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Hi all,

I would appreciate some advice from Vanmaster owners on what to look for when viewing a used Van (private sale). Happy with all the general things but are there any Vanmaster specific things I should look out for or questions to ask?

I am looking at a Vanmaster Occasion side dinette, end bathroom 2007 model (April). Serviced by VM except for one year when I am told they didn't offer servcie because of their "trading issues" so done by local dealer.

Many thanks

Tony

the build quality will take some beating.

http://www.vanmaster.net/pre-owned.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZXyyYNIbvc  factory visit

Thanks Michael, I have reviewed their site and the small number of pre-owned they currently have on offer.

Nothing is 100% so I am particularly interested in any tips from owners on what to look out for or any items to check that are particular to the Vanmaster build process or equipment. The main warranty will have expired but I understand that there is a lifetime water ingress guarantee.

I am also having trouble finding the detailed spec of hte model I am viewing, twin axel with side dinette, end bathroom and front seating that converts. They same layout I currently have but more room. (We have ruled out a fixed bed as we prefer the end bathroom and the room to cook, eat and relax.) All the specs I can find are for fixed bed variations or for earlier years.

look here

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravan/coachman/10/page29.html

Quote: Originally posted by TonyC52 on 24/11/2010

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Thanks Gary, it's the build quality and lifetime damp guarantee that interests me in them. Hopefully an owner will be along soon with some comments.

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Quote: Originally posted by michael on 25/11/2010

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look here

http://www.caravanfinder.co.uk/caravan/coachman/10/page29.html

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Michael -

Thanks, looked on there at Coachman and others, like the idea of the Alde heating so for second hand have been viewing bessacarr, Fleetwood and Vanmaster.

Quote: Originally posted by SilverLiving on 25/11/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by TonyC52 on 24/11/2010

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Thanks Gary, it's the build quality and lifetime damp guarantee that interests me in them. Hopefully an owner will be along soon with some comments.

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Sometimes this means the life of the company, not the life of the van........

Small firms are going to find it tough in the next year or two, and quite a few will be ceasing trading I am sure.

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Hi Tony,we bought 2005 occasion in february,the guy was trading it in to vanmaster for brand new dogs wotzits model,vanmaster wanted to charge me £16K.I managed to get the guys address and got to him before he traded it in.We eventually shook on a deal at£12750,Could not believe my luck!Just thought I'd give you an idea of how much you can pick one up for.We were looking for caravan with Alde heating as our old van had it and it was still working perfectly and it was a 1992 bessacarr cameo.

 If you look around for a 2nd hand vanmaster you wont find many for sale because people have them built to their own spec so consequently end up with the exact van perfect for that individuals needs i.e. self designed.Any more questions don't be afraid to ask.

There is a test of one in this months CC mag, very nice but £33K!!!! You could get two Baileys or Swifts (nearly) for that!!! Eeek!

Heavy too.

Quote: Originally posted by twohoots on 25/11/2010

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Hi Tony,we bought 2005 occasion in february,the guy was trading it in to vanmaster for brand new dogs wotzits model,vanmaster wanted to charge me £16K.I managed to get the guys address and got to him before he traded it in.We eventually shook on a deal at£12750,Could not believe my luck!Just thought I'd give you an idea of how much you can pick one up for.We were looking for caravan with Alde heating as our old van had it and it was still working perfectly and it was a 1992 bessacarr cameo.

 If you look around for a 2nd hand vanmaster you wont find many for sale because people have them built to their own spec so consequently end up with the exact van perfect for that individuals needs i.e. self designed.Any more questions don't be afraid to ask.

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Many thanks for the feedback. I am viewing a 2007 model on Sunday that has the Alde heating and Air con, will need to check the weight on the plate but from what I can see it comes out about 87% against my Jeep.

Have also viewed a couple of Bessacarr twin Axel 550's, 2004 and 2005 and a Fleetwood 640 so will compare VM against these but like the look of what I have seen so far. Hope it all checks out.

Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 26/11/2010

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There is a test of one in this months CC mag, very nice but £33K!!!! You could get two Baileys or Swifts (nearly) for that!!! Eeek!

Heavy too.

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Hi all, viewed the Vanmaster over the weekend. Unfortunately at a storage site where all water facilities frozen so couldn't see everything working. Van looks good so interested enough to arrange to go back when owner has everything working.

Done the CRiS check and all ok. Still looking for any specific comments on what to check or look out for, Alde heating, water pump, air con, beds etc.

One thing my wife picked up on that I didn't notice, there was no privacy curtain or rail for one around the side dinnette\single bed. I know the vans are built to owner specs (this one has electrically operated roof light!) but does anyone know if this is "normal".

Quote: Originally posted by TonyC52 on 29/11/2010

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Hi all, viewed the Vanmaster over the weekend. Unfortunately at a storage site where all water facilities frozen so couldn't see everything working. Van looks good so interested enough to arrange to go back when owner has everything working.

Done the CRiS check and all ok. Still looking for any specific comments on what to check or look out for, Alde heating, water pump, air con, beds etc.

One thing my wife picked up on that I didn't notice, there was no privacy curtain or rail for one around the side dinnette\single bed. I know the vans are built to owner specs (this one has electrically operated roof light!) but does anyone know if this is "normal".

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Hi TonyC52

I noticed your comments on the Vanmaster that you refer to. Could I ask if you still are wanting information on the Vanmaster? I am the original owner and can probably tell you anything you need to know.

Regards Roy