Caravan dilemma - what would you do?
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As a former Lunar Ariva owner I can well understand why you like the unit. We toured happily with ours for about 7 years, both in the Uk and abroad.
With the windows is it possible to find some of these places where old caravans are bought, like a breakers yard and buy the windows in cheaper than having new ones? I'm sure there are one or two on here that have recommended this in the past for those outfits where parts are hard to come by and someone who knows South Wales better than I might be able to recommend somewhere down there (said from someone up here). It's what I would do but only you will know whether it's worth the hassle.
I was sorry we part exchanged ours but we did eventually want to do more winter touring here and the Ariva was never cut out for that.
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Hi, As you clearly like the van have you tried to source s/h windows?
Possible that windows from another van could fit??
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I think WN's idea is top of the list. Other than that, it depends how awful you find it as to whether you keep or sell.
There’s never been a better time to sell older vans but how good/reliable a new replacement might be is another factor to consider.
PS. I’ve got details of a couple of caravan scrappers if you're interested.
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There does seem to be a majority opinion for sourcing second hand windows.
The first, ALS, we have used twice and the service was faultless. He provides photos and will deliver by courier. The second, Devon, is an unknown quantity.
https://www.caravansparesnorthdevon.co.uk
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1. When looking for pre-loved windows do remember that the same windows will have been used in other vans not just your make and model.
2. Splash out on a nice new continental. I'm sure others, Another David perhaps, will "advise " some good makes that won't leak and fall to pieces in five minutes flat. Go on, you know it makes sense and that you really want too .
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Buy a donor van. Lunar Ariva
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I think a degree of madness is allowed at the present time. 🤪
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Just a thought. If you are just a little handy and the delamination you mention is the two layers of the window coming apart at the sides I can recommend Gorilla Glue. A thousand years ago I used it to fix that problem on our old van. At the time there was only one variant, now called "Original" but I see they now do a clear type that may be a better bet.
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WTG, I don’t know if you've seen JK's post about his delaminated window -
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You are not mad WTG. We still have our 1984 Cotswold Windrush, in its day, a very nice well built two berth. It’s been stood on my Mum’s drive for the last five years, had the occasional wash, I do check it out inside on a regular basis, get some air inside, check things over.
We are going to do it up. Loathe to part with a huge chunk of cash on what to us seems to be a possible disappointing scenario, given the state some vans leave the factories, and we have never yet come across anything new or newer second hand that has set us drooling. (An Eriba came close, but too small with the dog). Our van has window issues, but nothing unsolvable if we made more effort. We have put in a new space heater, a new water heater, a new fridge, looking to refurbish the two hob and grill unit, the seats/beds are like new, decent foam, had them recovered with heavy duty quality fabric. So, the basis is there for us. We aren’t interested in electronic this and that, just warmth, comfort, somewhere to sleep and cook.
It needs cosmetic refurbishment rather than anything else, so exterior and interior wil be redone, chassis, brakes, axles carefully checked, tiny bit of damp inside cured. It owes us nothing, and we won’t be spending a huge amount getting it back into a decent condition. It’s our next project, just get to get it home, and start the work. It will be our second rebuild, we have done it before on a van in much worse condition, which we eventually sold on at a profit. Hoping we might take it to Cornwall in September.😁
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WTG
If contacting Clwyd Caravans it would be best to speak with Martin, the son of the proprietor, rather than the proprietor himself. He's more laid back and more likely to be helpful, if our own personal experience is anything to go by.
AD is right they do have a lot of old stock that just seem to be gathering dust and they used to be Lunar dealers.
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We bought a couple of Lunars from them and to be honest we never had any problems in dealings with them although we do know people around here who wouldn't use them again, mainly when they've had dealings with the old man.
The Ariva we had from them hardly had a problem and they didn't have a problem reselling it either and when our replacement collapsed they did help enormously with my insurance claim so I've not a gripe with them.
Unfortunately they don't stock anything we want now. We need a few bits for the caravan and will probably call in there next week as we're that way.
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