Coachman VIP 565 experiences?
Hi,
We're seriously considering buying a 2024 Coachman VIP 565. I can't find many independent or owner reviews so wondered if anyone on the forum has one or has experience of one, and what you think of this model and the company please. I'm aware Coachman have a good reputation for quality and also that new caravan quality isn't as good as it used to be some years ago.
Thanks in anticipation
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Hello Joff and Gill
I bought a VIP 565 new in 2022 and can highly recommend it. I assume you have picked it for the layout which suits my needs.
I have had two issues with it over the two years, the first problem was straight after the first service. When I was loading the caravan a couple of days after the service I noticed a considerable amount of water under the front draw chest. I traced this back to the boiler under the offside front seat and then checked the heating header tank in the wardrobe which was empty. I contacted my dealer and took the caravan back to them. They said there was a fault with the boiler and it needed replacing, which would be carried out under warranty. They said it was a common issue with the ALDE boilers that year, I don’t know if thats true our not and it did seem a big coincidence that they had just serviced it. Anyway, they boiler was replace under the warranty with no cost to me, ALDE even upgraded the boiler to the next model up. The new boiler has been faultless since.I don’t put this issue with Coachman. It was either an issue with the ALDE boiler, which is fitted in other makes of caravan, or something the dealer did while carrying out the service.
The only other issue was with the bathroom door catch / lock. The catch is magnetic, with a magnet in the keep pulling out the latch when the door is closed. This stoped working in the second year and Coachman refused to change it, stating it was out of warranty. I sauced a replacement lock on line for about £10 and it took me 15 minutes to change it.
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Thanks very much Whittaker. I'm glad you're happy with the caravan and the boiler issue was fixed.
Yes - we decided to go for the single fixed bed layout. Working surface around the sink/hob seems a bit small especially since the small shelf near the door (above where the table is stored) is tiny but we know we have to compromise somewhere and we lke many other things about the van.
Can I ask how the sofas and mattresses are faring after a couple of years please?
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Over the two years I've done around 150 nights away. The mattresses are still like new and are comfortable although this is obviously personal preference (hard / soft etc.).
The sofas are still firm and have kept there shape well but I have to say they haven't had a lot of use as we're usually either off site until fairly late or sat outside or in the awning. My caravan came with six scatter cushions, 3 on each side, which for us is too many but that's not really an issue.
You're right about the lack of work surface in the kitchen. The 2022 model has a drop down worktop extension on the left hand side of the worktop which helps. I don't know if the 2024 model has this. I also bought the extremely expensive sink bowl which comes with a chopping board that fits on top of the bowl which also helps a bit. All in all we have not struggled too much with this.
The thing I miss most from my previous caravan is the large storage under the fixed double bed which was great for the table and chairs that we use in the awning. I bought large fitted bags for these and now store them between the two beds when traveling. They just become a bit of a nuisance if we don't put an awning up.
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Thanks again - all good to know.
The 2024 version does have the drop-down worktop extension and the sink has a cover in the same material flush with the worktop, so that'll help. There seems to be plenty of room for our gear under the 2 single beds and one of the sofas. What we'll miss is some more overhead lockers but we'll find a solution no doubt
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I think we all understand that there are good and bad in all brands. The quality varies over time as processes change and there’s always the chance of getting a Friday afternoon job. Over the years I’ve had a rough Swift, a terrible Elddis and a Coachman with issues. I’ve also had good vans so it’s pretty much pot luck.
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Yup - hence my comments at the start. I'm just looking for constructive comments Good or bad points) on Coachman and if possible their VIP 565 van
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You are of course probably correct. That said after 5 years of ownership (from new) I’m still having to put up with screws falling out and about to spend £2,000 on replacing the useless upholstery. With our previous van, a Bailey Senator, apart from having to replace the microwave there were no issues whatsoever during 8 years of ownership. Rightly or wrongly, Coachman have a reputation for quality, I wish I’d bought one.
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You wouldn’t have wanted our Coachman!
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Why not start a thread about it? It could be useful to others.
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Hi, we've owned a Coachman Laser 575 since 2021. Some minor issues with blinds and the Dometic fridge (common to all makes of caravan with this equipment) but overall we are impressed by the quality of the caravan. Just recently returned from a 3 week touring holiday in Provence and experienced no issues. what's impressed us most is that we've used our caravan extensively over the past 3 years and there is no wear evident on the seat cushions, carpets or furniture surfaces.
My recommendation is to buy from a local dealer with a good reputation (check Trust Pilot for customer scores).
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Thank you
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