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Subject Topic: The next problem is
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PersonCompressorman
04/8/2017 at 11:28pm
 Location: Swadlincote
 Outfit: Coachman 545 VIP. 2015. View Compressorman's Profile View Profile   Reply to Compressorman Reply   Quote Compressorman Quote  
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Had my 2015 Coachman almost 2 years to the day and just when I thought I had finally sorted all its problems - the thetford fridge decides to pack up. So last weekend we had no fridge at all which was no fun.

With only 2 weeks to a weeks holiday in Cornwall it was a bit of a panic to get it sorted - but our repairer sorted it today -we had exactly the same problem with a thetford in our previous caravan - our repairer said that the quality of new vans and components is now worse than ever.

I would like to be more positive about my experiences but it's difficult when you pay a lot of money for things which are substandard.

The real problem is that the manufactures have a strange attitude towards quality and customer experience - and they get away with it because demand outstrips supply - they can sell every van they make.

So at that it's all pot luck as to what you end up with - when you look at a new caravan and what it is then they are very overpriced - but if you want one then you pay or go without.

I know there are many more who feel the same way as we do - it's a sad situation in my opinion.

Anyway, off to St Ives next week and will take my toolbox.


PersonGreg M
05/8/2017 at 5:04am
 Location: South Wales
 Outfit: Elddis Majestic 155 View Greg M's Profile View Profile   Reply to Greg M Reply   Quote Greg M Quote  
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Hi,
Hope it was not too expensive.
Totally agree with you about reliability and quality now.
The sad part is most people are now resigned to the fact this is the norm and we do nothing about it.
May you have a trouble free holiday.
Regards,
Greg

-------------
Growing old is not for sissies


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PersonCompressorman
05/8/2017 at 7:09am
 Location: Swadlincote
 Outfit: Coachman 545 VIP. 2015. View Compressorman's Profile View Profile   Reply to Compressorman Reply   Quote Compressorman Quote  
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Hi Greg

I thank you for your kind wishes.
Luckily my repairer was able to sort it and it's still under warranty and so no cost to me - just the inconvenience of a weekend with no fridge and the stress over getting it sorted in time for the coming holiday.

We are looking forward to the week away and will report back as to how it goes.


PersonMick S.
05/8/2017 at 10:16am
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Our Thetford fridge on the old van never broke down once. Ok, we arrived on sites to find the door had fallen off twice. But hey ho!


PersonColin21
05/8/2017 at 7:17pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
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Does it actually pay to buy a new/nearly-new caravan. It seems to me that those with new(ish) vans have just as many problems as those of us with older vans, possibly more so. Our last one, a £500 private sale gave us very few problems over 4 years, and we have just sold it for more than we bought it for. Has build quality deteriorated generally, are some makes better than others, or have we just been lucky?

Anyway, best of luck Compressorman, I hope your problems are sorted quickly, and at minimal cost. Have a great holiday.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


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PersonGreg M
05/8/2017 at 8:04pm
 Location: South Wales
 Outfit: Elddis Majestic 155 View Greg M's Profile View Profile   Reply to Greg M Reply   Quote Greg M Quote  
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Hi Colin,
In the past year ( I like to chat to fellow campers), some of the horror stories we have heard would make your hair stand on end, and I hasten to add not all British built either.
My best vehicle (an Elddis) was built in 1991, to my knowledge it is still going strong.
My latest van will never last the same.
The quest to shed weight has made the furniture patheticly flimsy. Mastic is poor quality and going mouldy, the same on my mates 65 Reg van.
Fridges, cookers etc, luck of the draw.
I must say it's comfortable and easy to drive but quality is lacking.
Still have my late Dads old Primus stove from the 50's.
It's been battered, run over and still works .
That was built before they brainwashed us all into the new throwaway world.
Very sad.
Regards,
Greg


-------------
Growing old is not for sissies


Persontango55
05/8/2017 at 8:23pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450 View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
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I like many other others have heard numerous horror stories regarding problems with brand new caravans that I think the best solution is to buy one at least 5 years old or more as then all the major problems should have been rectified which in terms of cost could mean a huge saving, better value for money and a lot less hassle.
I know of at least three caravan owners over the past ten years who bought a new caravan said exactly the same thing...."I wish we had kept our old caravan now".
That certainly paints a poor picture in reflection of the quality of new UK built caravans but like other British manufacturers over the past years they will all end up on the scrap heap as the old saying goes....'Your reap what you sow" and it's absolutley true. If the British caravan industry doesn't change it's stance on quality and customer service then it's only a matter of time before the German caravan manufacturers start investing in the UK and dominate the industry identical to what happened with the British motorcycle and car industry being dominated by the Japanese.


PersonColin21
05/8/2017 at 9:59pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
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Hi Greg, I now have a 1994 Elddis Wisp 450. Bought it a couple of weeks back as a replacement for an even earlier Elddis, and looking forward to an outing with it in early September. Can't find any leaks, and everything seems to work, so what more could I want. Got it as a "trade sale" from a local dealer, so a good price! Looks like it's been very well looked after but hardly ever used. I see you are from South Wales Greg. We were down there at the beginning of July with our old van. A lovely little site in Manorbier.

Many good points there, Tango55.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


Personnavver
05/8/2017 at 10:04pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
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A few years back I know Bailey approached each of their suppliers to ask them to reduce weight wherever possible as caravans were getting heavier and heavier every year.

Somewhere I get the feeling less weight means making every component work to the very top of its limit. Sadly, I think some go a little too close.

I expect all manufacturers were doing the same.

Doesn't the warranty cover the fridge on a 2015 van


PersonGreg M
06/8/2017 at 6:32am
 Location: South Wales
 Outfit: Elddis Majestic 155 View Greg M's Profile View Profile   Reply to Greg M Reply   Quote Greg M Quote  
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Hi,
Very good point Tango makes about the British motorcycle and car industries. Heads in the sand and watched it collapse around them. They refused to update and listen to their customers.

Colin,glad you enjoyed Manobier,some beautiful areas around there. I live the other end in Barry(bados).
Like you have pointed out, bargains to be had if you know what to look for.

Regards,
Greg

-------------
Growing old is not for sissies


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PersonBRYANMITCH
07/8/2017 at 3:19pm
 Location: GATESHEAD
 Outfit: Shiney new ALASKAand tent collection View BRYANMITCH's Profile View Profile   Reply to BRYANMITCH Reply   Quote BRYANMITCH Quote  
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Tango 55..its not widely advertised yet..but The "Explorer group(Elddis etc)" is now The" Erwin Hymer uk" group. Bet you wish you,d had a tenner on it now It can only be a good thing in my opinion.At the moment..the caravans leave the factory and go to a "Snagging"area to be virtually rebuilt!...The germans reckon a snagging area will not be needed any more as the quality will be right when it leaves the production line!Just need the english workers to think like that

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Bryan- TENT CAMPER...by choice!


PersonOpensauce
07/8/2017 at 6:26pm
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The complaint is about fitted equipment not the caravan itself. I think it's a matter of luck whatever you buy at whatever age. I managed to pay a grand last Sept for a 95 Abbey that is dry & everything works including the fridge & has continued to do so this summer. If the fridge fails then as I only use the van for summers in France I shall buy a £70 small domestic fridge to go in the awning.

There is absolutely no right way to buy a caravan. One does it however one wishes to. I'm sure the op will continue to buy new caravans & I will buy another good cheapie after I have got 5yrs or more out of this one


PersonRay50
08/8/2017 at 7:48pm
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Hi I am very new to caravanning as we cannot sleep on an air bed any longer.
Just bought a series 7 monarch and alas having had it serviced found a very small patch of damp between the Windows.
I took it to our local dealer who put my mind at rest. IE it can be fixed. But during conversation stated that the new vans were using plastics that were so thin that they were splitting and letting in water. He has had to replace several back ends to brand new vans he has sold.
It appears its pay your money take your chance.


PersonCompressorman
12/8/2017 at 10:16pm
 Location: Swadlincote
 Outfit: Coachman 545 VIP. 2015. View Compressorman's Profile View Profile   Reply to Compressorman Reply   Quote Compressorman Quote  
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As the OP - here is the update to the repair.

We are in Cornwall - it's hot and sunny - and the fridge is working just fine - so that's another problem solved.

The Coachman will soon be ready for my seal of approval - shame it had so many faults and has taken me lots of time and effort to get sorted - but it will be ok now and be the caravan it was supposed to be when I bought it new 2 years ago for £25k


PersonGreg M
13/8/2017 at 12:13pm
 Location: South Wales
 Outfit: Elddis Majestic 155 View Greg M's Profile View Profile   Reply to Greg M Reply   Quote Greg M Quote  
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Hi ,
Glad all is well.
Enjoy your time in St Ives, wish I was on Smeatons pier right now fishing.
Regards,
Greg

-------------
Growing old is not for sissies


PersonMick S.
13/8/2017 at 2:07pm
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If folk want every conceivable 'home comfort' in their vans nowadays, yet still be light-weight, something has to give. And as we witness, its the overall build quality. The actual van itself has to be lighter and thinner, to make room for the fitted beds, microwaves, cocktail cabinets and movers. The latter i couldnt operate without, but the rest; just dead weight you dont really need. But now they are everyday essentials to vans being sold at the top end. This just means the 'box' they come in has to be leaner, therefore flimsier.



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