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Subject Topic: Off to the NEC tomorrow, very excited!!
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PersonMumof32011
13/10/2016 at 9:58am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Vision Xtra 580 View Mumof32011's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mumof32011 Reply   Quote Mumof32011 Quote  
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I've been thinking of buying a caravan for the last 6 months now. The information I have gained from reading through lots of different forums has been invaluable, so a huge thank you to everybody who has contributed to them.
I think I've narrowed my choice down to 2 specific models, the Coachman vision 580 or the Swift Challenger 590, they have different layouts. I can't wait to get inside both and get a real feel for them. I am however going with an open mind and will be looking at all that is on offer.
Both models above are single axle but I am wondering what people's thoughts are for buying a twin axle as a first caravan, we would have a mover fitted regardless.
Any advice about buying at the show will be gratefully received. I'm already aware to buy from a dealer near by for warranty work etc.
I'm so excited as I've been waiting what feels like forever for tomorrow to come.


Personacampingwewillgo
13/10/2016 at 11:02am
 Location: Chiltern Hills
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Have fun tomorrow, you'll have a great time looking round!! Have a look at the different awnings available aswell, thoroughly recommend the Dorema range. If you have a suitable towing vehicle I'd recommend going for a twin axle. Getting a single axle wasn't even a consideration for me but then I've got a big Nissan Pathfinder and have towed a horse trailer for years. A twin axle will give you the reassurance that if you get a blow out on a caravan tyre you'll still be able to limp on until you find a safe place to stop. You'll also have more room inside. I'd also recommend the Powrtouch AWD motor mover.


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PersonMumof32011
13/10/2016 at 11:21am
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Hi acampingwewillgo, thank you for your above response. I will have a good look at the awnings whilst there too. We are currently in the market for a VW Touareg so I'm hoping it will be up to the job.
We are starting from scratch and am wondering if it is advisable to get most things at the show? Aquaroll, battery, awning, mover etc? Or should we shop elsewhere.
I'm so excited I feel like a small child on Christmas Eve. Just got to keep my head on my shoulders and not get to carried away.


Personacampingwewillgo
13/10/2016 at 11:45am
 Location: Chiltern Hills
 Outfit: Bailey Senator Wyoming View acampingwewillgo's Profile View Profile   Reply to acampingwewillgo Reply   Quote acampingwewillgo Quote  
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LOL Mumof32011 - this is exactly what I was like last year!! The Touareg are big so you'll be ok with a twin axle. The 3 litre version has a noseweight of 140 kg and can tow 3.5 tonne - you won't even know you're towing!!!! If you are thinking of whether to go manual or auto I'd recommend an auto, so much easier for towing. If you're on a bit of a budget you could get all your accessories via Ebay or if you're like me and want new then the NEC is the place to shop!! We use 2 aquarolls so we never run out of water!! There's a company called 'bags for everything' which make brilliant covers for aquarolls and wastemasters, when they're wet and covered in grass when you're packing up it's great to pop them back in their covers when travelling home. We have two Dorema awnings, one full one for long trips away and a porch awning for long weekends when we take less stuff including the kids!!!!! Don't be afraid to ask for a discount tomorrow, we got good discounts from Dorema. We purchased our motor mover from the show and they fitted it with a 5 year warranty and I think we got £500 off. Remember there's also another NEC show in Feb so you don't have to go crazy tomorrow!!! We went in the October, had a good look around at prices etc then went back in Feb and had a good old spend!!! I'm excited for you!! :)

Post last edited on 13/10/2016 11:49:53


PersonMumof32011
13/10/2016 at 3:54pm
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Thanks for all the advice, greatly appreciated. I notice from your profile you're in the Chiltern, me too. Can you recommend a good dealer at all. I've spoke with both GT Caravans and Bicester but not met any of there reps yet. Thanks in advance.


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Personmdb123
13/10/2016 at 4:25pm
 Location: West Midlands
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We went on Tuesday which was the opening day and it was not as busy as i expected. Having done a bit of research locally we had decided on the layout and even the brand until we got to the show. We ended up purchasing a different layout and brand. We purchased at the show but from our local dealer and were happy with the deal and service. If you are looking at coachman Kimberlly caravans do their dealer special of the vision which we nearly purchased but the distance to the dealer put us off. One thing i noticed is that the delivery times are getting longer with some manufacturers quoting July!! Good luck with the show tomorrow and push them for every last bit of discount.


Personacampingwewillgo
13/10/2016 at 4:57pm
 Location: Chiltern Hills
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Hi Mumof32011. We are in Stokenchurch, where are you? We were lucky to buy our caravan off our friend after a few years of camping. I'm not too sure which dealers are good etc. We use a fantastic mobile caravan service guy who comes to the house. Sorry I can't help further.


Personyotanka62
13/10/2016 at 5:45pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
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We were there yesterday and one word of warning. It's easy to get carried away and possibly make a mistake. So many vans not only from the makers but also dealers doing deals, free motor movers etc etc. I suggest look at the vans you like and I'm sure there will be many and then go and have a coffee and discuss the pro,s and cons. We sat next to someone at lunch time and they narrowed their search down to 2 to have another look . Also were going to speak to their local dealer to see if they can match deal or better it. If you are looking at Bicester and not too far from Finedon Northants I can recormend The Caravan Company and Matt in particular. We have bought 2 vans off them and nicer dealers I couldn't find. Really helpful, no pressure and very good customer service. Whatever you do I hope you enjoy every minute like we do.


Personnora
13/10/2016 at 9:50pm
 Location:  Whitchurch shrops
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We were at the show today
If you decide to buy a van at the show . Make sure you order through a dealer close to where you live .this is so that you can take it back easily for any warranty work .
Both vans that you are interested in are in my opinion very good quality . I think the swift may have the edge on the vision . Unless you compare against a pastiche.
Take care with awnings there are a lot on the market . Also full awnings may not fit another caravan if or when you change vans so may be worth thinking about a large porch .
Or even look for second hand some very nice Isabella awnings for sale now due to people changing for air awnings . The Isabella had a demonstration of an awning being erected . By the same guy who does this on you tube . Very interesting and worth watching .
Have a great day . Don't go too mad there is another show in February at the NEC .


Personchrisn7
13/10/2016 at 11:10pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
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Personally I would only have a twin axle-they are very stable, bigger,and usually fitted with shock absorbers. The only real downsides are manoeverability and levelling, though you get used to dealing with these.

You may find some deals at the show, but buying online is often cheaper than many accessory shops. Just go armed with an idea of what online costs are...

We'll be there Friday too!


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PersonMumof32011
14/10/2016 at 6:21am
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Some great advice above, thank you all very much for contributing. I'll post an update later today.


Personbobsbabes
14/10/2016 at 6:38pm
 Location: Shropshire
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come on where is the update did you buy a new van ?

-------------
hello


PersonSHOGUN30
14/10/2016 at 6:51pm
 Location: west mids
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We are going Saturday "just for a look"

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Twin axle all the way


Personbobsbabes
14/10/2016 at 7:03pm
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Quote: Originally posted by SHOGUN30 on 14/10/2016
We are going Saturday "just for a look"


rofl That's what hubby thought he was doing when we went to the dealers

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hello


PersonSHOGUN30
14/10/2016 at 7:34pm
 Location: west mids
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That's why I'm scared lol

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Twin axle all the way


PersonMumof32011
14/10/2016 at 10:05pm
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Hi, had a really good day at the show today. Viewed many vans and looked at some nice dealer specials. However, although extremely tempted we decided not to part with any cash today. It's quite overwhelming for a newbie and as we couldn't get the deal we wanted from a dealer nearby we thought it was best to come home and have a good sleep on it and rethink through the offers with a fresh head.
Once again thanks for all that contributed, some great advice especially regarding buying locally. Lots of dealers at the opposite end of the country assured us there national network of centres would carry out any necessary warranty work if required.. however, when reclining an offer from a local dealer because his offer was nowhere near what someone had put to us he point blank refused to even consider accepting our van for any warranty work if required, so a really great piece of advice. Back to the drawing board for now but I'm sure with a fresh outlook over the next few days we'll have more positive news.



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