Hi Just wanted to get some opinion's and feedback about Crusader Caravan's, the one we are looking at is an older van, 2007 Dreamhaven and we will be towing it with a Ford Ranger. We currently have a forward folding camper that we go away in for 4 or 5 months which is set up for off grid and park stays with all sort of modifications and alterations however as time continues to not be our friend we are looking at something that has less setup time and a bit more comfort without breaking the bank or eating into our travelling money, which has become harder to manage with the current prices etc. Any feedback would be great as well as any suggestions, we prospect and fossick when we are away and think, from what we have read the Crusader is put together strong and easy to work on. Thanks in advance........ Martin
Big thumbs up to Crusader, had mine, a recliner Athos, since 2015, love it and the couple of times I have made (DIY related) inquiries to the factory they have been more than helpful.
Build quality is very good and we have had ZERO issues since new.
Chassis, suspension, cabinetry, wiring etc etc all get a big tick from me as a retired engineering bod.
I know two other Crusader owners who are both very happy, one had a chassis that cracked but I am sure it was misuse rather than anything to do with the build quality.
In my opinion, go for it!
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"life is too short to spend it with people who suck the happiness out of you"
Have a look at the two faceache pages if you want an honest opinion of quality and build issues.
The older vans may have been built during calmer times, but I am seeing way to many issues raised in regard to the current production quality.
I have had a modified Prince on order since last June, but I after the factory began pushing the delivery date back because of covid issues, I have changed my own schedule to fit in with the move to the new factory.
I decided to get a knee replacement operation done before I get the caravan, so I pushed the delivery back to October.
Hopefully the production of the new composite build caravans will be streamlined by then.
They are advertising for multiple roles in their quality control department, this can mean two things.
Either they are not happy with the current level of quality, or they are are expecting more output through the factory, and with that, is the need for more staff.
I suspect both things are true.
I spent 4 months looking at every brand on the market before settling on this model, and although I live in Sydney, I ordered it from the Melbourne stealership.
The stealer ship is run by the owners son, and I have heard good things about them. They have been very honest and up front with information on the delays.
I have been offered the chance to cancel my order and receive a refund if I wanted to. It makes no difference to them with full order books stretching 15 months into the future.
They would make around 15k more money on the same caravan if I cancel now.
Time will tell, but I hope the quality issues being raised by new owners settles down after the move to the new factory.
