n.e.c show 2012

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Discussion

Watchman

6,391 posts

246 months

Tuesday 23rd October 2012
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GAjon said:
Did you get chance to check out these Eterniti slide out models?
Not a caravaner myself, but these looked good and prices looked competitive considering the equipment they came with.
The double door system would work great with young kids, straight off the beach and into the shower.

http://www.eterniti-caravans.com/index.html
I **really** love the idea of these but the only I could see was in one of the entrances. It didn't have a sales team around it, nor any literature, nor was it open to look inside.

I'll take a look at their webby though. Suspect it would be 100% perfect for my needs but I would guess price would be prohibitive... unless I get Mrs Watchman on-side. wink

rix said:
Did you see a Adria 542DT? (google it). Its what we have and is a brilliant layout - it sounds like it might suit. Its at the cheaper end of the range so you miss some of the snazzy features but its dirt cheat and you can add on bits and pieces which you actually want.

Also of the same opinion with an awning. We've had ours 2 years and bought a small awning. Never ever used it! Plenty of room in the van if the layout suits.
I didn't but I'm adamant that I want a twin axle. I just have a fear of punctures leaving me stranded. Also, twin axles tend to hold their line better.

I agree that it looks good though. I'll try to find more of the range to see if there's one that'd suit. I like the 3 bunk arrangement but don't think I'd use it in practice - the bottom bunk being too low and the height between the bunks being too restrictive (personal pref).

Chrisgr31 said:
Whats a granny bunk? Sounds a bit like the spec I think I want, although more likely to buy second hand in a year or two. So wnat to know what models are being made now so I can find the right ones then!
It's where the breakfast area converts into another bed. My Dad died 3 1/2 years ago and although Mom has a tent, I know she would prefer to take the opportunity to sleep in a caravan instead. We used to have caravans when I was growing up. Dad could never convince Mom to tow on though.

GAjon

3,738 posts

214 months

Tuesday 23rd October 2012
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nagsheadwarrior said:
The provision of alcohol when shopping can be dangerous,we had a chap who cancelled a deal after last years show on the grounds that he was pished when he bought it!
The euro 4 3.0 is fine,when launched the sales line was more torque than a 911,dunno if that was true tho.
Drive the auto first tho,its a clunky robot manual and is ponderous from first to second and robs the engine of performance with odd changes,i like an auto ans for many this is better than no auto but its not for me.
Its got to be tempting at that price,the dealer will be gagging to get it off the books so play hard n screw em for every penny although thats already a huge wedge off,make sure the cab+hab warranties will defo start from the date of reg due to the age of the van.
If your lucky when the time comes to change it there will be no cheap ones around so itll look like you paid 80k for it which will help the depreciation.
Best of luck with it,if your in the northwest at any time pm me n i'll tell you where i work to pop in for a look around.
The 3ltr euro 4 is a nice engine I've got one in my Autotrail Scout on a manual box though.
Sounds like I might be offered a good PX aswell, I imagine the Autotrails sell well by comparison, so may help the cause.
My company is doing work over your way, on the Preston tunnels, so next time I call at Clifton Marsh I may whizz over if the kettles on.

rix

2,788 posts

191 months

Tuesday 23rd October 2012
quotequote all
Watchman said:
rix said:
Did you see a Adria 542DT? (google it). Its what we have and is a brilliant layout - it sounds like it might suit. Its at the cheaper end of the range so you miss some of the snazzy features but its dirt cheat and you can add on bits and pieces which you actually want.

Also of the same opinion with an awning. We've had ours 2 years and bought a small awning. Never ever used it! Plenty of room in the van if the layout suits.
I didn't but I'm adamant that I want a twin axle. I just have a fear of punctures leaving me stranded. Also, twin axles tend to hold their line better.

I agree that it looks good though. I'll try to find more of the range to see if there's one that'd suit. I like the 3 bunk arrangement but don't think I'd use it in practice - the bottom bunk being too low and the height between the bunks being too restrictive (personal pref).
Unfortunately I dont recall them doing a twin axle, tho this may have changes. We've removed the middle rear bunk (its only me the missus and our 3 year old), the littlun sleeps on the bottom bunk with tons of headroom, and the top bunk we've removed the matress and use as storage space for odds and sods on site. We've an adria supplied spare wheel which mounts in the front storage (better than those underslung carriers) tho i think id be tempted to use a can of tyre weld if it wasn't a blow-out...

very happy with the way ours tows with a 535d (had a Octavia vRS previous), and as the van is pretty light for its size, i've never had any major wobbles (touch wood!)

Good luck!

nagsheadwarrior

Original Poster:

2,784 posts

180 months

Tuesday 23rd October 2012
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GAjon said:
The 3ltr euro 4 is a nice engine I've got one in my Autotrail Scout on a manual box though.
Sounds like I might be offered a good PX aswell, I imagine the Autotrails sell well by comparison, so may help the cause.
My company is doing work over your way, on the Preston tunnels, so next time I call at Clifton Marsh I may whizz over if the kettles on.
Scouts are always great news,particularly new cab ones as we rarely see them.
That tunnels job must be a helluva contract,it seems to of been going on for years.
Coming from a scout the adria might be a bit small,what about an arapaho?
Kettles recently been upgraded to a swish cappucino machine so happy days!

GAjon

3,738 posts

214 months

Wednesday 24th October 2012
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Problem with the Arahpaho & the Chieftan is they are a full metre longer than the Scout.
The Hobby is only a foot longer so will fit on my drive.
Also, I wasn't that impressed with the new Autotrail vans, can't put my finger on it, but just seemed lower quality than my exisiting van and other makes at the show, might just have been the colour schemes?
The Autotrails do come with a lot of kit as standard though.

nagsheadwarrior

Original Poster:

2,784 posts

180 months

Wednesday 24th October 2012
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Aah, i presumed beingvtag axle the hobby would be of arapaho propoetions but obviously not.
Id agree with your autotrail thoughts,its something i here a lot from autotrail owners,the later vans graphics dont help as they do look cheap.
We've had a 2011 apache and chieftain theough of late both with major damp issues,not good for the price or any price.
People will always buy autotrails because of the name and all the kit they put on adding perceived value but your still paying for the toys somewhere along the way!

superlightr

12,861 posts

264 months

Wednesday 7th November 2012
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Watchman said:
and as I'll be caravanning with the kids but WITHOUT my wife, I suppose I need to make it as economical as possible.
How does that work? My wife isnt keen but the 3 kids and I am. So your allowed out without the wife?

Watchman

6,391 posts

246 months

Wednesday 7th November 2012
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superlightr said:
Watchman said:
and as I'll be caravanning with the kids but WITHOUT my wife, I suppose I need to make it as economical as possible.
How does that work? My wife isnt keen but the 3 kids and I am. So your allowed out without the wife?
Ha, I'm a former SLR owner too. Number 0077

I have no magic formula but at the moment I'm taking them camping for a week every year while wifey stays at home. With a caravan, I'll just up that to a few additional weekends until she relents and comes with us. biggrin