Water damage is the most expensive problem a caravan owner can face, and it is usually silent until it is serious. A small leak can quietly soak into wall panels, timber framing, and insulation for months. By the time you see the damage, the repair can be extensive.

Here are seven signs to watch for.

1. A musty smell

If your van smells damp or mouldy, particularly after being closed up, moisture is getting in somewhere. Do not just mask it with air freshener.

2. Stains, discolouration, or bubbling

Brown marks on ceilings, around windows, or inside cupboards are classic signs. So is wallpaper or laminate that is lifting or bubbling.

3. Soft or spongy spots

Press gently on interior walls, floors, and around windows and corners. If an area feels soft, the timber behind it may have started to rot.

4. Delamination on the exterior

Bubbles, ripples, or waves in the outer wall skin often mean the layers have separated because of water ingress. This usually needs professional repair.

5. Cracked or failing sealant

Check the sealant around the roof, vents, hatches, windows, and external fittings. It hardens and cracks with UV exposure and flexing on the road. Reseal before it fails.

6. Condensation that never clears

Some condensation is normal, but persistent dampness inside cupboards or behind furniture can point to an actual leak.

7. Mould around windows and corners

Black or green patches in corners, around windows, or behind cushions are a warning sign worth investigating.

Why early detection matters

Caught early, a leak often means resealing a joint. Caught late, it can mean replacing wall panels, framing, or whole sections of the van. Moisture meters and other professional detection tools can find water hidden inside walls before it shows on the surface.

What to do if you suspect a leak

1. Stop using the affected area if it looks damaged.
2. Keep the van dry and, if possible, stored under cover.
3. Book an inspection rather than waiting for the next big rain.

Hike Caravan Care Centre offers leak detection and repairs at our Campbellfield workshop. We find the source, show you what we found, and give you a clear quote before we start.

Think you have a leak? Get in touch or call +61 3 9322 3262.