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Life is full surprises.

Although we were looking for months now at Swifts and Sprites with 2 beds and full rear bathroom we just bought an Elddis Odyssey 470/2 of 2004 this weekend.

We red a lot of advises of many of you on this forum to learn and get a feeling what way to go for when selecting a van. For sure it should be a British styled and equipped van, as no continental model could offer that look and feel.

We looked at young 2nd hand Elddis Crusader Hurricans before, because we like it so much, but the weight was to much for our Jag. So we looked at dozens of Swifts and Sprites. Just for fun we visited the main Dutch Elddis dealer last weekend, who advertised with over 50 2nd hand models, all british made brands and mainly Elddis.

To our surprise they had a Odyssey 470/2 2004 just traded in which was upgraded in equipment and looks inside just as the Hurricane but 215 cm width i.s.o 227cm and by that fact also less heavy so towable for the Jag. It looks still brand new and comes with radio CD player, new  BP gas bottles and new battery. We fall for it and couldn't resist buying it after some dealing on the spot. All for € 12.500 what looks like a bargain overhere.

It will get a full garanty service with damp test now and we can pick it up wednesday. So exiting! Directly we will go for along weekend to test the van out and read the all manuals properly. Can't wait.

Jennifer,

 See the discussion about " Quality of Swift Caravans" there a lot was said.

In general Britsh vans are better equipped, stand alone technical prepared and nicer detaling of interior and exterior.  Builing quality however is not always to todays standards. As one forum replier wrote: German vans are always good and a British brand van could be produced on a friday; some even have more fridays in one week. That's what stops potential buyers. Europeans in the same price level are straight forward good but dull.

Read the mail of warrenty problems with a 4 yr old Elddis with damp just put on the forum. Gosh, I hope mine will be Ok and remain dry....

What Europeans don't understand is the vast variety of models and types on the same basic design. See f.i. the Swift Group (just like In the past the stencil brands of BMC: Austin, Morris, Riley and Wolsley. At the end it broke theire neck)

It is confusing for new customers to these brands. I did try to get a clear picture and even after 6 months of study and comparing it still troubles me to compare models of the same family and of different years.

But I can't wait to pick up my oh so British van tomorrow and have a camp at the sea for the long weekend comming.

You could say I'm a real anglofil and I'm hooked to British products. Nothing is more inviting, styleful with class and away frome the crowd than my 1968 S type interior.

And so is my Elddish on the continent

Hi Dutch,

Congratulations on your new Caravan! I'm the lady with the Elddis Caravan with the damp problem but don't worry, damp can happen in any caravan at any age. Mine was due to a crack in the roof sealant - not that unusual. Yes! I would prefer not to have any damp at all but hopefully it is dry now & is re-sealed - my gripe is with the Warranty Company not my lovely Caravan. Ours is a great model and we have enjoyed every minute of the two years we have owned her.  I agree with your comments on the German Vans - they are excellent quality but perhaps lacking in the homely look!  Our Caravan is British, towed by a reliable Japanese 4 x 4 & I drive a German BMW  (very European) but you've obviously got taste - judging by the classy British car you tow yours with. Happy Holidays

Regards Jan (Jackrascals)

PS. Now you have your lovely new Caravan - you must come over the water & sample our Beautiful Country & Caravan Parks