I took these pictures to send to my mate Dave. He has been at me to get a 'van for ages.

He was pleased enough that I had a starter van and we spent ages talking about where we and the missuses were going to be going for a trip! I even celebrated by joining the Caravan and Camping Club. I am also reading a lot and learning more and more about caravans.I eventually come across Wizards website, which has been such an inspiration, and the link to ukcampsite.co.uk

It is through these websites that I see just how bad some caravans can get with rot and yet still look relatively wholesome. I still think that my van is by-and-large alright. However, a little niggling worry just wont go away so I go out next day and prod about a little till I find a soft patch. Then I find another which seems to run up the front corner. So out side I go and look around the trims. Hmm, they dont look very tight and I see that the bottom of one of the manoevering handles has come loose from the van. I get out a screwdriver and take it off. Ouch...soggy rotting timbers. I go round to the other handle and remove it. No mastic. Clear silicone sealant...masses of it and no bond to the handle at all. There is no seal around the handle and it is saturated inside. It is important to note that there is absolutely no damp smell inside this caravan whatsoever.