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: What year did vans get xxxx features?
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
03/7/2015 at 5:33pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Vango Eden 400
View A900ss's Profile View Profile   Reply to A900ss Reply   Quote A900ss Quote  
Joined: 29/5/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   47

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

Ok, I admit it's a strange title but as a complete novice, is there a year or years of build that a caravan was made that makes a difference in terms of features.

I know that towing electrics changed about 2008 but adapters can be bought, likewise stabilisers have changed over the years (but I assume they are upgradable).

Is there anything I need to know such as heating, toilets, lights, water, etc when buying a certain year or newer makes a noticeable difference?

I know the old adage is you get what you pay for but I want to know what my realistic oldest age to get a van should be.

Thanks in advance.


03/7/2015 at 6:28pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

By 1996 vans had gas & electric water heating, gas and electric blown air heating, fridge, hob, oven, cassette toilet and shower, with a 12v system for lighting including a charging for when you are on EHU. Usual fitment was blinds with flyscreens with curtains for the windows. This gives you a basic set of facilities that work well together. Things like movers, microwaves, and stabilising hitches, ATC, and other refinements came later.

-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


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

03/7/2015 at 7:17pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Boston600's Profile View Profile   Reply to Boston600 Reply   Quote Boston600 Quote  
Joined: 31/8/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   559

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

I have a 1999 ABI Sprinter, it only has hot water, no blown air etc, it helps keep the weight down though.


03/7/2015 at 7:24pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Inner Zone's Profile View Profile   Reply to Inner Zone Reply   Quote Inner Zone Quote  
Joined: 18/5/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   540

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

1992 CRiS was introduced.


03/7/2015 at 7:30pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Vango Eden 400
View A900ss's Profile View Profile   Reply to A900ss Reply   Quote A900ss Quote  
Joined: 29/5/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   47

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

I was hoping for answers in the 21st century.


Advertisement

Handiworld


03/7/2015 at 8:10pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo
View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4664

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

Each manufacturer has 3 or 4 ranges of vans from budget to luxury. The more you paid the more kit you got. Each range had a range of sizes, layouts number of berths etc. The higher up the range the heavier they were.

Most of the kit is made by the same few companies who sell it to lots of caravan manufacturers. They bring out new kit every so often which generally goes into the top of the range vans first before filtering it's way down until the next leap forward. Pretty much like happens with cars.

So generally the higher the range the older you can go and the more budget the range the newer you need to go to get the same kit.


03/7/2015 at 11:32pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
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 A900ss on 03/7/2015
I was hoping for answers in the 21st century.


Not much that really makes a difference to a caravan has been added in the 21st century. What they have added are generally the luxuries. The only real improvement that I can see is the addition to ATC which is a safety improvement that is not yet standard across the range.


-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


03/7/2015 at 11:35pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
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 Boston600 on 03/7/2015
I have a 1999 ABI Sprinter, it only has hot water, no blown air etc, it helps keep the weight down though.




But it does have a gas/electric hot water heater and a gas/electric heater. You surprise me when you say it does not have the blown air fan attached to the fire.


-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


04/7/2015 at 8:07am
 Location: Derby
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 530 4
View pencamper's Profile View Profile   Reply to pencamper Reply   Quote pencamper Quote  
Joined: 19/3/2014

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   307

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

Removable carpets where added around 2004 with laminate underneath, before this they where mostly fixed carpets.
LED lighting was added to all vans but don't know what year as we didn't look at any vans that new.you can retro fit older vans with LED lighting and you can also remove the carpet out of older vans.

You really need to go to a few dealers and look in as many vans as possible to get a feeling of what you like, most layouts havnt changed but the decor has over the years older vans used to be big flowery patterns around the 90s then stripes in the naughtiest and now more plain patterns are around.

Personally for value for money I think vans around 2002-2006 are good value and don't look to dated.
On the outside of older vans the front lights moved from the lower corners to the centre around 2006

Hope this helps a little
Pen camper


04/7/2015 at 10:50pm
 Location: flint north wales
 Outfit: swift challenger 480se 2002
View the black fox's Profile View Profile   Reply to the black fox Reply   Quote the black fox Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1615

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

when i bought mine i had a hell of a job changing the lighting from candles to gas ,these days its getting harder to find the gas mantles though ,we also had water till i tripped over and put a hole in the bucket


Advertisement

Handiworld


04/7/2015 at 11:09pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893

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

Quote: Originally posted by the black fox on 04/7/2015
when i bought mine i had a hell of a job changing the lighting from candles to gas ,these days its getting harder to find the gas mantles though ,we also had water till i tripped over and put a hole in the bucket



Gas mantles, for some reason they worried me and i blocked them off. Moonlight is much safer.

Hole in your bucket so you now have running water


04/7/2015 at 11:50pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
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 pencamper on 04/7/2015
Removable carpets where added around 2004 with laminate underneath, before this they where mostly fixed carpets.
LED lighting was added to all vans but don't know what year as we didn't look at any vans that new.you can retro fit older vans with LED lighting and you can also remove the carpet out of older vans.

You really need to go to a few dealers and look in as many vans as possible to get a feeling of what you like, most layouts havnt changed but the decor has over the years older vans used to be big flowery patterns around the 90s then stripes in the naughtiest and now more plain patterns are around.

Personally for value for money I think vans around 2002-2006 are good value and don't look to dated.
On the outside of older vans the front lights moved from the lower corners to the centre around 2006

Hope this helps a little
Pen camper



On a point of interest my 1994 Sprite Eoropa was supplied new with removable carpets and laminate underneath, as was my 2003 Hymer Nova..



-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


05/7/2015 at 1:26am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View glittering-prize's Profile View Profile   Reply to glittering-prize Reply   Quote glittering-prize Quote  
Joined: 09/9/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   450

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

Quote: Originally posted by Boston600 on 03/7/2015
I have a 1999 ABI Sprinter, it only has hot water, no blown air etc, it helps keep the weight down though.




we had a abi brightstar from 1993,it had hot water and blow air heating but it was like cullender.Most of these like ours leak where the roof meets the plastic back pannel.Very nice vans but from what ive heard quite poorly made.Some not even having been sealed well from new.Shame really as we loved ours and it was very cosy

-------------
i dont sell cheap tat.I sell tat cheap


05/7/2015 at 11:37am
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
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

It did mot leak, it like many of the vans from then or even today had a water feature.


-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


05/7/2015 at 12:54pm
 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

13 pin single sockets came in fully in 2010 Our 2010 Conqueror has all LED lighting apart from the two mains lights in the front and alde heating


05/7/2015 at 12:57pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4
View freeatlast's Profile View Profile   Reply to freeatlast Reply   Quote freeatlast Quote  
Joined: 23/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2135

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

Quote: Originally posted by A900ss on 03/7/2015
I was hoping for answers in the 21st century.



I think you will find everybody actually answered this year.




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...














6905 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