Jayco Freedom <span class="highlight">Stone</span> <span class="highlight">Guard</span>

Submitted: Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 08:58

ThreadID: 88594 Views:3536 Replies:5 FollowUps:3

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PeeKay

We are looking at a 2003 14' Jayco Freedom Outback. The vinyl stone guard seems to be missing its aluminium trim at the top and has been poorly re-glued. Its spongy and uneven along the top 3" and there is evidence of a leak under the mattress inside. Otherwise the rest is in good order. What's under this vinyl? Is it fixable? Should I make an offer or walk away?

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Reply By: Bigfish - Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 12:22

Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 12:22

DEFINATELY have it checked for water ingress. Could be very costly to repair if water has damaged framework.

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AnswerID: 463157

Reply By: snoopyone - Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 13:01

Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 13:01

Walk away Plent on offer usually and water leaks if been doing it for a while can be VERY expensive.

Big thread on a caravan forum with pics that will horrify you.

http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12297

AnswerID: 463160

Follow Up By: snoopyone - Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 13:44

Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 13:44

Better still try this one which is the original one

with all the photos

http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12286

FollowupID: 736984

Follow Up By: PeeKay - Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 08:36

Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 08:36

Wonder if there is any point in getting someone with a moisture detector (eg our pest control guy) to do an inspection on whatever van we settle on? Also, can this damage be prevented by going over all the joins ourselves with additional sealant?

FollowupID: 737051

Follow Up By: snoopyone - Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 09:01

Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 09:01

If the water is in there its too late.

To correctly seal joints you have to remove ALL of the old sealant as most dont stick to old stuff.

A very tedious job when there is probably a van that doesnt need it out there

Have a look at the pics in the link and you will see what water can do where you cant see it.

We had a crack in the sealant in the toilet cassette doorway and the water got in over a long period and one day we bumped the wall near the floor and it all just dissolved as the water had eaten it away.
Wasnt noticeable at all. Luckily was a reasonably easy fix but could have been a lot worse.

FollowupID: 737052

Reply By: Brian H4 - Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 22:35

Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 at 22:35

Jayco are not renowned for their quality control. In 2002, Jayco introduced their fibreglass nosecones and tails. This is produced after that. Normally Jayco vans are aluminium frames and as such the frames are not subject to rot. However, they still use timber in their construction and unless you can determine what's under that vinyl stone guard I'd be cautious. Spongy seems to indicate rotted plywood. If you're handy and you get it for the right price it could still be a bargain. You could also have the opportunity to customise the front while it's off. Go to one of the many caravan repair places and find out what it might take and cost to repair then consider making an offer, I'm sure it'll still be there. Otherwise, walk away, there's plenty more around.

AnswerID: 463209

Reply By: PeeKay - Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 08:34

Monday, Aug 22, 2011 at 08:34

Thanks to everyone for this info. especially the Rogue's Gallery. We'll be keeping an eye on that thread as we continue our search. Yes, we've been warned off!

AnswerID: 463225