Elddis caravans, are they really as bad as the reviews?

[jimmyg352]

We’re looking at a new (to us) van & looked at a 2023 Elddis Rambler today. Looked good, had some of the points we need/like/want/fancy but looking at reviews of Elddis has made me wonder. Are they really that bad? Or no worse than any others?

To get EXACTLY what we want is an impossible task. 🤔😂

 

[Gagakev]

You will always read bad reviews about any product, people like to moan & groan, thats why there is very few praising.
When we bought our Elddis I admit I didn't do enough research but as soon as I got it, my mind was frazzled with different opinions.
We found the Mistral and decided that was the model we wanted, but didnt buy the first one we saw, it was actually the third one.
Then after about 11 months the dreaded corner cracks appeared, which I repaired myself.
And touch wood since then we have been very happy with it, hope I haven't opened a can of worms for myself!!!

 

[Mel]

We have had 3 Elddis. The first two were great. The 3rd one was a 2018 dealer special which we bought second hand from a dealership in 2022. Lovely layout and colour scheme but woeful build quality. Fault after fault. Damp in at least 3 places.
May have just been unlucky. Got rid after just a year.
Mel

 

[Beachball]

Some years ago we own a Elddis Crusader Super Sirocco Twin Axle caravan we kept it for four years brought it from a dealer the only thing we had wrong with it was the cassette door it had warp they order a new one it was still under warranty apart from that we had no further problems

 

[otherclive]

A member has had serious issues with a relatively new Buccaneer (2018) and had a previous one rejected. Search on some of Buckmans posts wrt CRA2015, cracked skylight. Or try “ Eldiss problems” as a search for a feel of what has been posted by members.

Page 5 - Crack in panel!

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[Dustydog]

The truth is no British caravans are any better than each other . Just worse!

Buy from a reputable Dealer who is financially sound.

Have your proposed purchase thoroughly checked by a qualified Approved Workshop Engineer.

Pay via your a Credit Card.

I have found out over the years most problems are easily fixed by yourself. Damp and panel cracks are the things to watch for.

 

[RogerL]

The truth is no British caravans are any better than each other . Just worse!

Buy from a reputable Dealer who is financially sound.

Have your proposed purchase thoroughly checked by a qualified Approved Workshop Engineer.

Pay via your a Credit Card.

I have found out over the years most problems are easily fixed by yourself. Damp and panel cracks are the things to watch for.

Given the number of big name dealerships that have closed in recent years, it's not easy to find a reputable dealer who is "financially sound".

Increasingly, dealers are refusing to accept credit cards - even though they'll accept debit cards and other forms of finance.

 

[otherclive]

The truth is no British caravans are any better than each other . Just worse!

Buy from a reputable Dealer who is financially sound.

Have your proposed purchase thoroughly checked by a qualified Approved Workshop Engineer.

Pay via your a Credit Card.

I have found out over the years most problems are easily fixed by yourself. Damp and panel cracks are the things to watch for.

You only have to pay a proportion of the price by credit card to get protection under Consumer Credit Act Section 75. I normally try the minimum over £100 payment as part for the deposit. Notice car dealers now quote £99 down payment. Crafty devils. Also if using finance then the finance company take responsibility for the purchase even if you pay the loan off early. We shouldn’t have to take these actions to protect ourselves from poor quality products, but that’s life.

 

[JTQ]

Increasingly, dealers are refusing to accept credit cards - even though they'll accept debit cards and other forms of finance.

I would take that as the dealer "telling" you everything you need to know about their integrity, in respect to your interests its negative from the start, so simply walk away.

 

[RogerL]

I would take that as the dealer "telling" you everything you need to know about their integrity, in respect to your interests its negative from the start, so simply walk away.

I don't disagree - but when all their competitors do the same .....

 

[IanB1485]

Check carefully around the front windows for signs of damp/rotting , also rear window (if there is one), I've done a few repairs on these last year.Dont take the dealers word that theres no damp.

 

[JTQ]

I don't disagree - but when all their competitors do the same .....

Wait till they get "hungry" as they begin feeling the pinch more, as IMO, here they are set to in the changing market place.

 

[RogerL]

Wait till they get "hungry" as they begin feeling the pinch more, as IMO, here they are set to in the changing market place.

The caravan industry certainly needs a massive change but where that will come from is anyone's guess.

 

[PTA]

We have a 2020 Crusader Mistral (bought new). Damp above nearside window (sorted quickly by dealer). Otherwise no problems.
On the other hand, in 2011 we bought (brand new) a Swift Conqueror. It was a disaster from day 1, with so many faults, including several damp reports, that we traded it in within 18 months. My brother in law has a Coachman which, again, has had numerous faults, including damp..
You pays your money etc. etc.

 

[Beardy]

You only have to pay a proportion of the price by credit card to get protection under Consumer Credit Act Section 75. I normally try the £100 minimum as part for the deposit. Notice car dealers now quote £99 down payment. Crafty devils. Also if using finance then the finance company take responsibility for the purchase even if you pay the loan off early. We shouldn’t have to take these actions to protect ourselves from poor quality products, but that’s life.

Section 75 only covers purchases over £100 (and up to £30000). You need to put down a deposit of at least £100.01.

 

[otherclive]

Section 75 only covers purchases over £100 (and up to £30000). You need to put down a deposit of at least £100.01.

Thanks for the correction. Updating my post.

 

[izzy]

We have a 2011 Elddis Oddysey, had it 6 years and had the full service last week. Dry as a bone and the only thing found was a new battery may be required soon.
The only thing that I find is that some of the plastics are getting a bit brittle but it is easy to keep on top of that
it is after all 14 years old!
From what I have seen it appears that all caravans have good and bad points (even the much acclaimed
continentals)
Bailey seem to get a lot of bad press but I put that down to there being so many of em

 

[JTQ]

The only thing that I find is that some of the plastics are getting a bit brittle but it is easy to keep on top of that

Sorry but I can't buy that concept, how are you "easily keeping on top of" embrittlement?
UV damage, a major cause, for example is considered irreversible.

 

[RogerL]

Sorry but I can't buy that concept, how are you "easily keeping on top of" embrittlement?
UV damage, a major cause, for example is considered irreversible.

And shouldn't happen on a product used outdoors!

 

[JTQ]

And shouldn't happen on a product used outdoors!

As used here its totally the wrong choice, but allows a low cost, prettily styled panel.
"Style" is so important to the builders, in a belief, probably right it sells, almost as important to them as "cheap".

 

[Dustydog]

I don't disagree - but when all their competitors do the same .....

So use their approved Finance Company

Given the number of big name dealerships that have closed in recent years, it's not easy to find a reputable dealer who is "financially sound".

Increasingly, dealers are refusing to accept credit cards - even though they'll accept debit cards and other forms of finance.

Checking their accounts at Companies House will give an indication. Look too to the age of the owners😉. Everyone needs to retire sometime.

A long time ago some Travel Agents wouldn’t take CCs. But if you offered to pay their CC fee they did accept. Maybe we need more of that?

 

[izzy]

Sorry but I can't buy that concept, how are you "easily keeping on top of" embrittlement?
UV damage, a major cause, for example is considered irreversible.

OK maybe not "easily" but still coping with age related cracking or breaking internal fittings, just seems more common as van gets older.
outside is still fine except for hitch cowling though.

 

[Phil E]

We have a 2020 Elddis Affinity, bought in 2023. Only problem was the microwave packed up shortly after purchase (not Elddis fault ). Replaced under warranty, no problem.

 

[jimmyg352]

Well thanks for all the replies about build quality. I’ve just been looking at reviews for Elddis, Bailey, Swift & Coachman. On Google & Tripadvisor.

Pretty abysmal for all of them. I’m mean surely management of these companies get feedback? I’d be embarrassed if I was a gaffer.

 

[JTQ]

Well thanks for all the replies about build quality. I’ve just been looking at reviews for Elddis, Bailey, Swift & Coachman. On Google & Tripadvisor.

Pretty abysmal for all of them. I’m mean surely management of these companies get feedback? I’d be embarrassed if I was a gaffer.

Presently they have not needed to care what we the "real" purchasers of their products think, as "we" collectively keep buying what they supply to their dealers.

All could change, but "caravanners" must have been slow learners, otherwise we would not be where we are.