s lurking beneath the surface of your shiny new rig could be a nightmare on wheels, costing you thousands and potentially jeopardising your safety.
Recent investigations by Affordable Caravans – Service and Repairs, captured in a revealing new video, have pulled back the curtain on the alarming reality of some caravans hitting our roads.
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What appears pristine on the showroom floor – or even on online marketplaces – can, upon closer inspection, be riddled with shoddy workmanship and dangerous shortcuts.
In the confronting footage, a technician meticulously dismantles the side of a Crusader caravan, initially due to insurance impact damage.
What he uncovers is nothing short of astonishing.
“Alright guys, check this one out. We’ve been ripping the side of this Crusader apart at the moment due to some insurance impact damage and…look how easy the easing is coming off,” he explains, effortlessly peeling away sections.
The shock deepens as he reveals a critical flaw: “We just started down the bottom here, no silicon whatsoever on the bottom mould.”
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That black thing? That’s an easing which should have been securely attached to a caravan – but wasn’t. Source: Affordable Caravans – Service and Repairs
Ever wondered why your moulding isn’t sticking properly? Maybe it’s because the plastic inside hasn’t been removed to allow it to stick to the body of the caravan. Source: Affordable Caravans – Service and Repairs
Further inspection uncovers that even the roof seal was devoid of sealant, and the caravan’s brand new moulding wasn’t attached properly because the protective plastic hadn’t been removed.
“They haven’t taken the plastic off the backside…that’s why it hasn’t stuck to the frame at all,” he states, highlighting a basic but critical assembly error.
The caravan was also found to have no insulation and showed minor water damage, directly attributable to the poor placement of the moulding and trim.
Industry on notice: ACCC’s warning
With more than 900,000 registered caravans and motorhomes currently traversing Australian roads, industry insiders are sounding the alarm over what they describe as ongoing poor consumer practices and insufficient product testing, despite the market’s rapid growth.
According to an article by Yahoo News, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a stern warning in 2022, putting the caravan industry “on notice for poor treatment of consumers.”
The ACCC cited pervasive issues including lengthy wait times for deliveries and repairs, misleading advertising, and false warranty claims.
Three years on, veteran manufacturer David Fealy contends that little has changed.
“Caravans and campers can be approved for sale after only minimal internal quality checks, and in some cases limited road testing of just 5,000 to 7,000 km,” he told Yahoo News.
“This is despite the fact that a typical lap around Australia covers over 17,000 km, often through extreme conditions including rough roads, red dust and prolonged exposure to heat and humidity.”
Leaks in J moulds often are a ‘serious threat’ to a caravan’s longevity and can become a ‘costly disaster’. Source: Josh Brown/Leak Tight Rv’s
Fealy warns that Australia’s harsh climate, particularly the humidity prevalent in tropical and coastal areas, can rapidly accelerate structural failure in poorly sealed joints, laminated panels, and adhesive bonds.
The ever-present salty air along coastlines only adds to the risk of corrosion.
According to Yahoo News, known defects, such as leaky panel joints or J moulds, can cost owners up to $10,000 to repair – a hefty sum for what should have been a factory-sealed unit.
So, before you embark on your great Australian adventure, heed the warnings.
That shiny new caravan might just be hiding a costly secret beneath its surface.
Do your homework, inspect thoroughly, and demand quality – because your dream holiday shouldn’t turn into a roadside nightmare.
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