Bailey leaking roof strap

wedgy replied on 03/05/2021 17:14

Posted on 03/05/2021 17:14

At 05.00 this morning we were woken by the sound of water running from the roof light onto the bedding on our 2018 series 4 Bailey Unicorn Cabrera. I am aware of the issues relating to the roof strap seal failing but as the water in our case was running from the roof light plastic surround I wondered if there is a route for water to transfer from the roof strap area into the Heki surround i.e. via the box section of the inner and outer skin of the van. As its a bank holliday I haven't been able to speak to the dealer. I expect the issue will be resolved as a warranty issue but looking at Temporary repair until that happens and if the cause is from the roof strap I will attempt a repair with good quality gaffer tape. The strange thing is that when the flow of water stopped it hasn't re occurred even though its rained all day after we returned home? but the caravan will have been at  a different angle. 

JVB66 replied on 03/05/2021 17:50

Posted on 03/05/2021 17:50

I think I would check the sealant round the roof light,

If you look on line at how the body panels of Bailey caravans are made it should not allow water to get between the panels as they are a sealed unit, roof straps are used seal the joints of the body panels

wedgy replied on 03/05/2021 21:01

Posted on 03/05/2021 17:50 by JVB66

I think I would check the sealant round the roof light,

If you look on line at how the body panels of Bailey caravans are made it should not allow water to get between the panels as they are a sealed unit, roof straps are used seal the joints of the body panels

Posted on 03/05/2021 21:01

Thanks for that,  I'll have a good look tomorrow, weather permitting.  Just rechecked and still bone dry after torrential rain all day. 

wedgy replied on 10/05/2021 17:03

Posted on 10/05/2021 17:03

Rechecked the van again a few days ago and the roof light has leaked again so I have applied Trex tape over the roof strap joint and all-around the roof light seals and I'm sure it will now be waterproof however a couple of days after doing this water dripped again from the roof light ( it had rained  again before fitting the tape). I am convinced that water is getting trapped in a cavity before finding its way out via the roof light.I have contacted the dealer and they will not attend to the problem until-7th August!! Quoting lack of staff and workload non of which impressed me. I asked if they would send the " technician " in a van who has been to my home address for other issues but that is not possible. I mentioned that I have seen many companies online who specialise in repairs to Bailey roof straps etc but the dealer says any such work would have to be paid for by myself and could invalidate the warranty. I have not yet spoken to Baileys but would appreciate advice before I do so. I don't want to wait untill17th August before the van is even checked.

replied on 10/05/2021 17:42

Posted on 10/05/2021 17:42

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

wedgy replied on 10/05/2021 17:58

Posted on 10/05/2021 17:58

The idea of the tape is to allow (hopefully) continued use of the van until a permanent repair is carried out. I must say I wasn't really surprised by the dealers attitude but still find it unacceptable in this day and age. I am hoping I can achieve more understanding with Bailey 🤔

JimandMary1974 replied on 30/07/2023 12:57

Posted on 30/07/2023 12:57

We bought a new Baily Palermo in 2020 and have used it 6 times. Roof has leaked into shower room and down the pull light switch. When back and strap was re-sealed. Its stored at home but when I checked it had again leaked and the pull string was stained by rust from fitting. Went back to dealer at the end of May. Was told the strap required changing. As of today (30th of July) we are still waiting. We had movers and auto levellers fitted so the price we paid was more than our first house. We feel badly let down by the dealer and Baily caravans. I dont know where the ingress of water has gone.

wedgy replied on 30/07/2023 23:42

Posted on 30/07/2023 23:42

Hi J & M 

Very sorry to hear your story. Our van had the roof strap removed and the seal replaced and made good, it never failed again. Your dealer must remove the faulty strap and not just apply sealant from the outside. Perseverance is the only way forward but the time scale for your repair is unacceptable - what excuse has the dealer given for the time scale thus far ? Maybe contact the club legal advice team ?

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