Thanks for the replies everyone, which I’m going to have a look over properly a bit later. I was away over the weekend but when I got back yesterday afternoon I had a look underneath that corner and thankfully the wood seems solid and sound. I did notice a few other small areas on the habitation unit where there were ripples in the skin (aluminium I presume) so I’ll have those checked out in the next few weeks. I’m also going to start doing some investigating myself by seeing if I can get the backs off cupboards or cut some inspection holes in them so I can poke a little camera on a flexible rod through. I already have a damp meter so I’ll see what that has to say about the matter too.
When I phoned around motorhome/camper specialists a few weeks ago because I couldn’t get the gas or fresh water pump working most were unable to fit me in until early mid Nov (ie: 4 or 5 week wait) or even December. Thankfully I managed to fix the problems myself as the gas issue was a dodgy regulator and the water pump had stopped working because I’d dislodged a wire when I stowed some parts for the trailer in the storage box where the tank is located.
Re: comeback. There's no need for an express warranty under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 when buying from a business seller, but there is a complicating factor which is that the seller is based in Scotland. However, unless the damage is going to be very expensive I probably won't seek redress from the seller as tbh I'd feel a bit mean as the guy has health problems and I also quite liked him. I had a proper look at the weekend and it doesn't look too bad. The rot seems to be localised and only seems to be affecting the corner of the frame to approx 6" in each direction, after which the wood looks sound and it was able to take a screw. Looking at the other side and tapping the aluminium skin, I suspect it will be the more or less the same there too. I've managed to get the hole sealed up pretty effectively pending a proper repair by using 3 long screws to pull the buckled metal trim and rubber seal more or less back into place and then covering the whole area with several layers of gaffer tape. Before doing so, I also liberally sprayed the whole area with WD40. I'm waiting on the joiner to get back to me, failing which I will take it into a MH specialist, though it won't be my local one as I popped in there the other week to pick up a gas bottle regulator and they were grumpy b@stards who acted like they were doing me a favour selling it to me.
I had a MH with similar rot in the timber. I reckon people with no experience driving longer vehicles had clipped the rear of the MH whilst turning or pulling out. Not watching the wing mirrors, catch the rear on a wall etc. I removed the body work and replaced it. Fairly handy on mine. Also check the rear window for leaks as a good knock can knock the panels out of line.
Close, but no cigar (or bullet holes). The bullet holes are actually in my airing cupboard door as my son and I were doing some target shooting with an air-rifle from our sniper's nest (AKA my bathroom) in the summer and I had a negligent discharge. Come to think of it, it wouldn't be the first time that's happened to me in a bathroom.
