Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Quality of new UK caravans
Page:  1  2  3 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personfreeatlast
02/9/2016 at 9:16pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4 View freeatlast's Profile View Profile   Reply to freeatlast Reply   Quote freeatlast Quote  
Joined: 23/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2135
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hmmm. Interesting. They are exceptionally light, and some models also would appear to have the Alko "ladder style" chassis rather than the deeper UK style twin girder style. Notice how thin the "A" frame appears on some.

If they are as good as the Silver range they look worth having. They won't be cheap though.


Personbessie500
02/9/2016 at 10:21pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Barron's caravans used to sell caravalair vans about 11 years ago, I saw them when I was looking to by my 1st van, at the time I knew the sales manager he offered me a new one at a ridiculous low price as they couldn't shift them

To me I thought they looked ok but very plain

Bessie


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

PersonCompressorman
03/9/2016 at 12:07am
 Location: Swadlincote
 Outfit: Coachman 545 VIP. 2015. View Compressorman's Profile View Profile   Reply to Compressorman Reply   Quote Compressorman Quote  
Joined: 08/8/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   79
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We have had 3 brand new UK vans in the last 10 years including a new Coachman in 2016 which cost us £25k.

All 3 had lots of annoying detail faults but non were a disaster - but very poor when you consider the cost involved.

Providing you have a cordless drill and some DIY skills you should be ok to finish it off yourself.

I sorted all mine out myself as all the dealers I met were useless.

The Coachman is now superb and I love it - but was dissapointed when it was delivered.

Personally I don't like European vans they are cheaper but a bit utilitarian and a bit 3rd world in my opinion.

So you takes your choice and off you go.


Personfreeatlast
03/9/2016 at 12:14pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4 View freeatlast's Profile View Profile   Reply to freeatlast Reply   Quote freeatlast Quote  
Joined: 23/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2135
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Basically European vans are designed for a different style of caravanning where one parks the van somewhere warm, and generally lives outside. Hence large bed areas but small seating areas and kitchens but a decent fridge, and no carpets.


Personbaddon
04/9/2016 at 7:21pm
 Location: Near Belfast
 Outfit: Ranger & Hymer Nova View baddon's Profile View Profile   Reply to baddon Reply   Quote baddon Quote  
Joined: 19/2/2016

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   275
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 1
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 2
Another Adria fan.its the way they are constructed and the air circulation cell that gets my vote.

-------------
if your not living life on the edge your taking up tooo much room


Advertisement



Persondiesel steve
04/9/2016 at 8:45pm
 Location: fife
 Outfit: vw t5 adria isonzo View diesel steve's Profile View Profile   Reply to diesel steve Reply   Quote diesel steve Quote  
Joined: 13/8/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   781
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 03/9/2016
Basically European vans are designed for a different style of caravanning where one parks the van somewhere warm, and generally lives outside. Hence large bed areas but small seating areas and kitchens but a decent fridge, and no carpets.


what a load of rubbish, fully winterised insulation, large seating area and does have a carpet supplied. my Adria isonzo is built for the UK market.


Personcheckley1973
04/9/2016 at 9:28pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636 View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
Joined: 29/8/2012

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1698
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by diesel steve on 04/9/2016
Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 03/9/2016
Basically European vans are designed for a different style of caravanning where one parks the van somewhere warm, and generally lives outside. Hence large bed areas but small seating areas and kitchens but a decent fridge, and no carpets.


what a load of rubbish, fully winterised insulation, large seating area and does have a carpet supplied. my Adria isonzo is built for the UK market.


your van isn't a european van, it was designed for the uk market


Persondiesel steve
05/9/2016 at 4:53am
 Location: fife
 Outfit: vw t5 adria isonzo View diesel steve's Profile View Profile   Reply to diesel steve Reply   Quote diesel steve Quote  
Joined: 13/8/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   781
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 1
Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 04/9/2016
Quote: Originally posted by diesel steve on 04/9/2016
Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 03/9/2016
Basically European vans are designed for a different style of caravanning where one parks the van somewhere warm, and generally lives outside. Hence large bed areas but small seating areas and kitchens but a decent fridge, and no carpets.


what a load of rubbish, fully winterised insulation, large seating area and does have a carpet supplied. my Adria isonzo is built for the UK market.


your van isn't a european van, it was designed for the uk market



is slovenia not part of europe where adria factory is.


Personbrianconwy
05/9/2016 at 6:36am
 Location: north wales
 Outfit: Sprite Quattro FB View brianconwy's Profile View Profile   Reply to brianconwy Reply   Quote brianconwy Quote  
Joined: 25/9/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4286
Site Reviews Total: 11
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
But can you buy this model of van in Slovenia?


PersonOpensauce
05/9/2016 at 7:44am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Adria have a large range that are sold into continental European markets. Only a few models are sold in the UK in lefthand door UK spec so they are obviously designed specifically for the UK market. Adria are one of the few continental makes that does make any sort of serious attempt to penetrate the UK market. Other foreign makes have in the past produced lefthand door models for the UK market but not at the present time afaik.

Originally Adria acquired Fleetwood Caravans in Suffolk & I think their main UK base is still there. Adria 'vans were assembled for a time at the now defunct Fleetwood factory & some of the last Fleetwood caravans made were rebadged Adrias. Adria have sold caravans into the UK market since the 1980s.

The well known continental brands are produced in far larger numbers than UK brands which are mostly sold on the UK market only apart from small volume exports to Australia & New Zealand. Swift do produce some models for the Dutch market. Elddis also sell in Holland & have done for decades.

Continental makes have large ranges from super luxury to the more untilitarian. There are plenty of apparently smaller brands with smaller ranges, ie Caravelair, Sterckeman, Corado, Weinsberg etc but these are all owned by larger conglomerates like Trigano & Hymer Group.

The layout of fixed transverse front double bed/small dinette/toilet offered on a basic spec caravan with everything else like heater etc as extra/cost option is not offered by any UK maker I know of & this layout is in fact Ideal for warm weather caravanning as mentioned. Caravelair offer such a caravan but they do offer higher spec versions as well.

I would be suprised if Marquis will be selling Caravelairs built specifically for UK market with lefthand door etc. More likely UK 3pin plug sockets & thats it. They are certainly worth considering though & also Sterckeman which are identical & built in the same Trigano factory in southern France. Sterckeman do have a couple of UK outlets.

Generally speaking though even with worse €/£ exchange rate it is cheaper to buy a new foreign make caravan on the near continent rather than from a UK supplier.


Advertisement



Person664DaveS
10/9/2016 at 10:57am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75 View 664DaveS's Profile View Profile   Reply to 664DaveS Reply   Quote 664DaveS Quote  
Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4382
Site Reviews Total: 55
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 6  
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 16
Site Nights 2023: 55
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 56
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 20
Site Nights 2018: 41
We are on holiday in France at the moment, our 2014 Unicorn Vigo has been fairly trouble free but has some examples of poor attention to detail.

It has the transverse bed which telescopes in and out for day/night mode.
Last night we lifted it for access to underbed storage and the steel frame came apart!
After a struggle we got it back together,sustaining a nasty cut finger in the process!
We have used cable ties kindly supplied by a neighbouring motorhome owner, to lash it back together. We will now have to use the front dinette as a bed, or extend the mattress, not the bed frame!( No big deal as its only about 10inches overhang!

Pretty good for a £20K caravan 2 years old! Not!
Our dealer has been called and e-mails sent requesting action on return.
Its the slide mechanism which has broken on one side-ball bearings everywhere!

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

  Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2  3

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

8499 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder