Compass Omega 500/5 2001

[Alan_5096668]

Just bought one of these - probably should've asked first, but does anyone have experience of this van - strengths, weaknesses, things to look out for. Any advice welcomed. We have moved up from a 1986 Avondale Leda Quantock which we've had for 3 years, so the space and comfort are massively improved. What a difference 15 years make (price is a shade higher though!). However the new vans do seem poorer on storage space - or perhaps that's just an Omega problem!?

 

[rayc]

Alan, I have a 2000 Mendip caravans 5 berth special based on the Compass Omega which has been very reliable and nothing has stopped working and it is watertight. It tows like a dream but the ex works nose weight is high.

as far as storage space goes this is the problem with 5 berths, there has to be a compromise between living and storage space.

 

[Clive_5040095]

Alan

I had a 2001 Compass Omega which was nothing but trouble.

During the first year service damp was discovered in the front corner of the roof,this was repaired under warranty. The following year damp was discovered again in the opposite corner of the roof. This was my first caravan from the Explorer Group after having 6 Swift vans over 30 years. I would never buy another van from the Explorer group, my current van is a Fleetwood which so far has given me no trouble. Maybe I was unlucky with the Compass and very lucky with my Swift vans!

Clive S

 

[rayc]

It looks like Clive and I have completely opposite experiences which may not have helped Alan at all. It does though prove the worth of the forum because you can at least get real life experiences to help you, or even add more confusion , when thinking about a particular van or accessory.

 

[Alan_5096668]

Thanks for your messages guys. I like Ray's better! Sorry to hear about your problems Clive - I'll keep a sharp lookout in the areas you mention and keep the fingers firmly crossed.

 

[Bazz1]

Hi Alan, we bought our first new in August 2003, same as yours 505. After just 10 Hrs of use we were back at the dealers getting it fixed. On the prceeding holiday I managed to clock up about 25+ different faults, mainly due to the fact that the PDI had never been attemped. It is now coming up to being 3Yrs old and the dealer has just managed to do a better job of fixing the sliding doors at the rear, this as been an ongoing saga from day 1. I will agree that with the towball stabalizer it is a dream to tow, no problems in that dept. Has said before I dont think we will be going Exploring ever again. Sorry to put a dampner on things but it did spoil our wedding anniversary, as it was a present from both ourselves for the 30 Yrs of being married. When Explorer were confronted about this on the show ground at Hull last Yr they said that they had improved there quality control. this is alas 3Yrs too late for us. Forwarned is forarmed. Bazz.