Don't know if its been mentioned anywhere else on here but the Gobur showroom and service/repair centre is closing its doors for the last time this week. A British company who made an amazing product - the Gobur Carousel folding caravan - in many models. I understand between 1600 and 1800 Goburs were made over 40 years. These vans are amazing, very robust and have a good lifespan. Ours, named Wobbly Bob, is 21 years old, weve had him about 18 months and already had some amazing adventures.
Sorry to see them closing down, ive heard so many stories about their excellent customer
service. Best of luck to everyone who works there
------------- May/June - Spring Valley
Aug/Sept - Leekworth
TraceyD I am sorry to hear this, I bought our Gobur Carousel from them 10years ago, Richard their managing director was a smashing chap and the staff from the workshop, sales etc were brilliant, when Richard retired I think some of the staff took it on as a business, I have had dealings with a chap named Kevin over the last 2-3 years for different spare parts and their customer service etc was absolutely first class. I wish Kevin and all the staff all the very best for the future, hope they all find secure employment elsewhere.
TraceyD I too rang Kevin this morning as I have dealt with him since Richard retired, as you say nice chap, I had quite a chat with him, he told me he had been working there 42 years, so understandably he was devastated, I wished them all good luck in whatever they choose to do in the future, sadly another British company ceases trading due to the economic climate.
Around 10 years ago when I decided tents were getting a bit much for aging bones, and a bit more luxury was no bad thing, I visited Goburs works/showroom with a consideration of buying one. Lot's of aspects of their vans impressed, including their dedication to their product and build quality, but the relatively high cost of such a basic outfit put me off, and the lightweight compact towing/storing benefits didn't really compensate enough.
The minimalist kitchen, and the micro loo on those models that even had one, as well as near impossible to find one with a shower were rather the final nail in the coffin as far as me entertaining buying one. The same amount of money could buy me a pretty high end luxury spec, near new van, elsewhere! The compact towing size/weight were not a big issue for me.
I suspect that perception must have hit many a prospective customer, and sadly they hadn't really kept up with the times to offer competitive products to mainstream manufactures, and the niche market they had backed themselves into could only challenge the economies of staying in business.
Sad to hear of them closing down, as companies with their passion for their product are certainly few and far between, but markets move on, and niche markets are notoriously hard to keep profitable. Another worthy name from the world of caravanning consigned to history.
But how many of the caravans are still on the go with no damp at 21 years old? Ours was made in 2005, we're the third owners and its still in very good condition - and it has a shower ??
------------- May/June - Spring Valley
Aug/Sept - Leekworth
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Gobur Ltd
via mobile 26/5/2026 at 10:49pm
