Finding good dealers?

[Eldorado]

No van yet and little experience of caravan traders - have been lurking here a while and looks like we will be getting our first caravan towards the end of this summer because we are planning off season camping and we still want to do more research

Visited a few local dealers but had very mixed experiences - really not sure which dealers could be trusted, hoping for some pointers or suggestions please

Don't know if DMs are allowed here but if anyone has some dealers we should definitely visit (or not) then do let me know - don't want to accidently break any forum rules here . . .

FWIW we are in the North Midlands / South Yorkshire region, lots of places within 1 hour of us but really happy to go further afield

 

[otherclive]

No van yet and little experience of caravan traders - have been lurking here a while and looks like we will be getting our first caravan towards the end of this summer because we are planning off season camping and we still want to do more research

Visited a few local dealers but had very mixed experiences - really not sure which dealers could be trusted, hoping for some pointers or suggestions please

Don't know if DMs are allowed here but if anyone has some dealers we should definitely visit (or not) then do let me know - don't want to accidently break any forum rules here . . .

FWIW we are in the North Midlands / South Yorkshire region, lots of places within 1 hour of us but really happy to go further afield

Chipping Sodbury Caravans a Bailey main dealer are well regarded by Forum members. But the distance may preclude you from being interested as it’s a long haul for any warrant work.

 

[Hutch]

When we were looking for our first caravan, we done the same as you, searching all over the country, we did notice that even a different sales person can make you feel happy or make you feel uneasy about a sale.
Good luck.

 

[Mel]

It is a minefield and experiences will be varied. We initially had a good experience from one dealer followed by an awful experience from the same dealer further down the line.
I would suggest that you read the reviews of after sales experience for any dealer because this is what counts. Anyone can be good at sales; it is after sales that often lets dealers down. Bear in mind that people are more likely to complain than compliment so look for patterns in negative reports rather than one off rants.
Keep distance in mind. Nearest is definitely not always best, but a dealership 200 miles away is also a pain if you need to return the van for warranty work.
Good luck

 

[Dustydog]

Purely as a guide you could use the practical Caravan advice on “Best Dealers”

Meet the winners of the Owner Satisfaction Awards 2025 - Practical Caravan

The results of the Owner Satisfaction Awards 2025, held in conjunction with the Camping and Caravanning Club, can now be revealed!

www.practicalcaravan.com

 

[GaryB]

I'll send you a PM as I have had a bad experience with one dealer in your locality. Sadly my preferred dealer closed down a few weeks ago so I can't actually recommend anyone.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Do you have any friends, neighbours or relatives locally who caravan? I'm sure they'll be only too happy to tell you their preferred dealer/repairer is.

 

[GaryB]

Sometimes a large dealership with a poor reputation can be a good place to visit to get a better idea of what make/model/layout suits best as they have a large range of models on display. Afterwards you can research local dealers that offer that particular make.

 

[Beachball]

We are looking at Leisure Sales Cheshire caravan dealer has anyone had any dealings with this place they have three caravans makes Swift , Bailey and Sprite .

 

[Hutch]

We are looking at Leisure Sales Cheshire caravan dealer has anyone had any dealings with this place they have three caravans makes Swift , Bailey and Sprite .

I bet you wished you had kept you caravan now. But hindsight is wonderful.
Good luck on your search.

 

[Hutch]

Do you have any friends, neighbours or relatives locally who caravan? I'm sure they'll be only too happy to tell you their preferred dealer/repairer is.

Also if you see a caravan on someone's drive, knock on the door and ask them about dealers, Most people will be willing to help ,

but don't take the Snarling Alsatian dog, and ask them if they want their hedge trimmed.