We bought ourselves a 2003 lunar 5 berth caravan which had 1 owner and well looked after, structurally sound no leaks no damp as an electrician and generally quite handy I have carried out upgrades (new truma heater, new led lights throughout,usb sockets, smart tv, new kitchen tap, carpet replaced with lino.) Now my dilemma is this, it is labelled as a lunar ultima 2003, looking through the Internet they never made an ultima in 2003, however the solar 525 images I have come across would Indicate it is in fact a 2003 solar 525 but with added hi kevel cupboards across the front and a factory fitted mirror on the outside of the bathroom wall( mounted on board covered in same material as curtains). Can anyone confirm that Lunar used to make thier vans and you could specify additions like extra cupboards.?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
The Lunar 'Ultima' range were Dealer Specials from Robinsons caravans, based on Lunar Quasar and Lexon models.
'Dealer Specials' were custom built by Lunar to a better spec than the stock caravan, often nearing the spec of the next model up in the stock range. Usually very good value vans to buy for the features found.
Finding out exactly what extras you've got over stock model can be tricky, usually involves tracking down a brochure from the dealer to see what differs.
I've got a Cosmos (Quasar) special from Cambells Caravans, and quite a lot of extras.
It might also be worth checking that it is actually a 2003 model. When we bought ours we were told that it was a 1994, but on checking we found it to be a 1992, although it made no difference to us. Really I was just interested in finding out what the CRIS number meant. You should have a long number etched on the windows and this is the CRIS number.
Thanks everyone,this has put things into prospective, the van came.from Robinsons so has probably been custom built with one or 2 extras like the front overhead cupboards, motor mover etc etc etc...it is in fact a 2002 model but not registered until 2003. Some may say its done but I can't stress enough hiw well this has been looked after, when we took the carpet up the floor looks as new , no warping or delamination , checked from underside and its the same, walls are all sound and solid apart from the obvious aging of the paint due to UV it's could almost be out of a showroom and is perfect for just me, the wife and 2 dogs.
Sounds great! Many of these older vans seem to be far better built than many of the newer ones. Mine is a 1992 model and when we bought it 6 years ago the condition of it was almost-new. We did have problems with damp around the front windows last year, but considering that it was then 31 years old I don't think it had done bad. Fortunately I am fairly handy, although I'm "getting on a bit" and I managed to fix it myself. We went away with it in September last year and will be using it again this year.
Made in 2002 and sold sold in 2003, so probably sold with extras to get rid of it before the new model came out.
This is much the same as my Elddis also made in 2002, we bought it in 2003 also a dealer special with loads of extras which were as standard in the 2003 model, the new model however had a smaller rear bedroom.
Quote: Originally posted by Paul_B on 23/4/2024
Made in 2002 and sold sold in 2003, so probably sold with extras to get rid of it before the new model came out.
This is much the same as my Elddis also made in 2002, we bought it in 2003 also a dealer special with loads of extras which were as standard in the 2003 model, the new model however had a smaller rear bedroom.
Can't see dealers doing the 'structural' upgrade to existing stock to raise the spec! Far too much work, and no profit to be made after material and labour costs. Mine has different external graphics/logos all round, extra lighting inside and out, HD corner steadies, plush deep pile carpet, and other enhancements, etc. etc. Only economic if a genuine factory build from scratch.
Likely nothing more than 'old stock' that didn't sell in the model year. Plenty of dealers have last years models still on their books, specials or stock versions, makes no difference. Usual method of clearing old stock is a smallish price reduction (remember, current year models will have gone up, so already a price differential!), and a 'bundle' of accessories thrown in.
Quote: Originally posted by Paul_B on 23/4/2024
Made in 2002 and sold sold in 2003, so probably sold with extras to get rid of it before the new model came out.
This is much the same as my Elddis also made in 2002, we bought it in 2003 also a dealer special with loads of extras which were as standard in the 2003 model, the new model however had a smaller rear bedroom.
Can't see dealers doing the 'structural' upgrade to existing stock to raise the spec! Far too much work, and no profit to be made after material and labour costs. Mine has different external graphics/logos all round, extra lighting inside and out, HD corner steadies, plush deep pile carpet, and other enhancements, etc. etc. Only economic if a genuine factory build from scratch.
Likely nothing more than 'old stock' that didn't sell in the model year. Plenty of dealers have last years models still on their books, specials or stock versions, makes no difference. Usual method of clearing old stock is a smallish price reduction (remember, current year models will have gone up, so already a price differential!), and a 'bundle' of accessories thrown in.
The factory does the extras as dealer specials to get rid of the old stock before the new models come out in August.
They do dealer specials on a regular basis and each dealer will have their own likes and wants, the old stock clearence ones are usually better
Quote: Originally posted by Paul_B on 23/4/2024
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The factory does the extras as dealer specials to get rid of the old stock before the new models come out in August.
They do dealer specials on a regular basis and each dealer will have their own likes and wants, the old stock clearence ones are usually better
Post last edited on 23/04/2024 13:50:04
Hardly clearing old stock with my van! It was first registered/sold only 3 months into the new model year, and matches the standard van for that year with all the updates for that year, so very much 'current' model at start of sales year, just enhanced to Dealer Special spec!
I'm sure some are 'clearance' builds to shift outgoing models, but seemingly not uniquely. Maybe some brands/dealers operate different practices, but that doesn't appear to apply to my make/dealer at the time of manufacture.
Certainly got to agree that the 'specials' can be a very good buy.
Our Pursuit Platinum edition is a dealer special. All the extras of a Pursuit Plus with the dealer extras added on top. We ordered in Sept 2015 and had to be given a manufacturing slot for it to be made as a Pursuit Plus then the dealer had to fit the Platinum equipment and do the PDI and arrange a handover date/time which was Feb 8th, 2016.
The cost was £400 I think for Plus and only £500 for the Platinum.
This is all the extras included:
ALKO Trailer Control
AKS 3004 Stabiliser
ALKO Secure Wheel Lock
ALKO Side Lift Jack
Branded CD/Radio
Stainless Steel Microwave
Door Flyscreen
Panoramic Sun Roof
New Ozio Upholstery unique to Platinum Edition
External 230v Socket
Truma 100W Solar Panel
OK so the front high level cupboards, door fly screen, external 230v socket, Panasonic stereo with cd , motor mover are all things that could have been dealer added in order for it to qualify it as an ultima. All starting to make sense now...right ol minefield this caravaning lark isn't it?
Quote: Originally posted by Lunar pops on 23/4/2024
OK so the front high level cupboards, door fly screen, external 230v socket, Panasonic stereo with cd , motor mover are all things that could have been dealer added in order for it to qualify it as an ultima. All starting to make sense now...right ol minefield this caravaning lark isn't it?
LOL! IT has only started. When last was the caravan serviced and the gas appliances checked and a gas pressure test done? Also have you checked the age of the tyres as it is recommended that they be changed every 7 - 8 years even if they have plenty of tread left?
Otherwise enjoy your new foudnd freedom as you will enjoy the life.
Change tyres at five years old, and they should never be used when more than seven years old.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 24/4/2024
Change tyres at five years old, and they should never be used when more than seven years old.
Absolutely, no more that 7 at the very outside! 5 or 6 is wise. You may even invalidate your insurance if older, it's a industry recommendation, and insurers may deem you have not kept the van in roadworthy condition, which WILL be part of your insurance terms!
Mine were 6 years old, not 'worn out', used regularly so not 'flat spotted', sheltered from sun light, superficially looking OK, but on close examination very much end of life! Micro cracking on side walls, first signs of cracking between tread blocks, really getting to point where an accident (blow out/tread shedding) waiting to happen!
A blow out/disintegrating tyre on a caravan can be a LOT more than simply an inconvenient road side 'puncture'! Stability when towing can 'vanish' and tail wagging dog 'snaking' can happen, disintegrating tyre can flail and literally wreck the van, friend has his van written off by the damage from a blown tyre! - the tyre debris wrecked the inner wheel arch, cooker, floor and wheel arch/wall!
Date of manufacture is stamped on side wall of tyre as a 4 digit number in format '4820', that's week 48 in year 2020. Usually only in one place, and bet your life it'll be on the inside wall where you can't easily see it!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: New to us caravan
via mobile 22/4/2024 at 12:40pm
