as you may know we have a Jayco 2013 Starcraft caravan (20-62-2) the floor of the shower is cracking after 2 years and causing some leaking onto the floor and under the cupboards.
Now my wife and I are no lightweights (please don't tell her I said that lol) and the floor seems to be getting more cracks.
I have one of those boroscope cameras and have had a peek into the cavity under the shower floor, it is supported only by a few wooden blocks that lift it up from the main floor of the caravan.
OK all that being said, I would like to put these ideas out there for your thoughts and discussion
1. Fill the cavity (between the shower floor and caravan floor) with a product like selleys space invader AND
2. Cover the cracks with a small fibreglass patch (bit scared the resin will dissolve the plastic) OR
3. after doing the first thing cover the bloody lot with a cheap shower mat and wet area silastic around the edges
over to you
-- Edited by Phil C on Monday 23rd of March 2015 05:23:48 PM
Tones said
05:33 PM Mar 23, 2015
Phil,
If you are in a position to be able to get your van to a Jayco dealer, I would show it to them and get them to repair it to a proper standard. A shower lasting less than two years is just not good enough and a reflection on the builder IMO.
If you are in a position to get the van to a dealer, then you are luckier than we were; I had to do it on the road (that and many other fix jobs).
Good luck
Tones
-- Edited by Tones on Monday 23rd of March 2015 05:39:07 PM
ballast2 said
06:23 PM Mar 23, 2015
G'day Phil it certainly contacting Jayco. I have a 2013 Stirling that has a problem in the combo shower/toilet lining. Contacted them in Melbourne on the toll free no. they will fix it. They are negotiating with their repairer in Darwin for a price. Never hurts to ask.
Cheers
madaboutled said
06:40 PM Mar 23, 2015
Hi Phil,
Chances are the plastic is ABS so don't use fibreglass resin, you can however get a repair glue/resin that's formulated for ABS plastics. Can't think of the name off hand but a google search should reveal it. Filling the underside with the expanding foam sounds good, but you'd need to check that any glue you use on the plastic will be compatible with the foam. Unless you repaired the cracks first allowing sufficient time to fully cure and then injected the foam into the cavities.
Regards Steve.
migra said
06:53 PM Mar 23, 2015
Phil,
I would not do anything until you contact the selling dealer (your contract is with the selling dealer, if you are not near this dealer suggest they arrange another dealer to inspect and report back to them) land advise them of the situation and request they do the repairs under warranty......go to the ACCC site and read the consumer rights (warranty) section......."was it fit for purpose etc".
If they decline your offer yo repair it under warranty, I would suggest you log a complaint ASAP with your state DFT and get them involved.
Confirm, if possible, all communications in writing.
Best of luck
madaboutled said
07:04 PM Mar 23, 2015
migra wrote:
Phil,
I would not do anything until you contact the selling dealer (your contract is with the selling dealer....
Being 2013 model and that Phil has stated he's had the van for 2 years, I'd be surprized if there was any warranty left. From Jaco's website "Every new Jayco RV comes with a 12-month warranty, a promise that your Jayco RV is free from workmanship or material defects. Warranty period commences from the date of purchase."
Phil C said
07:12 PM Mar 23, 2015
Cheers for the replys folks. Taking it back to Jayco is out of the question as we live in the van 24/7. I know that sounds like an excuse but frankly we have no other place to stay and it's not that bigger deal.
Being a bit of a mr fixit I'm inclined to have a go myself and be sure the job is done to my satisfaction.
Beside all of that I have done that many modifications to this caravan the only thing that makes it a Jayco is the decals.
I'm keen to try the non ABS resin idea and then the expander when all is settled, spoke to a mate who is a local Jayco tech and he gave me the company line about only 12 months warrantee etc, so I'm not real happy about them taking the van for many reasons. Mind you I have never had an issue with Jayco or the Adelaide dealer.
OK seems that the non ABS resin and space invader get the gernsy so I will keep you posted. Thanks again for the posts.
Cheers
Allany said
07:18 PM Mar 23, 2015
If Jayco will not come to the party
The other option if is ABS is to have it plastic welded
Colour matching would be the problem
However i would go the Jayco route if possible
Allan
rockylizard said
07:44 PM Mar 23, 2015
Gday...
Just a thought Phil. I have had various friends who live in their vans full-time and required 'repairs' on their van which would take more than a day or two.
Each of them have had no problem getting the 'repairer' to let them stay in their van, in the repairer's shed, overnight each night - still plugged into the repairer's 240v. That let the repairer work on the van during the day, while they went sightseeing, and for them to have somewhere to sleep overnight.
It wouldn't hurt to ask the 'repairer' if you could do that. You have nothing to lose.
Cheers - and best of luck whichever way ya decide to choose - John
villatranquilla said
08:15 PM Mar 23, 2015
I'd certainly check with Jayco - they have been known to fix problems a couple of yrs after warranty finished. A couple of nights in a motel to have it repaired properly is a small price to pay.
ballast2 said
09:29 PM Mar 23, 2015
G'day Phil I say again contact Jayco Customer service on the no in your book. Ask politely for a out of warranty defect repair and I believe you will be surprised. At the very worst you will be no worse off.
Cheers
D and D said
09:30 PM Mar 23, 2015
The Commonwealth consumer protection legislation over rides what the manufacturer/seller has stated in their documentation. Effectively its about what would be reasonably expected not some arbitrary duration decided by the supplier. Go to the ACCC web site for more info.
Dave
banjo said
12:41 PM Mar 24, 2015
Get it done properly by jayco, the unit is obviously not fit for purpose after only two years.
I have heard of this type floor cracking in jayco's several times while on the road, jayco always seem to come to the party so they must know they have the problem.
Expanded foam under it will not help as it will soon start to compress with the weight on it and then it will be an all mighty job to remove the thing due to it adhering to the base and floor.
Another option if jayco wont help is to rip the whole thing out and refit a new fibreglass shell, they're available in any different sizes, but jayco would be my first option.
To quote a Perth caravan repair business re some jayco's, "we have to be careful we don't turn a factory crap job into a worse one" This was said to me when we had our second jayco !
mr glassies said
08:10 PM Mar 24, 2015
id like a dollar for all the shifty shower stories I've herd . yep the installation has to be done exact from the start or it will fail. my c/van guy spent 12 hrs removing and replacing a new base . and after seeing how the original was fited it makes me so made . theres just not much pride in workmanship any more.
dibs
SnowT said
08:22 PM Mar 24, 2015
Phill..
I know this is what you do for a House...
- Make sure that the Base of the shower is FULLY supported for the whole of the underneath of the Shower Base.. In a house they use concrete or even layers of Plywood to make sure that there is no Flex of the Floor...
If you have Proof that they did not Fully support the floor as per standard.. I would not be surprised if they have to replace it properly..
juergen..
So basically Phil get a copy of the method of Shower installation as per supplier spec's..
Bruce and Bev said
04:34 PM Mar 25, 2015
I have been told by both the ACCC and my state DCP that manufacturers and retailers can give whatever guarantee (or warranty) they like, but consumer laws and the Trade Practices Act (the main piece of legislation for consumer protection) over rides their warranties to what is considered fair given its intended purpose, use and cost. The two consumer bodies will both tell you that depending on the item, a new RV is considered a capital expenditure by a consumer (the same as a house or boat) and most items will be covered for 3-5 years, irrespective of what, in this case, Jayco says.
As an aside I don't own a Jayco, but have in the past, but recently emailed with their National Customer Manager who seemed a nice guy. We exchanged a number of pleasant emails about warranties and Jaycos own policy and he told me they always extended them out to at least 2 years or more depending on what the item was and the general condition of the RV (not knocked about and driven over mountain tops).
Two van repairers told me that Jayco and most other manufacturers use customers to do the quality control nowdays (that means we find all the faults) and then they happily fix them (in most cases).
People - don't let these guys rip us off - always do your work in writing (email) - never by phone or face and if they wont play ball give them notice that you intend to complain to the ACCC or your State DCP, giving them 5 working days notice to respond positively. The ACCC/DCP will need this last email and all your other emails (or snail mail) to take the matter up on your behalf.
BTW A Dealer told me that the ACCC was considering holding an inquiry into the Aust RV manufacturing business as they were receiving so many complaints !!! Maybe then we might get quality for all the money they happily take off us
PeterInSa said
06:01 PM Mar 25, 2015
I agree with the comments above, I would follow up Jayco. I have replaced a Shower Toilet Combo floor in a friends campervan, with similar problems. The underfloor support was terrible but the opaque roof top vent may have let sunlight thru that could have helped the development of cracks. From memory the floor cost around $175 two years ago.
Peter
-- Edited by PeterInSa on Wednesday 25th of March 2015 06:01:29 PM
Phil C said
06:14 PM Mar 25, 2015
Thanks for the comments folks. After a few emails and phone calls with Jayco it seems they will do the work under warranty as long as an agent does a quote etc. I will get them to do the quote when I get the brakes fixed. I guess it has to go through the loop to get approved and the work started.
I will have to get use to the idea that the van needs to be towed about to get work done, damn it.... Of course it follows that while they are stuffing around I have to find alternate accommodation, I asked jayco about living in the van during repair but point blank no go, some crap to do with insurance etc...
OK, I will keep this open and let you know the details, mind you, I am still delighted with the way Jayco have dealt with this issue, very quick responses and they will try to get this fixed under warranty.
Cheers again for the responses.
Phil
Cupie said
10:00 AM Mar 26, 2015
Phil C wrote:
Thanks for the comments folks. After a few emails and phone calls with Jayco it seems they will do the work under warranty as long as an agent does a quote etc. I will get them to do the quote when I get the brakes fixed. I guess it has to go through the loop to get approved and the work started.
I will have to get use to the idea that the van needs to be towed about to get work done, damn it.... Of course it follows that while they are stuffing around I have to find alternate accommodation, I asked jayco about living in the van during repair but point blank no go, some crap to do with insurance etc...
OK, I will keep this open and let you know the details, mind you, I am still delighted with the way Jayco have dealt with this issue, very quick responses and they will try to get this fixed under warranty.
Cheers again for the responses. Phil
.........................................
A good decision I think. Once you start doing shonky repairs or mods it usually all goes downhill from there & you end up with a pile of patched up junk.
Another bouquet for the oft maligned Jayco.
A couple of days in a cheap tent might be the go or even a few days in one of those overpriced cabins. What about shopping round on one of the online accommodation sites.
ps. (edit) If you were in Brisvegas perhaps we could help you out.
-- Edited by Cupie on Thursday 26th of March 2015 10:02:30 AM
-- Edited by Cupie on Thursday 26th of March 2015 10:03:18 AM
Philw said
09:10 PM Mar 30, 2015
Phil Really glad that Jayco came to the party. Am on my 3rd Jayco and they have been fantastic with repair (warranty) work. And yes, everyone is correct about the warranty issue. The federal government past legislation that a product must be 'fit for purpose' when sold. '. A faulty shower floor is not fit for purpose after 2 years . That is why we are now starting to see 5and 6 year warranties on cars etc. Jayco needs to increase their warranty time.
as you may know we have a Jayco 2013 Starcraft caravan (20-62-2) the floor of the shower is cracking after 2 years and causing some leaking onto the floor and under the cupboards.
Now my wife and I are no lightweights (please don't tell her I said that lol) and the floor seems to be getting more cracks.
I have one of those boroscope cameras and have had a peek into the cavity under the shower floor, it is supported only by a few wooden blocks that lift it up from the main floor of the caravan.
OK all that being said, I would like to put these ideas out there for your thoughts and discussion
1. Fill the cavity (between the shower floor and caravan floor) with a product like selleys space invader AND
2. Cover the cracks with a small fibreglass patch (bit scared the resin will dissolve the plastic) OR
3. after doing the first thing cover the bloody lot with a cheap shower mat and wet area silastic around the edges
over to you
-- Edited by Phil C on Monday 23rd of March 2015 05:23:48 PM
Phil,
If you are in a position to be able to get your van to a Jayco dealer, I would show it to them and get them to repair it to a proper standard. A shower lasting less than two years is just not good enough and a reflection on the builder IMO.
If you are in a position to get the van to a dealer, then you are luckier than we were; I had to do it on the road (that and many other fix jobs).
Good luck
Tones
-- Edited by Tones on Monday 23rd of March 2015 05:39:07 PM
Cheers
Hi Phil,
Chances are the plastic is ABS so don't use fibreglass resin, you can however get a repair glue/resin that's formulated for ABS plastics. Can't think of the name off hand but a google search should reveal it. Filling the underside with the expanding foam sounds good, but you'd need to check that any glue you use on the plastic will be compatible with the foam. Unless you repaired the cracks first allowing sufficient time to fully cure and then injected the foam into the cavities.
Regards Steve.
Phil,
I would not do anything until you contact the selling dealer (your contract is with the selling dealer, if you are not near this dealer suggest they arrange another dealer to inspect and report back to them) land advise them of the situation and request they do the repairs under warranty......go to the ACCC site and read the consumer rights (warranty) section......."was it fit for purpose etc".
If they decline your offer yo repair it under warranty, I would suggest you log a complaint ASAP with your state DFT and get them involved.
Confirm, if possible, all communications in writing.
Best of luck
Being 2013 model and that Phil has stated he's had the van for 2 years, I'd be surprized if there was any warranty left. From Jaco's website "Every new Jayco RV comes with a 12-month warranty, a promise that your Jayco RV is free from workmanship or material defects. Warranty period commences from the date of purchase."
Being a bit of a mr fixit I'm inclined to have a go myself and be sure the job is done to my satisfaction.
Beside all of that I have done that many modifications to this caravan the only thing that makes it a Jayco is the decals.
I'm keen to try the non ABS resin idea and then the expander when all is settled, spoke to a mate who is a local Jayco tech and he gave me the company line about only 12 months warrantee etc, so I'm not real happy about them taking the van for many reasons. Mind you I have never had an issue with Jayco or the Adelaide dealer.
OK seems that the non ABS resin and space invader get the gernsy so I will keep you posted. Thanks again for the posts.
Cheers
The other option if is ABS is to have it plastic welded
Colour matching would be the problem
However i would go the Jayco route if possible
Allan
Gday...
Just a thought Phil. I have had various friends who live in their vans full-time and required 'repairs' on their van which would take more than a day or two.
Each of them have had no problem getting the 'repairer' to let them stay in their van, in the repairer's shed, overnight each night - still plugged into the repairer's 240v. That let the repairer work on the van during the day, while they went sightseeing, and for them to have somewhere to sleep overnight.
It wouldn't hurt to ask the 'repairer' if you could do that. You have nothing to lose.
Cheers - and best of luck whichever way ya decide to choose - John
Cheers
Dave
I have heard of this type floor cracking in jayco's several times while on the road, jayco always seem to come to the party so they must know they have the problem.
Expanded foam under it will not help as it will soon start to compress with the weight on it and then it will be an all mighty job to remove the thing due to it adhering to the base and floor.
Another option if jayco wont help is to rip the whole thing out and refit a new fibreglass shell, they're available in any different sizes, but jayco would be my first option.
To quote a Perth caravan repair business re some jayco's, "we have to be careful we don't turn a factory crap job into a worse one" This was said to me when we had our second jayco !
dibs
I know this is what you do for a House...
- Make sure that the Base of the shower is FULLY supported for the whole of the underneath of the Shower Base.. In a house they use concrete or even layers of Plywood to make sure that there is no Flex of the Floor...
If you have Proof that they did not Fully support the floor as per standard.. I would not be surprised if they have to replace it properly..
juergen..
So basically Phil get a copy of the method of Shower installation as per supplier spec's..
As an aside I don't own a Jayco, but have in the past, but recently emailed with their National Customer Manager who seemed a nice guy. We exchanged a number of pleasant emails about warranties and Jaycos own policy and he told me they always extended them out to at least 2 years or more depending on what the item was and the general condition of the RV (not knocked about and driven over mountain tops).
Two van repairers told me that Jayco and most other manufacturers use customers to do the quality control nowdays (that means we find all the faults) and then they happily fix them (in most cases).
People - don't let these guys rip us off - always do your work in writing (email) - never by phone or face and if they wont play ball give them notice that you intend to complain to the ACCC or your State DCP, giving them 5 working days notice to respond positively. The ACCC/DCP will need this last email and all your other emails (or snail mail) to take the matter up on your behalf.
BTW A Dealer told me that the ACCC was considering holding an inquiry into the Aust RV manufacturing business as they were receiving so many complaints !!! Maybe then we might get quality for all the money they happily take off us
I agree with the comments above, I would follow up Jayco. I have replaced a Shower Toilet Combo floor in a friends campervan, with similar problems. The underfloor support was terrible but the opaque roof top vent may have let sunlight thru that could have helped the development of cracks. From memory the floor cost around $175 two years ago.
Peter
-- Edited by PeterInSa on Wednesday 25th of March 2015 06:01:29 PM
I will have to get use to the idea that the van needs to be towed about to get work done, damn it.... Of course it follows that while they are stuffing around I have to find alternate accommodation, I asked jayco about living in the van during repair but point blank no go, some crap to do with insurance etc...
OK, I will keep this open and let you know the details, mind you, I am still delighted with the way Jayco have dealt with this issue, very quick responses and they will try to get this fixed under warranty.
Cheers again for the responses.
Phil
-- Edited by Cupie on Thursday 26th of March 2015 10:02:30 AM
-- Edited by Cupie on Thursday 26th of March 2015 10:03:18 AM