Vacuum Cleaners

[bertieboy1]

Our trusty old vacuum cleaner (kept in the van) has now given up and we are looking to purchase a replacement.
Must have tools and mains operated preferable,be light to use and in weight and stowable under the bench locker and of course good at it's job.
Any recommendations ?

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

We have one similar to this one. It's about 20 years old and came second hand with our first van and I think the vacuum was worth more than than the damp-ridden van. The vacuum is very compact and efficient.

 

[intransient1]

We use one of the little sticklike uprights with a removable handle so it becomes a handheld one.
It has all the tools with it as well.
We got it at one of the caravan shows.

 

[Jaydug]

I have a Black & Decker Dustette which lives in the caravan. It's several years old so it's probably been superseded by another model however, in spite of its age, it still has a powerful suction. The main part of the machine is about a foot long and with the two extension tubes fitted, becomes around 3 feet long. The front, which collects the dust and grit unclips for emptying, with two filters which also remove for cleaning.

PS Edit,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, This machine plugs in and runs off mains. My experience of battery models is that they are not very powerful.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Are the Black & Decker ones rechargeable battery? The OP said that it needs to be mains operated preferably.

 

[Mel]

We use one of the little sticklike uprights with a removable handle so it becomes a handheld one.
It has all the tools with it as well.
We got it at one of the caravan shows.

We have got one of these as well. Does the job and it was quite cheap. Can't remember the make of it. Got it off the internet, not a show.
Mel

 

[Martin24]

We have the merlin mini (NEC last year) which works nearly as well as SWMBO on her hands and knees with the dustpan and brush.

 

[Hutch]

Careful Martin, SWMBO, could read these msgs.
We have a Morphy Richards, great little beast, tried the hand held Black and Decker, totally uselesw for our needs.
Hutch.

 

[Craigyoung]

We've a vax cordless vacuum , less than £25.oo , charges off the mains and has a hell off a suction and lives in the caravan . That easy to use that the kids do it !

 

[Jaydug]

Are the Black & Decker ones rechargeable battery? The OP said that it needs to be mains operated preferably.

Yes - my Black & Decker Dustette is a mains operated one. I've had battery models before and I've found that they have not much suction.

 

[crazyguider]

I use a dustpan and brush, or a 12v handheld. The dustpan and brush are great for getting grass cuttings up.
When we were away last year we helped couple set up their new awning, and I couldn't help notice a full size dyson upright in the underbed locker! Those things are NOT light!

 

[olobunny]

My mom loved her Dyson. Then she got me a Shark for Christmas a few years ago. She likes that better. Frankly, they both are good enough for just about anything. The Shark was about $75 at a Tuesday Morning; it is more expensive regular retail. The Dyson was probably $400, and at the time 100% worth it.

I'd be checking craigslist though. The issues with these are usually pretty easy to fix--they aren't complex. Usually a clog or a snapped belt. FWIW, I bought a Dirt Devil (? super cheap standup bagless red one) off of craigslist with a broken belt--I bought it as a package deal with a guitar and case for $85. I paid $5 for a new belt, fixed it, and used it for about 3 months before it caught on fire, so I don't recommend that brand but do recommend the craigslist idea. But by that time I had sold the guitar for $75 and kept the case which is worth about $50, so I was happy with my 3 month rental of a vaccuum for $15 (and I netted about $35, since I do use that case).