Went for another trip south to check out a few other models and saw Kingdoms. We were impressed with the finish and their current sale price is substantially cheaper than others on our short list. $5000 will buy a lot of diesel for a trip. Wondering if any members have first hand experience with this brand - good or bad. We are now considering Kokoda, Kingdom and JBs.
I have a new Supreme 'van which cost me $73 (after a big discount by the dealer) - lots of minor and several major faults and had to make noises about complaining to the ACCC before they started to accept these were warranty issues. I ran a thread here about this brand of 'van and got a lot of responses and pm's about new 'van quality in general.
We have been on the road for the past 12 weeks and EVERYONE we have spoken to with a new van have had multiple faults - including plenty about Jayco, who have about 50% of the 'van market.
So don't expect Kingdom to be any better (sorry - that's not what you want to hear). I suggest you do the following 3 things:
1. Go on the 'net and search for Kingdom - you will usually find plenty of reviews from unhappy buyers
2. Make sure the manufacturer/dealer gives your warranty period in writing (not verbal). Most only offer a 1 year one, but you will find that the ACC and your State fair trade dept reckon a 'van should be warrantied for at least 3-5 years depending on the fault
3. When you buy your van - take it away for about a week and don't go too far away from home. Use all bits of the van and write down all the faults. Then email the manufacturer/dealer (the dealer if you buy from him) and list out all the faults and make sure all correspondence both ways are by email (never over the phone). If they try to tell you that things aren't covered by warranty or its wear and tear - tell them you intent to complain to the ACCC - this will usually cause a change of heart. DONT BACK DOWN !!
I hindsight, I would buy a 2nd hand one about 1-2 years old and pay for an independent caravan repairer to inspect it (he will go right over the 'van and check wheel bearings/brakes, gas, electrics etc (just make sure you go to a large repairer who employs qualified staff)
Good luck with yout 'van:)
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
Try and find a brand that is actually manufactured by the seller. There are a large number of generic brands out there. One brands CosyCab makes van for approx 5 on sellers of there manufacture under various brand names.
ie one business makes the chassis, another the "van". Sometimes fit out is by the seller.
I prefer a one business does all, with maybe an exception to the chassis.
At least if something does go wrong you only have to deal with the one source.
Well Some friends and I have Kingdom Kensington caravan that we use as a spare and rent out periodically, we looked around for a while and considered that the Kingdom was not only good value but extremely well built and put together. We bought it new just on 12 months ago and have had no problems whatsoever with it, not one complaint from the hirers either. It tows beautifully and is well equipped, it cost nearly $50,000 less than my own caravan but My wife and I would be more than happy to travel in the kingdom...it is a good caravan.
woops - the van cost $73K - it was my tow vehicle from India that cost $73 lol
Thought when reading your initial post - I want the name of that dealer lol.
Thanks for all the advice. I too am a great believer of everything in writing and agree that every caravan will probably have some problems. Once we order think it will be a case of crossing fingers/toes and everything else that we don't get a lemon.
Try and find a brand that is actually manufactured by the seller. There are a large number of generic brands out there. One brands CosyCab makes van for approx 5 on sellers of there manufacture under various brand names.
ie one business makes the chassis, another the "van". Sometimes fit out is by the seller.
I prefer a one business does all, with maybe an exception to the chassis.
At least if something does go wrong you only have to deal with the one source.
Thanks delatite - makes sense if something does require a warranty repair that you only have to deal with one company would be easier.
Well Some friends and I have Kingdom Kensington caravan that we use as a spare and rent out periodically, we looked around for a while and considered that the Kingdom was not only good value but extremely well built and put together. We bought it new just on 12 months ago and have had no problems whatsoever with it, not one complaint from the hirers either. It tows beautifully and is well equipped, it cost nearly $50,000 less than my own caravan but My wife and I would be more than happy to travel in the kingdom...it is a good caravan.
Thanks Wizardofoz. That's reassuring to hear, especially hiring it out where I imagine people are not as careful with it as they would be if they owned it.
depending on your location -v- manufacturer, or if you can afford to fly to see the manufacturer, but many I have spoken to and got burnt with the 1st 'vans, now only deal with those who allow you to visit their factory and see their set-up and staff at work (even if you have to buy the van from a retailer).
Recently spoke to an ex-mechanic guy who had bought and had problems with the same van as me - a Supreme. He went to their factory and was dismayed to see that the staff were rough looking labourers (none looked or worked like a tradesman). He eventually sold his 'van, bought a Winibago - had problems with that and sold it and bought a Paradise motor home. Has had this one for over a year now and no problems at all - he and his wife love it
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
We actually went and talked to a caravan repairer as part of our research and came out with the thought - we won't buy a caravan at all. But, how else can we see this beautiful country of ours - we wouldn't get too far paying for motels and all meals, coffees etc. In his opinion many manufacturers lost their skilled tradesmen to the mining boom and building standards have dropped. Have also heard you have to arrange factory visits and this gives them the chance to tidy up their factory and only present their best side for your visit. As all brands seem to have had some problems we're relying to a large extent on talking to owners of various brands and how their manufacturer/dealer dealt with any problems.
Wondering if any members have first hand experience with this brand - good or bad. We are now considering Kokoda, Kingdom and JBs. 
