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We've got a Burstner S530TL twin diner and we love it.

That's all really  

Quote: Originally posted by Smiledmb on 19/10/2011

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Anybody have experience of a 2002 Burstner 530tk at all? Good or bad? About to do a deal on one I think (hope?!).

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What do you want to know?

Ours is a slightly newer 530TL, and it is well made, solid, roomy and well equiped.

Chewie

Quote: Originally posted by Smiledmb on 19/10/2011

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Hi thanks for the reply.
I was wondering of there was anything to watch out for or anything?
The one were looking at doesn't have a leisure battery but we don't feel this will be an issue.
Thanks so much :)

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I agree Jean M, over the years we have always tried to buy British, Rover cars etc. etc. but I have to say that when it comes to caravans, I have heard so many horror stories (and seen them) about damp, leaky vans that we decided enough was enough and we bought German.

The Hymer has its yearly service, is damp meter checked and it doesn't even register.  Its built like a tank and has all the refinements of the British vans.  I'm not saying it will never develop any problems but it does seem that this is much less likely and when I am spending thousands of my hard earned, I want value for money and not to be worrying about whether or not it leaks.

Incidentally, ours doesn't have the door on the UK side and this has never (as yet) caused us any problems ... sites seem quite happy to accommodate us.  We also like the plain and simple interior design...no fussy flowers and fancy trim but solidly built lockers and functional fittings.   Each to their own.

'The Hymer has its yearly service, is damp meter checked and it doesn't even register.'

I thought that even brand new vans straight from the manufacturers have some inherent damp in the wood.  I might well be wrong but I thought there was always some reading on the meter.  Even the atmosphere has humidity.

I agree though british manufacturers are lax where general construction is concerned.  Baileys construction where wood isn't used offers promises.  The only thing that puts me off is the need for retightening bolts at intervals. 

Quote: Originally posted by brianconwy on 22/10/2011

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'The Hymer has its yearly service, is damp meter checked and it doesn't even register.'

I thought that even brand new vans straight from the manufacturers have some inherent damp in the wood.  I might well be wrong but I thought there was always some reading on the meter. 

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I'd like to make it clear that I wasn't "bashing UK companies".   If there was a British van built like the Hymer, I would have bought one, even if it was slightly more expensive.  It was just that having done my research, the Hymer seemed the better buy.

It is a real pity that the UK caravan industry hasn't woken up to the fact that there is a market out there for functional, well built caravans that don't get damp or leak a lot.  It's not a lot to ask is it really?   If the Germans can do it, why can't we?

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 22/10/2011

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I spoke to a Dutch caravanner in France this yr who had a new Elddis He insisted on giving me a conducted tour "You don't get this sort of luxury in a German 'van" he said, so horses for courses really.

Fact is UK caravan manufacturers give UK caravanners what they want & it ain't(apparently)German minimalist design.

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