Hi there I'm new to this forum, found it will doing some research on Avan. I purchased an Avan Weekender about 18 months ago and have had nothing but trouble with it ! It started with the back door not staying open perpendicular as displayed on all advertising. The dealer here in Tas contacted Avan who indicated that this was easy to fix, just needed stronger hydraulic struts, which they supplied. Over the next 6 months the new struts have affected the door closing , this was first noticed via water leaking in then the door would not latch closed at all, the new struts had bent the hinges. This was all brought to the attention of AVAN back in February and I'm still waiting for it to be fixed ! Dealing with AVAN customer service is a nightmare, I felt like I was a nuisance ringing up to found out what was happening and why the delay. I heard all kinds of stories ; parts have definitely been sent , then not received here. Then the wrong parts sent . Now the story is I'm waiting for bits to be sent from CHINA! During this time waiting I have had to cancel 3 planned trips , at no time have AVAN showed me any concern or sympathy about this. I'm am very close to going to consumer affairs with this. Wondering if any one else has a problem with the Avan weekender back door ? ...
Sorry mate.
But over the yrs. Reading in forums of. and talking to owners on the rounds.
A-Van. do NOT have a very good rep.
Screws falling out everywhere is one of the majors.
S'cus me. Screws are what hold you together in those.
Do it up and flog it.
Julie, welcome to the forum. Mostly you will get a lot of good advice from the members.
Is the van new or second hand?
I can only suggest that you keep on their backs & tell your friends how poor their support is!
A friend here in Townsville bought a new Golf caravan - she had to lock it up for nearly a year while the legal case against the manufacturer went through. I believe both companies re tied up together (Avan & Golf). Her van was a lemon & she eventually got a new van - she had to keep on their backs, unfortunately.
Oh, and they (Avan) advertise now - all their parts are now available online!! But where from - China??
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
................................................ Oh, and they (Avan) advertise now - all their parts are now available online!! But where from - China??
All the Avan parts come from Melbourne. Recently I needed an Avan part, went on their website and found it was $41, but I thought I'd find out if the local Loganholme dealer had it is stock before I did an online order - yes, they did - $70.
I said it's $41 on the Avan website but you charge $70 - yes they said, we paid $41 for it from Melbourne, but it was $29 freight from Melbourne to Brisbane. I checked with Avan Melbourne again and Yes, if I wanted one posted to me from Melbourne it would be $70. $29 freight for a piece of 400mm square molded plastic that weighs about 300 grammes !
SO, if you want any Avan parts, it is only viable if you live in Melbourne and can pick them up without postage. What a bxxxxxdy rip-off !
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Wondering about ShortNorth ? - Short North is the railwayman's nickname for the NSWGR main line between Sydney and Newcastle
The Avan weekender is identical to the early ChevronRV Guppy. (One copied the ither allegedly). I owned a guppy.
The unit is fibreglass as is the rear door twin skin design. Like you my struts failed. I got mine regassed. I knew when you regas struts you dont go overbiard, just a few extra lbs. Regardless the result over a few monyhs was the door distorting hence would not fully seal. It was only an issue with dust. My other issue was cracks in the single drawbar - dangerous.
Sad to say but I sold it and bought a Detour motorcycle camper from Ironbark Qld. A top quality camper. Good luck with fighting them maybe they think you'll go away? Readers note...
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Be nice... if I wanted my school teacher here I would have invited him...
