After 12 years of trailer tent holidays, like you, we'd had enough of the weather so we all trundled off to the show a couple of years ago, just for a look! Had a good browse round at kit, folding campers and vans. By the end of the day we had decided that a van with a good family layout would suit us best.
After lots of deliberation, last year we decided to buy a used 5 berth caravan because: 1. It's much cheaper than a new one, and 2. We needed to make sure we liked caravans. A few months later we bought an awning online as Dorema had a good offer on factory clearance. We've all really enjoyed our holidays so far, and its so much easier to set up than the tent was. No regrets!
The show was great for ideas, we took our kids and they enjoyed it but they probably wouldn't go on a regular basis.
Food and drink was very expensive so I'd take a picnic if we ever went again.
Go early as we had to join the queue on the M42 at around 10ish.
I think the one in Feb has boats and other outdoor kit as well.
Quote: Originally posted by feeblecat on 30/9/2009
I'm not sure if you are entirely accurate Dave101 - my understanding (on past experience) is that you borrow the money from the finance company who pays that money to the dealer. You then can't stop payments because your contract is with the finance company (who won't be interested in your caravan complaints), not the dealer (although the dealer is liable to sort things under warranty etc). If you buy under HP the rules are different.
Like I said, the best advice always falls upon deaf ears. I mean, what do I know, I only work in the caravan industry...!
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Quote: Originally posted by LifeBeginsAt40 on 30/9/2009
Are you allowed in the caravans on your own or do you have to be accompanied by a salesperson ? Can you kick your shoes off to try beds ? (hubbies 6ft3").
Yes, that's usually OK - but they draw the line at using the loo!
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
------------- Ignore the weather forecast and just go !
June 09 : Birchwood Farm, Matlock
July 09 : Green Hills, Bakewell
Aug O9 : Hall More, Carnforth
Aug 22 - Sept 1st : Trevornick, Holywell Bay WINDY
Sept 5th/7th : Settle
There's a creche you can use to occupy the kids for an hour or two.
You could whizz around all the caravans at the beginning to get a quick idea whilst the kids are still interested and energised, and when they start to flag, drop them off at the creche, and go back to the ones you'd earmarked for more serious investigation... plus in my experience the kids "bestest" caravan is always the last one they stepped in!
Also don't waste time on the motorhome stands if you're not looking for one, there are three times as many motorhomes as caravans at the show, so you can save a lot of time.
Sorry if I am repeating anything anyone has said but I haven't read all the thread due to lack of time.
My tip would be...
what ever you buy make sure it isn't from a dealer miles away from where you live, unless you are very very lucky there will be warranty issues as soon as you pick it up and you will have to take it back to have these done.
Next tip beware of getting carried away, if you decide on one go away and think about it practically first before signing up.
Would echo what has been said about buying from miles away from home!
had a few issues with our brand new 09 van and have been back three times a 100 mile round trip is no joke and NO other nearer dealer will look at ANY warranty work.
We are not fuss pots by the way electrical switches were melting, water poured out of bottom of frige and 13 pin elecs collapsed!! and they were just the worse probs!!!
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: Caravan Show - Top Tips please
