Looking at the new caravans being released by the main manufacturers, it's clear that there's a war going on: who can have the biggest, least-subtle decals.
I'm not talking about the abstract swirls and swooshes which are used to help break up the impact of the slab sides of a caravan, but rather the lettering of make and models.
Bailey, Swift, Sterling, Eldiss and Lunar all shout their names with large lettering over the front window, and bawl the model name in big signs down the sides or at the rear. The worst of all is Dunster House, who ironically shout "STEALTH!" in shiny, silver lettering a foot high on the brow of their new models.
Why? What's the point? Is this meant to be used in a game of campsite Top Trumps? If so, why not have all the caravan's vital statistics printed neatly on its rump so everyone can join in....
"My MTPLM is 1,457kg"
"Oh really? Well I have a user payload of 250kg!"
All this corporate branding may be great for the manufacturers, but for the users it's getting silly and embarrassing. Caravans are ugly enough without looking like mobile advertising hoardings. Could the designers consider toning it down a bit? After all, there is the idea that "less is more".
Then again, in today's logo-obsessed world, where some people are decked out head to toe in other people's names, perhaps people really do want to shout at every one passing by about exactly how much money they've spent on their brand new "leisure vehicle".
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
If you buy a new Beemer, the subtle among us can specify the 'dechrome' version with no badges. Obviously to be credible you really need to order this option on top of range models only.
Yes Bailey Swift and Sterling seem to be the biggest culprits as regards these oversized decals especially on the new 2011 models. Our Lunar is positively subtle by comparison. Caravan designers must be chavving their vans exterior up yet offer nothing really new on the inside apart from cramped washrooms and garish upholstery that looks like your pet dog has been sick on it!
Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 26/10/2010
Even worse ive saw new vans where the owners have added more eg a picture of a horse about 14 inches tall...must be horsie people..
Personally I still maintain that this might not be a bad theft deterrent. If you had a choice of vans to nick (rather than stealing to order, which certainly seems to happen) wouldn't you take the less distinctive one rather than run the risk of being easier to spot on the road or having to spend time stripping stickers off?
The horse wouldn't be my choice mind you. I think I'd get a sticker the size of the side of the caravan showing the inside of a caravan - that'd make people look
Quote: Originally posted by derekupnorth on 27/10/2010
Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 26/10/2010
Even worse ive saw new vans where the owners have added more eg a picture of a horse about 14 inches tall...must be horsie people..
Personally I still maintain that this might not be a bad theft deterrent. If you had a choice of vans to nick (rather than stealing to order, which certainly seems to happen) wouldn't you take the less distinctive one rather than run the risk of being easier to spot on the road or having to spend time stripping stickers off?
The horse wouldn't be my choice mind you. I think I'd get a sticker the size of the side of the caravan showing the inside of a caravan - that'd make people look
Cheers,
Derek.
I agree. Think it'd look better with a dog though . How about a guinea pig ? they're cute
I also dislike the latest chavvy badging.
------------- Fools and charlatans know everything and understand nothing . Anton Chekhov
There's been an interesting reaction to this, thanks. Once you notice these decals they really stand out, and not in a good way. Bailey is actively marketing the decals on the Unicorn as being in some way a "luxury". What?!?!
I think the thing with personalised decals or pictures is completely different. As long as they are relatively easy to remove, I think they are fun and distinctive ... not that I have any on my van.
------------- * You never know where you're going 'til you get there...
Quote: Originally posted by derekupnorth on 27/10/2010
Quote: Originally posted by jeff juke on 26/10/2010
The horse wouldn't be my choice mind you. I think I'd get a sticker the size of the side of the caravan showing the inside of a caravan - that'd make people look
Cheers,
Derek.
I can just imagine that! Make it a 3D photo and you'd be on a winner, especially if its all tidy... then you could just go outside and look at your nice tidy interior not matter what it's like on the inside.
to the original OP, yes I quite agree. they are getting LOUDER every year!
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Topic: Invasion of the GIANT decals
. How about a guinea pig ? they're cute 
