Hi Andy, I'm delighted you got so many views for your last vlog. Your vlogs, videos and advice are full of knowledge and honesty. Your hard work on the channel is finally starting to pay off. Real pity about dealerships starting to go out of business. Trouble is it's costing people too much for upgrading after 4 or 5 years and not much real change in the caravan interiors with some even not so well put together. Dealers getting it hard to get replacement parts is not a help and let's face it if you own a good well made van you'd be better keeping it. A caravan service engineer told me that trading caravans regularly is like trading cars it's a loss maker. Looking forward to the next restoration video.
The vlog did surprisingly well so pleased about that. Hope no more dealers go but I feel some may and thats a shame. It is costing to much to change over one dealer told me folk walk away when I tell them the price difference. Yes a good van these days I reckon folk are keeping plus cheaper good vans will do okay this year. Thanks Kevin good its paying off and hope some viewers buy the books to. Thanks as always for your positive comments
Hi Paul - thank you - yes me to I have grown up with the industry and I witnessed the highs and lows - back then there were more makers which meant any going by the wayside mostly were not missed but now they leave big gaps - it could be depressing!
Hi Andy, good to hear an honest view on the caravan market. Interesting to hear that many people are feeling the same way. We bought a Swift Conqueror in 2018 and have had so many problems it becomes very disheartening. We would love to buy a new caravan and could afford to but we would have to part with about £20,000 and you know that you would just go through all the same agro and disappointment. So I will just carry on fixing the bits that drop of this one. Regards David Robinson
Sorry to hear about the problems David, I have folk telling me how good a van has been but also the opposite - its a shame thats put you off and it would me - I have generally been lucky with new vans though I have had a delaminating floor in a new Bailey once and a leak by the door frame. But all I can say I hope the dealers helped sort problems out for you - they should be pretty trouble free but it seems that makers still struggle possibly with staff who have not been trained correctly - thank you for for letting me know David.
Very interesting Andy and most informative. You hit some salient points especially regarding the cost of our hobby. Been through a few caravans over the years - an ABI Award TriStar brings back some good memories. Am now looking after a 2015 Bailey Unicorn - if only I had a shed to keep it in like you - an all over cover is doing it’s best to keep the worst at bay. I have subscribed and looking forward to viewing your past repertoire and what will follow.
Welcome to my channel firstly and thank you for subscribing too. ABI ahh my fave brand I loved them and the Awards were brilliant and very popular great vans. Yes a garage is a big help but a good cover will help a lot. Than you again and please carry on commenting too!
THANKS ANDY, Just bought my 1st caravan 2 year old alpine 4 with all the extras! I'm 68 wife's 64 . Had to cash in some savings, but thought if we don't try it now we never will ( give it 12 months to see if it suits us) good to hear your no nonsense advice and insight 👍 Best wishes Earl
Welcome to caravanning and the channel! Ah the Alpine a top pick of mine in both 2/4 berth versions. Look enjoy it and you dont have to go far to enjoy it - keep me informed on how you get on , you can as anyone message me on my FB caravan industry Expert page if your on FB. Thank you for your kind words on the channel.
Morning Andy .those of us of a certain age remember all the ups and downs you were talking about. When you rime off the dozens of manufacturers there was around now down to just a handful is quite sad.I agree with you about the build quality of todays vans could be better I have had to fix a couple of leaks on our van it’s still the current model at 31 grand new you shouldn’t need to be sorting water ingress after a few years.We have noticed how expensive sites are getting, just got back yesterday from skipton a lovely little site Niffany farm and just £25 a night . Great to see your number of subs steadily creeping up.
Morning - yes were showing our ages!! - but no vans should be of a decent quality - sounds a great little site you found - lovely area around there too and yes were slowly getting subs up higher thank you
Interesting history review, Andy! I walked into my local Bailey dealer last week on the hunt for my new caravan. There were only a few unsold new 2023 models on the forecourt, not a single 2024 to view. Sales manager said they did not order any 2024 models as their 2023's were still unsold. Sales manager remarked "I don't know what is going on with Bailey". That did not install much confidence in my to buy a Bailey at all. Left my quite disappointed as I was very enthusiastic about Bailey before contact with the dealership.
I spoke to them at the show and they were "telling" me all was rosy - another dealer told me they taken 40 new models in September and had sold 3 by Jan! Also I have heard they have hacked off some of their dealerships by throwing new vans into stock at a dealer close by, they announced last year how they had gained several more dealers. Interestingly what model were you looking at? - Must admit that one dealer is knocking money off their 2024 Baileys - if your keen shop about a bit and see what deals are on - let me know the response and how you get on.
Thank-you Andy for sharing your passion for caravanning and industry knowledge. Caravan business seems to mirror the UK economy over the years. People are finding it hard to pay bills let alone afford the extras associated with buying and using a caravan. Loved the history … fondly remember mum and dad getting our first caravan a tiny Europa in 1973. Mum and dad then moved on to Elddis and then Abbey before getting a static in their later years. We had a Bailey when our kids were little and have just returned to the hobby with a Swift dealer special… thanks for your reviews that were really helpful in spotting some of the small things to consider when making our choice.
Mark - I love it a lot of my friends think I am nuts especially with the archives - another update to come on them! Must have been a Eurocamper a 9ft 6 3 brth 4 berth option really popular. Great to hear of the vans your parents owned to love knowing that stuff. Thank you Mark for watching my videos I know some wont be to everyones taste but I do get carried away. Only wish I has videoed old caravans I found over the years but do have still images maybe later this year I could do a slide video with some of my finds over the 30 plus years I photographed- thanks again for your comments it makes the channel.
Sam Alper brought the masses to caravanning. Terrific affordable caravans for all. Would i be right in saying at one time CI were producing 400 units a week in their heyday?
Ci were to become the largest in the world, and the Newmarket plant could turn out 35k tourers a year - going to plug my book The tory Of Caravans International amberley publishing - if you want one a few left in stock ring James 01453-847800 tells the story of the brands and the folk behind this once global leisure vehicle producer - thank you Dusty.
top end are very expensive and this wont do sales good. We dont want another brand to go as this would see the industry decline further. Lighter cheaper tourers are needed for affordability and new makers not happening anymore due to costs in setting up tourer production.
@@jermurphy2167 I wouldn't be surprised swift could go bang. They were too busy in the nineties/ noughties buying ace/Abbey and the ci brands sterling and Sprite which must have made a dent in their coffers. But the main thing with swift was when Peter Smith retired and sold out to a management buyout. That put the company into quiia bit of debt.
Hi, just found and subscribed to your channel. Liked the historical talk. Remember most of the brands, had some of them and with some wished the brand had stayed around so that I could have another one. Having had two new Lunars from Robinson caravans I was very happy with them and their quality. Nearly put my name to another but did a body swerve and was glad as that would of been a deposit lost ( at least). Since then I have had two other new vans and let's say I found they were both in need of the repair shop. Covid certainly did not help anyone.
Firstly - thank you for subscribing and watching this channel. I wonder names from the past how they would look today. Some makers went down to just a change of owner who then lost the brands loyalty. Yes Covid had much to answer for Andrew and the industry could not cope with the sudden demand and lack of supplies. Hope your latest van is now ok-thanks again
Sorry to hear about that and thats no good and has seen you walk away from caravanning. Such a shame to hear things like this I wish I could say it wasnt common - if its dealt with okay folk are happier but when its not thats when things slide. Hope you may return to caravans again at some stage.
I’ve had 3 swifts with no issues & all are kept outside in storage. Maybe down to inconsistency as I’ve spoke to also coachman owners who have had problems. Anyway good luck to all & prey for rain to stop 🤞🏼👍
Hi Andy, I'm delighted you got so many views for your last vlog. Your vlogs, videos and advice are full of knowledge and honesty. Your hard work on the channel is finally starting to pay off. Real pity about dealerships starting to go out of business. Trouble is it's costing people too much for upgrading after 4 or 5 years and not much real change in the caravan interiors with some even not so well put together. Dealers getting it hard to get replacement parts is not a help and let's face it if you own a good well made van you'd be better keeping it. A caravan service engineer told me that trading caravans regularly is like trading cars it's a loss maker. Looking forward to the next restoration video.
The vlog did surprisingly well so pleased about that. Hope no more dealers go but I feel some may and thats a shame. It is costing to much to change over one dealer told me folk walk away when I tell them the price difference. Yes a good van these days I reckon folk are keeping plus cheaper good vans will do okay this year. Thanks Kevin good its paying off and hope some viewers buy the books to. Thanks as always for your positive comments
great vlog again, great info ,.thankyou . just hope the manufacturers and dealers can ride the storm
Hi Paul - thank you - yes me to I have grown up with the industry and I witnessed the highs and lows - back then there were more makers which meant any going by the wayside mostly were not missed but now they leave big gaps - it could be depressing!
Farmers also desperately need the weather to improve ! Everything is way behind schedule
Agreed - its rubbish so unsettled and Easter does not look great either - we need some good dry settled stuff and quick!!
Hi Andy, good to hear an honest view on the caravan market. Interesting to hear that many people are feeling the same way. We bought a Swift Conqueror in 2018 and have had so many problems it becomes very disheartening. We would love to buy a new caravan and could afford to but we would have to part with about £20,000 and you know that you would just go through all the same agro and disappointment. So I will just carry on fixing the bits that drop of this one. Regards David Robinson
Sorry to hear about the problems David, I have folk telling me how good a van has been but also the opposite - its a shame thats put you off and it would me - I have generally been lucky with new vans though I have had a delaminating floor in a new Bailey once and a leak by the door frame. But all I can say I hope the dealers helped sort problems out for you - they should be pretty trouble free but it seems that makers still struggle possibly with staff who have not been trained correctly - thank you for for letting me know David.
Very interesting Andy and most informative. You hit some salient points especially regarding the cost of our hobby. Been through a few caravans over the years - an ABI Award TriStar brings back some good memories. Am now looking after a 2015 Bailey Unicorn - if only I had a shed to keep it in like you - an all over cover is doing it’s best to keep the worst at bay. I have subscribed and looking forward to viewing your past repertoire and what will follow.
Welcome to my channel firstly and thank you for subscribing too. ABI ahh my fave brand I loved them and the Awards were brilliant and very popular great vans. Yes a garage is a big help but a good cover will help a lot. Than you again and please carry on commenting too!
THANKS ANDY, Just bought my 1st caravan 2 year old alpine 4 with all the extras! I'm 68 wife's 64 . Had to cash in some savings, but thought if we don't try it now we never will ( give it 12 months to see if it suits us) good to hear your no nonsense advice and insight 👍 Best wishes Earl
Welcome to caravanning and the channel! Ah the Alpine a top pick of mine in both 2/4 berth versions. Look enjoy it and you dont have to go far to enjoy it - keep me informed on how you get on , you can as anyone message me on my FB caravan industry Expert page if your on FB. Thank you for your kind words on the channel.
Morning Andy .those of us of a certain age remember all the ups and downs you were talking about. When you rime off the dozens of manufacturers there was around now down to just a handful is quite sad.I agree with you about the build quality of todays vans could be better I have had to fix a couple of leaks on our van it’s still the current model at 31 grand new you shouldn’t need to be sorting water ingress after a few years.We have noticed how expensive sites are getting, just got back yesterday from skipton a lovely little site Niffany farm and just £25 a night . Great to see your number of subs steadily creeping up.
Morning - yes were showing our ages!! - but no vans should be of a decent quality - sounds a great little site you found - lovely area around there too and yes were slowly getting subs up higher thank you
Interesting history review, Andy!
I walked into my local Bailey dealer last week on the hunt for my new caravan. There were only a few unsold new 2023 models on the forecourt, not a single 2024 to view. Sales manager said they did not order any 2024 models as their 2023's were still unsold. Sales manager remarked "I don't know what is going on with Bailey". That did not install much confidence in my to buy a Bailey at all. Left my quite disappointed as I was very enthusiastic about Bailey before contact with the dealership.
I spoke to them at the show and they were "telling" me all was rosy - another dealer told me they taken 40 new models in September and had sold 3 by Jan! Also I have heard they have hacked off some of their dealerships by throwing new vans into stock at a dealer close by, they announced last year how they had gained several more dealers. Interestingly what model were you looking at? - Must admit that one dealer is knocking money off their 2024 Baileys - if your keen shop about a bit and see what deals are on - let me know the response and how you get on.
Thank-you Andy for sharing your passion for caravanning and industry knowledge. Caravan business seems to mirror the UK economy over the years. People are finding it hard to pay bills let alone afford the extras associated with buying and using a caravan. Loved the history … fondly remember mum and dad getting our first caravan a tiny Europa in 1973. Mum and dad then moved on to Elddis and then Abbey before getting a static in their later years. We had a Bailey when our kids were little and have just returned to the hobby with a Swift dealer special… thanks for your reviews that were really helpful in spotting some of the small things to consider when making our choice.
Mark - I love it a lot of my friends think I am nuts especially with the archives - another update to come on them! Must have been a Eurocamper a 9ft 6 3 brth 4 berth option really popular. Great to hear of the vans your parents owned to love knowing that stuff. Thank you Mark for watching my videos I know some wont be to everyones taste but I do get carried away. Only wish I has videoed old caravans I found over the years but do have still images maybe later this year I could do a slide video with some of my finds over the 30 plus years I photographed- thanks again for your comments it makes the channel.
Sam Alper brought the masses to caravanning. Terrific affordable caravans for all. Would i be right in saying at one time CI were producing 400 units a week in their heyday?
Ci were to become the largest in the world, and the Newmarket plant could turn out 35k tourers a year - going to plug my book The tory Of Caravans International amberley publishing - if you want one a few left in stock ring James 01453-847800 tells the story of the brands and the folk behind this once global leisure vehicle producer - thank you Dusty.
Keep on keeping on Andy! Delighted you’ve nearly got 10k views on the previous blog. Your knowledge and insight is much appreciated by many of us.
wow - Many thanks i just need an outlet and you guys get it full on - i do get a bit carried away at times!!!
Have to agree Andy..top end caravans are too expensive and I'd expect major problem's in the near future.. i.e a major brank going out of business
top end are very expensive and this wont do sales good. We dont want another brand to go as this would see the industry decline further. Lighter cheaper tourers are needed for affordability and new makers not happening anymore due to costs in setting up tourer production.
@@jermurphy2167 I wouldn't be surprised swift could go bang. They were too busy in the nineties/ noughties buying ace/Abbey and the ci brands sterling and Sprite which must have made a dent in their coffers. But the main thing with swift was when Peter Smith retired and sold out to a management buyout. That put the company into quiia bit of debt.
Hi, just found and subscribed to your channel. Liked the historical talk. Remember most of the brands, had some of them and with some wished the brand had stayed around so that I could have another one.
Having had two new Lunars from Robinson caravans I was very happy with them and their quality. Nearly put my name to another but did a body swerve and was glad as that would of been a deposit lost ( at least).
Since then I have had two other new vans and let's say I found they were both in need of the repair shop. Covid certainly did not help anyone.
Firstly - thank you for subscribing and watching this channel. I wonder names from the past how they would look today. Some makers went down to just a change of owner who then lost the brands loyalty. Yes Covid had much to answer for Andrew and the industry could not cope with the sudden demand and lack of supplies. Hope your latest van is now ok-thanks again
I had 2 brand new swift caravans all I'll say is never again extremely disappointing. I am out of the UK caravans now never to return
Sorry to hear about that and thats no good and has seen you walk away from caravanning. Such a shame to hear things like this I wish I could say it wasnt common - if its dealt with okay folk are happier but when its not thats when things slide. Hope you may return to caravans again at some stage.
@@caravanindustryexpertandyjenk I got hobby now so far so good seem to be far better built
Well thats good to hear all okay now - I live not far from the main importers at Preston - hope it remains giving you good service keep me posted.
I’ve had 3 swifts with no issues & all are kept outside in storage. Maybe down to inconsistency as I’ve spoke to also coachman owners who have had problems. Anyway good luck to all & prey for rain to stop 🤞🏼👍
@@Senna-xi1gr thank you for that - yes please stop raining!!!