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Hi I am thinking of buying a Avondale Dart caravan 2006 model has anyone had any bad experiences with this model.I have a Citroen Xsara picasso 56 plate XL diesel will this be ok to tow the Avondale.Can anyone tell me the awning size of the caravan please .

regards

Helen

I am not aware of any problems with this van,& indeed they were considered a good quality van,but they are no longer in existence so spare parts could be a problem particularly body parts if needed

whether you piccaso is ok to tow the van check here      

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/citroen.htm#xsarapic02

& here    http://www.whattowcar.com/basic_index.php

We love our 556,the only problem is as the caravan is built to be light the panels on the doors and cupboards are not very strong so i have re-fastened them with adhesive and small panel pins.As for the lights we think 10 plus the awning light is plenty,perhaps another plug socket would be useful.

Andy

I have just traded an Avondale 556/6, we had 5 years of great caravaning, there are some pit falls with the van as mentioned above.

But the really big one is the cracks! Avondale made these ones with stapled front ends, with the heat and cold you do get cracks on the vans, these can be repaired and they have to be plastic welded. The van I just Part Ex'ed was repaired prior to trading, but I ahve no doubt they will re-appear.

Remember Avondale have gone bust, if your van is damaged or needs spares, then it is not straight forward.

Overall the van served us well, but I would of gone for the Coachman or Bailey all day long if I had new the build quality in advance.

Sorry to be slatting the Avondale, but they are not in the same league as Coachman or bailey, of course there are many other suppliers who are superb, please take my advice and look at others before making the plunge.

Remember the Avondale will do the job, but if you want quality, you would be better off buying a van 12 month older of a better quality.

Thanks

Pete

Had our van for six years and not had a single crack yet but i personally know of quite a few Bailey owners who have had new fronts on there vans.We had a Bailey before our Avondale and that was badly cracked and i certainly would not have a new one after seeing how they are thrown together.

Many of the vans on the road are no longer made and spares will be sparse for lots of them.

Andy

We have an Avondale Mayfair which is a special edition of the Avondale Dart.

It is 13 years old this year and has no cracks anywhere! It is a reallly sound van and has served us well for 3 years now. I have re-upholstered the seats and replaced the curtains and OH takes really good care of the outside to keep it looking shiny and not old and worn

If we need spares I'll try the many parts dealers on the internet

If Avondale were still making caravans, we would not hesitate to buy another

Thanks to all for their advice ,I'm picking our caravan up on Friday.

Does anyone know the awning size for the Avondale Dart 556/6 2005.

Regards

Helen

We've just bought the 2004 model.  It was absolutely immaculate inside, with extra plug sockets fitted, etc. 

You do have to be aware that water does get off of the drainer and dribbles back behind the dinette cushions, so I suggest you put your mobile drainer on the cooker top to orevent this.

Otherwise, a lovely van. Enjoy!!