--You would be better buying one in Germany--much cheaper--most in the UK will be secondhand imports anyway--I dont think they make uk versions with left hand doors, but I may be wrong--
Used to be until the Euro exchange rate plummeted not so sure it is still a good bet now though? What about import taxes etc, would you need to pay any? Also you might need to do some conversions to the electrics and sockets etc so need to look at the big picture.
If you buy secondhand in Germany there are no taxes to pay--drive over-pay for it-tow home--modern continental 'vans will have 13 pin plug--older ones with no battery the usual 7 pin--our 12n/12s system is not used--older foreign vans often have extra wires botched on--if you buy new you either pay the local vat or pay vat back in UK-not sure which--I would always go for a German 'van they are better made(imho)& less prone to water ingress--& still a bit cheaper even with poor exchange rate--usually very plain inside tho--take care buying a German 'van in the UK tho--few are Cris reg---& could have been stolen--
The importer of UK spec Knaus caravans [as opposed to motorhomes] was Hants and Dorset Caravans
London Road
Widley
Waterlooville
PO7 5AE
Hampshire
Tel: 023 9237 4921
Fax: 023 92201082
However when there just before the October 2007 NEC show they were close to deciding to pull out of what the new owners saw as a niche market. Nice vans.
Hi I recently bought my compass from Discover Birtley, I saw quite a few different Knaus starclass models on their site, all uk spec brand new, some of which were vastly reduced in price aswell ! Give Andrew a ring, he was very helpful as our sales person and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
Just to say a big thank you to you all, and especially to Paul Bewicke. Called Discover at Birtley, who have them in stock, but also found out from them that Discover have took over a motorhome sales centre 10 minute drive from me, who have started to sell caravans including Knaus.
I an a newcomer to touring vans but in November bought a brand new Knaus (beautiful van) but inside on the surface just on the one side I keep finding it is wet. Not sure if this is condensation or not but if so, why is it only on one side. I have a dehumidifier in there which I run periodicly but that is completly dry. I am completly baffled by this. Is their anyone out there that can offer any advise or info.
I have heard quite a lot of people are getting a lot of condensation in their lofts this winter, and it is always on the side of the roof that gets no sun. In the case of lofts it is usually down to lack of air circulation, and inadequate ventilation.
It does seem strange that your dehumidifier picks nothing up, usually, due to the amount of ventilation openings in a caravan, a dehumidifier will be drying the outside air too!
Could this point to some of your ventilators being blocked?
I suppose it could be water ingress, though it would be unusual in a brand new van, does it only happen when it rains?
Thanks for your suggestions, the van is at the front of my house and gets the sun whichever way it is shining, As well as the dehumidifier I have bowls of salt scattered around in various places and they have all set hard. It does seem a little worse when it rains. I do try to have the windows and door open for a couple of hours if the sun is out and its dry, to allow the air to circulate. I have now found a water stain on the upholstery as if water has dripped off the ceiling although the ceiling feels perfectly dry