Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 640

JCraig1984
JCraig1984 Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited January 2017 in Caravans #1

I am looking for some advise, we are relatively new to caravanning and have recently put a deposit down on a Dethleffs Rally Nomad DD 640 however we have since found that Dethleffs no longer import to the uk or indeed make these caravans anymore, on contacting them they have advised that one of the reasons they stopped importing to the U.K. was due to their caravans not meeting uk legislations? Does anybody have any Experience of these caravans and if so do you know in what ways they don't meet uk legislation? I'm worried that it will effect insurance, spare parts etc, alarm bells are ringing so would really appreciate if anybody could shed some light or offer their opinion on whether we should steer clear or not? 

 

Thanks 

Comments

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585 ✭
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    edited January 2017 #2

    They are well made but were imported in very small numbers so very rare. Spares would have to come from Germany in many cases but UK makers probably take more time to send bits from here and soon make them out of stock so I would not worry about that. Many of the working items though will be common to UK caravans and should be available here.

    Not sure what problem they have with UK legislation is but it must be something brought in fairly recently to stop them importing so must be something minor. I have not seen anything suggesting they are dangerous though.

    To buy it or not is probably down to just how good a bargain it is and how you feel about it in general.

  • JCraig1984
    JCraig1984 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited January 2017 #3

    Thank you very much for your reply, That's good to hear that they are well made and puts my mind at ease a wee bit more. Thanks again 

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,673 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2017 #4

    Was it not something to do with the upholstery?  Not conforming with UK fire retardant requirements?

    It's a big van, twin axle I think, and heavy.  Have you got a suitable towcar?

    You could get an insurance quote first to check if it would be a problem. 

    Dethleffs do still make caravans, and their motorhomes are imported here, not sure about caravans.

  • JCraig1984
    JCraig1984 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited January 2017 #5

    I had read about the upholstery but wasn't sure if there was anything else involved. Yes it's a big twin axle van 1700kg my jeep has a towing capacity of 3 Tonne so I'm fine on that front (I spend most of my spare time towing a horse trailer and 2 Big horses). Thanks for your reply, I am going to give the insurance company a call tomorrow and see if there will be any problems insuring it. Not due to collect it until march so have time to do some research on it 

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,673 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2017 #6

    Is 1700kg not the MIRO?  I read on one website that the MTPLM is 2000kg.

    How does that compare with the kerbweight of your tow vehicle?

    We just got a VW Touareg (kerb weight is about 2160kg) and they give a max towing weight of 3500kg, but no way would I consider towing something caravan shaped that was heavier than the car.

    We tow a T/A Sterling Searcher with MTPLM 1900kg.

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