Can your experience advise us on good questions to ask caravan exhibitors at the NEC show next weekend, please?
Sure they'll have the stuff they want to tell us, but what should we be really asking?
Thanks to all who posted so much useful information earlier on my thread "Caravan or Camping van?" (opened 29 Sept)
We're still open minded but vastly better informed as a result.
So we're off to the NEC show, still researching, and hiring before buying, but a small 2 berth caravan is one line we're looking into, and with no experience other than years of tents, knowing what to ask will make the trip so much more worthwhile!
Thank you & best wishes.
The first 2 answers should tell the op that he does not need to ask questions because all UK built caravans are much of a muchness. There is no better or worse & they all use same make chassis & interior appliances.
Best advice might be to look at caravans at the show but buy from your most local main dealer of the make you choose because that way you will not have to go far for warranty/service work if required.
If the op wants a small 2 berth fixed bed with minimum spec he could do worse than look at the French built Caravelair make which are again being imported. This time by the Marquis dealer chain.
This may sound strange but it will help.
Go to the the camping area and ask the folk their opinions. Most owners are proud of their choice and will tell you what works / what doesn't. Just knock on the door, bet you get a good response.
Doesn't matter what you ask the salespeople 'cos they know all the questions and the 'answers'.
if you look at caravans ask if they have a dealer very near to where you live .
And as others have said speak to people with vans not to the sales men .
Look at something you like that is what you may want . Then ask people looking if anyone has the same .
We always compare what we have . Then have a look to see what has changed .Last year I spoke to a manager on the stand of the caravan we had , I asked why I should buy another one and have they improved . Should I trust them again ..
i didn't believe him so we changed for another make .
We are going again I like looking and always chat to others . Our van is only 3 months old so we are not changing . But it's nice to look .
Best advice is you look for a local dealer near you with a good reputation. Buy the caravans they sell.
If anything does go wrong it is your dealer who will have to sort it out for you. Good ones will, bad ones won't.
The warranty is with the dealer not the manufacturer.
The other thing is look at a Gobur folding caravan. Very well made and really will last for many years. They will probably have a stand there. They offer service and quality no other manufacturer can come close to.
Decide what you want and play dealers against each other but as above posts point out end up with a dealer within you area. Despite what dealers and manufacturers say it is the supplying dealer who will have to deal with warranty .It can be done by other dealers but they won't do it because they are not paid their normal rate by the manufacturers.
Ask them to put a delivery date in writing stating £100 penalty for every day late,if I had done that with the van I finally cancelled last year they would have had to pay me to take it
Quote: Originally posted by Octavia4x4 on 08/10/2016
For Elddis: why only 1 year warranty on front and rear panels? and why do they crack? I am lucky, mine has got cracks before warranty runs out.
The panels are covered for 6 years under the Consumer Rights Act and even thouhg Elddis may reject the claim, it is the responsuibility of the dealership to sort out the problem and not the manufacturer. Another good reason to buy on HP or pay using a credit card.
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: Questions to ask exhibitors at NEC show?
