we had a very favourable experience like domino ( we bought a 2003 Elddis, too!- maybe that was the reason) from a dealer in reading. when we collected the caravan, it was all made up to go, battery in, gas bottle connected, aquqaroll, wastemaster, cover, chemicals, number plate on, etc. and as we had a problem with the hob first time out they collected it, repaired it and delivered it back.
we had to bargain hard for the price and get the deal we wanted, but we were always treated well. as a result can't recommend them highly enough.
the point is that we trawled round loads of other dealerships first and spent a lot of time talking to sales people before we decided that that was the right place to buy from.
we got a free number plate for our 1996 van when we bought it 3 1/2 years ago from yorkshire caravans wed to take our log book also got a large bouquet of flowers as well
------------- Sandringham 22nd mar - 30th mar
thorpe park 27th apr - 1st july
thorpe park 1st sept 2015- 1st nov 2015
clumber park 29th dec -4th jan
When we picked up our new van everything was swapped over from our old van for us whilst we were doing the paper work, Then we were given the run down on how every thing works,
It was at this stage I noticed a problem, When we were looking at the van before we bought it, it had a chest of drawers at the front seating area, which was what we wanted as our old van had the same, Now the chest was gone and there were just cushions in its place! I pointed out to the sales man they must have prepped up the wrong van, as the one we had put the deposit on had the chest, Que much head scratching and paper shuffling, they insisted we were mistaken and the van we bought never had the chest of drawers!! Anyway the out come is that we made such a huge fuss about it the have agreed to supply us with a chest f.o.c. I'm sure these people just try it on some times!!
When we picked up our new caravan in 2005 they did everything for us. That one wa sold last year and we bought another smaller second hand one.
Recently when we traded in our caravan and bought another second hand caravan, they transferred everything across for us and also hitched up the caravan.
No it was,nt discover or wandahome think of another one and i got done when i took our van in salesman said it was not orginal spec and lowered part ex (my old bailey is on ebay at the moment its the one with leather)
Its not aboutbeing an expert its common sence to makesure you dot the eyes and crossing of the tees. Cause once you sign on the dotted that is it. As for the numberplate mallarky how the hell does the company know what your numberplate is unlss you tell them in plenty of time. The same for the pigtails there are quicte a few different types so have the one taken off the old van - but get it documented cause unless you tell them then it maybe a problem on the day especially if they are handing over a few on the day - In sorry but I think you are mostly at fault here especially as this is not your first van.
------------- A barman is just a pharmacist
with a limited inventory
numberplate should be part of the discussion process how else can they get it off the forecourt? You need the plate to tow with. obviously you have to pay as you do with a new car I took my old one off and refixed it so there was no problem
pigtail should be part of the package I was asked what I wanted and since I use camping gaz and propane I was told to ask for the more expensive pigtail and then buy the other cheaper one myself service indeed - mind you that was the only good bit of service from them not interested in problems/ after care but that is another issue
Was it Discover? There is one near me and it has a less than good reputation - well deserved in my experience. Try Ropers they generally are quite sound in their dealings
Chalkie I think you are partly right in that some of it was my fault. I did email the the salesman two weeks ago with my Reg number and telling them that I needed a Propane pigtail because thats what I had always done in the past.I also asked if I could have help with the gas bottles etc. Had they replied and said that I should supply my own plate and pigtail then OK. Hearing nothing I assumed everything was OK. The salesman couln`t help with the gas bottle because he wasn`t CORGI registered.
The van I part exchanged was handed over exactly as I bought it new incuding Flatscreen TV, ALKO jack,ALKO secure wheel lock,tracker subscription, step, pump, EHU cable etc. The salesman was amazed that they were included he said most people keep some of them . I suppose I should have kept it all- and removed the pigtail and number plate.
idpdmp It was the one near Ropers.Ropers have lost their Lunar dealership I think
I bought my last van a Bailey, from Reads of Leeds and had it serviced and looked after at Discover Darlington. I always had really good service from Les and his team at Discover and if they service Lunars I might take my new van there
catterick caravans oh dear i went to huddresfield after the salesman there renaged on the written deal he offerred a few weeks earlier ropers service the van even though they are not 'registered' ropers fine by me not always perfect but we never fall out my friend goes there from washington
I think that if i was ever in the position to buy a new van, the dealership salesman, should atleast advise you on the smaller things you need do when making a huge financial comittment to them. i can see that they can be easily overlooked by the purchaser.
After all the saleman does it everyday, not once in a lifetime. Should be part of the service they provide!!
When we bought our previous van in 1998, it was supplied with number plate and we were handed a gas regulator for the type of bottle we had specified. They had also fitted the items we had added, the mover, the battery and the AlKo stabiliser.
Our present van (2008) also had a number plate fitted, even the EU type that needs no extra GB sticker. And we were asked which pigtail we wanted. They also fitted the battery we had requested, and of course the mover.
So yes, I would expect a number plate to be supplied FOC when buying a van. I might possibly expect to pay for a pigtail.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: New van, old plate and no pigtail??
I pointed out to the sales man they must have prepped up the wrong van, as the one we had put the deposit on had the chest, Que much head scratching and paper shuffling, they insisted we were mistaken and the van we bought never had the chest of drawers!! 
Anyway the out come is that we made such a huge fuss about it the have agreed to supply us with a chest f.o.c. I'm sure these people just try it on some times!!
