10,000km Review / Service What have we learnt about our caravan and is it time to sell

[@davidbland1859]

Had mine for eight months now, had no issues to date. Did change the batteries out to Ramcar lithium 150amps and packed the bearings before heading over east. Windows so far are not an issue, neither are the solar panels. Keep up the good work.

[@philliphall5424]

Great to watch a good honest review,the good and bad.I also like the way you tell us what was wrong and what you did to fix it and avoid future problems.Safe travels.👍

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

@@philliphall5424 Thanks for watching mate, we just hope our videos help other travellers

[@AngelMedina-yb4pu]

18mths with our new van and 100% agree with you more, biggest problem is the Dometic crap in mine. 5 windows cracked, new A/C and a new controller for the fridge. After that the incredible poor workmanship of an Australian built van.

[@Lifestyle_Brisbane]

That is actually a good result after 10K, there are a lot more expensive vans on the market with issues, yes the window issue is frustrating but to me as a perspective buyer when we are ready to upgrade from the hybrid this is good news for Snowy River as an option.

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

@@Lifestyle_Brisbane Agree , we have seen some really expensive vans on the road with major issues.The whole caravan industry needs to lift its game.

[@commonsense-grs]

Just watched your caravan review and you feel like me with my van. Same as you, like my van, but it's the crappy fit out with crappy cheap products. Now my windows are still going great, will keep an eye on them, but it's all the other stuff fitted here in Australia. Now, my main grip I have is the company wants me to take the van back to Perth every time a small thing goes wrong. But living in Exmouth, that's a 2600k round trip, will not even send up 2 $5 door hinges, pathetic. I give you a quick run down on my problems. First, got home from Perth and found the back wheel bearing/hub was completely cooked, they forgot to put in the split pin. I will give them credit here, sent up their service guy and replaced all items, great. But since then have had a water tank fail, 2 cupboard door hinges fail, 3 cupboard door latches fail, plastic water pipes bursting, batteries wired up wrong, outside shower door doesn't stay closed, charger/inverter dislodged, only 2 small tech screws holding it in place, both sink plugs jammed in, fridge slide fell off 3 times, had to modify and replace slides, great now, TV bracket fell off with TV, poorly installed, good now, presto ignition on stove doesn't work, sorry for the rant, but pissing me off when you pay good money for these vans and no back up.

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

@@commonsense-grs Not a rant mate, i feel your pain . I'm constantly checking bolts ,screws ect . My presto ignition doesn't work and I forgot to mention on the video that my door is warped and handle snapped off , waiting on warranty for that too . I went and bought parts to fix temporarily. The industry is up the shit

[@ashleydowding7655]

Maybe a bit better research and spent a bit more and purchased another make that has a service agent in town.

[@robertfranc2365]

Seen these things from a stint just for fun try something different career wise plumbers/ gas fitters perspective manufacturing vic and qld. Short term and long term issues. Most issues are predictable. Then pondered why many of my tradie mates in their 50-60's dont own caravans. Get asked all the time when traveling to fix vans caravans owned and rentals when word gets out on the road /camp im a plumber. Then people rattle off the toilet roll list of issues. Good luck all finding people to fix these issues. Skilled trades at $30/hr bucks a paycheck from being homeless. Good luck

[@commonsense-grs]

@@ashleydowding7655 Hahaha, now when you live in a remote town there is no Caravan sales where I live. Told the sales people where I live and they said, we will always work something out if you have problems, all BS.

[@commonsense-grs]

@@Huntingoz-uw6qp and yours is a so-called top Australian made caravan

[@bomax1066]

We have an SRT19 .Was wondering what Chinese batteries you have. Ours art Ulta Watt and come with Bluetooth BMS. Are yours the same. Really appreciate your frank review. We live in NZ, which is a bit cooler. Was wondering if the high temperatures in Australia might have something to do with the windows separating. Seeing they are made for the Australian market, that's not good.

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

The replacement ones are called Jisheng , never heard of them so I'm gathering they aren't very good. I agree the windows don't handle our hot conditions. Hope you're enjoying your van

[@wyattfamily8997]

Snowy River caravans are manufactured in China and "finished" in Victoria, Australia I understand. Just what "finished" means is any bodies guess as manufacturers/retailers are vague, on purpose.

[@brentonl2631]

Sorry that you are experiencing these issues with an expensive van. We tossed up do we spend the extra money to go expensive or go basic, we decided the later and went a Jayco Journey 16.67 PopTop. I've heard all the horror stories about Jayco but so far so good after 9000km we've had no leaks no cracks all the doors and cupboards are perfect and nothing has broken. It certainly isn't as posh as the SRT and the other factor is we don't go off the black top. Hope you get your windows sorted as it would piss me off to.

[@brianmaclennan561]

What do they do on a caravan service?

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

@@brianmaclennan561 Hi mate If you have a reliable service man they will pretty much checkout the whole van . Remove wheels remove and check bearings ( replace at cost if needed ) inspect , clean and adjust brakes and handbrake , check all suspension and bushes and all undercarriage and grease. Check chassis and hitch components for stress or cracking . Check electrical system and batteries , check and lube components and locks ect. And pretty much anything you ask them to check Just remember on a new van with warranty this must be done and evidence sent to manufacturers warranty department or warranty can be voided

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

About $500 for a service

[@ottoswinebar]

Your Dometic fridge have a problem with the door opening by itself? Notice the child lock on it. Mine has been ok, never opened whist travelling. Safe travels

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

@@ottoswinebar Never had a problem they are just for peice of mind when off road

[@andrewstrahle4767]

Snowy River use Chinese, most use European Windows and next to no issues.

[@patrickstephens1164]

Have I missed something? What make and model is your van, I gather it’s an import of some sort. Thanks for your videos.

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

@@patrickstephens1164 It's a Snowyriver SRT19

[@howardwilliams7399]

What brand are the crap windows.

[@tennesseethompson5287]

The brand is “Sum ting wong “

[@gonyg5316]

They are all made the same. Doesn’t matter if you spend 70k or 170k. The biggest problem is assembling quality. No one gives a shit anymore and they keep trying to save money by importing cheap crap components that don’t last.

[@stevemoyse6454]

I thought buy once cry once, and went one of Australia’s best and toughest van, also one of the most expensive!! Couldn’t even finish the first 3 shake down weekends , flooded van from leaking shower, blocked mains valve , internal shower silicone not even touching the other corner, holes in the external window silicone, screws over tightened cracking boot frames, leaking tap, door has massive gaps , and the silicone work in general is absolute garbage at best- yes they are fixing it through warranty but the extra time and cost of getting it to repairers and lost booked accommodation from having to leave for home ,time off work is infuriating- zero quality control - three attempted trips for three visits to repairers 🤷‍♂️- and meanwhile they put out utube vids bragging about impeccable quality 😡🤮

[@Huntingoz-uw6qp]

@@stevemoyse6454 I hear ya , the whole industry is up the shit