Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Jane, Suffolk. UK]

HI, caravan now is in pieces, wood is being cut, shaped, etc, it is Abichi, should I treat the wood with a preservative? the bottem rail strips are exposed, most of the rest is "inside" if I should treat it what preservative do you recommend?
Thanks,
Jane

[Dalek63]

hi Jane
The best to use is the clear type that prevents rot and woodworm attack, lots of makes on the market. Give the timber a good soak in a shallow tub, make sure the end grain is very well soaked as that is the place where rot usually starts. Just painting it on wont do a very good job as it does not soak into the wood as far as you need it too. Remember this is the only chance you will get to rot proof the wood before it goes into the caravan body.
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[Jane, Suffolk. UK]

thank you for that advice, I will definately soak the ends.
It seems to be much more difficult to think of putting caravan back together, I thought dismantling was the hard bit!!!
Jane

[StoneRoad]

I would suggest that you pre-fit everything then soak it, as any later shaping may remove the surface treated material, and you could re-treat any areas you've had to re-work. As has been said, treat endgrain especially thoroughly.

From my own experience - allow to dry for as long as possible - some preservative treatments will lift glues and paint off again.......and provide suitable ventilation and other precautions when handling (some of that stuff can be quite potent)
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