These videos are from Andrew Jenkinson the UK caravan industry expert and published author of 16 books, writes for all the major magazines on tourers, park homes and motorhomes but is also known for his history books on the UK Caravan/motorhome Industry. He tests tourers and motorhomes both new and pre-owned. He has worked on radio and Tv and is the first port of call for all things caravanning. A collection of various videos will be added new and historic, tourers will be covered along with the odd polish/wash reviews too and cars. Andrews books are available from Amazon and all good shops.as well as Amberley Publishing, Shire Publishers and new book in June 2019 The Static Caravan Story - published by the History Press. The Motorhome story and the Touring Caravan Story have since been added in 2021 / 22 by the History Press. Andrew has 4 books under Amberley publishing, #amberley and a visual history of caravans by pen and sword books.
Hi Andy, really enjoyed that video, you got some lovely photos. The shape reminds me of the modern day Eriba caravan. It certainly was a very luxurious design and my favourite thing about it is the wall drop down bed. The perspex kitchen units would have been very easy to keep clean. The roof canopy would certainly rule out the risk of water ingress something that modern designers need to work on 😂. Something very different Andy, very interesting well done.
Hi Kevin -thank you as always - yes this caravan was a real head turner - Dawtrey designed all types of stuff, and this caravan was one of many different designs he came up with. The Knight would cost a lot to make now and yes I love the drop down bed to. Thanks for watching and hope alls going well.
Hi Andy keep up the good work ! Hope I don't sound to geeky but it would have been nice to look round the outside and even to find out what chassis this little pearl was riding on. Congratulation to Fiona for treasuring this little gem.
No problem - it was a own built chassis then went onto Al ko on this model year - bonded sides as modern tourers and double glazed plastic windows of course a cracker of a tourer -thank you for commenting and watching.
Another excellent blog Andy , you are so right about it all happening before : CI you mentioned and then later ABI tourers demise is just another case . Also don't feel embarrassed about the rooflight - first van I had with a Heki (Bailey Senator) the rooflight took off into the North Sea as we drove up the Northumberland coast (total pilot error - I neglected to make sure the locking bar had clicked round the button!!!).
Hi Nigel - thank you - yep the Lunar Stella lost it I was red faced back at the factory! Yes all happened before as you but some big news for these YT folk who know little about he industry at most times. Thanks for your support
It would be interesting if you got together with Atlantic caravans and possibly a few more RU-vidrs and all talk about the future of caravanning and camping industry. Build quality, water ingress and leaks and faults, price of pitches etc. Perhaps get Swift and other manufacturers to talk about it too. What do customers want. How do you all think of how they should be built and cost. The amount of equipment going in them and the direction of the manufacturers. No good all bitching at each other. Need to all get together to sort the problems out. Without being biased. 🥰
well if only! I asked a few questions at Elddis about panels not having a decent warranty but got little response - I think social media had good and bad points - some folk harp about small problems making them bigger - its a stage where folk can complain but there are genuine problems but not every caravan leaks or drops to bits! but industry background is becoming less and we need folk with know how.
Anyone noticed anything about caravans.? I'm not talking about good or bad ones, leaky or not. Ten years ago, in my Club, three quarters of members had caravans. Today, at least 75% if not more have motorhomes or campervans. Are caravans on the way out?
5 дней назад
Why does he take 24 minutes plus stating the obvious many times & trying to be funny which doesn't work. Getting to the point & not waffling would only take about 5 minutes. Yours from somebody who can clean windows without wasting 24 minutes of my life.
Bad Rot is Common in all hymers group vans now ..compass etc.. the front windows are not sealed properly at build and front top seal not sealed properly.. ive a 2022 compass .front end is rotten was leaking from new ,,, ,,warranty fix next month,, !!!!!!!!!!! WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING !!!!!!!!!! DO NOT BUY ANY HYMER MADE UNITS ( ALL SOLID BUILT UNITS)AS THEY ALL ROT AT THE FRONT WINDOWS FROM NEW ..
Bad Rot is Common in all hymers group vans now ..compass etc.. the front windows are not sealed properly at build and front top seal not sealed properly.. ive a 2022 compass .front end is rotten was leaking from new ,,, ,,warranty fix next month,, !!!!!!!!!!! WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING !!!!!!!!!! DO NOT BUY ANY HYMER MADE UNITS ( ALL SOLID BUILT UNITS)AS THEY ALL ROT AT THE FRONT WINDOWS FROM NEW ..
I do not think having a free insentive is a reason not to approach a dealer if it has a fault. When i have paid over 33k for a new carsvan, i do expect it to have no faults. So why should I not take it back under warranty?
It should be taken back otherwise the fault could become worse. There should be no faults - friend bought a new house 230l floorboards were not put down correctly, lawn was terribly laid, and the bathroom roof leaked ! - Yep all put right over time but still should not have happened another new build owner told me that the drains had not been installed right and they had a bad smell. We know everything should be bob on but unlike cars manual labour is used in caravan construction as houses and anything can go wrong. All new vans I have had have been fine over years although one Elddis had a poor paint finish on the door - but soon sorted by dealer. Yes complain if not right and make sure its all fit to enjoy! Thanks for comments
I presume it was the floors - 2011 was first full year of Alu Tech which I have never been a fan of and Bailey have never forgiven me on that one! Sorry to hear those problems though three in a row!
I think Darren on the Atlantic channel is spot on with his assessments on the current state of the new market; it may not be what other dealers want to hear. Lots of people have made lots of money, now it's time for those birds to come back to roost. Let's hope most of them realised it would not last. Social media means people are informed rather than in the dark. Magazines have to please their advertisers which are mostly dealers and manufacturers, thus cannot be trusted to be impartial and unbiased... The industry needs a reset, prices have risen to silly levels, and yes people are going to lose money, but it needs to happen. Campsites also need to learn the lessons; they also put their prices right up without any really substantial increases in costs. Greed is greed!
Look - covid pushed up demand and prices - and yes as we all do make hay while sun shines. But if your shrewd you know it isnt going to last and I think this caught most out. Used cars prices went silly and still havent settled to pre covid. Magazines are still needed - club magazines are club orientated and not as good as a proper mag - but social media is great but a lot of folk pick up a camera and go on about stuff with no background behind them. What Atlantic say is right but its just history repeating itself nothing ground breaking- 1972 66k tourers were made/sold by 1982 that was down to 50% less never to return to dizzy heights. - more competition with leisure time these days how folk spend it so another reason sales are affected - it will all come out in the wash as they say - thanks for your comments
We live in a highly public world for decades now that can’t be ignored, we can only call-up misleading or false posts by whoever and should do so however Atlantic so far isn’t one of them at all.
Totally agree with you excellent video and comments. There are too many you tubers who think they’re experts spreading bit of doom and gloom. Must of them new caravaners themselves. I’ve been caravanning 35 years and seen ups and downs over that time and as also as you say many manufacturers gone. Yes there has been recent problems we all now about and price increases but the industry will survive as people will always be buying caravans for leisure time. Problem is some new possible caravaners will be out off by these you tubers. Don’t listen to them
There a video out Andy showing the reasons why the sunroof flying off. But swift have to step up and sort it out regardless of the publicity. I’ve a 650 challenger 2021 have had two sunroofs bowed and onto my 3rd one booked in to Glossop caravans. Second sunroof was fitted by swift, factory because the Cant rails on the roof came away from the silicone, but the job was awful, glossop caravans are having to replace and repair again. Silicone looks like a child has applied it. Also front panel is cracked close to the awning rail, so swift engineer is inspecting it when it is at Glossop caravans. Who have been amazing. Caravan Addys as you know had the same problem plus there friend, but swift keeps fitting a new one only to bow again? What happens when my sunroof bends like a banana again, especially when the warranty has expired. Had the same issue on a elegance same roof. I’ve recently nearly had my caravan go on fire on the way to Poole ferry. Fridge charging fuse completely burnt out under the seat, just out of warranty. It’s the C44 FUSE BOARD Sargent electrical 14724 revisions 3. Caravan servicing every year, just a loose spade end, even though the harness plugs are clipped. So it’s probably been like this from the factory slowly burning away. Swift Sargent are a nightmare trying to call them, still waiting after raising a ticket over two weeks ago a call back. Customer service is awful. But going back to the flying sunroof, don’t think bad publicity is harmful, if any good comes out of it. 👍
Wow - what a disaster not heard of that continual problem but yes needs addressing and the electrics - well you may have thought a service would have picked that up checking the electrics. I remember years ago the Sargent had problems - but so sorry to hear of your troubles thank you for letting us know and being civil about it too-well done
Hi Andy Another great vlog, packed full of your knowledge and experience, which is lacking in most you tubers vlogs they put out, had Swift caravans and now a motorhome, been pleased with all of them, yes you getvthe odd issue, but that applies to all manufacturers, most things are self repairable I find, minor niggles. Look forward to your next vlog and let's hope the industry picks up soon. Conrad
Thank you Conrad -- A friend of mine has had many Swift caravans never had a problem he loves them - Yes in depth years of following this industry - seen it all before and some of the dealers I know we talk about how this always happens - but with no new makers the industry lacks excitement to what it was like years ago - thanks for the comments s as always
Great video Andy, I do agree bad news seems to travel very fast and there is an element of panic with some people getting rid of vans almost like the puppy that was got for Christmas and the shine went off it New Year's Day. Covid did a lot of harm to the industry, people went mad buying vans because foreign holidays were off limits. Yes some people loved the new hobby and stayed but most found it hard work and Park Owners did jump up the prices making what was a very affordable pastime hugely expensive for the ordinary working people. Build quality remains an issue in manufacturing but if you are lucky enough to have a good dealer most problems are being solved. I do hope you keep your Bailey many adventures to be had with you're Granddaughter in that still. Enjoyed your video as always, well done Andy.
As always an informative outlook. I think the problem is we always focus on the current problems rather than having a wider perspective and this is a brilliant balanced check on the bad news stories of recent months. What I would say is very few people shout about their great experiences but nearly everyone is keen to shout about any issues and social media creates a massive echo chamber of negativity. Keep up the good content
Andy A sprite entry model fixed side bed 18k in 2019, same van different colour 2024 27k thats a 50% uplift. Caravan industry is in the very same unregulated league as Insurance and Vets. A licence to print money. Do agree with click bait we are seeing.
I know I was looking at a new Alpine pre Covid - affordable at around 16k but now firmly out of reach - the covid thing has hit everybody hard at some point with sky high prices as demand went silly - good point.
Well said Andy , I have had a panoramic Swift 580 2019 conqueror front roof replaced under warranty {the dreaded crack} although it took 10 months to resolve there seems to be a lot popping up on social media I wonder if you know of the issue and now its been replaced is it likely to happen again thanks
Hi James - I heard of this some years ago and I asked the dealer who said they had seen the odd one, but strangely the AA were doing the repair ! Dont ask me why I should have asked the question - think it was the way it was bonded in a bit like a cars! Cheers Andy
As i have been a carravanner for 42 years and have also noted many changes and contractions in the industry and dealers. The advent of the more lurid of the youtube naysayers is not helping at all but a reflection of how people love to see sensationalist items. Facts, they don't let those get in the way of their narrative.
Problem is Andrew we both know what prices used to be like-affordable and good value holiday now an expensive lifestyle and yes others love to make a sensation out of it all.
Hi, yes i did see the article on Swift motorhome roof issues.. Yes i felt it was a lazy item and to show a row of caravans with the Swift name on implied it may be an issue with all with all their products. I realise that not all caravanners/ motorhomers are practical people but there are always someone around you that can possibly help at the time. Knowing how things work it was probably a member of of the production team that had a family member that raised it.
It was Andrew a filler I thought and unfair showing the caravans to as all swift product had this problem - typical I remember doing an interview on Radio 4 about motorhome quality 6 years ago a couple had had niggles with a new Auto Trail and interviewer tried to pull me into supporting the owners who were saying all Auto Trails had problems and poor build. It wasnt true it was a case they had niggles and had complained to BBC !!! Thanks for the comments Andrew
Absolutely agree with you Andy, loads of so called experts have jumped on the review bandwagon, a couple are a bit clued up but most are just bullshit. These lot are not helping things because it’s making people panic thinking their van will be worth nothing by Christmas so getting rid of it now even though they probably don’t real want to. I am sure things will eventually level out. we have no intention of selling ours. Another great video Andy.
Cheers trucker - but I am glad you have noticed to and also it doesnt do any body any good. Things are nervy but it will settle but we hope sooner than later - thank you for your great comments.
Hi Andy. What a fantastic van. I see a lot of things in it, which are in today's vans, very forward thinking in its design and equipment, shame it didn't survive, nice to see though, I've never heard of these. Conrad.
Stop moaning it’s only a saggy roof 😱 look what extras we have give you! What do you want for £30k Your obviously a Swift fan boy these products are sub standard this day and age we should not be still getting build quality and damp problems these manufacturers are causing the down turn in the industry
Ha ha - well no I like Coachman too but hear stories on quality there both good and bad - Swift do a good job generally having been round the factory many times and a few months ago recently they have a lot of good people there - all makera have problems cars included - but its prices generally of campervans and the like being slashed - great if your a buyer!
@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk oh dear, I think I’m going to feel bad now as I got on my high horse and replied in a bit of a heat of the moment thing. I’m going to apologize now, sorry Andy, perhaps don’t watch my video.
You are right Andy - the caravan industry has always been like a rollercoaster with ups and downs but this down is lasting longer than most or seems to be at present
It has and as I said we have fewer makers and dealers today a real roller coaster ride as you say. I love the industry especially its background - thank you for the great comments and watching
We normally have trouble booking Keswick C&C club site because if it's popularity. Just on spec we were looking to book 30th July for 3 nights and wow, we could get in, during school holidays on a lateish booking. My we were lucky I thought, then we found out why we could book up, £55 odd per night for two adults, plus an extra £40 for my young grandson, even as members. Electricity prices have gone down, inflation has reduced to around 2% but the main economic aspect hasn't changed - GREED, in fact it has worsened. They can stuff it, I have gone elsewhere. This is the trouble with the whole caravan industry, greedy prices, poor value and inferior products !
Hi and thanks for your comments, prices shot up and the private seller was asking dealer price but the vans still sold. Site fees go up but i have herd big increases which will put buyers off from a tourer I am sure good to hear your comments thank you
Half empty campsites is a theme this year for sure. When the CAMC have to send out begging emails to encourage members to book then something is very wrong. CAMC have become very greedy on their club sites, and their pressure on CL's to up their prices has not gone unnoticed either..
@@dougle03 Having been a member of the club since 1985 - I agree prices have gone up and thats also doen to costs overall so lets not forget that. So folk have flocked to CL's - which is what we used to do we always used a CL as long as it had a loo and a shower that was ok for use - then wife wanted larger sites with electrics - Club has become a big concern with money making its priority - wasnt always like that - but yes read that e mail - interesting!
@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk Costs may have gone up but not by the amount the club have raised pitch fees. The club is awash with money (Have a look at their companies house returns for an eye opener) As a club, they should be helping out members in a finance crisis not profiting from them... Club and CL sites are not full in the middle of the summer, that speaks volumes... Greed not costs is driving this...
wot an amazing bit of kit. £2000 though i bet you could have bought a 4 bed detached house for less. .anyway , totally destressed me that thanks. as for a sunroof that dont leak 🤔🤔lets hope it catches on😂😂
It was a typical Dawtrey design feat where he would take things to the limit with the tech available - yes a house was affordable at that cash but these were sold abroad to rich folk who wanted to be in comfort on the move say a hunting trip - making sure that was all weather tight would have been hard but they were craftsman built
There is a simple answer. Everything is just too expensive and higher interest rates/inflation have put pressure on the home equity cash machine. Just good old fashioned common sense. For most people, a caravan is not a necessity.
I had the same about 6 years ago on McDonald’s and Costa coffee on the Whitchurch bypass 10 minutes over and a £60 fine You are told to take a break when driving but are limited to time it’s ridiculous Keep up the blogs
Hi Andy, another great vlog, sorry about your parking fine. Regarding the CAMC , I am a member and received the email, didn't read anything into it, I assume the youtube channel you speak about was using it as click bate. For me I have stayed at around a dozen sites this year and can't speak highly enough of them, yes some are expensive, but you get all the facilities and the sites are spotless. Look forward to the book, I've gone on enough! See you soon. Conrad
Ah never thought of click bate - all these things - yes sites are generally very good and well run Conrad as you say - and I hope you like the new book when its out should be at the printers - thanks for your comments as usual
@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk Yes, see it a lot with RU-vid, people eh ! . Look forward to the book, me and the wife Julie are off to Donkey Creek nr Freckleton for the weekend in the m/home. Have a good weekend, keep up the vlogs, loving them all. Conrad
@@conrad8906 ahh cheers - if I get time on saturday I may venture over to Donkey Creek its 30 mins from me! - nice and level site you will like it I am sure
Hi Andy, great vlog and I like the cover for your new book the best of luck with it. Good to hear Eldiss are bringing out new Xplore designs, there's a lot of potential in the market for lightweight vans that are good value for money. Very happy with our Xplore 554 so far no issues at all but I do understand some people are having problems. I'm looking forward to seeing your video from your visit to Eldiss. Sorry to hear of the Parking mishap, that's just taking advantage of people when they do the right thing and have a break before a long journey.
Hi Kevin - yes they are still producing Xplore which is great I said to them more family layouts are needed but they were not really over keen! The parking thing was a joke - I will be vigilant now! Thank you for the comments on the book cover - I am pleased with it - I supply various images for a cover then the publishers design it and ask for my opinion - so I loved this one, I am waiting for the cover for the next book the story of the campervan which I am now in middle of writing to get finished for September - thanks for you commenst as usual Kevin.
Yes you need deep pockets thats for sure - components are through roof and labour costs add to the prices - would say motorhome dealers make far more profit over caravans - cheers
Apparently they have had some cash injection - and are on a 3 day - I am hoping they survive it would be bad for the industry if they didnt. My sister bought a new Willerby last year and love it their second one - any news and it will be on the channel !
Hi Andy, I just like to say i've just found your channel ! How i have never come a cross it i don't know. Im now subscribed, so i don't miss any of your content. Firstly can i say. Don't pay the fine. Contest it again. If it went ro court you would win hands down. You say you stopped for a break as you were tired and you had some food from McDonald's. They can not put a time limit on a stay like that. Remember the saying on many motorway signs " TIREDNESS KILLS, STOP AT THE NEXT SERVICES ". So in theory they are forcing you to leave a carpark when you are tired to continue your journey. In court, they would be seen to be encouraging you to drive whilst not fit. I would definitely encourage you to look at this if you have not paid the fine yet. Absolutely loving your vlogs and i have many to watch. Thanks, and keep up the good work.
Well firstly thank you for finding me!! Also for subscribing thats good of you. There is a lot of stuff on YT so I am just a dot!! I have paid this fine after talking to the manger of that branch who was most unhelpful I suggested as somebody else that a sign put up at the food section but the manager just said nothing she could do Your right about the tiredness thing thats why I did it - anyhow a lesson learnt I hope you enjoy the videos and they are an assortment at times from holiday homes, classic caravans, motorhomes and the odd campervan - Hopefully I am improving though I still make blunders! Thanks again for your helpful commenst's and subscribing
Hi Andy, as a sign posted motorway service it has to allow 2 hrs free parking by law ! So you could argue that you thought this applied to the whole site and It seems you could park in there for 90 minutes and not have been a customer ? Also those parking restriction signs should be inside at food ordering points? Try calling the goole branch directly talking to manager! Always good to hear your insight and knowledge thanks 😊
Ah I did they would not budge even the manager was dismissive they need a sign at the foor ordering as you say and bigger signs - but just totally not bothered - criminal how they go about extracting extra cash - thank you for your help and nice comments about the channel.
@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk That sounds like when they introduced the ‘solid’ method of construction, boasting that they were Strong,Light and Dry? We all know how much of a red herring that turned out to be lol.
