New Coachman VIP
Considering changing to a Coachman VIP 2018 model. Just wondered if anyone has taken delivery of one and what their thoughts are regarding build quality and potential reliability. Appreciate that this is a new model, so responses may be thin on the ground.
Many thanks
Dave
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That is where a degree of build quality comes in, you cannot build c/vans that the majority of the uk market wants with all the bells and whistles ,that is for families and can be towed a "ford focus"unless you use light not as strong materials, hence also the majority of Imported continental vans are on the heavy side and without a lot of kit what is the UK norm
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We decided on a VIP September 2016, honestly the worst 'van we've owned, yes the craftsmanship of putting together is first class but the materials used are not IMO fit for purpose. One might ask how can this be on a supposed better than average UK 'van, the two ends of the lounge seating collapsed within weeks and sooner than allow the dealer to attempt to make good it was obvious that it didn't matter how many screws you put into matchwood it is still matchwood !
Regarding being " heavy " we are used to owning heavy 'vans but the towing prowess of the VIP was unacceptable, also costing me 4 mpg over our previous Hymer. The VIP although possibly the poshest 'van we've ever owned with all the bells and whistles was " given away " within six months for another Hymer.http://i68.tinypic.com/2uh7448.jpg
http://i68.tinypic.com/2ymuky8.jpg
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With modern technology it is possible to be both light and strong but possibly not cheap.
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MDF is not what I would regard as modern technology. It's just glorified cardboard.
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They use that lightweight corrugated cardboard stuff. That’s why worktops damage so easily.
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l have had 4 Brand new vans AceFirestar, Lunar Clubman SE, Bailey Unicorn Madrid and Lunar Clubman SB, The bailey being the worst by along way then the Ace Firestar. Both clubmans were reasonable but still came with quiet a few niggling faults. By far the best van we have had is this last one and we didn't purchase it new its a 2014 Coachman 460 VIP by far the best van we have had, even so we had a new Master panel fitted and 3 new front window blinds all under warranty. For build quality is far above all the others. towing is dream, all the bells and whistles you can think off. Bath room is more like a changing room, that much space wife can't fill the wardrobe that's a bonus in its self. Granted its only a two birth but with just the two of us and two small yorkies plenty of room.Would never go back to large van again and hopefully this one will see us out. As far has l am concerned the Coachman is the best van we have bought and also stands out on site
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I have just bought a new 2018 Coachman VIP 460. It weighs only 52 kg more than my previous caravan. Is that really a big deal ? No.
Bought it at the NEC show and so far have only towed it home from my local dealer. Looking forward to warmer weather.
I can say it certainly looks to me to be a very well put together caravan.
Like a lot of owners, I’ve had my share of problems with caravans over
the years, let’s hope this one is as good as it looks.
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We took delivery of our Coachman Twin Axle VIP 675 Flagship in May 18, we had a 2010 Bailey Pegasus previously.
We are extremely happy with the Coachman, the build quality is far superior to the Bailey, I will not go back to Bailey now.
We have had a few minor issues but the dealer Golden Castle Gloucester have sorted no problem under warranty.
Don't forget unlike a car the warranty for the caravan is with the dealer you purchase the van from, other dealers don't have to honour the warranty!
This is by far the best caravan we have owned in 30 years
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Coachman on the VIP range changed the cooker, fridge and more importantly the toilet over to Dometic.
This was to "upgrade" the VIP range.
There has been quite a few complaints about the toilet cassette 3/4 light showing even when cassette is empty.Also the panel where you press the flush has been prone to fall in.
I notice this thread is from December of last year,so quite a few changes since then on the VIP range for 2018 and 2019.
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I'm a Coachman owner, although not of a VIP. We have had a Coachman Vision 520 from new since 2015 and have had no issues whatsoever with it. 100+ nights away, 2500+ miles of towing and I cannot fault it. Over the years we have had other makes, but the Coachman is by far the best. They do seem very well screwed together as far as I can judge.Cannot see us changing. (It is in for its 3rd service today, so I hope I'm not tempting fate!)
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I have has a 2012 VIP 460/2 for the last two and half years spending over 350 nights out in that time, very nice van. Now changed to a VIP 2014 560/4 same model as the previous mentioned "not fit for purpose". Owing the van a very short time I fail to see how the seat end can fall off, or maybe its down to the onboard water tank that apears to be fitted in that area.
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Thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we were not able to buy a van this year. However, having recently attended the NEC we looked around numerous new models and were able to make a reasonably good comparison. The German vans that we saw looked very well built and extremely well finished. Unfortunately, we couldn't find a weight/layout match that suits our needs as well as the Coachman VIP/Laser. So in the near future we will be making our final decision.
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We have a 2018 model VIP 460 and so far are happy with it. It is certainly an infinite improvement on the Lunar Clubman CK that we had before which after two years leaked like a sieve and took the dealer and Lunar, who were totally disinterested, over 6 months to rectify. Only threats of court action got the dealer into action.
The VIP has been back to the dealer, a different one needless to say, for a brake squeal issue (the subject of another blog on Club Together) which they resolved. The Sargent alarm has been replaced due to a malfunction but that was something that I did in conjunction with Argent. The toilet cassette leaked due to a faulty weld between the top and bottom halves and that was replaced, after two attempts, by Dometic.
All three of these issues are supplier related rather than the result of Coachman's build / design so fingers crossed for the future.
By the way, we had a Hymer before the Lunar and the bed box started to fall out! Only resolved with some proper engineering!
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Now 10 months old and have spent 80 nights away in the new 2018 Coachman VIP 460.Only problem has been the cooker electronic ignition failed,which I give top marks to our dealer Lee Davey Caravans (Maidstone) for their excellent response. Still sooooo pleased we bought a Coachman. We love it.
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From your avatar, may we assume that Coachman have gone 'retro' ?
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We have coachman 460 VIP 2018 model so far so good what we expected from the legacy of the brand.
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Have now changed the Coachman VIP 460 after going to the NEC
end of 2019. Loved the caravan, now have a Coachman VIP 520
which gives more room with the addition of two seats and a table which makes up into third bed if required. Great of couples. Can even leave the double bed made up and still use all kitchen area
Really love the Coachman brand, would recommend any day.
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As has been said, luck of the draw I think. No different to any other manufacturer.
i bought a new coachman vip 575. Thought this will be top of the range, good build quality and will probably see me out. I’ve had numerous caravans over 35 years, this was the worse. Numerous faults and even had to go back to the factory for a bodywork fix.
Only kept it for 18 months, then part ex it for a swift elegance 650 which I’ve now had for 2 years. Much prefer this.
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Have had four coachmans, Pastiches', two have had water egress, however both taken back to factory, with a two week turn around, and both came back, as new. They even renewed/repaired items that weren't part of original remit. In our experience Coachman have an excellent after sales service, and are very accommodating.
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