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Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 19/8/2009

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A few weeks ago we were told the California was already sold out and would not be available until the 2010 vans are released.

Good luck with your hunt, oh Swift stopped the Abbey brand for 2009 so it has only just disappeared off the radar.

Ali

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When we were getting near "that age", OH wanted a fixed bed caravan. What a disappointment it was. Bed OK, loo big enough for a midget on a starvation diet, and space to brush your teeth only if you remained perfectly upright. "L" shaped lounge that meant there was nowhere comfy to curl up, enough draughts to ensure the van never got warm in autumn and spring. Too big to bother with an awning. OH was reluctant to tow, and I certainly didn't enjoy towing (and I once had an HGV).

In the end we went to the other extreme, but it is sooo comfy. Long U shaped seating area with plenty of room to curl up, or lie straight out, king sized bed plus some ( a full 2 metres square) that easily rolls away into full width front under seat locker. Shed loads of storage, a bit lower down so OH can actually reach in, and all the essentials but no junk like microwaves. Awning is a doddle to put up and very light. Insulation is great and winter camping is now an enjoyable experience. It even has on-board water if needed to prevent freezing.  Loaded the whole setup weighs in  at 900kg. Its a joy to tow, and driving is a pleasurable experience however narrow and winding  the road, and we never consider whether we can use any particular road.

The end result, we now go away at the drop of a hat, and have had far more use than with the fixed bed.

Quote: Originally posted by jaiash on 19/8/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 19/8/2009

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A few weeks ago we were told the California was already sold out and would not be available until the 2010 vans are released.

Good luck with your hunt, oh Swift stopped the Abbey brand for 2009 so it has only just disappeared off the radar.

Ali

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Ryedale Leisure - Shepshed, Leicestershire had a least one California in last week, and Chichester caravans were listing one not too long before that.

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Existing stock, but none for order according to Walford, Taunton.

Ali

Yep tis true.

I think the production numbers were cut this year so whilst it looks good that most brands sold out early in the season, compared to other years they actually sold less caravans.  I may be wrong, but that's my understanding.

Ali

I think the production numbers were cut this year so whilst it looks good that most brands sold out early in the season, compared to other years they actually sold less caravans.  I may be wrong, but that's my understanding.

If this is correct, Ali, to me it seems to make good business sense, particularly in view of what has happened to the likes of Avondale (and even Discover) this year.

Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 19/8/2009

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As you have noticed, there is only one van to suit your needs that you can tow with a Mondeo. The problem extends further than that though as the new generation of caravanners cannot even get a heavy car to tow it as it is too heavy for their licence. Either the law needs to be changed or caravans have to be made lighter. Personally I would be in favour of both. The reduction in weight brought about in 1997 seems to have had little or no effect on the amount of accidents involving trailers. I would be in favour of seeing an age restriction on towing rather than the weight restriction and making it illegal to tow unless you have a clean licence and are accident and conviction free for a minimum of 3 years. With the courts given the right to revoke towing entitlement upon a conviction.

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There are lots of vans under the 1475kg that anyone with a licence can legally ( and as it happens safely ) tow with a Mk3 Mondeo TDCi.

Quote: Originally posted by janus on 19/8/2009There are lots of vans under the 1475kg that anyone with a licence can legally ( and as it happens safely ) tow with a Mk3 Mondeo TDCi.

 

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Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 19/8/2009

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Not that fit secret squirrels requirements ther are not. And don't forget that caravans are getting heavier thanks to all the gadgets that keep being added to them.

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Hi Pat.  Avondale went to the wall earlier on this year.  No take over.  They just shut their doors and that was that!

Quote: Originally posted by LegsDownKettleOn on 19/8/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by janus on 19/8/2009There are lots of vans under the 1475kg that anyone with a licence can legally ( and as it happens safely ) tow with a Mk3 Mondeo TDCi.

 

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Not that fit secret squirrels requirements ther are not. And don't forget that caravans are getting heavier thanks to all the gadgets that keep being added to them.

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