Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Stirling Elite Amber/Bailey Valencia?
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
13/1/2013 at 10:01pm
 Location: Hertfordshire
 Outfit: Elite Amber caravan
View sue warner's Profile View Profile   Reply to sue warner Reply   Quote sue warner Quote  
Joined: 20/4/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   112
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We have decided to change from camping to caravanning but cannot decide between Stirling Elite Amber 2011 or the Bailey Unicorn Valencia 2012, any thoughts?


14/1/2013 at 10:22am
 Location: Huddersfield
 Outfit: swift conqueror 645+jeep commander
View geoff+emmy's Profile View Profile   Reply to geoff+emmy Reply   Quote geoff+emmy Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1088

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Join SwiftTalk and check serial numbers of the stirling because some 2011 models had damp issues and were subject to recall either at the factory or approved workshop depending on how bad it was So make sure its been done or checked


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

14/1/2013 at 9:22pm
 Location: Hertfordshire
 Outfit: Elite Amber caravan
View sue warner's Profile View Profile   Reply to sue warner Reply   Quote sue warner Quote  
Joined: 20/4/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   112
Tent Reviews:   2

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Many thanks, I will do


14/1/2013 at 10:04pm
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: Coachman VIP 575.Santa Fe
View misterg's Profile View Profile   Reply to misterg Reply   Quote misterg Quote  
Joined: 09/12/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1538

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Valencia had problems with wheels falling off and there was a recall but might have been 2010 -2011. There also was an issue of noseweight being very high but again this may have been the earlier ones. Mine is 2011 and had both problems.If you want more info let me know as both are serious safety issues which need proper attention. There was no recall on noseweight and dealers may deny it. Otherwise it is a great van especially the Alde heating if you use it in winter.

-------------
Mister G


14/1/2013 at 10:12pm
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit: Discovery 4 + Elddis Crusader Tempest
View Just do it's Profile View Profile   Reply to Just do it Reply   Quote Just do it Quote  
Joined: 15/10/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   313

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

The Sterling Elite is a lovely van, had a 2011 model from new before current van

-------------
Carpe diem...


Advertisement



15/1/2013 at 7:10am
 Location: Durham
 Outfit: 2015 swift challenger se 530-2014 L200 warrior
View bryan w's Profile View Profile   Reply to bryan w Reply   Quote bryan w Quote  
Joined: 21/9/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   163

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by geoff+emmy on 14/1/2013
Join SwiftTalk and check serial numbers of the stirling because some 2011 models had damp issues and were subject to recall either at the factory or approved workshop depending on how bad it was So make sure its been done or checked



Please get your facts right.    
There was NEVER a recall.


16/1/2013 at 3:59pm
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit: Discovery 4 + Elddis Crusader Tempest
View Just do it's Profile View Profile   Reply to Just do it Reply   Quote Just do it Quote  
Joined: 15/10/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   313

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Yep never had mine recalled and never had any damp issues, should be careful with facts/opinion

-------------
Carpe diem...


17/1/2013 at 12:45pm
 Location: Huddersfield
 Outfit: swift conqueror 645+jeep commander
View geoff+emmy's Profile View Profile   Reply to geoff+emmy Reply   Quote geoff+emmy Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1088

Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Firstly If I have upset anyone I apoligize it was not my intension to do so

However the facts are:

Swift themselves admitted there was a damp problem(to their credit) with some (not all) of their 2011 vans

This was picked up at the first service with the least efected been done at the dealers and the worst recalled to the factory

There are 25 dedicated pages on swifttalk on this subject alone (just type in damp 2011 in the search box on swifttalk) to check

 

and lastly Carpe translates as pluck....

 



Post last edited on 17/01/2013 13:52:23


17/1/2013 at 9:07pm
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit: Discovery 4 + Elddis Crusader Tempest
View Just do it's Profile View Profile   Reply to Just do it Reply   Quote Just do it Quote  
Joined: 15/10/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   313

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hang on you stated there had been a recall, there was not a recall. A few people had damp issues and took them of their own free will back to the dealer, if the dealer could not fix it the van was sent back to the factory to be fixed. I have no desire particularly to defend Swift, I now own an Elddis but we all know a 'Recall' would be where Swift actively contact owners and ask them to return their van for fault repair .. This did not happen.

And lastly whilst Carpe does indeed translate to pluck I am sure you appreciate the meaning of the full term i use as a signature on my posts so I'm not quite sure what your point is.

-------------
Carpe diem...


05/4/2013 at 2:53pm
 Location: North West
 Outfit: Bailey Valencia Landrover Discovery
View Woodsy65's Profile View Profile   Reply to Woodsy65 Reply   Quote Woodsy65 Quote  
Joined: 06/1/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   31

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We have just bought a Valencia 2013.

There are a few things which annoy me about the van i.e wardrobe too close to the bed and the rear bathroom is quite narrow with a ridiculously postioned heated towel rail!!

But all in all i am pleased with it and yes the Alde heating system worked a treat!

All caravans have pros and cons its just personal choice at the end of the day.Go and take a few hours out with both dealers and sit in the caravan for a little while to get a feel for what suits you personally. Bailey and Swift both have faults as with anything in life! 17



-------------
Not exactly new to the game...



Advertisement



05/4/2013 at 4:04pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   23517

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/community/discussions/technical/caravans/Water-Ingress/rt/361238/?p=0

hi see

 



-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


05/4/2013 at 4:45pm
 Location: Barnsley South Yorkshire
 Outfit: Lunar Freelander
View johnshelly2's Profile View Profile   Reply to johnshelly2 Reply   Quote johnshelly2 Quote  
Joined: 06/5/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   200

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

So, Just who got their facts right? who is right who is wrong? who orders the 'humble pie'?

regards

John

-------------
Life is our Holiday enjoy it before its time to go back!


05/4/2013 at 4:52pm
 Location: Durham
 Outfit: 2015 swift challenger se 530-2014 L200 warrior
View bryan w's Profile View Profile   Reply to bryan w Reply   Quote bryan w Quote  
Joined: 21/9/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   163

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by johnshelly2 on 05/4/2013
So, Just who got their facts right? who is right who is wrong? who orders the 'humble pie'?

regards

John



Please explain John


05/4/2013 at 5:12pm
 Location: Luton (no jokes plea
 Outfit: Coachman and Hyundai
View Mrs. Bonce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mrs. Bonce Reply   Quote Mrs. Bonce Quote  
Joined: 05/6/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12700

Site Reviews Total: 384
Site Reviews 2024: 21 
Site Reviews 2023: 26 
Site Reviews 2022: 37 
Site Reviews 2021: 26 
Site Reviews 2020: 11 
Site Reviews 2019: 30 
Site Reviews 2018: 31 
Site Nights 2024: 102
Site Nights 2023: 119
Site Nights 2022: 154
Site Nights 2021: 140
Site Nights 2020: 63
Site Nights 2019: 132
Site Nights 2018: 134

We have a 2013 Sterling Elite Explorer (paid for by insurance as our previous Sterling was stolen). I think the Bailey looks nicer inside, but in build quality/durability, Swift/Sterling wins out every time. There are niggles with all caravans, such as wardrobe/washroom size, but you would need a van about 40ft long to solve all these I reckon.

Anne


05/4/2013 at 7:40pm
 Location: N Yorkshire
 Outfit: Xc60 D5 Abbey Vogue
View bev+jon's Profile View Profile   Reply to bev+jon Reply   Quote bev+jon Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8792

Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

if you are considering a series 1 unicorn its worth checking the front wet lockers by lifting the plastic trays and seeing if the wooden floor below is rotten.
many are


20/2/2017 at 11:19pm
 Location: Wales
 Outfit: Sterling Elite Amber
View Lounye's Profile View Profile   Reply to Lounye Reply   Quote Lounye Quote  
Joined: 07/10/2016

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   2

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 2

This is an old thread but in case anyone looks I can say the Sterling elite Amber is a great van. We've had our 2011/12 (Nov 2011) model from new (5yrs) and not had any major problems. There was a 'damp' issue in 2015 due to a deteriorated silicone seal in the roof lining in the bathroom area but fixed by dealer under warranty foc (10yr damp warranty). Otherwise no real issues though some locker catches stick in cold weather after storage. Used regularly in U.K. And annually for trips to Italy, Germany, France and does what it says on the tin, a robust and comfortable Touring caravan with a good sized bathroom and kitchen though a slide out extension would be nice. Looked at other vans including bailey but glad we got the Sterling, tough and very useable.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














7480 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder