Advice on a new Elddis 8ft caravan

LucyLu0303
LucyLu0303 Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited October 2016 in Caravans #1

Hi, this is my first time on here so i'm hoping you can help me. We are in the process of trading our 2012 Swift Challenger 625 SE in for a 2017 Elddis Rambler 21/6 Twin Axle 6 berth (based on a Elddis Avanti 840 with extras), i have had no experience with
Ellddis so i was hoping for some feed back on towing, quality of fixtures etc etc on the Elddis. i have 3 children and a dog so i quite like the 8ft layout on the Elddis hence the change - thanks in advance

Comments

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2016 #2

    Heavy beast, looks nice though. What are you towing with? 

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,673 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #3

    My main concern would be towing a van that width on some of the country roads where sites are situated.

    Obviously possible as lorries use them, but something to bear in mind.

  • LucyLu0303
    LucyLu0303 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited October 2016 #4

    Hi, we have got a Discovery 4 so the power is there, just concerned on the finish inside as they look abit sharp around the edges

  • Schnauzer
    Schnauzer Forum Participant Posts: 16
    edited October 2016 #5

    We have an 8ft Buccaneer (made by Elddis) and like you have a Discovery 4 and a dog who comes with us.  Whilst we can't comment on the specific Elddis models I would say that the Company are no better or worse than other manufacturers. We would recommend
    the 8ft option as it really does provide more living space and makes a real practical difference. However do research and plan your routes as KjellNN is right about smaller roads. In August we visited a CL and the hedgerows were so overgrown they were touching
    the van both sides. We will be avoiding single track roads even if they are only a few hundred yards long in future! Hope you enjoy the new van, it will make all the difference for your family and dog. 

  • LucyLu0303
    LucyLu0303 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited October 2016 #6

    Thanks for the advise all

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited October 2016 #7

    If you check the Practical Caravan annual owners survey Eldiss caravans have come last twice and second last in the last three years and last year were the only firm with under 20% of caravans without faults. Forum reports also suggest a serious problem
    with cracks in end panels also these may be sorted by now.

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303 ✭
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited November 2016 #8

    My main concern would be towing a van that width on some of the country roads where sites are situated.

    Obviously possible as lorries use them, but something to bear in mind.

    We have the Buccaneer at 2.55m or 8' wide and it is a concern travelling down some country roads so you need to use Google Earth quite a lot. 

    We have also programmed our TomTom camping and Caravan satnav for a caravan 2.55m wide and 3m high as we have air con on board.

    However if ther eis no other option that satnav wil still take you down the narrow country lane if going to a CL.  Also you need to be careful about turning into some CLs on narrow country roads due to the extra width.

  • Trini
    Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
    edited November 2016 #9

    WIth out new 2014 Affinity even after the PDI (Ha ha) every internal locker door had to be replaced, plus work to the funiture carcases, chipped sink (enamel) and external locker door dented.

     

  • Dave Nicholson
    Dave Nicholson Forum Participant Posts: 408
    edited November 2016 #10

    It's a sad fact that many of the UK built caravans suffer from significant defects either on delivery, within a few months or both. We have a 2.5M wide Fendt and can confirm that the advantages of the extra width are worth having. We've never experienced
    problems accessing sites with the 'van and living in Cumbria we have more than our fair share of narrow roads.

    We bought the Fendt from new 7 years ago and to date we've had no problems whatsoever. Unfortunately there are now very few Fendt dealers in the UK, probably because the manufacturers struggle to keep up with demand for their quality caravans in Europe. 
    However, I suggest you consider looking at German 'vans before you decide to change.

     

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