How do I repair a caravan whose panels have been badly damaged?

creole asked:

I have the responsibility of fixing up a very old caravan which has taken a bit of a battering by the weather (Atlantic winds...).

One of the side panels has blown back and needs re-attaching, but the wood underneath (the only thing between the metal panel and the inside of the caravan) is completely rotten, so the panel can't just be nailed down.

Any tips? If you'd like any more detail ask away!

Thanks.

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Tagged as: Caravan, Caravan Repair

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

William W April 14, 2009 at 12:18 pm: You’ll have to replace the wood, of course. Leakage where the side panels join the top, windows, and doors is the cause. Use a liberal amount of weatherproof, flexible caulking where the panels join to other parts. A bit of caulk under ***** & nail heads also helps. Annually go over the entire caravan (we call them trailers over here in the US) examining all joints for cracks and deteriorated caulking. I’ve had 2 units that developed hidden leaks over time.
Good luck