We just bought a new Supreme 'van and have had the usual Aussie made problems with it. Sadly, the quality is not matched to the price we paid for it, but talking to independent caravan repairers, all of the 'van makers are pretty much the same - charge heaps and average to poor quality.
Be aware that the warranty they offer (usually one year) means nothing. If youre having problems with warranty, go to the ACCC or your local state customer protection dept. You will find they apply the same warranty as a motor vehicle - about 5 years - not the one year most manufacturers will try out on you. Don't accept "no" - complain - they know they cant give a short warranty and will roll over when your state customer protection or ACCC receive your complaint
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
Good job you arnt farmers we pay over $500,000 to $700,000 for a harvester and only get a 12 months warranty I did a air conditioner belt after 50 hours and they tried to tell me belts weren't even covered I told em that if I bought a $14,990 Hyundai I bet they would replace the belt . They payed for it after that .
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When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
When we were looking for our van I was given some very good advice by a gentleman who knew the industry well, he indicated that the insurance based warranties supplied by many manufacturers are next to useless.
OzJohn was clear, any company that built decent vans would stand behind their product, and offer a factory backed warranty, of at least two years.
We bought our van from a dealer who is close to the factory, and they are also happy to stand behind the product.
They are not all the same, there are a few good ones out there.
It's not just the warranty period that's a big con from most manufacturers it's also the "you gave to return it to the supplier" on the basis that the caravan dealer/manufacturer only installed it. The Commonwealth consumer protection legislation allows claims against manufacturers or suppliers or installers. Of course they're all going to try and con you that what they are offering is all that you're entitled to but as Bruce and Bev say, check out out your legal rights.
Under Australian law, all goods (except goods at auction) are covered by a statutory, or implied, warranty. This means the product you buy should be of merchantable quality; that is, it should meet the basic level of quality and performance expected, considering its description, price and other relevant circumstances.
In the case of a major TV purchase you are entitled to a refund if, for example, it develops a serious fault after 15 months when it can be expected that a TV should last at least 10 years. However, a consumer would probably be more than satisfied with a two-year run from a $10 watch, but not if it cost $2000.
If a product fails to live up to these expectations and cant be rectified within reasonable time limits, youre entitled to seek to have the contract cancelled, return the goods and get a refund.
Under a statutory warranty, any problem you have with a product is the sellers responsibility, not the manufacturers. If you have a problem refunding or exchanging an item and you have tried but failed to negotiate with the retailer, contact the fair trading office in your state for help and advice.
If you get a good deal out there and/or get good service then raise the flag! Let us all know so we can show our appreciation with our $'s.
I find it so F$@!&%g Frustrating that it has to get to the point that "we" have to be Boston Lawyers to get what should be just be a "fair go". Naive I know, but one day Alice!
It's not like new RV's are cheap!(only the Dealers and after sales service)
I could easily build a head of steam on this topic, but I think you can see where I am heading
Jeff
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Live Long and Prosper
MN Triton auto diesel 4x4 & 20' 6" Kokoda Tribute II XL Platinum
It is a shame that in the year 2014, Australian caravan manufactures, in the main, still have a very 'agricultural' approach to building caravans that one pays quite a bit of money for. And unfortunately the quality does not seem to be directly proportional to that cash you part with.
Larry