Beginning Caravaning

Allyneil
Allyneil Forum Participant Posts: 26
edited December 2018 in Introductions #1

Posted a couple of items and thought we should now formally say hello, and share our first experiences of buying our van - not to complain just to share a story. (sorry if its a bit long).

After a lot of research we found a second hand Unicorn Valencia at a dealer and put down a deposit after a thorough check - agreeing to pick it up in 4-5 weeks, very happy with a deal which included a free starter pack, a second hand but new awning half price and a good discount.

So, excited to pick it up we planned to take it straight to a local site for a settling down weekend.  Well we arrived with a carload of gear and the van was ready, the pack and awning loaded in by the dealer, who also hitched up for us and told us all was ready to go after a detailed handover.

Well we pulled out onto the road, at first the engine was working hard, but then we had 1500kg of van on the back, after a quarter mile I glanced in the mirror and saw a cloud of smoke, pulling into a layby we found one motor mover locked on to the tyre, we'd left a black line all the way back to the dealer, we released the mover and took a concerned call from the dealer - someone had reported out plight to them. The tyre was OK, so we carried on without a problem to the site.

We then found they had loaded two awnings into the van and our awning had no instructions, pegs or ladders, another conversation with the dealer who arrived on site an hour later, very apologetic and with a brand new air awning to get us through the weekend - which he gave us as an apology - before taking away the other two awnings.

Since then they've sorted out the pegs and ladders for the awning, gave us two new tyres, arranged and paid for the warranty & CRIS registration transfer and we've spent 13 nights away - but are now laid up for the winter.  

Problems and mistake happen - sometimes it's the manner in which they're handled that makes all the difference, we're very happy and can't wait until Spring.

Its great to be here - no doubt we will have more questions next year!

Comments

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2018 #2

    Total incompetence on behalf of staff in the dealership ............... but in the end handled well by them it sounds. 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,373
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    edited December 2018 #3

    Things can only get better. 👍🏻

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
    500 Comments
    edited December 2018 #4

    Don't be shy, tell us the name of the dealer, it seems like they deserve to be known more widely. 

     

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited December 2018 #5

    Cannot understand the comment "Since then they've sorted out the pegs and ladders for the awning". What ladders. undecided

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,373
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    edited December 2018 #6

    Have you never had an awning, LL?

    It’s my guess it won’t be ladders to reach the awning track. 😄

     

    Try these -

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant, Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 8,300
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    edited December 2018 #7

    We had weather issues when we began, heavy snow and very strong winds. Don't put us off just done our 12th year 👍.

    Really impressed with the dealer correcting their errors.

    Continental to enjoy,  you might even try some outings in the new year 😉

  • Allyneil
    Allyneil Forum Participant Posts: 26
    edited December 2018 #8

    We were also impressed by the reaction of the dealer, but not by the competence of the staff.  Therefore although happy with the end result it was very avoidable stress.  However we aren't complaining, or naming and shaming, just focused on enjoying the van and looking forward to the future.

    It's likely the annual service will be done elsewhere wink.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2018 #9

    thanks Tin. got an awning but never been out of bag as to heavy/difficult to put up on my own (disabled wife). getting a brand new caravan in a couple of months so thinking of getting a wind out porch awning that I can cope with on my own. Them ladders look good for mice. wink

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,373
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    edited December 2018 #10

    Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie,
    O, what a pannic's in thy breastie! …

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member, Member Moderator Posts: 5,875
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    edited December 2018 #11

    Welcome Mandarin.  Sorry to hear about your motor mover problem, but glad it's all sorted now.  Best of luck with it all, and look forward to reading your posts.

    David

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