Two Guys, Two Dogs, Four Wheels. We are Andrew & Jamie. Two guys from Northamptonshire with a passion for our travels and our motorhome! Our dogs are Oreo (Miniature Colourful Yorkshire terrier) and Zorro (Toy Poodle). We are interested in the motorhome market, the new models and manufacturer developments too! Maybe some insight can help you too! We purchased our first motorhome, ‘Betty’ (the four wheels) a Bailey Autograph 75-2 in May 2021 as a switch from owning caravans, before trading up in June 2022 to a new AutoTrail Tracker LB. In 2024 we had the opportunity to upgrade again to a Swift Escape 694 and have named her Sophia.. Our main portal for our adventures can be found on our Instagram channel: instagram.com/the.tracker.travels/
Thanks for your intelligent & impartial overviews. As ever, in the end it is the market which determines the prices, if the market deems the deals good, the vans (just like any commodity) will sell.
You are most welcome. Indeed. Just that. But when i did the maths on the number of vans for sale it’s a lot of stock to sit on. The NEC is buoyant and customers there. Personally know a few people buying this week.
@@thetrackertravels I imagine the interest payments will be kicking in for the dealers on the unsold stock as the 25 year models come on line. Given the visible cab change, those who ‘must have the latest’ won’t want the ‘old’ model - for canny buyers it may pay to hold their nerve & go in hard on negotiations- easier to do when plenty of other options and a real change from 20/21 when dealers had buyers desperately lined up for limited stock.
@@petermccall6880 Yes it’s the dealers who will be feeling it! We are holding out as would like an Adria and not fussed on new cab. Yes… autumn into winter I think folks should. They will want them gone.
@@thetrackertravels Very pleased with ours (Matrix Supreme). Mine now almost 3 years old - I’ve always changed cars at that age but having invested in hydraulic levellers, suspension, Lithium & some bespoke leather upholstery it doesn’t make economic sense to change & the good thing about Adria is reasonably solid build & little changes from year to year (cab this year notwithstanding). Happy hunting! P
Why are you only on the side of the manufacturers ? It’s the public who will decide if vans are value for money not the likes of you kiss arses ? Why don’t you report on the trade in values for the same companies you pander after ? They are ripping people off offering piss por trade ins well below there market values
Thank you for your advice. I’m new to this and have already bought two motorhomes secondhand that were not suitable, when we actually used them. A lot to study before parting with money
Our first one was not quite right - the layout of the bed and bathroom did not work… so we stick to the research research research now. What got me into doing more of this. Yes lots to consider with such an expense.
@@mattnolan5527 I agree that there is likely to be more room to deal on those out there, my point is that there is a significant supply and not the demand so something will have to give. Have a great day.
Thanks. We have considered whether this would be worth the investment… one for us to ponder, this motorhome or if we do another upgrade in a couple of years… they do look good bits of kit.
@thetrackertravels yes they do look great. The question I ask is, can the table be twisted around in my kontki 774? Yes, it can as you slide it and twist it .anyway, the videos are really great. There is plenty of information we'll done on this.regards Martin
@@patmcg4755 No blame around mobile networks really - more just worth noting as we all rely on connectivity for a variety of things. For example downloading your return passes for the Le Shuttle…
Hi, I would like to take mi fiat 500 2014 to south of france I will tow the car with a Ford Raptor, how much was the total amount you did expend on the A-frame and the bars etc. Can you please send me all the details where can I get everything. also, how fast can speed towing the car? Thank you very much, your video is very helpful. I do live in Kent, UK.
We bought our A Frame kit from TowTal in Stoke on Trent. I think the unit was about £1300 at the time not sure what they would be now three years on. They have a comprehensive webiste, The only downside is this is heavier frame, the flip side its sturdy. If going to France bear in mind road rules about towing A Frame vary by country - some allow others not - so check that out. We have never done Europe with the tow car. We only ever towed at 60mph in the UK. Here is the link to the website and thier You Tube videos: towtal.co.uk/a-frames/ They also provided us with a translated guide for towing in Europe should be stopped.
Looks to me like they will lift 2025 model prices to make the 2024 and 2023 remaining stock looking even cheaper and hope for customers to take them off their hands...if this does not work, they will need to start discounting the 2025 models too
Yes.. some cheeky dealers marking discounts agains the 2025 prices to make them look even better bargain… Be interested to see what happens in the next twelve months. We visited Brownhills over last weekend, can’t say that even with the event weekend, that it was overly busy.
Good vid; very interesting. I hope Swift have improved the build quality of their products since we were looking for a MH earlier this year. They were very poor
@@bield7 Thank you. Seems to be mixed views on this from owners. We saw first hand the investment they have made in their QA processes and specific building for this. We have seen a mix ourselves and a variance between model ranges. Ours has been quite well screwed together hand rough roads of Spain have not unsettled too much and 3500 miles in only had a few niggles.
@@jeremyclutson8244 like I say feedback welcome - made your point and valued. Every channel starts somewhere with successes and less successful elements. Have a good day.
@@shottostravels we were as well… although some of the residents were saying it was a lot busier over our winter and earlier in season. Not sure how well known the place is yet… limited google reviews etc. Website it basic and we were worried it would all be there, but is quiet and did like it.
If you search you tube there is a video how to use the aguti seats and yes it looks like they do support the lounge seats I thought was a bit strange normally there’s a frame
Thanks for this helpful video. I’d be interested in your views on the continental brands. Regarding 2025 vans I have ordered one for the spring, on the 25 plate at the same price that a big dealer was offering me a 24 model, after a discount (as in 24 was already discounted but the other dealer happy to do a deal on the 25). I tried to get them down further on the 24 but not playing ball, and that van is still on their forecourt. I don’t understand that thinking. The new Fiat cabs may not be to everyone taste but I am getting Adaptive Cruise Control and other safety features not on the 24 model. Im also betting on the 8 speed auto actually being a better match for the Fiat
Happy to do some content on the continental vans - we are considering this route for the next one. I’ll see what I can do. There are, as you know some discounts across a fair few of the continentals too at the moment, Adria notably. You have done well with your deal! Excellent stuff, at the end of day dealers need to make a profit, those that will succeed will be the ones that take the smaller profits/cut and sell more vehicles. As for the Fiat cab… totally with you on the spec coming up and I guess the ‘face’ will grow on me - at the end of day I am not the one staring at that bit!!
Thank you, this is really helpful. Find these vlogs of yours really interesting and on point. We pick our new 684 escape up end of October, similar layout but single beds. Making use of a 2024 model at a discount! Could I ask what size canopy awning you had fitted, was it 3.5m? Interesting, we said those doors could rattle, may take off like the owner has in previous comment or get some kind of Velcro strap. Thanks again for sharing.
We have the Thule Omnisstor 5200 - 4m length. Fitted but Tyrone at Auto Additions Nationwide at: autoadditionsnationwide.com and yes the doors have a wee rattle - thinking about some sort of Velcro strap too - shall update if we do. Pleasure doing these vlogs as long as they help!
@MelanieToolin Hi. It wasn't just because the doors rattled, it gives me about 4 to 6 inches wiggle room around the bed. A curtain on a curtain pole on the bedroom side will give you privacy if you want to use the loo. I used a wardrobe oval pole, it lays flat above the window where the LED lights are. Hope this helps. Clive
Hi. Great content. I have a new 74 plate Swift Voyager 594, my previous motorhome was as Swift 694 Fiat cab. The Voyager has an excellent automatic Ford cab. The bedroom setup on the Voyager is the same as your 694. I have removed the sliding doors to make access a little easier and gain a little more payload. Also installed a curtain on a rail for privacy if needed. You can remove the screws holding the shelf under the bed if you want to lift the shelf for more storage. Hope this is useful. Clive
Thank you! I think we would want an auto next time. Might look into that with the doors then - guess you know what I mean - they rattle a bit too. Good to know about the shelf - will have a look when away at the weekend - I just don’t like to waste space, especially as we lost the space where the travel seats are - I know some have taken these out but we want to keep them in to use. Thanks for the top tips. How are you finding the Ford cab then? Like it?
Very interesting . I ordered the 784 in Oct 2022 at the NEC . Upgraded it with bike rack .. dealer gave free , but dealer discounted down by nearly 2.5k . I added the towbar and I upgraded to the new 180bhp auto that they are now fitting as standard . All in I paid £92k . The vehicle wasn’t delivered until end of Sept 2023 and they had added in 2023 features . Apart from changing the leather and maybe a new front grill on the cab , my spec is now £102k . That’s ten thousand more than I paid . By the way , am still waiting on dealer to fix snagging after a year , shoddy swift build . Also , first major trip and it’s going into Fiat as I have had an auto transmission failure . All under warranty , but doesn’t say a lot . Oh , and it’s done 3000 miles .
Oh you did have a delay…. Pushing over £90k on the Escape range is going some given what you paid a Kon Tiki in reality not that far back! Touch wood the build on ours is reasonable and only had a couple of snagging bits so far, like you back from a euro trip and now over 3000 miles so shall see how we do in com,ing months, sounds like the dealer dragging feet.
I had the same problem with my new Voyager habitation door. Seems like a design flaw as it meant having to remove some trim to get to the adjusting bolts.
@@JimThomson-p6v Seems to be a common fault - did you get it sorted ok? Ours were done well by the dealer and sustained 3000 miles round Europe and over some rough roads so has held up so far.
Thanks for taking the time to put all this together. All these are eay beyond my means infortunately but I did wonder that if you were really serious about a new 2025 one what conversation could be had about discounts on one of those. Great work though, thanks.👍
Thank you for the feedback. I bet there would be no deal on a brand new one for 2025! Has been the historic pattern. We pushed hard on our part ex price and was prepared to walk away, we did just that at a different dealer after an insulting offer! Something has to give somewhere though. If the reality is that some dealers are not wanting your part-ex and values dropped they gonna be left without buyers… I just wanted to high;Ishtar that there are likely some better deals now than paying unnecessary uplifted prices for 2025 where there is minimal upgrades.
It’s nuts isn’t it - we paid around £75k this year from a big dealer and that was discounted from £82k list. All this current discounting must be showing manufacturers what the true level is… I agree I have no idea how they can take these close to £90k. I get the cabs rise in price but they ramping the overall cost up too but nothing to show in improved build or content to show for that. At this price point they simply won’t compete with more premium and similar priced alternatives.
All those who are planning to buy new need to remember you only have another 5 years allegedly before they no longer will be sold in diesel form. Now if this Marxist government get there way they are going to hammer the motorist, thus it's going to hurt when filling up. But this government will not rest at just putting the 5p a litre back on in the budget. It's going to cost considerably more to run our pride and joys. Then from 2030 only electric and hybrids will be available. Initially, like the car, will probably cost around 25/30% approx more over diesel variants so your £70k panel van will be closer to £90/95k . OUCH.
I am interested how the ‘new’ will look in 5-10 years time…. And don’t even get me started on licences as that will matter as it already is with commercial vehicles for younger employees driving over 3,5t - needs sorting.
Absolute madness buying a new motorhome. I'm after one later this year, or I will wait for the new reg to come next year and buy the older one with a huge discount as they need rid of them.
You are wise to seek out the best deal you can. Hence a lot of the 24 models being reduced as the new MY comes out. We bought a discounted 24MY mid season, so imagine there will be similar deals again March time onwards next year.
Excellent video once more. I think the manufacturers need to realise that the reason there's so many unsold vehicles at the dealers is that fact that they are overpriced already. A further increase in prices will only exacerbate the problem. It will be interesting to see what the situation will be like in 6 to 12 months time.
Thank you for the feedback - always welcome! Totally… I was genuinely stunned at the uplift especially the Escape - think like I said this was Kon Tiki money and at these price points there are stronger continental offerings. The gap is going to widen too much. A watch this space and I shall keep on the ground updates coming where I can.
I am in exactly the position you were talking about , due to my wife's health we need to sell our bought new 14mth old Caravan and buy a Motorhome. We love the the MCLOUIS 373 and good deals available on 24 manual model but i really want Auto but none available,we have located one with £5000 discount but to part X our Caravan we would lose £20000 in 14 months which I can't justify. We are going to the NEC in October and decided to waite until then and see what better deals are available there preferably on 24 models but open to 25 models but my real love is an Auto A class 3500kg, or dont do anything and keep the Caravan .what do you think ,its a catch 22 situation
It really is a catch 22 isn’t it, my point about the ‘gap to change’ widening is my thinking (and from conversations) wow - that is a lot to lose on a caravan that young! I would not want to justify that either! Have you explored the caravan buying companies to see if you could get more that way? The NEC is always a good place to check them all out and work out what works well for you… my view is that the deals are there now as dealers really will not want 2024 hanging over (especially if they get finance penalties on unsold stock - am seeing some pre-registered to avoid this where dealers can afford to buy them outright). I think this situation will linger for a few months yet so October is not far away and new stock will not drip through that quick… many will be orders from the show on motorhomes. The way caravan prices went, it is hitting in the part ex and used.
You and me both! I man not sure about it at all and looking at the vlogs from others at Caravan Salon - they are everywhere! Thanks for the comment. :) A&J
I would agree with your comment, It's like Fiat are trying to emulate an EV look! To me it looks unfinished, glad I've got a 2024 Adria DL with the proven 9 speed auto gearbox.
I shall do another used vlog soon so look out for one on that end of the market. The prices have gone up massively in the four years we have had motorhomes.
Really most interesting video, thank you so much for sharing your insightsband doing the work for us. As with other viewers, just perfect timing for us too. After a wonderful 16 week European grand tour, on the edge of the heatwave, we found the mistakes in our nearly new Adria Compact.😭 So we've just sold into that falling market, with some like "We But Any Motorcaravan" not doing what they say on the tin, and others offering laughable amounts. We lost after 7 months ownership of course, we knew we would but think we must move on if we want to enjoy our van life to the best. Also, we're buying into that same falling market, but happy to "trade down" a wee bit. We're looking at the Chausson 630 or 640 super large end washroom, like the Swift 540, Bailey 69-4, Rapido 606F, Pilote 696 or Benimar Tessoro 487. But Swift is appealing because of their discounts on the 2024 stock which I'd also spotted. And you now mentioned Bailey too. Please will you look at other manufacturers? I can't wait to see your recent trip when I get the chance!! I really enjoy your market insights. Thank you. Appreciated. 👏
Hi new subscriber here, we have just watched your vlog on swift prices going up. V interesting! We hope to buy our first motorhome in October so its good to know. We are looking ideally at an A class Pilote but that will depend on getting a good deal on a 20-24 model. We will see! 😊
Welcome aboard! Well there are some good A Class models up for grabs right now if you have good look around the dealer websites and forecourts. Good luck with your search. A&J
who on earth has 60,000 for motorhome these days. these things are still way overly priced. it will come down much more down, 50%. OR ATLEAST WAIT TILL THIS WINTER.
Thank you for your view. The point remains the market is levelling but given the uplift in new prices for 2025 (Swift and Bailey new prices already active and are up considerably but some of this rise is from the cost of the cabs rising and smaller part on the habitation side) the new normal will still look different, there is some shift in used and part ex prices that are finding. I am simply pointing out where you might find a saving or deal. Take or leave the advice - your choice. But applying the inflation levels to a used for example, take a 2019 Bailey that would have been around £52k in 2021 used, with 5% applied for inflation puts them now at around £54-£55k so applying a couple more years age and depreciation means you are seeing these around £48-49k which is about right. As with anything, each to their own on how they spend their hard earned money, but they are selling and continue to - so people are buying but they have more choice again and buyers market applies. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
@@thetrackertravels i doubt prices will hold where you are pointing. basically this is where tax payers' winter ful payments are park most of the year. eventually owners will have to sell.
Also Fiat are supposedly changing from the ZF 9 speed automatic, which everybody seems to love, to the new AT8 8 speed automatic gearbox? Fiat says that it is a better gearbox, but who knows until it comes out in the new series 10's ?
@@thetrackertravels The AT8 is a Japanese unit fitted to Volvo, Porsche, VW Crafter and a lot of other vehicles. To my mind it would be a better match than the 9 speed ZF unit on the Ducato which hardly ever gets into 9th gear as it's over geared for the weight to power ratio.
Great video. Perfect timing. I just put a deposit on a 2024 auto escape 694 saving about 10k on other 2024 prices. Saving about 20k on the 2025. Have to say the 2025 is ugly. I really don’t like the new cab or colours
Sorry guys normally enjoy your really informative & different vlogs but could only bear the dreadful background music to the 7.21 minute point. I appreciate everyone has different taste in music but I found this really intrusive & made the vlog unwatchable. Offered in spirit of constructive feedback & no doubt many would disagree with me.
Honesty is the best policy in any book! Noted and shall look to not use that one next time. It was a hard one as there was not a great deal of commentary as we travelled south. Thanks for the feedback and hope you enjoy the next ones - cheers A&J
@@thetrackertravels It was the constant clicking /tapping drum noise that just seemed to grate but: “ can’t please all the people all the time”😊I do appreciate your videos & the amount of time & effort which must go into making them, thank you for that. Very best Rgds. P
@thetrackertravels ... I tend to agree regarding the background music until I muted the sound... otherwise thanks for taking the trouble to upload another of your vlogs!
Hello, Enjoyed the video. Can you give me the location of the Aire you parked in? A W3W would be ideal. Was there a shuttle bus? In hindsight, was this the best parking location? Thanks Stephen & Caroline
Morning. The W3W is dispensing.zoned.plum - this is the aire/care park for motor homes at the end of the parking zone. There is a 5-10 min walk down to the visitor centre where you can pick up the shuttles that take you across the road and bridges to Mont St Michel. We did walk most of this but was a good walk so the shuttles are a bonus. It was a good parking location and we were able to park in the shade too which helped on the sunny day. Thanks for the comments and hope this is useful. A&J
@@thetrackertravels Thanks for speedy response. We are enjoying your videos! We are going to Mont St Michel on Wednesday from Camping International de la Hallerais. We have just left Camping Château de Lez-Eaux and found your own visit useful. Shortly off to Le Pont Du Jour where we see you have also stayed. Thanks Stephen & Caroline.
@@stephenbow1558 Fantastic - have a great visit there. We really like Merville-Franceville Plage and the site there is great - access to beach easy and steady walk into town to the local Carrefour and local shops. Have a super time. A&J
