Before buying a GiottiVan, you should be aware of potential weaknesses and defects that may occur. Please note that these defects are based on our experience and may not necessarily occur with your vehicle. Of course, certain defects can also appear in other brands. Here, we want to show you what you should generally pay attention to during a viewing and, above all, when picking up your GiottiVan or GiottiLine.
Table of Contents
- the chassis
- Furniture without edge banding
- Flash rust due to residual shavings from the factory
- Water tank leaking
- Veneer edge banding coming off in the bathroom
- Short circuit
- Check wall cabinets for stability
- Drawers open despite locking
- Fire extinguisher mounting
- Gray water tank sensor beeps even when empty
- Fly screen / mosquito net sliding door sticks
- Rubber caps / pot holder rubbers for the stove's pan support
- Mold in the ventilation hose / water tank ventilation hose
The Chassis
The chassis is too weak for daily loads. The buffers are always at their limit, which is noticeable when driving due to the hard impacts. In addition, the load capacity should always be selected at 3,500kg, otherwise only 3,300kg total weight is possible due to the Stellantis Light chassis.
- Extension with auxiliary coil spring.
- Optimization with auxiliary air suspension at the rear and strut at the front.
- We have initially opted for the installation of an auxiliary air suspension on the rear axle. More information here.
Furniture without Edge Banding
This is one of the biggest features that shows it's an inexpensive motorhome. To save costs (and a little weight), edge banding is omitted in areas not directly visible.
Depending on use, it can be problematic if moisture collects there and the wood absorbs water. The problem that arises is that the furniture can deform. However, this not only affects the GiottiVan and GiottiLine but also other inexpensive manufacturers.
Cost-saving method.
Solution:- Impregnate the edges with glaze / varnish / hard wax.
- apply veneer yourself (very time-consuming and not recommended)
Flash Rust from Residual Shavings from the Factory
After our summer vacation, we wanted to remove the sand from all corners, including the sliding door. This also involved removing the door seal. While cleaning, I noticed that rust had formed in the fold. After closer inspection and consultation with the Citroën workshop, we fortunately found that it was only flash rust.
- cleaned with flash rust remover.
- Protected folds with Fluid Film.
- As a precaution, we also carried out this treatment on all folds of the sliding door and sliding door guide.
Water Tank Leaking
When filling the water tank completely, water leaked into the interior. Fortunately, it was summer and the heat dried everything quickly.
- When filling, insert the hose so that enough air can escape.
- The seal was replaced and moved to the interior at the workshop.
Veneer Edge Banding Comes Off in the Bathroom
After only three months, the edge banding began to peel off. This is a weak point and should always be kept dry if possible.
- The edge banding was re-glued by the dealer.
- Always keep the shelf dry with a cloth.
Short Circuit
When plugging a USB charging cable into the bedside lamp, the fuse always blew. Repeatedly plugging and unplugging the cable caused the internal socket to loosen, resulting in a short circuit.
Ordered new lamps (partner link) and installed them myself. Going to the dealer was not cost-effective.
Check Overhead Cabinets for Stability
By chance, while cleaning, I noticed that the overhead cabinets were moving or had play. After a quick check, I found that the screws holding the cabinets to the ceiling were loose – and this was the case for all cabinets.
All screws of the overhead cabinets tightened.
Drawers Open Despite Locking
Although the drawers were locked, they kept opening while driving.
- Drawer weight too high, so the lock didn't engage.
- Alignment and fastening are insufficient.
- inaccurate assembly of the drawers.
- Lock repaired with a washer.
- Realign and refasten pull-outs.
Fire Extinguisher Mounting
The fire extinguisher is only attached to the plastic with two self-tapping screws. After about 6 months, the mounting came loose because the screws no longer gripped the plastic. The dealer refused to repair it due to insufficient "proof" and referred to proper use.
Reinforced anchoring with aluminum flat profile and rivet nuts.
Greywater tank sensor beeps even though it's empty
Even though the greywater tank is (almost) empty, the indicator beeps that it is full.
- Heavily salted water drained (noodle water, etc.)
- Dirty probes in the tank.
- (Too) salty region (road salt in winter)
- High humidity in coastal regions.
- Defective.
- Rinse with clear water.
- Clean the probes inside.
- Replace the sensor (have it replaced) - Link.
Sliding door screen / mosquito net is sticking
The sliding screen door is difficult to close. Readjusting did not help. The dealer sees no reason for repair and considers this within tolerance.
The floor at the entrance area is slightly raised (deformed) and thus pushes the sliding door upwards.
Solution:Currently still open, possibly re-adhere the floor to the body with adhesive.
Rubber caps / pot holder rubbers for the stove's pan support
The original rubbers melted after about 4-5 months.
High heat development under the pan.
Mold in the ventilation hose / vent hose of the water tank
During the check before our trip, there was an unpleasant surprise: The ventilation hose of the water tank was completely covered with mold inside.
- Condensation collected in the damp hose interior over time.
- Poor air circulation provides an ideal breeding ground for mold spores.
- Hose not optimally laid, allowing residual moisture to accumulate.
- Sawed an inspection opening into the wardrobe to optimally access the area.
- Dismantled and disposed of the old, contaminated hose.
- Installed a new, transparent hose with a continuous slope (so the condition will always be directly visible in the future).
- Practical side effect: Thanks to the new inspection opening, the filler neck will also be accessible for maintenance at any time in the future.
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