At end of September we took the caravan down to Kent for a long weekend. Cleaning it on return we found a crack running round the drain point of the shower. No problem we thought, three year warranty.
After some too and fro with the supplying dealer (a story of its own) a claim was submitted to Elddis. We were shocked to have it rejected on grounds that warranty on plastics was only one year. Replacement is something like 10hrs labour so well north of £1k including parts etc. An 'appeal' involving the tray manufacturer as well as Elddis was also declined.
Not having this I thought!!
An email was composed, starting from a CAB template. Explained that (IMHO!) a shower tray in a new £12k caravan that lasted only 16 months and 60 nights was not of sufficient quality or fit for purpose. In support of this pointed out that drain was just inside bathroom door where it was subject to flexing/being stepped on and that furthermore it lacked support below.
Also apparent that 2015/16 versions of the same caravan placed the drain diagonally opposite, under the hand basin where it was much less subject to flex or being stepped on and that caravan forums had many stories similar to my own.
Dealer forwarded email to Elddis (and possibly spoke to his HQ legal bod) who asked for warranty claim to be re-submitted.
Was called this morning to be told that tray will be replaced foc after all and part is on order.
Glad that worked 'cos while I would have been prepared to push the issue to Small Claims Court I really didn't want to have to find another dealer for warranty/service stuff.
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Well done Bromp, persistence pays off again!
Pat
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Nice work sir and a great result!
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You're still stuck with a caravan though. Bad luck, I thought you were going to get all your money back!
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I do think there's a strong possibility that neither W de B or Mapmaker have ever actually been in a modern caravan:)
Pat
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But have you ever stayed in a decent hotel Pat?
:-)
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...neither W de B or Mapmaker have ever actually been in a modern caravan.
I haven't been in a modern coffin either, but that still doesn't mean I should spend my holiday in one.
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You rang, m'lady?
Alternative cracked-shower scenario.
Customer: Hello?
Receptionist: Hello, this is reception. Is that Mr Bromp in room 101?
Customer: Yes. I seem to be having a problem with my shower.
Receptionist: Sorry to hear that, sir. I'll send someone from Maintenance straight away.
[half an hour later]
Receptionist: Hello, Mr Bromp?
Customer: Yes
Receptionist: It's Reception here again. I'm sorry but Maintenance tell me we can't fix your shower today so we've arranged another room for you. It's on our Cloud Nine floor with a lovely view of the herds of wildebeest, and we've put some fruit and champagne in there as a little apology for the inconvenience. Someone will be up in a minute to bring you the key and to move your bags for you.
Customer: That's wonderful. Darling! They've got a new room for us. You can leave those caravan brochures here; we won't be needing them any more.
Last edited by: WillDeBeest on Tue 15 Dec 15 at 17:34
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I've seen the inside of enough hotels, and I'm quite happy to sleep in my own bed in my little box. The rest of the the were are off, out, and doing.
But mock if you like. I'm not going to be rude; I'm very low on the cycle path scale you know.
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I guess there a caravanners and non caravanners. The whole thing is completely incomprehensible to me and I can't understand it on any level
I'm in a nice warm hotels in the heart of Bruges at the moment, surely one of the nicest cities in Northern Europe. Can't think why I would want to be sat in the middle of a field somewhere in a plastic box but I guess it's each to their own.
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Feeling of freedom, can hitch up and go. Also you know who has slept in your caravan bed. In a hotel who knows what low hygiene creature has been in it.
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>> Feeling of freedom, can hitch up and go.
Trouble is, you can't. You need to have a site booked, you need to have packed the van, and done more pre flight checks than the space shuttle.
Hitch up and go it aint.
Last edited by: Zero on Tue 15 Dec 15 at 20:51
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That's exactly it. I decided to take few day break in Bruges at the weekend. A few minute on line to book a hotel and ferry and I drove over here yesterday morning. A caravan is the very opposite to freedom, it's a liability.
For a longer break I prefer to rent a cottage or apartment to a hotel but again never have any difficulty in finding accomodations. I just don't understand caravans. Incomprehensible. Never felt the need to travel in a hygienic bubble.
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>> Never felt the need to travel in a hygienic bubble.
>>
S'funny really. I've used a lot of hotels for work travel, and I've always considered it much more like travelling in a "bubble" than being with the "hoi polloi" on campsites abroad, particularly off the beaten track, where we have had wonderful evenings and made very good friends.
I prefer sites not of the "all-singing all-dancing" (sometimes literally) kind, though.
Brugge is a good case in point though. After picking a new 'van up in May, I booked a trip to Holland to have a specialist bike-rack fitted (for electric bikes), had a couple of nights in Amsterdam, a couple in Antwerp (a surprisingly good destination), and a couple in Brugge.
All arranged at short notice with seemingly no more difficulty than your trip; all easy access to the Cities, and a grand choice of restaurants to boot. It works for me - you prefer hotels.
Chacun à son goût.
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>>
>> Hitch up and go it aint.
>>
In my case, having owned motorcaravans for 25 years, whilst I might 'phone ahead for a pitch in the UK on some occasions, (more predictable destination) I've only ever booked 4 sites abroad in that time out of literally hundreds used.
We just follow our noses and the weather.
'Van is largely packed all year round, takes about an hour from decision to leaving home.
Bikes on the back, outdoor gear inside, plenty of room for "toys", and all most of the comforts of home.
We've been from Finland in the North, to Venice in the South, Eire in the West to Slovenia in the East, and all points between.
In my case, hitch up and go it most certainly is.
I can understand it not appealing to some people, but for our pursuits and interest it is a great way of getting around.
One would make a great base for most mobile pursuits; as a random example, as a base for filming steam trains all around the country.
;-)
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It's hardly surprising that some people like things that others dislike the idea of.
I do plan, but then I like planning. I do it if using hotels. It doesn't mean the plan can't or won't change.
My suggestion is that each of us does what he or she chooses and enjoys most.
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>> Trouble is, you can't. You need to have a site booked, you need to have
>> packed the van,
You don't half come up with some twaddle.
I've turned up unbooked at sites in France, never mind UK. However, if you want the security of a booking the Caravan Club's late availability pages will sort you out.
Caravan is usually stored 15 mins drive from here. Maybe another 15 mins to motor move the it off the store pitch, hitch up, check electrics and away.
As to packing, a weekend bag looks the same whether you're in a hotel, youth hostel or caravan. In practice there's always a Tesco Local or similar near the site for provisions but we've enough dried/tinned stuff stowed in the 'van that we'd not go hungry. A few cans of beer and a bottle or two of wine live in the food cupboard too.
Arrive on site is a simple drill, sat in dinette with beer in hand well under 30mins from booking in.
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>
>> You don't half come up with some twaddle.
I refuse to accept any abuse about journey planning from a bloke who leaves his tools at home and then shreds his tyre in a pothole.
Go to the back of the room.
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>> I refuse to accept any abuse about journey planning from a bloke who leaves his
>> tools at home
Have you ever considered a second career in politics?
You've got all the skills required when it comes to misrepresentation :-P
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I don't like towing a caravan, so for me a camper van is the excellent answer. Love them, love them, love them.
The only downside is lack of vehicle on arrival. And we carry bicycles and an old moped which solves most requirements.
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...given that my knees are not what they used to be, Electric Bikes now solve most of ours.
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>> I don't like towing a caravan, so for me a camper van is the excellent
>> answer. Love them, love them, love them.
>>
>> The only downside is lack of vehicle on arrival. And we carry bicycles and an
>> old moped which solves most requirements.
Yeah a motor home with a trail bike strapped to the back is ideal. Even for a trainspotter.
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>> dinette
nothing encapsulates the horror of caravanning more than the word "dinette"
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>> nothing encapsulates the horror of caravanning more than the word "dinette"
You mean a seating set up exactly like that on the +1 side of a 2+1 first class rail carriage?
In fact wasn't such an arrangement also known as second open (SO) as opposed to the 2+2 tourist second open (TSO) layout we have now?
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...they're not known as Pullman Dinettes for nothing!
;-)
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>> ...they're not known as Pullman Dinettes for nothing!
>>
>> ;-)
Dont tell me you got the wife dressed up with a white jacket and did the silver service.
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>> >> nothing encapsulates the horror of caravanning more than the word "dinette"
>>
>> You mean a seating set up exactly like that on the +1 side of a
>> 2+1 first class rail carriage?
>>
>> In fact wasn't such an arrangement also known as second open (SO) as opposed to
>> the 2+2 tourist second open (TSO) layout we have now?
But "dinette" I mean, come on.
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S'funny,but I've only ever spent two nights in a caravan. One, in my teens, and hated it. Tried again a few years ago, and on the second night I decided to sleep outside in my tent ( which I had taken along just in case).
Friends have camper vans, and many is the time I have been invited to buy a 'share' in one. I've even slept n them, and understand the attraction. But even a quarter share of a half decent one is going to set me back several grand so I always decline.
OTOH put me out in the wilderness, if conditions are poor in my Hilleberg Akto, otherwise my Tarptent Squall 11, and I'm happy as a pig in smelly stuff. Then I have to pack everything in, and out, endure mozzies, storms, filter my own water, live off home made dehydrated food....
Isn't it wonderful that we are all so different.
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...been there, done that - a campervan is this old man's "half-way-house". (the ability to keep beer and milk cool is the clincher, honest)
TBH, we had the kids with us during their growing-up years, and it was a fantastic way of showing them Europe at the sharp(er) end.
My daughter is now much-travelled, but all independently-arranged. She's beginning to waver a little on her assertion that she's not interested in a campervan, but is still adamant that she'll never take a package-holiday.
My mission is almost complete.
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I used to do the LL bit in me youth but age and infirmity preclude that sort of behaviour now. I still like to sleep under ' canvas ' so the caravan awning is the ideal place...on a decent airbed.
Blown warm air heating, fridge, hot water on tap, flush bog, shower, 230V, telly. One phone call has me booked in somewhere. The van is at home so it makes a spare room for guests....some of whom actually ask to sleep in it. Keep it stocked with basic food and just take a meal for the first night. No problem towing it...steady as a rock on the road behind the Grand Vitara.
Been all over GB and Europe with the three kids and they all loved it. All three camp with their kids and partners. Nothing better than a family group sat round the fire pit with other campers and plenty of drinkie-poos !
Still...Brompy....Elddis service crap. We have a 17ft 2 berth Sirocco. Posted a year or so about a porous alloy wheel. They referred me to the warranty insurers 'cos they said it wasn't covered..even though it was in the warranty booklet. Insurer said it wasn't but it might be and could I get him the price of a new wheel ! I told him where to go...it was the dealer's job.... and made my own successful repair with a can of Tyre Weld !
I get regular messages from the dealer wanting to service it but after the issues over the brakes, I'd rather next door's dog did it !
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Anyone done a cost comparison of buying a £12k caravan and using it in Europe and having some holidays? Curious.
Please include cost of fuel, ferries, tolls etc. to/from say Southern France from Manchester. (we don't go France but a reasonable distance). Cost over say ten years.
Last edited by: rtj70 on Wed 16 Dec 15 at 00:12
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If you are going to try to compare a two week holiday in a single place including getting there, I should think the package tour will always be cheaper.
Throw in really enjoying the journey, the comfort, and the freedom to wander and it becomes less clear.
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I think Legacy Lad has it nailed, we're all different!
I love a quiet field with excellent views and the solitude to enjoy it.
My home comforts are equally as good as at home and far higher than in a hotel where I have to abide by their rules and (obsessively!) clean the loo before I allow either of us to use it.
We always eat out apart from toast for breakfast, so what's not to like?
Having said that I am going to try cooking Christmas dinner in it this year simply because neither of us want to be sociable or dressed up.....it could be a disaster but I'm sure the Prosecco will soften the blow.
Pat
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Yes MD, but we're moving up to Bratton Clovelly on the Sunday as Cornwall CC has finally done their worst:(
Pat
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Planning permission has been refused for touring caravans....tents, pods and motorhomes are ok though.
It's still on-going though with another appeal but not looking good.
Pat
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I understand the attraction of caravans & motorhomes. The flexibility. Eat in or out. Stay or move on. And the chance of amazing views. I have been fortunate in being able to backpack in some wonderful parts of the world, the Sierra's being my favourite, John Muir's ' Range of Light'. However, having walked the SWCP in its entirety, some of it twice, some of my pitches were the best ever. Tucked away in the corner of a caravan site, with the luxury of a hot shower after a sweaty week, and waking up to stupendous sea views. Camping on Lundy ranks up there with the best, and some of the Cornwall, Devon coast is breath taking, once away from the honeypots.
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I understand your backpacking and envy you being able to do it, but I know I wouldn't enjoy the lack of facilities in reality.
When you get tired of it and buy a van have a word...we specialise in small secluded sites with spectacular views in the West Country!
Pat
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Trouble is, Pat, while you're enjoying the view, everyone in that view has to look at your little white shed and 200 like it.
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Why are they always white? Green would blend in better.
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Some of the ones I see on people's drives for 49 weeks of the year are doing their bit by developing a surface layer of moss.
I love the names their makers give them: Buccaneer, Marauder, Angel of Death... Why never Chintz, Wendy, Formica, Porcelain Dog?
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>> Some of the ones I see on people's drives for 49 weeks of the year
>> are doing their bit by developing a surface layer of moss.
>>
>> I love the names their makers give them: Buccaneer, Marauder, Angel of Death... Why never
>> Chintz, Wendy, Formica, Porcelain Dog?
Ours is called a Troll, funnily enough.
To be fair, I think there is less trolling than simple snobbishness in the tone of the caravan mockers. It's embarrassing, like Mrs Bucket. Genuine toffs are generally more polite. Some of them even have caravans.
Dinette dinette dinette dinette:)
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>> Why are they always white?
Darker colours hold the heat in and therefore the temperature inside coloured caravans get very hot. So white caravans are used to keep the temperature down. More expensive caravans have silver paint, but specially treated to reflect the heat away.
Sourced from www.lbc.co.uk/why-are-all-caravans-white-29075
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>>your little white shed and 200 like it<<
I've always found if a view of any sort offends me I just go somewhere else.
Try it, it works.
Pat
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In other words 'sod off and leave it to us caravanners'? No thanks, I'm with Cornwall CC on this one.
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You're spoiling for a fight WdeB but you best look elsewhere...I'm too busy to be bothered, I'm afraid!
Pat
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>> You're spoiling for a fight WdeB but you best look elsewhere...I'm too busy selfish to be
>> bothered, I'm afraid!
>> Pat
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A contrary point of view, Pat, that's all. Caravans are not things of beauty and they mar places that are.
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...on costs, the question really is a "how long is a piece of string" one.
I'm not anally retentive enough to keep a track of all costs, since using a motorhome is all of a holiday, a hobby, and a means of pursuing our other interests.
A couple of years ago, however, we headed for Finland, through Denmark, Sweden, across to Helsinki, up round the Gulf of Bothnia and over the Arctic Circle, then back down through Sweden and Denmark.
I wrote it up elsewhere, and was asked for outline costs, so have them to hand.
It was a 25 day trip of 3150 miles
£603 Ferry Harwich - Esbjerg and rtn 7m x 3m 'van, 2 berth outside cabin
£195 Ferry Stockholm - Turku ditto
£236 Storebaelt/Oresund bridge tolls (out and back)
£477 Fuel (ignoring full tank on departure as 3/4 tank on return)
£429 Campsite fees (incl Key Camp Europe purchase)
£474 Food and Miscellaneous daily expenditure.
It should be noted that there were precious few places to eat out, and little opportunity to spend on entertainment, so the cost mix is different to, say, this year's trip to the German Alps/Italian Dolomites, where we ate out much more.
The main thing is that, without a motorhome (a caravan would have been a possibility, but less convenient) we simply wouldn't do these things, and the Finland Trip has memories of stunning locations that will stay with us forever.
At roughly £100 per day I see it as very good value, but it ignores the capital and maintenance cost of the 'van.
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Is that per person? I reckon it's costing me that 'all inclusive' once I've factored in my flight, which was cheap, and dining out at night to escape the uncontrolled snot monkeys roaming the restaurant.
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£50 per person per day; Scenery to die for, no snot-monkeys in sight, and, of course, the midnight sun.
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>> £50 per person per day; Scenery to die for, no snot-monkeys in sight, and, of
It's less even than that. Assuming you would have driven anyway. Camping fees at £17 per night; the rest of it you would have had to spend anyway (maybe a bit less fuel if in a car, and lower ferry fares).
This thread has taught me a new word which is 'dinette'. Sounds horrific.
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>> This thread has taught me a new word which is 'dinette'. Sounds horrific.
>>
Very common word in the 60s / 70s, in all senses of the word
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My question is whether one has a banquette in a dinette in a caravette.......?
And if a dinette is a small dining area.. is a banquette a little bonk......?
Answers on a postcard to 'confused of West Sussex' please
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>> My question is whether one has a banquette in a dinette in a caravette.......?
And perhaps one has a crevette baguette with a serviette.
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>> And perhaps one has a crevette baguette with a serviette.
I think such a post is a breach of etiquette.
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>>Answers on a postcard to 'confused of West Sussex' please
Not another one FFS! .. must be *something in the water down that way
*Aluminium most likely.
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>>Assuming you would have driven anyway....
...and therein (for me) is the nub.
Without the motorhome, much of what we have done over the years, we otherwise wouldn't have - the type of tour we had round Scandinavia just doesn't really work by other means.
It suits us, though I've no doubt we could find other ways of holidaying that would appeal (and indeed do, as it isn't easy to take a motorhome to the Americas ;-) ).
....and my 'vans only got a half-dinette ;-)
Last edited by: tyrednemotional on Wed 16 Dec 15 at 10:52
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Sale of Goods Act - Success - Pat
