Glossop Caravans and a brand new Swift

oktogo
oktogo Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited September 2014 in Caravans #1

I recently purchase a 2014 Swift Celebration 584 form Glossop Caravans and have had nothing but problems.



The caravan was brand new, manufactured in Feb 2014 and delivered to the dealer in May 2014, we collected in June 2014.



The sealant over the front windows was cracked, the cooker was rusty inside, the bedding gets damp, the cupboard trims don't match or line up, the fridge is fitted on a slant, the blow air heating doesn't have enough power to get hot air to the rear vents...
the list goes on.



I have talked to Swift, they are very rude and just not interested and tell me I have to speak to the dealer (even though they supplied the dealer with this P.O.S. caravan) so I then deal only with Glossop Caravans and a guy called Ralph Thorman and aks them
to replace or repair my caravan. Sadly theyve only been able to repair the sealant over the windows and replace the rusty cooker... the rest has been a nightmare as Swift claim the other issues are not actual faults and are just the way the caravan is made.



So I would like to know anyone who has a 2014 Swift made caravan with blow air heating issues, poo construction issues and damp in a new caravan. I would like to get a little more power being my claim to Swift and hopefully get enough voices that they will
listen to their customers and fix things or re-design things so they actually work and look nice.



To date Glossop caravans have not been able to get Swift to repair or replace the caravan either. I would also like to hear from anyone who has had problems with Glossop Caravans in the hope they too will listen if we can get enough people to complain.



IF you can reject a brand new car if the car has significant faults then how come nobody seems to bother when you try and do this with a caravan?



Thanks

John


Comments

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #2

    John we understand how you feel pal.

     

    At 10.30 am on Wednesday 13 March 2019 myself and wife collected the above Caravan from Glossop Caravans in Derbyshire.

    SWIFT CELEBRATE QEB CARAVAN 4 BERTH 2019: 


    The journey home from Glossop Caravans is approximately 32.9 miles.

    Our first journey out in our brand new caravan took place when the weather improved.

    On Wednesday 3 April 2019 we took our caravan out to a Place in KIrkham, Lancashire.

    The duration was 4 nights. We left the site on Sunday 7 April 2019 and returned home.

     

    On Sunday 14 April 2019 I gave our caravan a detailed clean at home and noticed on the near side front, grab handle, is a 3/4 inch crack.

    Now I have now been told, it is called a Stress Crack. I was very shocked and upset by this stress crack, I informed my wife who viewed the crack and she was shocked and upset.

    We both said we have only been out in this caravan once, purchased 4 weeks ago. Now how has a brand new 2019
    Caravan got a stress crack in the front section.

    Contacted dealers several times who have refused to return any of my calls. Eventually decided to speak with the service dept, who have stated because it was reported after 30 days a gel coat repair is our only option.

    There must be some sort of manufacture or construction issue with this caravan. Further to this, How has this happened when you spend over 20k on a caravan.

     

    Blackhorse have basically supported the dealer, stating because 30 days has expired in reporting this, we can only offer you a gel coat repair on your caravan.

    I just want a replacement caravan.

    I want to exercise my right to reject this caravan.  

    Not really fit for purpose.

    Finally, we are not rolling over to have our bellies tickled. We will be seeking advice from a solicitor. 

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #3

    The original post is almost 5 years old 😲😲😲 where do they appear from looking like new?? This is a strange forum for things like this there have been several older threads appearing recently! 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #4

    After 30 days you have to give them one chance to make a satisfactory repair. If that fails, you can reject it. 30 days is 30 days no matter how much you used, or didn’t use, the van in that time.

    I hope you get a satisfactory resolution.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #5

    I'm guessing the new poster, Firestorm, found it Bakers.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #6

    You could be right.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,196 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #7

    Firestorm11 you could talk to the legal team from the club as well. 

  • Freddy55
    Freddy55 Club Member Posts: 1,810
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    edited June 2019 #8

    I pick mine (Swift) up tomorrow. Sounds like the clock is ticking...

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,057 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #9

    Glossop Caravans. Friends of ours had to take them to court. Would never consider buying from them, despite being one of our closest dealers. Take legal advice, Club would be a good place to start.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited June 2019 #10

    I travel 40 miles rather than 20 for such a reason.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,057 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #11

    We have never bought from a large dealership. The two places we have used, one very local, superb. Other, for MH, again a small independent dealer specialising in high quality second hand models, was 100 miles away. Came and picked OH up at station on day of collection, spent a good afternoon going over everything, decent warranty and any help at other end of phone. Excellent customer service.

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #12

    Hi guys,

    Thanks very much for your comments and support.

    It is greatly appreciated.

    We have been legally advised, the worst scenario will be to have this gel coat repair carried out.

    On a brand new caravan owned for just over 4 weeks.

    Can anyone help or advise us on a gel coat repair.

    Will they have to remove the front cover of the caravan, or

    Can it be repaired where the crack is positioned.

     

     

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #13

    Gel coat is the surface 'varnish' so I imagine it can be done in situ. Marine repairers do this sort of repair all the time to boats and that may be an avenue worth exploring. However, as it’s a warranty repair, it may not be your call as to who does the repair. I’m sure you’ll find info on the process on YouTube.

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #14

    Thank you Tinwheeler,

     

    I have been assigned to a good solicitor through work. 

    They have emailed me today, a decision will be made in

    5 to 9 working days.  Fingers crossed. 

     

     

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #15

    Good luck.

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #16

    Hi Guys,

    I have a Al-Ko Secure Wheel Lock 44.

    I have been practicing at home, putting the wheel lock on

    and off my caravan. With no issues. 

     

    We went away to Wales and briefly had problems

    Attaching the wheel lock to the caravan wheel chassis.

    The wheel was aligned up I thought properly.    

    It took about 4 clock face turns to tighten up the wheel

    Lock. So at home my locking bolt does not screw in

    smoothly into the caravan chassis by hand now.

     

    Contacted Al-Ko who were very helpful who informed me

    To contact there technical team who were:- 

    Lowe & Fletcher Locking Systems For Industry.

    I spoke to an extremely helpful lady called Lynne who put

    me through to the tech guys, I explained the above to 

    Them. Within 24 hours I received a new locking bolt x1.

     

    Now putting the locking bolt x1 and using the licking bolt

    Socket key and try to place it into the caravan chassis.

    It goes in a little bit, and then goes stiff after a few turns.

    I'm  not going to damage this locking bolt x1

     

     Any suggestions, that I may of threaded the caravan

    chassis and do I need a tapping tool to rectify it.

     

    Nigel.

     

     

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2019 #17

    Sounds like you've damaged the female thread by cross threading. The thread is a standard M20 but they're a bit expensive to buy for one use. Can you borrow one for a few hours ... local engineering shop maybe?

    If you're anywhere near me (See bus in avatar  😉) I'll borrow one for you 😊

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2019 #18

    You could contact Alko again. In the past they have posted one out on loan against a refundable deposit.

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #19

    Thanks very much guys for your advice.

    Received a new locking bolt x1.

    Tried it in my 1st twin axle wheel.   It fitted perfectly.

    Tried in 2nd wheel. Definitely damaged the female section

    By cross threading.  It goes in, turns and stops. 

     

    I will contact Al- Ko on Monday morning to see if

    They will kindly loan me a key against a refundable deposit. 

     

    Thanks again. 

  • QFour
    QFour Forum Participant Posts: 442
    edited June 2019 #20

    With the new 30 day rule to reject anything that is substandard I think you have to start using your new Caravan / Motorhome straight away. When we bought the Laika Motorhome we spent a night outside the Dealership and a couple of nights on a local CL Site. We had a couple of bits that needed attention which the Service Dept sorted without any problems.

    Any problems should be emailed to the Dealer in question so at least you know it got there. The Dealer in question seems to think that not returning calls is a good way of eating up the 30 days. Unfortunately your gripe is with the Dealer. They are the people you have a contract with. Swift hide behind the Dealer network and don't get involved with any disputes.

    As for stress cracking something has to have given for the gel coat to crack which makes you think that the structure underneath is moving and this is why it cracked. I had some stress cracking on our boat but it just radiated from a fixing point. There were several fine cracks which when repaired never appeared again.

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #21

    Thanks, QFour

    Spoke to Ombudsman in relation to the issues with our caravan. 

    They have informed me that we will have to wait 12/16 weeks for a

    Case handler to be assigned to the case. Then another 8/12 weeks

    for them to carry out their investigation.

     

    Spoke to a solicitor who basically said, we will have to get an expert

    report to identify whether the defect is of sufficient severity to entitle

    You to replace it. Whether it is the surface bodywork which has failed

    (and why) has this happened?

     

    Overall the only option we have is to agree to have this gel coat

    repair carried out on the caravan.  Wife is not happy.

    Booked in for 1 st week in July 2019. 

     

     

  • CJDM
    CJDM Forum Participant Posts: 129
    100 Comments
    edited June 2019 #22

    Do the caravan manufactures care about build-quality? I assume they do, but when something goes wrong, why don't they respond more favourably to their customers?  I guess that some of the problem is that they are simply too fragile because of the contrary demands of more equipment and less weight.

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #23

    Hi Guys,

    Those that said after 30 days the dealer has the right to repair first, were right.

    After speaking with my legal team who thoroughly looked into Breach of contract under common law.

    Section 75 consumer credit act  1974, and Consumer Rights Act 2015.

    Basically not got a leg to stand on after 30 days,

    Got to give the dealer the chance to rectify the issue first. 

    Caravan is booked in for Friday 5 July 2019 for this gel coat repair to be carried out. 

    I want something in writing about it this stress crack re- appears again in 12 months or so.  Not been able to go 

    Anywhere in June month because of this issue with caravan. I will be seeking compensation from Black horse

    In relation to monthly payments.

    Thanks guys for all your advice and support.  Very good caravan forum site.

    👍👍

  • Firestorm11
    Firestorm11 Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited June 2019 #24

    Hi Guys, 

    Final update.

    We are very happy customers this afternoon.Spoke with General Manager at Glossop Caravans, He has basically apologised for the issues we’ve had.

    He has suggested to collect our caravan from our home, Take it back to the Service Centre, carry out the remedial Work. Once complete he will return our caravan back home  to us, to minimize any further inconvenience. He has also provided us with, when due the first annual service,And will carry this out free of charge. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #25

    That sounds like a result to me.👏🏻👏🏻

  • dmurrell
    dmurrell Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited June 2019 #26

    This thread came up when I searched for S 3002 fridge. My gripe is with the search engine on this site which is not fit for purpose. Re this thread 2 years ago new to caravanning we bought a caravan from a dealer south of Cambridge. After the first trip we went back to get a few small faults fixed, seemed nice and trustworthy. They then told us the caravan had serious fault with the axle and chassis probably caused by hitting a pothole, which we had, so trusted them. This would need to be sent back to Germany to be refurbished and chassis needed new side piece. This was devastating totally destroying our plans and finances, reducing OH to tears, no sympathy from dealer. We went away to think. I decided to get second opinion and we took caravan to MG Caravans at Royston. Wonderful people. They said. No problem with axle and chassis was just dent from wrong jacking. We then did 3000 mile trip to northern Sweden and back (original plan) with no problems. Done many miles since.

    DEALERS and CARAVAN MAKERS SUCK

  • Bogart
    Bogart Forum Participant Posts: 34
    edited June 2019 #27

    Tell us something new.

  • Bogart
    Bogart Forum Participant Posts: 34
    edited June 2019 #28

    Please note
    Your first three posts in the forum require approval from our Community moderators, please come back later.

     

    Most odd been posting for years.

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2019 #29

    B2,  If you are thinking of a couple of 'resurrections' on Fun & Trivia I'll Hold my hand up and plead " Guilty, M'lord " cry

    Brian

  • 777
    777 Forum Participant Posts: 76
    edited July 2019 #30

    I wouldn't worry about a gelcoat stress crack. We have had some 10 boats over the years, and several have had stress cracks (usually as a result of my poor boat handling). It is a very eas fix, usually done in situ. I cannot see any need to,remove the front panel. They will carefully grind out the area affected, fill with new gelcoat, and sand it down to perfection when fully dry.  The stress that caused it will have setteld, and it is very unlikely to,appear again at that place.  As I say, disappointing, but not a real problem