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Well, i really wish he was right, then my mind would be at rest, but i just went downstairs and had a look with the camera, and i'm sure it's a join, but far worse than that, it all looks to be rotten wood.

I feel sick with the stress of it all....

I assume it's best to take it off, dig out rotten stuff and use some of that expanding foam, and then stick it back on again.

The van is fine on the inside and is at least all solid wood.

The shame of it is, i really love our little van, but it's been one thing after anther.

New carver water heater, toilet won't flush, and now this....only good thing i suppose is that if they come in threes this should be the end our bad luck.

I'm such a trusting person, but realise now that the seller saw us coming!

The only good thing about it is that i know what to look for in our next one

the first picture was one i already had on the pc.
The second one was where i had just gone downstairs.

I would say about 80% of the trim is fin and intact, but a long piece on the offside has become almost detached and obviously had been allowing water to come in.

The regular trim is still sealed fine.

Its the one that is in line with the bumper, just above the wheel.

It's a different type to the higher ones and is slightly triangular in profile.

So my original question was probably wrong, as those trims aren't too bad it's the lower ones.

I will take a better picture tomorrow in the daylight.

Is my idea of a fix feasable. as the van as a whole is not worth spending hundreds on, so rake out all the crap and fill it, then reseal it

Hi Sharon,

Two different trims doing two different jobs.

The ones in your first photo IS covering one join (the darker panel is a separate one to the white one above it), however the trims are not providing any weather sealing on this joint as the joint is self sealing (common method of construction with Autotrail).

However, the trim at the bottom IS a sealing trim, and the corrosion seen in your second photo is aluminium corrosion, which has also lead to rotting of the timber frame.

If the rot in the wood hasn't spread too far, it may be possible to remove the trim and skirts, dig/cut out ALL rotten battens then splice in new TREATED timber (ash preferrably), before replacing the skirts and trim with new sealant. Unfortunately, I doubt you can do anything about the corroded aluminium, as it is the lower edge of the side panel and replacement would mean removing the side.

With good timber behind and fresh sealant, the corroded aluminium shouldnt be a worry. Dont even think about pumping expanding foam into the joint - it will not work, it COULD soak up more moisture, and you would be surprised at how much you would use for no gain!!!!

This isnt the worse I have seen, it is repairable!!! Try not to worry, and take each stage purposefully and carefully - examine, evaluate, remove one piece at a time an replace immediately (to maintain structural rigidity).

Hope this helps,
regards
Carl