Hello Everyone
Thank you or letting us join. We have been caravanning for over 30 years and have now decided to buy our first Eriba Troll. I have a question to ask before we make the purchase.
The van we are looking at has a slightly warped panel (bulge) below the bathroom window. It starts from under the window to the centre trim. Has anyone ever come across this before and should we be concerned?

Would be grateful for any advice. We love the van but do not want to be buying something that needs serious work doing to it.

Look forward to hearing your views.
Kind regards
Adeana

Eriba 20200928_135151 (2).jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Personally, I would walk! If you have the slightest doubt about anything, move on. There must be plenty of s/h Trolls about. Keep searching for your ideal one.

I would agree with Colin. From the colour scheme of the van, I think you are looking at something roughly the same age as mine (2002, also a Troll) and the panels are never totally flat and will vary a litle depending on the temperature and if it is standing in full sun, etc. The damp check will be the most revealing test you could do, I think. You could also ask (and examine to see) if the previous owners ever used the shower..

Having just looked at my service records, damp tests show scores between 7 and 11 round this window (over several years, varying each year) and the shower has never been used (AFAIK). That might provide a bench mark reading...

hth....

Hi Adeana and if you don't settle on this van don't let it put you off looking for another there will be on out there with your name on it .

Tom and Margaret

Hi Adeana

Welcome to the site from a fellow Troller

I am absolutely no expert but it just doesn't look right, especially being on the outside of the bathroom area. It feels suspiciously like there has been some damage from water. if you buy the van it becomes your problem.....................especially if you then decide to sell.

What has the seller said to explain the damage? Have they offered to have it sorted before you buy?

My instinct would be to err on the side of caution and probably walk away.
MikeT

Hi Adeana - as suggested by Colin the ripple appears to be cosmetic and probably looks worse than it is.

Water ingress would not cause that effect in that area under the washroom window - the material inbetween the internal wallboard and the outer skin is expanded polystyrene sheet which, even when soaking wet, wouldn't expand or bulge out to that extent.

Any appreciable water ingress is usually evident by staining on the internal walls.

If you're keen on the van it may be worth asking a mobile engineer to carry out a pre-purchase inspection for you.

Hi
My Troll is a similar vintage 2001, non of my sides are completely flat and when we go abroad and it gets hot I am sure they flex slightly. As long as they are water proof you'll be alright. I would definitely check out wether the owner has used the shower, not something that I would advocate.You could use this as a bargaining tool. Hope you find what you want.

Hello Everyone
Thank you kindly for your messages and advice which have been extremely helpful.
After a long debate we have decided to "walk away". We are now on a mission to find our perfect Troll 540. If anyone knows of one coming up for sale we would be grateful if you could let us know.
Many thanks again for your help. We will let you know when we have found our Troll. Hopefully it won't take too long.

Adeana & John