I am heading to the Brisbane Caravan Show on Wednesday and Thursday of this week to look at caravans in the 17' to 21' range.
While I am cost conscious, I am interested in caravan manufacturers that are known more for the quality of their construction and their attention to detail rather than the price.
Thanks for the prompt replies. More suggestions would be appreciated. BTW, I should have added top notch after sales service from the manufacturer, where that is appropriate.
We are very happy with our Traveller. We've had outstanding service from our dealer in Adelaide as well. Not the lightest or cheapest, but definitely great quality.
__________________
Cheers, Gerry Lexus LX470 2012 Traveller Sensation Pinnacle 21' Member VKS737 - mobile 3535
I have had three Jayco's and you read a few stories about them, but when you realise that they represent 50% of vans on the road the vast majority of the owners like myself are very happy.
In regards service they without doubt are number one, and have the largest Australia wide network, and are renown for honouring after warranty repairs.
As a 40 year caravan traveller, I can assure you that every make of caravan has its problem, recently an owner of a respected van regarded as top quality was telling us he was having all sorts of problems towing it , could have be his fault but he was blaming the van, every age has its problem.
Hi rexboggs5
I would think quality of construction and attention to detail usually comes with a price. I notice you did not state what your needs are in a caravan, so the field narrows once you have made a decision. Your choice will also depend first and foremost on your tow vehicle. Off road manufacturers Kedron and Bushtracker are made in Queensland and will be at the show. Then all the many on road standard caravans companies would also be on display.
cheers,
Robyn and Phillip
Have a good look at Billabong caravans. Just picked up our 18'6" Grove from Coastal Caravans. Very happy so far. It survived the weekend downpour without any sign of leakage. Very well put together van with great finish inside and out. Billabong in their 10th year so must be doing something right.
Make sure you look at every Van you possibly can we did this a few years ago & settled on a Retreat Brampton as the builders/ manufacturers have cabinetry making background, my husband opened & closed a thousand cupboards to asses quality of hinges etc. We have had a few issues with the Van but Retreat have been always happy to sort out whatever is require. Surprisingly 1 in 5 new Vans have issues I think you are lucky to get a good one. If I could afford to I would be looking at the. Spinefex Vans made in Brisbane but rather pricey. You will get lots of people giving you opinions but go with what suits your needs, good luck I'm hoping to get to the show but not looking good with work commitment.
for the first 12 months the warranty is dealt with by the retail Dealer that you buy the 'van from. Suggest any Dealers you short-list that you google them and see what customer reviews have to say about them. If they muck you around, then go straight to the manufacturer and complain. Often the maker will deal directly with your warranty issues even in the 12 month Dealer period.
I bought my "top of the line" van from the biggest dealer in Perth, WA, and they gave me nothing but grief. I went to the van maker and have dealt with them since (even after the 12 month warranty). Just remember there is an implied warranty under the consumer protection laws which extends your 12 month warranty significantly more
__________________
Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
We got a Montana van from Adventure Caravans at Loganholme Brissie. They gave fantastic after service and we all ways still call in when up that way. Adventure always have a stand at the show, say hello to them for me.
I was told early on that it was just as important to find a good dealer, as to find a good van.
-- Edited by Kiwi-as on Tuesday 7th of June 2016 07:34:27 PM
On the Move The principal Lennie Mifsud will be at the show. I have an On the move Infinity. Very good solid van and structurally all has been good for nigh on 5 years. I did have troubles with batteries and chargers but Lennie saw me right. cheers Daz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion. Some of the wonderful caravans that we saw at the Show included those made by Coromal, Retreat and Spinifex. It is amazing how many different caravans there are these days.
