New development for owners of $45,000 caravan from hell

Seven days ago, Victorian parents-of-two Beth and Anthony Biggin spoke out after they paid $45,000 for a second-hand caravan that fell apart on their first trip.

"The rain was pouring in through all the beds, through the aerials … we had to turn the power off because it was coming through all the lights," they told A Current Affair last week.

But following a tough few weeks, the Biggin finally has something to smile about after a caravan manufacturer offered to help.

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The family spoke to A Current Affair last week after returning from their trip with damaged goods.

"You can see … it's really dodgy workmanship, nothing's been sealed - nothing stapled," Mr Biggin said while showing A Current Affair reporter Seb Costello some of the damage.

The Biggins weren't the only A Current Affair viewers who'd claimed they'd had problems with caravan reseller Shane Morrison either.

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But when Costello approached Morrison last week to try and get some answers, he had "nothing to say" at the time.

Among those watching A Current Affair last week were the bosses at the nation's most popular caravan manufacturer, Jayco Australia.

Jayco has never had any affiliation with Morrison, but they were moved by the Biggin family's story and wanted to help.

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A Current Affair then put Jayco Gippsland in contact with the couple.

"They want to help us out and get us back on the road again … isn't that amazing?" Mrs Biggin said.

Jayco Gippsland has offered to cover their repair bill.

The couple, who had been quoted between $10,000 and $60,000 to have their caravan fixed, said the offer from Jayco is "a huge relief off our family life".

The delighted Biggin clan are now planning their dream holiday, which includes a trip from Victoria to Western Australia.

It's a happy ending for the family who originally shared their story to help others.

"It changes everything. It's absolutely amazing, I can't say enough words for being willing to come out and help us," Mrs Biggin said.

"Thank you, A Current Affair," the whole Biggin family said.

How to spot a lemon

Jayco caravans should only be bought from authorised dealers.

But for those looking at other used vehicles, there are industry experts to help you spot a lemon, like Re Campbell, who started in caravans as a factory cleaner before moving to manufacturing.

Campbell said there's three things to look for when buying a secondhand caravan.

"The first thing you should look for is if the van's been sealed property," Campbell said.

"Water is the enemy of caravans. Make sure that the windows are sealed, the doors are sealed, all hatches are sealed.

"The second thing I would look for is water damage in the cupboards in hidden spots or in the roof.

"Thirdly, I would have a look at the chassis; see if it's been compromised or damaged.

"As you know, the chassis is very important, that's the stability of it."