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Quote: Originally posted by J Stimpson on 07/5/2009

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Geist caravans have the door on the right side for UK, and I am sure I have seen other caravans that are the same.

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Yes, my Burstner has a UK layout.  There are some Hymers too and possibly others.

Cheers
Andrew

Quote: Originally posted by JTQU on 07/5/2009

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So zero refusals in 168 I think indicates its not as widespread a problem as some think.

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I think it's only likely to be a problem where the pitches are narrow, you are to the left of a UK layout van (viewed from the road) and you both have or want to erect an awning.   If you don't pitch a contintental layout van "nose first" and have to pitch near the edge of your pitch to have space for the awning, you might not have the spacing required by the fire regs and the site's insurance/licencing between your van and your neighbours.

Cheers
Andrew

 

We are seriously thinking of buying a 2005 Dethleffs 25 ft caravan to use as a Residential tourer on a site fairly close to home. We can tow this with a 4.2 Toyota Landcruiser VX so could change sites easily, and will still be able to keep our Coachman Laser for general touring....

German built vans are not immune to problems, we have also had gas regulator fail – but that’s not to do with if it is UK or German built, isn’t that more to do with a problem with the fixed regulators?

I think buying a new caravan is like a new house until you live in it you can’t find all the problems out, we had teething troubles with our Geist but also with our Eldis.

A tap failed on the Geist, which was a bit, more of a problem as the toilet and everything is on same system so we couldn’t have water in the van – luckily we were on a site with facilities. We now have a fold up water carrier with a tap; we take with us, which can sit on the side for hand washing, should history ever repeat itself! Plus a bottle of water to flush the toilet! In case the regulator should go we have a little meths stove and a charcoal BBQ!

Finding a good dealer that looks after you when you have a problem is probably more important that anything – with both the Geist and the Eldis we have been with dealers who have quickly and efficiently helped us by sending the part or agreeing to pay cost of mobile repair when we were on holiday.

We like our Geist as it feels so solid, it doesn’t have an electric hotplate or external BBQ point and some of the things that UK vans have, but we didn’t feel we need them and if we did we could add them.

Really it’s about finding the caravan that suits you.

J

Quote: Originally posted by gazmister123 on 07/5/2009

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we have a 2007 UK built swift which we love to bits,  however there have been silly build quality issues / loose trim, ill fitting cassette toilet door, dodgy water heater, gas regulator buggered etc all been covered by warranty

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I have a UK layout 2006 Burstner that is now out of warranty.  I have not needed to make any warranty claims at all.  No loose trim, no ill fitting doors and everything works.   There is a bit of luck involved here too, I think, as the Burstner has the same water heater, heating, fridge, cooker, toilet and electrical systems fitted to many UK vans.

 

Cheers

Andrew

  

 

Its a shame Burstner have stopped doing caravans for the Uk at present. They would be on our list to look at as someone at our storage has one and he is always raving about it.

Quote: Originally posted by AndrewK on 07/5/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by JTQU on 07/5/2009

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So zero refusals in 168 I think indicates its not as widespread a problem as some think.

---

I think it's only likely to be a problem where the pitches are narrow, you are to the left of a UK layout van (viewed from the road) and you both have or want to erect an awning.   If you don't pitch a contintental layout van "nose first" and have to pitch near the edge of your pitch to have space for the awning, you might not have the spacing required by the fire regs and the site's insurance/licencing between your van and your neighbours.

Cheers
Andrew

 

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