Seaman Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 My 2013 Avante is at the dealers for it's first service and a few warranty issues. One of my problems is a 1 inch long jagged crack at the bottom of the rear ABS panel. It looks like it may be a stress fracture caused when the panel was fitted during manufacture. My dealer has photographed and submitted a claim to Elddis. They think it may require a replacement panel. I have indicated in the image below where the crack is, so you know to look if it is a common problem. Note to Affinity owners, you have the same style of panel. David мы приходим невидимый - HM Submarines Conqueror, Churchill, Renown, Onslaught, Ocelot, Porpoise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradleyWiggins Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 I gave mine a polish today, didn't spot anything untoward. Will have closer look tomorrow . formerly ClassikFan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtb_rich Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Hi Seaman & BW Just been up to storage today and had a look at mine on my 2013 Avante. ......mines cracked also. ......claim into Glossop. .......I hate my Elddis. Nothing but trouble from day 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 (edited) Are these solid constructed caravans or pre september 2013. Edited November 17, 2013 by Flynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotta1955 Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Hmmm here we go again, yet another apparently serious defect. I do hope the Elddis PR manager looks at this forum he / she have a lot of issues that will not make potential buyers very enthusiastic when doing simple research into their product. They need to be offering some very positive feedback in so far as they are investigating, rectifying and repairing problems. I for one am now heading towards Bailey or Coachman who seem to have less major issues. Mercedes GLC 250d towing a 2015 Bailey Unicorn Valencia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtb_rich Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Flynn Mine is a 2013 SOLID constructed van Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seaman Posted November 18, 2013 Author Share Posted November 18, 2013 Hi Flynn, Mine is a SOLID construction caravan also. мы приходим невидимый - HM Submarines Conqueror, Churchill, Renown, Onslaught, Ocelot, Porpoise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flynn Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Rich This makes me worry a lot, looks like a stress fracture, solid was supposed to stop that, hope they have got it right with water ingress or they will be be no better than Swift or Bailey. Flynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommanderDave Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Not so Solid? I was hoping the new design would stop problems . Dave Jeep Commander 3. 0 V6 CRD Isuzu D- Max Utah Auto Elddis Crusader Storm 2000 Kgs, Unipart Royal Atlas Mover . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotta1955 Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Not so Solid? I was hoping the new design would stop problems . Dave Or perhaps too Solid and not allowing enough flexibility of the panels? Mercedes GLC 250d towing a 2015 Bailey Unicorn Valencia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoobz Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 Watch out for the pot hole excuse again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markt1891 Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Just had my front panel repaired by Lamplas today, only minor issues with the gel coat. I checked the rear panel whilst I was there and mine is also cracked in the same place. .. here we go again, yet another warranty claim . Mark Bailey Unicorn 3 Barcelona Hyundai Santa Fe Premium 7 seater Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glynnmorgan Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 already had front panel repaired by lamplas for manufacturing faults in the gel coat, so far no crack in the rear panel but all very worrying with the panels only covered for 12 months Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caravantech Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 seems a really unusual place for it to have a stress crack, as I cant imagine there's any structure behind there putting strain on the panel to make it crack, strange one! the Solid construction was to have a timber less construction to aid against water ingress (like all manufactures now) this wouldn't have any baring on the quality of the panels used, they will still be manufactured in the same way Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abh1493 Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 I don't see how such a crack would have anything to do with SOLiD at all. My first thought would be that the caravan has bottomed from, say, going up a steep drive. Solid is about how walls, roof, floor are bonded together. I don't see the back panel having anything to do with Solid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Drew Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 The one common denominator in all the Elddis cracks, creases, furniture coming away from walls would point to the body structure twisting/deforming this looks to be another case of the same, whether it is down to the chassis choice or lack of structural integrity, we will have to wait for further information hopefully from the manufacturer. Steve 2017 Dethleffs Globus I1 Motorhome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoobz Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Just checked my van, cracks on both sides of the panel at the rear. Absolutely gutted. They may as well of put made in China on these blooming vans. Quality, my backside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulR Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 I had a 2013 Avante & now a Compass so maybe frying pan and fire, but wondering I have seen two rear panels on the back of Avante vans one with one reversing light and the other with two. Also is the problem with certain lengths of caravan? Just thinking about the flexing comments. What have you guys got one light what size van? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoobz Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Hi Paul, I have the Avante 540 fixed bed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulR Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 (edited) Hi Scoobz, One or two reversing lights? ps it was the 540 we had with one light and no grp problems up to last week. ps our new Compass has the rear with two lights. Edited November 22, 2013 by PaulR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brilock1 Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Nothing is worse than spending shed loads of hard earned money on a new van and then to have these problems, I am sure that Elddis will put them all right but maybe anyone who has major faults should, just start saying no, I want a new van. Then maybe the industry will get its act together when it starts to hit them hard financially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoobz Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Hi Scoobz, One or two reversing lights? ps it was the 540 we had with one light and no grp problems up to last week. ps our new Compass has the rear with two lights. Hi Paul, sorry it has two reverse lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scaniaman Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 already had front panel repaired by lamplas for manufacturing faults in the gel coat, so far no crack in the rear panel but all very worrying with the panels only covered for 12 months This made me look at the warranty section in the manual and did not know the panels are only covered for 12 months. Am I right in thinking if they are cracked and not letting water in they are not covered after 12 months. I had a bailey Indiana bought second hand and cracks were found in the front panel and the rear panel when van was 3 years old, no damp just cracks noticed when polishing. Taken back to dealer and both front and rear panel were replaced by bailey. If I find similar on an Elddis after 12 months will I be as lucky ?? I would hope they would be covered provided its not accident damage but for how long, thought 10 years. Reason I got an Elddis was the 10 year water ingress warranty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulR Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 (edited) Hi Scoobz, I have checked our new van my wife thinks I'm paranoid. I think she may have a point. Edited November 22, 2013 by PaulR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoobz Posted November 22, 2013 Share Posted November 22, 2013 Hi Paul, it's hardly surprising due to the threads that are ongoing. Do yo know how to upload pictures from a I phone to a post. You won't believe how they have finished were the panel meets the underbody. They have spent millions on trying to find a water proof solution . There is a gap were the rear panel meets the underbody,talk about botch it and scarper. looks like they have used a tube of silicone to try and fill the gap, not very good may I add. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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