Is there a range diference in Caravan manufacturers as there is for cars?
For example what would be the Mercedes of caravan makes (Quality and reliability), what would be the Ford (mass produced mid range) and what would be the Lada (lesser quality).
Purely interested for the build quality and holding value, as opposed to the "mines better than yours" notion.
Lol. Fair point. Maybe I was a bit specific with the examples. However you get what I am tryng to find out?
Surely there are brands with a good reputation and brands to stay away from. I have been in the motor trade for 20 years and there are cars I would touch and cars I would go no where near. Yes even a new Mercedes can have a fault, however generally they are a good reliable vehicle. Is this the same with caravans?
You can definitely see the difference in quality reflected in the ranges of caravans from each manufacturer. As snowy747 says, most manufacturers offer a range of the more expensive caravans with slightly more solid materials and mod cons (internally) through to budget models. My Avondale is never going to be as plush as say the German built caravans but the new and second hand comparitive prices will reflect this. I love my Avondale, it's practical and ideally suited to our family though I accept some of the internal cupboards aren't as solid as others on the market. Give and take really.
I always think that if a manufacturer started using man-made composites rather than wood for the structure then that would be a major advance for reliability. Using a material that is prone to rotting or delaminating is asking for trouble.
I have been told that Buccaneer and Bessacarr are the "Mercedes" of caravans, I dont want to say what I have heard are the "Lada" because don't want to offend anyone. Plus it's only hearsay.
I think you can easily form your own opinions by going round a 2nd hand dealers and looking at ones aged around 2-3 years, some look like new while others seem to show a lot of wear, I know some of its down to how they're looked after but some brands seem to regularly have broken catches, flaky edging strips and doors off the runners.
defo agree on bucaneer and bessacarr, not that im biast! but yes we pay for it in terms of weight pushing over 2 tonne laden, but worth it in my opinion!
when they were still being made im sure some vanners whove caravanned for years will agree defo van royce were the rolls royce in caravans!
Vote for Eldis here as a good quality medium weight van although not so impressed with their quality on last and this years models. Vans are like cars in that differant makers hit quality in differant years it goes in cycles
I honestly think now that UK vans are about the same, the odd bit of better bits in some more expensive vans, but overall the same quality. Still think German vans are better made and they seem to stand the test of time better than UK vans. As much as I hate baileys and have got in some rows here, this years range seems a lot better made - still wont have one though.. ;)
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 brand quality
