Hi all.Soon to be upgrading from our freedom.Been very tempted last weekend by the sterkeman range and also the caravalair.Could anyone tell us what the advantages are of a Grp/plastic roof and sided van as opposed to a metal one.Do they leak less etc.Thanks.
------------- Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet
A lot of M/homes are all GRP now so the vans should be ok aswell,I think the early GRP panels had some probs as they were very thin but the newer ones seam better made,hope someone comes and advises you who has one.
------------- Think this year is to follow old meet friends for 2014.
If you cant do someone a good turn,don`t do them a bad one,its nice to be nice you know,and little things mean much more later in life.
Pete.
We have an Abbey GTS Vogue that has GRP sides. TBH this didn't play a part in our decision to buy it. I have not seen any reports that using GRP makes the caravan less likely to leak so I would recommend you base your decision on the caravans layout, practicality and how much it fullfils your particular needs.
The only thing I have read is that GRP is tougher than the Aluminium sides on most caravans and doesn't dent as easily. It is apparently easier to repair as well.
It doesn't have the smooth finish of Aluminium though but I personally think it looks fine.
We nearly did that not long ago, did you visit stafford by any chance?? lol
What put us off (loved one of the sterkemans!) was that even tho the vans are new, they are still 2008 models, baring in mind the 2010 models of everything will be for sale soon (oct) but his prices are for the new models, if you follow me?
When we got home I got out a caravan mag I brought last year (go caravaning) its great one off mag, with all prices and weights etc in, and when I looked up the prices they were 2 k less than he had them up for, trouble is if you buy one, it will only every be worth the book price.
The dealer said this was because of the euro, he was not buying anymore in from France and selling off old stock.
But if you park ex in the future, you stand to lose a lot of money, baring in mind you could buy a bailey or some thing for the same price, probably hold its value more?
Thanks for all your replies.To mzzy, yes it was freedom at stafford.We loved the sterckeman 390 cp and nearly did the deed there and then but they only offered 1300 for our van then 1500 and an awning for the sterckeman but like you say mzzy, the 2010 model is out soon and i think he just wanted rid of it.We're just holding on for now.
------------- Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet
Yes thats what we did, nearly signed there and then we liked the one with the fixed bed (although I had learnt lesson on rushing in after previous time! lol)
But as I say when I came home and looked up book price, they are selling them for 2 k more, its a rip off!
He's not buying anymore sterkemans in now so if thats the van you want don't know where you would get it?
If I was you I would look at similar models too and sell your van privately, thats what we are doing, off to france for 2 weeks sunday, then hopefully sell when we get back. We are stuck as our car doesn't tow much, said to OH we will just have to swap car instead of having such a limited choice of vans, but also fancy a big folding camper, OH not keen tho wants a caravan, sure we will find some thing soon!
Best of luck mzzy.We've been down the folding camper and caravan rd and we just want a normal van now.Its easy to get carried away at the dealers isnt it.When they offered 1300 for our van (99 sunseeker) i said to the salesman that there was a similar one on the forcourt for 4000 and he said part exes need a lot of work on them.Yeah course they do lol
------------- Those that danced were thought to be quite insane to those who could not hear the music. Angela Monet
One incident I seen with them was when an owner had a puncture at a motorway service area. He was obviously poorly prepared as he was coming back from the continent. The standard wheel brace he had wouldn't fit the wheel studs. They are obviously larger than the studs normally used. It was down to not checking before the journey.
mmmm we have been to look at baileys again today (dealer up the road from us at cosford, so always wanted one) holiday sunday tho, and then need to sell our freedom, so nothing going to happen for now, can dream though can't I, lol We have had a folding camper before too, but it was only a small one, thinking if we got a big one would be more like a caravan? having trouble convincing the OH though, will see what fate brings!
Yes they have a few, all baileys though (well couple of other makes) all quite newish ones. Right better get on with me packing we off to France tomorow morning first thing, and I'm at work in a bit till 6!
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Topic: Grp van advice please
We have had a folding camper before too, but it was only a small one, thinking if we got a big one would be more like a caravan? having trouble convincing the OH though, will see what fate brings!
