Funster Advice Needed!

[Simon Select]

I have been involved with this Forum for years and have made friends, enemies, offered advice and tried to help when I can. Basically it’s become a source for help for me as much as I have helped others from the dealers side of things.
Whenever I have tried something new I have asked here because I will get a warts and all honest view.
We are still small and are now coming into our third year. We are growing and we have a new 3 bay workshop adding onto our site which is huge for us!
We have now 5 franchises which I didn’t expect.
1 - Bespoke Campers
2 - GoPod
3 - Aura
4 - VanTourer
5 - RC Motorhomes
None of these are mass volume. Is there a market or does everyone just look to the generic Swift, Bailey etc etc?
How do you guys look for vans? Do you look at the known brands or do you look for stuff that is different?
I am purely asking for advice warts and all here as the feedback is important to me.
Have you all looked at these brands? Do we need to more main stream?
Thanks all!

 

[Puddleduck]

If we were to buy another van it would have to suit us. Less than 3500kg, disability friendly, fixed bed, at least 3 berth and 4 travel seats, automatic.

That rules out a lot of the big brands.

RC look the business but obviously over the 3500 and almost certainly would require a lottery win.

 

[meanders]

I have looked at many vans of all makes over the years Simon. Key always is the layout. I had no intention of buying the current Euramobil until I saw it at a show. It met met requirements of length and no of berths, after that it was about layout, quality of finish and price. So in effect I am saying that brand is not high on my list.

 

[Dorwyn]

To some extent, the mainstream high volume dealer market is fairly stitched up. Quite often you see or hear of well respected dealers going to the wall. They maybe had got their sums right to cover the high cost of financing over the years. Or some such. But with untested new fresh input companies, they may not be professional enough to fulfil their new trade commitments. Maybe a touch of booth?

 

[BikerGraham]

Interesting question

Layout is everything. It has to fit with how you intend to use the van. Coupled with payload and driving licence limits.

In terms of manufacture. Budget obviously does play a significant role. For me though I would consider all makes who provide a layout within budget.

In addition. Advice from those who you may respect and trust makes a valuable contribution. That includes dealers.

on a personal note, I know I put my trust in you when buying my first van, you did not let me down. That counts

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[Simon Select]

Interesting question

Layout is everything. It has to fit with how you intend to use the van. Coupled with payload and driving licence limits.

In terms of manufacture. Budget obviously does play a significant role. For me though I would consider all makes who provide a layout within budget.

In addition. Advice from those who you may respect and trust makes a valuable contribution. That includes dealers.

on a personal note, I know I put my trust in you when buying my first van, you did not let me down. That counts

I still remember the question.
Do you trust your team without faith.
Yes
Fair play, that’s a big call.
I am nothing without my team!

 

[BikerGraham]

I still remember the question.
Do you trust your team without faith.
Yes
Fair play, that’s a big call.
I am nothing without my team!

Ha ha a good memory Simon.

It’s still important in life and business though.

 

[lorger]

Layout is important, however there’s probably only about 4 or 5 different ones with each manufacturer doing a slight twist. I’d love a bespoke vans if the company had a good name for quality work, for example we’d probably go back to a PVC if we could fit full size bikes under the twin beds, if you want that just now you get beds nearly hitting the ceiling that need a ladder. I think Malibu or Adria have just brought one out that I’d like to see, I really think quality bespoke would be a good line.

 

[MisterB]

Layout is everything for me, I nearly bought a brand new Adamo off you a couple of years ago, I had even paid the deposit, but when it arrived into your showroom, it didn't have the layout I had asked for. BUT you returned my deposit in full without any dramas or trying to sell me something I didn't want, which is why I have always recommended you to other buyers and will continue to do so.
So I suppose I am saying that layout, followed by layout and then layout are closely followed by dealer confidence.

Perhaps one way to find a place in the market, is to look at the additions that Funsters are making and put them in as standard. On the list I would try to add as standard would be lithium, inverter, DC to DC, diesel heating and hot water, induction hob and compressor fridge to reduce the reliance on LPG and EHU

 

[Yorkshirelad175]

Despite the slating Bailey get I am happy with my M/H. True mine has spent more time in storage than on the road, due to health issues on my part, but if I were to buy another the Bailey Adamo 69-4 would suit me especially with its layout, the garage, and Ford base.
The adverse feedback Bailey receives would not deter me from a purchase.
Of the 5 franchises you have I have only heard of one name so I personally would not really look for these if I were searching for a new vehicle. I would stick to the more mainstream manufacturers, but that’s just me and I admit I could miss a more suitable motorhome.
I am so pleased to learn that your dealership is prospering so well. I hope it continues to do so, as I am sure it will.

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[Bernie P]

I think a lot of people go for the big brands because that's what they see most of on the road. I put my hand up and say that I've never heard of the brands you quoted so never even thought to look at then when we replaced our van last year.
A "big name" might get people through the door, then the other brands catch their eye. It's down to marketing.

 

[scotzsue]

Mixture of both perhaps. Still looking for under 3500 automatic single bunk at the rear with garage under and drop down front bed giving better lounging room oh and 4 seatbelts. this wouod have to be bespoke, better start doing the lottery.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Fron a perspective of buying new, my concern of any brand would be if there was sufficient demand for resale when I eventually need to move on. Would the one I'm now needing to sell be thought of as not much better than a backyard conversion (not that there aren't good ones out there). Equally a big brand name may not mean that much when damaged by negativity of poorer build quality. I have to say of the brands listed in #1 I've never heard of them, and that would be a big negative in my mind, despite that a known brand may not mean much. But marketing can improve awareness as brands such as Consort gain traction in only a few years of trading.

But after branding, the choice of camper/motorhome will now come down how i want to use it and thus it's suitability, so first the type and size of vehicle, then layout in the vehicle, then how it is equipped, then build quality.

 

[Phill D]

For new van purchase budget plays a bog part in converters that are available to you.

Within those brands we would be looking first at reputation of the brand build quality, this giving a preferred converter.
Then our size preference, pvc, c class , A class etc. MAM etc.
then the layouts they offer that fit our requirements.
Finally selecting reputation of the dealer network and selecting a specific dealer based on customer experience and
satisfaction.

Often that may be short circuited when you are familiar with a particular brand and their offerings and it then comes down to dealer reputation and availability.

 

[bigtree]

I have been involved with this Forum for years and have made friends, enemies, offered advice and tried to help when I can. Basically it’s become a source for help for me as much as I have helped others from the dealers side of things.
Whenever I have tried something new I have asked here because I will get a warts and all honest view.
We are still small and are now coming into our third year. We are growing and we have a new 3 bay workshop adding onto our site which is huge for us!
We have now 5 franchises which I didn’t expect.
1 - Bespoke Campers
2 - GoPod
3 - Aura
4 - VanTourer
5 - RC Motorhomes
None of these are mass volume. Is there a market or does everyone just look to the generic Swift, Bailey etc etc?
How do you guys look for vans? Do you look at the known brands or do you look for stuff that is different?
I am purely asking for advice warts and all here as the feedback is important to me.
Have you all looked at these brands? Do we need to more main stream?
Thanks all!

I’m very impressed with my friends Coachman motorhome that is apparently built by KABE in Sweden, it is well built with top spec components. I’ve not got a picture at present but it’s the Sportivo model he has.

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[Lenny HB]

If buying a coach built particularly a A Class it has to be German.
If we were to down size to a PVC brand would not be so important and would be prepared to look at the smaller manufacturers offerings but would steer well clear of Swift, Autotrail and Eldiss.

We would have confidence in buying from Simon, met him a couple of times and had a few jars with him.

 

[SteveE]

I’m not sure this is really about layouts, specs etc but brand and product awareness.

Like most people we did extensive research on brands, quality, reputation, payloads, layouts, features etc etc before buying a van and for almost everyone this is a process of compromise and weighing up priorities.

For some a known brand name will feature high on the list, for others less so.

I think it’s really about effective promotion and letting prospective buyers know what is out there, ultimately buyers want to make informed choices.

 

[The Coops]

Distance? If anything went wrong with the motorhome and it could only be repaired under warranty by the supplying dealer then faced with a 300 miles drive there and 300 miles back would play a part in looking for another manufacturer, having had a certain brand of motorhome, we did over 5300 miles in 18 months taking it back to the dealership to try and get matters resolved, it was a round trip of over 250 miles each time and would not like to do that again. Perhaps a list of workshops local to the buyers area that would support repairs ( if needed, lets face it even premium brands have faults!) would help.

 

[JimmE]

Like many others have said, the layout is key. Ours is a little on the rarer side, with a fixed longitudinal French bed in a 6m PVC, and suits us (almost) perfectly.

Not that we’re looking to change, but trying to find anything similar is tricky, so I’d certainly be open to any brand which could offer it.

We’re local to you, and I’ve noticed your PVC section growing the last year or so, so if and when we do ever need/decide to change the van, you’ll probably be the first place we come for a look!

 

[Landy Andy]

To some who think they know it all they will say “I will only buy XYZ” but in reality they don’t know it all, because no one does. You don’t know what you don’t know, so if you bring something new, or different to the scene then people can choose if they wish to buy it or not.

I am open to look at anything as there is always new/different, and stuff I haven’t seen.

When you think about those know it alls who say “I will only buy XYZ”, you often find they said that last time with a different brand/type, showing they didn’t know it all.

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[Nanniemate]

I'm a little odd I'd buy what I liked, Im not a pay for a brand name type of buyer.

Although I thought I'd go for a newer IH been browsing recently its now looking unlikely

When I see what I like I'll know it, it will be on the drive. I would not wait years for it to be built.

Resale value , if I bought new wouldn't matter as when it came to selling I'd be dead or not caring. Probably not helpful to you but when I pass I'll call in , if you have what I really like I'd buy straight away.

Reliable vehicle is a priority to me

 

[The Old Man]

Selection of Brand and its worthiness, I believe is almost an impossibility. Forums, Social Media, Review Sites, produce too much information mostly given by, 'those that talk loudest or quietest,' everything seems to be ultra satisfactorily or a disaster and then 'through followers' latch on to wilder comments and it seems to me that the focus comes down on to the most outspoken!

There was a time when when I couldn't believe that any business would deliberately let a poor product out the door as it would kill their business. But know it only takes one 'shouter' or 'influemcers' is the Social Media parlance, to bring a product down with little evidence.

Manufacturers make product mistakes and some stand up, put out their chin and admit it. For me it is how they deal with the issue is the make or break!

I feel a not so good business who deals with their mistakes holds more interest than one that lives in denial and does nothing for you.

As to design, like many the layout is the key, and that is a manufacturing nightmare. Take a 100 motorhomers and you'll probably get 99 different 'must have' layouts, so there has to be compromise unless you're so rich that you can order a one off.

Coming up through a Ford Escort van with a mattress in the back, a VW van of similar fittings, a number of genuine VW Campervans, various Caravans, I think I understood internal designs, that suited me, or didn't suit.

So when I retired I desired the layout that suited me, I thought I new what I desired, so to find it.

I struck lucky, 3A's Leisure in Carmarthen had a large stock of vans on their lot, all unlocked and a sales person available if you wanted but the reality was you could walk into any van, unaccompanied, sit down for as long as you wished, undisturbed. So I did.

My scenario back then was, I'm in hot and dusty Spain, I've returned from an arduous mountain bike ride, I want;

A cold drink.
A short rest.
A shower.
Cook some food.
Eat it.
Clear away.
Wash up.
Wash it down.
Get to bed.

So what layout enabled me to achieve that with the least hassle?

Hassle being anything that required effort!.

So a permanent made up and accessible bed was high on the list.

I found two that fitted the bill, different makes and models, so I spun a coin.

I doubt that I'm a typical buyer but I knew what I wanted from years of not having it.

 

[Roger S]

Our first 2 vans were Swift and we enjoyed them but did have quite a few problems, I dont think they have improved. For me I would choose the brands carefully, if you go for cheaper vans you may sell more but you will have more come backs and do you want that and the association with them ? A good reputation is difficult to get but easy to use as my Nan used to say

 

[Silver-Fox]

Reliable vehicle is a priority to me

That is down to the base vehicle, unfortunately Fiat is used a lot and they have made some interesting choices about engines and gearboxes it seems.

 

[Pocket Rocket]

We have had exactly this choice recently between 2 vans with a very similar layout. One was from a relatively unknown brand with only a couple of UK dealers and the other was from a well known brand.

We bought the van from the well known brand for 2 reasons. Firstly because of having a dealer support network across the UK for warranty work. Secondly because if resale value - a known brand with a good reputation seemed a better option to us than a relatively unknown brand.

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[carolyn]

For us it’s layout and good aftersales service. We like our Ushaped lounge PVC but we want it to be nice quality. We spend a lot of time in it and don’t want it to feel like a budget hotel room. Probably why we’ve had 2 x IH and are now on a Consort. We looked at Vantage of course in the past, one or two more bespoke like S&L.

We can confirm Consort aftersales is as good as they claim, the mobile number is answered by a human!

Sounds like your aftersales is good too.

 

[Puddleduck]

After sales service is very important and a long journey for niggles will always be a pain.

If a less well known brand uses readily available generic fixtures such as catches, electrics, pumps and taps perhaps the niggles could be sorted out locally and any genuine fitting costs refunded.

 

[hja]

We don’t choose by brand. When we had caravans we had a variety of brands. Our first van was an Autosleeper which we thought would suit us in respect to layout and weight. When we decided to change that we did a huge amount of research in respect of layout and facilities. We used magazine van listings to help narrow down possibilities before viewing any. Distance to a dealer was also relevant. Our current dealer is only 20 minutes away. We then viewed our favourite and lesser choices, partly to reject those.

 

[chippie]

Look at it from the customer angle, only stock makes that you would happily buy/use your self and has a good reputation/reviews etc, the Internet is all so powerful these days !!
I sold trailer tents many moons ago and the only ones I came stuck with were the ones that did not meet the above criteria...I soon learnt my lesson.

 

[dazandandrea]

Layout and quality finish is a must.
We recently visited Autocraft in Chesterfield, lovely vans and grest quality, however non of their van had shower or toilet. According to the sales guy we spoke to " theres no call for it".
We walked away.