Background: Why This Van Came In For Repair

This Regent Weekender came to us after suffering impact damage on the left-hand side. Once we began assessing it, we uncovered something far more serious — major hidden water damage and timber rot along the right-hand side, especially through the bunk area.

The owner had already lodged an insurance claim for part of the damage but also asked us to investigate the water ingress while it was in the workshop.

Their goal was simple:
Repair the structural issues and take the opportunity to give the van a fresh, modern look.

What We Found During Inspection

Once we opened the walls, the extent of the damage became clear.

Before Photos:

Severe timber rot, failing internal walls, cladding separation, and structural compromise are clearly visible.

• The internal wall lining had softened to the point you could push a finger straight through it.
• The timber frame on the rear right corner had deteriorated far worse than expected.
• Only silicone was holding the rear of the van together in places — a major structural concern.
• The water damage stretched far beyond the original estimate, requiring a full rebuild of that rear quarter.

Our Repair & Rebuild Process

This job turned into a full side reconstruction on both sides of the caravan.

Step 1 — Strip-down & Assessment

We removed the damaged cladding and exposed the internal frame.
Where needed, we stripped the structure back to solid timber and removed all compromised framing.

Step 2 — Rebuilding the Frame

Our team fabricated a brand-new wall, matching the original ply and construction method so the interior remained consistent with the original design. Carpentry skills were essential here — particularly around the bunk area and lower frame.

Step 3 — Insulation & Services

Fresh insulation was installed throughout the rebuilt walls, and wiring was safely re-routed and secured.

Step 4 — Recladding & Modern Upgrade

The owner chose to give the van a full facelift at the same time:

• White composite panel cladding for a clean, modern finish
• 600mm black checker plate across both sides for durability and style
• Full reseal and water testing to confirm the van was watertight

Step 5 — Final Quality Checks

Before handover, we carried out:

• A complete water test
• Independent electrical and gas inspections
• Final detail clean and external finish inspection

The Full Restoration Result

The transformation speaks for itself

What began as a damaged and structurally compromised van is now a stronger, modernised Regent Weekender with brand-new walls, fresh insulation, and long-lasting composite cladding.

Owner Reaction

The owner “could not believe this was their old van.”
That’s the best feedback we can hope for.

Total Time Invested

Approx. 180 hours of skilled labour.

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