Help with snagging a new 'van.

[carol_5110328]

We're about to collect our new Arizona from the dealers. As this is our first caravan can anyone tell us of any possible snags to look for before we leave the dealers. We thought "brand new caravan straight from manufacturer, would save us from any problems" but we have been hearing scary stories about damage and faults, please can anyone with a new Bailey help us with their experiences?

 

[Guest]

It is unlikely you will be able to check everything befoe collecting the van. However, most dealers will happily put you on a site near to their premises for the first couple of nights. That will allow you to check out things a little more carefully, and if there are major faults, allow you to return the van to the dealer for rectification. If after that you find major faults these will normally be fixed under warranty. Don't be surprised if somethings fail, it is the nature of the beast that things breakdown as with the new purchase of anything. However, most dealers want you to be a satisfied, and returning, customer so don't panic too much.

 

[LadyMaureen]

Carol,

The dealer should go through the whole van with you pointing out where to find everything etc.

Some dealers seem to hook up to electricity,water etc to show how they all work.....although we have never had that.

When you get home ,hook the van up as if you were on site and go through each step by step.Check windows open and shut properly,beds pull out ok,toilet functions etc etc.

We have always had new Baileys and have NEVER had any major problems when taking delivery.Teething problems.....yes,but these have always been dealt with promptly by the dealer and Bailey have always been helpful if I have contacted them by E-mail.

Enjoy your new van

 

[PaulT]

Most of the problems I've had with new vans have been due to "user error" and not the fault of the van. I agree with what Maureen said earlier, Bailey are excellent with their replies to questions raised via email.

 

[carol_5110328]

It is unlikely you will be able to check everything befoe collecting the van. However, most dealers will happily put you on a site near to their premises for the first couple of nights. That will allow you to check out things a little more carefully, and if there are major faults, allow you to return the van to the dealer for rectification. If after that you find major faults these will normally be fixed under warranty. Don't be surprised if somethings fail, it is the nature of the beast that things breakdown as with the new purchase of anything. However, most dealers want you to be a satisfied, and returning, customer so don't panic too much.

Many thanks for these comments and re-asurances. We were getting a bit jumpy because all we seemed to hear about was new vans with lots of big problems.

We will be using the van near the dealers for a couple of weeks, then for the real thing - 12 months around Europe. Is this very brave or just plain foolish?

 

[carol_5110328]

Carol,

The dealer should go through the whole van with you pointing out where to find everything etc.

Some dealers seem to hook up to electricity,water etc to show how they all work.....although we have never had that.

When you get home ,hook the van up as if you were on site and go through each step by step.Check windows open and shut properly,beds pull out ok,toilet functions etc etc.

We have always had new Baileys and have NEVER had any major problems when taking delivery.Teething problems.....yes,but these have always been dealt with promptly by the dealer and Bailey have always been helpful if I have contacted them by E-mail.

Enjoy your new van

Many thanks for these comments and re-asurances. We were getting a bit jumpy because all we seemed to hear about was new vans with lots of big problems.

We will be using the van near the dealers for a couple of weeks, then for the real thing - 12 months around Europe. Is this very brave or just plain foolish?

 

[carol_5110328]

Most of the problems I've had with new vans have been due to "user error" and not the fault of the van. I agree with what Maureen said earlier, Bailey are excellent with their replies to questions raised via email.

Many thanks for these comments and re-asurances. We were getting a bit jumpy because all we seemed to hear about was new vans with lots of big problems.

We will be using the van near the dealers for a couple of weeks, then for the real thing - 12 months around Europe. Is this very brave or just plain foolish?