2018 Model Year
its almost the time of year where we see next years range of Caravans.
So what would you like to see and what in reality do you think we will see?
Will there be any new innovations?
Comments
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One that doesn't leak or bits break
That would be a new innovation The more I get out in mine I notice more and more makes from "over there" there were about 7 on site at the weekend, only 2 of those had European reg no's on them.
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What I'd like to see but definitely won't is more choice is the smaller 2 berth caravans. I don't need an all singing/all dancing model just a well made well thought out layout that's had a lot of thought, by a seasoned caravanner, gone into it.
The items "from over there" as Milo puts it are very nice and seem to be well built but are outside what I want to pay.
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...what in reality do you think we will see?
..exciting new graphics.
Unless there is a completely new design, the tweaks are surely an admission that they didn't get it right when they first introduced the model.
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in general, i guess some of the things folk want in caravans, they will want in their MHs too....
so, first of all, body integrity....No leaks, nothing falling off etc.
however, from a design perspective, the big push is on weight, or lack of it....attemping to get lighter vans that are still strong, by making use of modern materials and construction methods.
in the MH world, this is often acheived (in general) by smaller vans (obviously) with slim being the new fat
, vans with a saving of upto 37cm (difference between our van and the latest 'wide' Baileys.... anyone actually weighed one yet?)....Frankia are also lowering the height of one of their ranges to save weight, making the double floor a little less deep.
in caravans, there is weight pressure as customers demand more kit and more space, yet want to pull the van with a small(ish)/medium family car thats super economical....
so will we see slimmer caravans, shorter caravans, lower caravans?...i dont know.
narrow/tall fridge/freezers are finding their way into the smallest space, Hobby even have a fridge (and freezer) in a kitchen overhead locker..
drop down beds are still all the rage in MHs (Chausson now have a full complement of designs....centre double, centre singles, rear double, rear bunks....all falling from the ceilings at the touch of a button.
while many a high-top have roof beds (VW California etc....) Knaus managed a full,drop down in a 'normal' panel van...
again, will caravans follow suit?
burstner had some drop down beds in caravans last year, but uk designs look to be more of the same, perhaps relying on this years new upholstery to wow the customers.
yes there will be innovations to see at the NEC, but the most revolutionary wont be on the Bailey or Swift stand, so for 2018 its likely to be more of the same.....
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You forgot the "exciting new graphics".
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Bailey's look quite good.
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Lol, yes I did, CY
i thought you'd covered that in depth
will 'your new van' have 'these'?
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Ha, just watched Clare's review of tne New Baileys on you tube....
first comment on the exterior.....you guessed it, 'exiting new graphics'
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What model cycle do Bailey work on for their ranges? I know it's not a new update every year, is it 3 years?
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I guess it's too early for Hymer to have much of an input into the Xplorer group vans. As for Lunar, well I'm sure they must be due a new front end soon. Our 2017 Delta has the same front panel as a 2013 so 5 years is getting a bit long in the tooth.
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Just had a look at the new Unicorn range. Quite pleased with the re-designed front which was overdue but otherwise totally underwhelmed! Was looking to replace our U3 Barcelona this year but that seems to have disappeared from the range. Don't like all the white plastic or whatever it is on cupboard doors and there seems to be an overall reduction in storage. Why, oh why have Bailey adopted that stupid sink in the bathroom that so many other manufacturers are now using - looks like the bowl from our kitchen scales! If this is progress, think I'll stick with what we've got.
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I've noticed that Elddis are doing that in the Accordo range of MH's. A case of style over substance. Heaven protect us from "designers".
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It sounds very much as though the Sterling brand will disappear for 2018 from the Swift Group. Not sure if this means that the models within those ranges will move to Swift or also disappear.
As for Lunar, well they have just bought out Wellhouse Leisure the camper van people. Ive seen the front of the 2018 Clubman/Delta, it's not a pretty thing. Specs of those are reportedly unchanged.
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Not the only time Bailey have cocked up on the sink area. My 2011 Valencia had a tap that didn't swing out of the way hence you couldn't really use the sink. The sink was not huge to start with so to block it with a tap- I don't think I've such a stupid 'design' in a caravan. I replaced it with a stylish, swing out the way tap- now I can use the sink! I would like to see a genuine attempt to introduce a caravan that can be used equally successfully off grid as well as on but I have a sinking feeling that the vans they will 'design' will be more power hungry than ever! The recent introduction of vans with one electric heat plate on the cooker for instance- perhaps they'll be two this year!!
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I do like my hot plate. Versatility is the name of the game.
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