What caravan Manufacturer should you buy? 

We’ve got a T@B 320 RS - year 2019 Small……. yes but a well made German caravan. 10 year leak manufacturing cover Never had any problems and it still looks great 😎 Happy caravaning people 👍🏻🇬🇧

We have a sterling elite explorer 2007 model. I maintain it myself and it has zero issues. Never had any damp and still bone dry. Had this for nearly 7yrs now.

In our third Adria and had minimal issues and zero leaks & damp. Love the brand.

I think a lot depends on how you can store your caravan. If you can get it out of the sun and have it covered in some way to limit the chance of leaks I think that is very different to a van stored outside in all weathers

Another interesting video, thanks. We have a Swift Challenger 630 (TA) purchased new in 2019 (before Covid and the price hikes!). We have had a couple of small issues (cracked sink and door blind replaced) but apart from that nothing until the beginning of this year, when we had a small leak into one of the bedroom cupboards at the back. We were in Fez (Morocco) at the time and I put some wide marine waterproof tape (which I carry with me) over the roof seal and some sealant. This sorted the problem until we returned home and it went to the dealer for a 'proper' warranty repair. BTW you did a previous video about this, 'Swift SMART Construction & What Can Go Wrong'! We have the caravan regularly serviced and if any niggling faults crop up I get them sorted right away. I'm happy with the caravan but people need to remember that caravans are made from lightweight materials, unlike boats for example. Also, as I read somewhere, your caravan is subjected to an earthquake of several hours duration every time you tow it somewhere. So it is no wonder that things will occasionally come to bits. Having towed our caravan from The Scottish Highlands, down through the UK and Europe and then toured Morocco, twice (2019/2020 & 2023/2024), each time a journey of over 5,500 miles, that was a LOT of earthquakes!

Had a bailey pegasus verona 2011, was a year old when we bought it, alutech frame every year damp warranty repair, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and floors. Sent me absolutely mad. Once out of warranty I got a 1200 quid damp repair bill and I just accepted I could not pay that every year and sold it to dealer. I could never have sold it privately with any conscience. When I spoke to dealer they honestly could not give me another manufacturer without the same issues, I now own a campervan, fingers crossed, very happy after 3 years.

We run a 2017 5 brith twin axle Bailey Pegasus Palermo it’s been pretty good all the family used it making some really good memory’s, we do have problems with screws coming out so you do need to be a DIY person to keep on top of all these little jobs 👍 we have it serviced very year by Popes caravans Biggleswade they keep it in tip- top condition.

Owned both a 2019 or 2022 Buccaneers over the past 5 and a half years, had the 2019 Aruba for 4 years, this was the first year which had the different sealant around the skylights, never had any issues with the skylights or panel cracks over the 4 years of ownership, there was just a few bedding in issues in the first year of ownership in that van which were all sortedunder warranty and it passed every service with flying colours had the 2022 Bermuda 18 months now and that's not had a single warranty claim on the van itself and flew through its first service, one very happy customer

Bought an Elddis Avante 840 Dealer special in 2021, delivered March 2022. No issues until first service when damp was found around water inlet. Dealer sorted it but it took 6 weeks to fix due to delay on parts. When we got the caravan back no parts had been replaced and we couldn’t find any evidence of damp ( we bought a Damp meter to check more regularly. No issues at second service. Caravan used regularly so very impressed overall. Think there were a lot of component supply issues in 2020/2021 which meant vans may not have been built following the standard production line and hence had to go back once parts arrived or steps got missed. Yes Elddis isnt a high end brand but you get a lot of van for the money compared to the more expensive models like Adria and Coachman. On two separate occasions I saw mobile mechanics out to fix coachmans, both Gas problems so as you say none are immune.

We have a dealer special Elddis 840. This was delivered new in November 2022 from Pearman Briggs in Gloucestershire. Thus far we have had no major issues other than some small 'teething' problems (Whale water supply PCB, Whale iVan control screen and ATC problem). These were quickly resolved by the dealer and interesting they are not Elddis specific problems. The first service revealed no damp issues. Therefore we are very happy with our caravan.

Personally I think you can be unlucky with any caravan manufacturer but there are some that have a better reputation than others. Like you said, you only hear the bad reviews. Finding a dealer you can trust with a good reputation is a key point. We had a 2011 Bailey Unicorn Valencia, was ok for years then the water ingress got the better of it. We tried to rectify it but was too late. We have now changed to a 2018 Swift challenger 560, layout was the most important criteria. After watching your very helpful vlogs on Swift’s we felt confident about giving the van a good thorough check and along with a good dealer we feel positive about our purchase. I now know what could go wrong and will be checking the van regularly as you stated. Think the key is to act fast on any issues before they develop further. Great vlogs and channel, Thanks, Martin

Purchased a new Swift Elegance 480 in July 2019 and 5 years in we’ve had lots of issues, the most serious was shower tray leaking from new and after many re-sealing it was eventually replaced after 2 years.Also cracking around both front grab handles repaired by Swift twice under warranty….also rear cracking near offside marker lights….again repaired by Swift. Numerous other niggles too

I’ve had 5 swifts since 1987. No leaks or damp in any, 3 totally fault free, a cushion issue with combustion modified foam seats in 1989 - quickly resolved. A dribble from a show on a 2022 Challenger sorted quickly and my 2023 Conqueror Alko hitch linings broke and drawer runner came off - fixed immediately. The 2023 has done 3,500 ish miles and been on 30 road trips so far with no more issues. Im very happy to recommend Swift.

Just recently we decided to buy a caravan and after a bit of research I was horrified to find out how common damp issues are. Eventually I bought a 2016 freedom sun seeker, only had it 3 weeks and been on 1 trip no damp issues so far.

We have a 2007 coachman 460 vip everything works, panels are super bright much it has been very well cared for. I think if you don't pamper this things you will never know when it fails especially regarding water ingress. I have replaced front window rubbers drilled and filled cracks in the front and rear panels. Every year we look to bay a newer van secondhand about 15-20k and always find something wrong with them generally on how they have been looked after. I'd lover a Erida troll but my wife says there to small.

1 and a half years in on our 2008 adria fleetwood melody and other than a few minor issues with a faulty tap no damp issues, lightweight but very spacious, its a keeper.

We bought out first caravan in 1975 and have owned numerous makes including Thomson, Minster, Swift and Lunar. Interesting only Swift are still manufacturing caravans, The Thomson had a tongue and groove floor .hard wood frame walls with fibre glass matting for insolation, gas mantles and foot pump and we loved it even though I had to rebuild a corner because it was rotten. I have found that caravans with any degree of dampness tend to have a musty smell and it is something I check for when opening the door for the first time. I would also always lift the rubber trim around the windows to check the condition of the wooden frame for dampness..

As always, appreciate your honesty & impartiallity. We have a 3 year old Bailey Discovery D4-4 which we absolutely love BUT it has damp underneath the caravan in the nearside rear and offside front corners which I presume is down to someone just not putting enough sealant in when it was made. The dealer will fix it under warranty (only just, as the seals are only 3 years) but it is going to be a huge job for them at Bailey's expense. It just feels to me that the quality assurance should be better. I know there's a lot of parts assembled by people, but if each person did their job correctly then there shouldn't be these problems. Lots of other industries have similar issues but better success rates.

We bought a Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Messina July 23 so just 12 months old this month. Took it in for its service and told it has damp around the kitchen sink and toilet area. I am mortified. They say it's quite common but it's our first van from new. We have 7 or 8 very minor problems but the damp makes me want to sell it.

We bought a 2023 Swift Vogue (Swindon Caravans) and have had no issues at at all. Our regular guys that services our van said how unusual that is but so far all good

I have swift conqueror 560 2022 n I've had no issues at all so far 😊

I have a 2023 Coachman Laser 575 Extra, the only issue so far is the front middle window was manufactured warped along the hanging rail. It should really have been picked up prior to dispatch or at least on dealer PDI. Fortunately Coachman have agreed warranty repair and the dealer now has a new window waiting for me to book in.

Hi ! We’ve had 5 new swift products since 2008 , 4 caravans and one motorhome , the latest one is the first one with any damp issues picked up by highbridge caravans on second service , van is a 2022 sprite Quattro ! Can’t complain too much waiting for warranty work to be sorted out !

Thank you. I find your videos are very informative. I think like all things you buy, cars etc. there is always something that needs keeping and eye on, and much like cars, caravans have their faults. Also everyone has their favourite manufacturer/layout/model that they like for various reasons. I feel if you look after your purchases, regular servicing and general maintenance, then if something arises it can be dealt with before it becomes a major issue.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with you regarding Elddis. My 2018 Buccaneer which I have had from new has had the following damp issues since purchase, Rear panel roof stress crack, Front panel roof stress crack, offside wheel arch re-sealed, both rear corner floor joints re-sealed, Heki roof light frame cracked and replaced, near side front locker door frame removed and re-sealed, gas locker floor replaced due to rotting. It currently has water ingress through the offside awning rail and is waiting the go ahead from Elddis after a warranty claim was submitted around 4 months ago. Both of the roof stress cracks and the gas locker floor were rejected warranty claims and had to be repaired at my cost.

Im looking to buy a caravan for next year, ive had a couple of vans in the past which both had damp. So of course i like the sound of the swift grp build. I know can still get leaks etc but shouldnt get damp. I will be looking for a newish caravan hope i can get a good one. Love the videos, your an honest man but you might as well be in Australia from where im at. Keep us informed thankyou again for the vids.

With regard to covers, I’m keen to use mine as it protects from sun damage. The sealant keeps far better when covered.

Fully enjoy your video from showing how to sort things out to these chat ones.

The issue with Elddis, it seems to me, is that they rely on super-duper sealants and bonding agents to keep water from a wooden frame. Except either the bonding stuff isn't as good as claimed or, more likely, human error at the factory. Whatever, Elddis wouldn't be a name I'd trust, because their after sales also seems to be inferior even to the trade's barely adequate standards. In 2022 I took deliver of a new Bailey Pegasus Grande SE Brindisi. In terms of layout, and squeezing so much room into the size, it was incomparable. But I spent the first three months refixing almost every blind and cupboard door, then needed a water ingress warranty claim regarding a poorly fitted hatch. Since the second service in February 2024 though, it's been trouble free (touch wood). In 2014 I took delivery of our first caravan, a new Swift Challenger Sport 524. I'll mention the dealer, Grantham Caravans, for the excellent deal they did and for the very thorough handover which explained caravan stuff I didn't even know to ask about. When we began to use the caravan the list of faults and sub-par workmanship became apparent - there was none, zero. When I sold it privately in 2022 I did some DIY fixing up for the new owner of stuff that had come loose through eight years of use here and abroad, but that was it.

We have two tourers a 2016 Bailey Unicorn ( stored at a site not towed) and a 34 year old Elddis Wisp that we use for the odd weekend away, the Eiddis is all original and still holding its own no leaks ,paint a bit faded but everything working and well screwed together the Bailey on the other hand bought new has had many small issues from damp to fixtures and fittings breaking and poor seals around the skylights.

We have a 2015 Adria and we have been lucky and had no faults with the caravan. We have however suffered from our thetford oven hob going rusty as its is a very poor design with the areas that have suffered being painted steel round the side and back where the glass hinges. The actual base around the burners was designed correctly with the right materials and is fine. I hope this helps.

We bought 2019 Swift Solitaire (Eccles 530) no problems. Change Tomorrow for Swift Challenger Exclusive 580. Can recommend Salop Leisure. Only changing for fixed bed. Keep caravan cover on during winter.

We have had Adria - good quality and reasonable price.

I had a 2015 coachman glossop dealer special and had it over two years and only changed a rear side light on it I loved it,great caravan and well built. Decided to get a newer caravan with fixed bed so got a 2018 Swift which was a Flintshire caravans dealer special. Had it over two years and have had some issues with it and ended up spending a lot of money on it to get it right. (I must of got a bad one) I recently came across a nice 2021 coachman at a local dealer so I contacted them about it. I soon changed my mind when they only offered me £13600 for my swift in for px which only had 28 months and paid just under £20k in 2022. I think it’s a shame as would of loved to of bought the caravan but can’t justify losing that amount of money,think that’s another reason why people aren’t buying and just putting up with what they have and trying to get there moneys worth out of it. Great honest videos once again 👍 thanks for sharing

Sadly I can No longer recommend Coachman. Sold our lovely robust 2008 Coachman 420 VIP. Loved it. So on that basis I bought a 2020 Coachman 545 VIP on a private sale. End bedroom with right feel and layout for us. We are mid fifties, caring to our equipment but as we’ve been using it. We’ve started to realise how really flimsy modern caravans and their woodwork is. The finishes mark really easily. The front make up bed cushions have less support and need throws to protect the fabric. The Dometic products keep breaking down and are simply not up to the job. Toilet cassette has been replaced but still leaks and smells. We had Thetford and Truma before. I would change back to them in a heart beat. Following constant problems with the self pressurising Whale water inlet. Been replaced twice. Now been removed and an in board pump system fitted. Maybe it’s a covid Lemon? I’ve Spent over £3000 on repairs maintenance and necessary equipment upgrades to improve what is basically a nice van. I even had to replace the tyres last year because they were out of date. It turned out the chassis was a 2017! Disappointing from such a revered manufacture.

Hi again, We have a 2017 Coachman Vision 520 plus. We use it all year round and have never had any major issue. The only thing we had was the front windows holder. This was replaced over a 2 days (as it needed to cure). Very reasonable cost. Yes for its size it is heavy, but if you distribute the weight in the caravan properly and check the nose weight, it’s fantastic to pull. We are at present looking at Bailey Vigo and any advice would be great. Brilliant that we have found you on you tube. Thank you. Mike & Pascale

Bought a new Bailey 420 GT75 had a minor issue with the door that has been resolved very quickly otherwise no issues and love it. I have been checking the corners for water every few weeks and nothing. Am in Ireland and we have had lots of rain.

We have a 2021 Swift Challenger X835 from new and never had any issues

Adria for me. 623 Adora with Truma Air Conditioning.

We have a 2019 coachman vip, all good apart from the totally over engineered Dometic toilet, we has so many problems like the trap hard to open and close, the worst problem was the loo was leaking and smelt, most engineers wouldn’t work on it, saying the loo is a sealed unit, after months of problems I removed the toilet and fitted a Thetford, no problems now.

I think it is a complete lottery when you buy a UK caravan. If really depends on how the bloke in the factory felt that day.

Eldiss Avante look nicer inside than most BUT some build quality issues such as bed frame comes loose and bench seat panel broken free. Water ingress apparently common on Eldiss new vans or so I was told by a service engineer.

We got our new 2023 swift elegance 835 in Feb. We use it heavily and So far we have had no problems and feel the quality and build of it is really 9.5 out of 10. Over the moon with it as we were fully expecting there to be issues that would need to ironed out. Looked at other vans, coachman lusso, the buccaneers, adria and swift was by far the best when it came to build and what we were looking for. ( also loved adria but they didn’t have the right floor-plan/ spec for us) looked at lots of coachman & buccaneer and We were horrified at how poor and cheap some felt. Went in the buccaneer range with high expectations as they look great but found The level of finish shocking, Esp at this end of the market. We did find coachman ok but hated how dark their interiors felt with the heavily tinted windows and dark upholstery. So Apart from the sky high price and weight of the caravan we picked we couldn’t be more happy with our purchase so far.

Have a elddes explor 304 2012 no problems very happy with it

I had a German LMC for 11 years no problems I then had a Hymer 570 for 15 years no problems I now have a Hymer 590 for 6 years. But it did leak on a locker door and leaked under the bed I was told had this os been a British caravan it would of been a right off but mine the seal was replaced and over summer it dried out and you can not tell. Before all this I had 6 British caravan and all leaked with two being right offs even though they were only 12 months old. I sued the dealer and manufacturer and received enough in compensation to pay cash for my first German caravan. I have the best damp test meter you can buy and test every time I go away on holiday. James

Bought a Bailey Cadiz new in 2020, one usb faulty and a side window cord resulting in a replacement blind, otherwise faultless, excellent dealer.

Had a few caravans here in New Zealand and have to admit that most of the problems get sorted out before being imported. In my various dealings with repairs on vans the main thing I hear is unfair customer EXPECTATIONS. People expect because the salesperson doesnt explain in the first place or they just dont know what they are looking for and dont chat to an experienced caravanner. I believe that there isnt a "bad" caravan as no seller in their right minds sell a bad deal.

We have had 2 Adria's, 1 Elddis, we now have a 2016 Swift explorer which we are very happy with, the only brand I wouldn't buy again is Elddis, soft floor, crap shower, rear panel had a huge crack, we are in OZ and parts are very expensive for all euro vans, Adria build quality is excellent, I hate the galley module they put in every van regardless of length, and the settee's are comfortable for about 10 minutes tops.

I’ve had so much trouble with our Bailey that we have decided this will be our last caravan.

I have owned many caravans since the 70's - most were British made and junk - the first good van was a Lunar Chateau 500 [made in Belgium by Kip] since then I bought a nearly new Knaus Starclass 580 which is wonderful - 4 years ago a large spruce tree fell on its roof - £5000 later a new roof was fitted the repairers commented how good it was to work on and NO BRITISH CARAVAN WOULD OF SURVIVED THE ACCIDENT !!!

You should give more positives about the enjoyment of caravanning,they are a shed on wheels or a home on wheels depending on your approach

Hi. I have a 2020 Coachman 575 VIP. The issues I have experienced are largely to do with fitted equipment rather than damp or structure. Some niggles like internal wallboard tapes curling up, but the caravan itself has been great. Domestic fridge stopped cooling, which is a bit disappointing. Alde heating elements both failed, but excellent service by Alde to resolve, and rebuilt to 2030 spec.

good advice. bob

We’ve got a 2016 swift 565 with 4 or 5 issues and swift agreed to repair under warranty all of them

With a lot of caravan manufacturers close to bankruptcy, you can probably get the company for almost nothing. As to which one to buy, that's a good question.

I have an old Ellis’s..leaky front roof front windows etc, softie😂. Damp is not what you want, I echo your “use a damp meter”

Bought a new compass connoisseur and it started to let water in at the front windows after 1 year so now it's rotted out and needs a new front end. Going to be sorted my dealership later but stay away from eldis and hymer shitt

I’d like info on older vans as we are thinking of buying an older one with hopefully know problems😊

i have not had any ptoblems with my bailey senator califronia series 6

We've had a recent poor experience with Hymer group customer service regarding a fault with our Elddis. We won't be buying Hymer when we upgrade to motorhome in October.

Our 2023 Eriba Nova Light 470…..lots of damp issues. Some still unresolved as yet.Waiting for Eriba Germany for parts……told 10 to 12 weeks wait……

I looked at coachman, but was put off by the cost and weight and their continued use of wallboard wallpaper strips (that end up curling) and exposed plugs holding up the furniture. Shame

European Vans seem to be the better option, until Toyota start making them. 🤣

We have a eddis chatsworth 840 2024 is there ant problems with them to look out for. Good as now.

I had a dealer special a Compass Kensington 554 brand new in 2016 had leak it’s week screw through roof window hinge bar leak heki replaced leaked Back panel cracked roof cracked front box detached partially front window leaked 50% damp both front corners damp next to toilet gave up sold to mobile dealer have given up and retired from caravan had enough Will say Kimberly Caravans were very good but the Elddis build is terrible

Your sat in our Unicorn 🦄

12 months old, that’s shocking..

Caravan quality has deteriorated over the years None of them are faultless

Im afraid you have missed the boat, the touring caravan industry is gone, just watch the amount of bankruptcy,s about to happen. This is because of the disgracefull build quality particually Eldiss and Bailey, Eldiss will be bankrupt very soon. The whole industry will virtually disappear, the cost of buying a new caravan plus the car to tow it is beyond the normal wage, plus the cost of site pitches, Its now a hobby for the well off and beyond the reach of the working man. Caravan sales , partiually new, but also second hand are virtually nil. This time the industry will not recover. sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but think deeply about it.

They are all kak now and overpriced