Hi I’m new to forum and hope this post is appropriate and now in right place (apologies Barabara for originally posting In your thread )

I’m keen no one else gets into the bother we are presently in

We have an Eriba Hymer Feeling 430 2010 with major damp on rear panel ( I realise not an ERIBA Touring but they are constructed with aluminium frame and same foam panels, I believe)

The screws that hold the rear grab rail on have allowed water to ingress the PUAL panels and collect - due to gravity - all along the base of the rear panel. It is visible on the interior. But now most damp centrally on interior rear panel

Removing the light holder ( we call it the bumper) has revealed that the interior foam is now wet/damaged


The lesson is we have learnt and wish to pass on is probably fairly obvious to experienced caravaners but new to us - Check anywhere where a screw pierces the panels of an eriba, and check the seal is tight still

I will leave the exposed exterior that is damp open to the present hotter weather, I hope the foam dries out.

We live in Midlands and are struggling to find a dealer who can help ( I have emailed Hymer HQ now)

Jandi - as ever - have been extremely helpful. Automotive Leisure only deal with Eriba touring.

Although not perfect solution, if you shut the van up tight and block all the air holes then a dehumidifier may well dry you out a bit quicker, especially if you also point a fan at the damp area as well.

Another option (no dehumidifier) is just the opposite with everything open but again additional mechanical ventilation, fans etc as otherwise you get a dead spot which does not encourage evaporation.

Sorry to hear of your problems.

The Touring's have a tubular steel frame and are clad in an aluminium outer skin with foam insulation layer and an internal layer plus a roof that is GRP. I believe this means it isn't PUAL construction as used by Hymer in their more 'classic' models. The Feeling range is basically a halfway house between a 'classic' construction Hymer van with the Touring's pop-top roof.

All the modern construction methods of 'classic' caravans have stopped using timber inside their panels and generally nothing in the panel will absorb moisture. Trouble is, if water gets inside it will naturally gravitate to the bottom of the panel and seek out any gaps, such as floor to wall bolt holes to seep out, usually onto a thin ply floor which can quickly start rotting. There are any number of points that water can enter panels, even on a Touring, screws securing trim to the steel frame need to be bedded in mastic to try and ensure nothing goes past, rubber window and exterior locker surrounds can leak and lead to the same issue. Arguably Touring's are more at risk than 'classic' vans these days as they still have a steel frame inside the panels which can rust, although they are galvanised, whereas the 'classics' have just plastic structural elements. However the steel frame adds much to structural integrity and reduced flexing which is inherent in 'classic' construction and leads to enhanced breakdown of joints and seals.