Caravan Warranty ends. But What issues did we have?

Hello Folks. Todays video is longer than usual, we tried not waffle too much. Our Swift Sprite Major 4 SB is now 3 years old and the 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty has come to an end. Today we discuss what issues we had and we share some tips on how to get your warranty claim sorted. Please like and share this video. Thanks Phil.🙂 PS THERE WILL BE MORE ADS IN THIS FILM PLEASE BARE WITH IT. THE ADS HELP THE CHANNEL👍.

[@philipvayro6293]

Good video . All I would say the stress cracks on your window beware we bought a brand new Elddis xplore 402 total rubbish caravan from day 1. In the end we ended with stress cracks on the rear panel Elddis didn't want to know they don't warrant panels after 1st year so keep an eye your front window ....and a big tip stay away from Elddis if you ever decide to go there.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Philip (good name). Since the window issue (touch wood) we have been ok. I have not heard a good word about Elddis, but others have issues with bailey and others. Re Elddis it may explain why they have made Staff redundant recently as sales have dropped off a cliff. I am not saying Swift are better but my Caravan Dealer was great and to me thats all I need, a Dealer who has your back. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@twawesties8666]

Good vid, just to say that legally your contract is with the dealer and not the manufacturer so it’s always up to the dealer to sort problems out warranty or not.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hello. Yes you are quite right but in the case of our broken window the Dealer acting on my behalf contacted Swift direct and the matter went through them. Thanks for watching and appreciate your comment. Thanks again P&J👍🙂

[@colinrimmer789]

Can’t believe you’ve had van 3 years Phil, carpets look lovely. I wonder if manufacturers have saved a few pennies with jockey wheels. The jockey wheel on my 2009 Swift Charisma is as good as new. 🥂here’s to another 3 years Caravanning.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hello Colin. Yes 3 years when I had more hair😂. We have enjoyed every minute and we are so happy with our Sprite. Yes the standard jockey wheels are not that great these days, they have no bearings and generally have a cheap plastic wheel which digs in the gravel when moving the van. Away soon and yes lokking forward many more happy years away in LWC. Thanks P&J🙂👍

[@robswiseways5697]

Enjoyed the video Phil & Juliette. Interesting to learn about the issues you’ve had. We took out the extended warranty totalling 6 year for peace of mind but only had two minor items replaced in that time. I think we’ve been lucky. We like how you refer to your caravan as an apartment on wheels. All the best, Rob

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Rob. I am not sure I can extend the Swift warranty. Yes it does feel like an apartment on wheels to us. Thanks for watching. Phil & Juliet. 👍🙂

[@TicketyBoo.]

Excellent vlog Phil. I think everything you covered is what we all experience in one way or another. My van is an Elddis but I have that same stupid sliding door handle. I've jammed by fingers in it quite a few times and even struggled to turn it (usually during a nighttime emergency :-) ) As for those crazy seat buttons, I removed them all from both my caravans, totally unnecessary. Happy travels to you both.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi there. I am pleased but not surprised that it is not just Swift vans that have these issues. yes the buttons are a pain. The foam was a major issue for us. Thanks for watching Phil👍🙂

[@craiggrocott7559]

Great Video, saw another video of a guy who came back from Europe and bitching about a couple of trims coming off, nobody knows what terrain he traveled on, he also complained about some melamine edging coming off, it was in the middle of the strip, clearly it had been knocked or water damaged as it was under the sink.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Craig. Thanks for watching. I did see that blokes video, all I can say it was a bit suspect. A caravan is like anything else, you look after it and it will look after you. We still get the odd minor issues but nothing has fallen off it yet. Many Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@davidmbell]

Great to hear the positive comments re your van, and to be honest a few of the issues you’ve mentioned were aftermarket (mover say) so really not a Swift issue. Shame the window manufacturers were a bit unhelpful. Happy caravanning P&J.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks David. Yes sadly the window folk were not helpful but Swift were and I was very happy. As we said we love the van and are more than happy with the service we have had. Away soon can't wait. Thanks P&J👍🙂

[@paultraynorbsc627]

Thanks for sharing excellent video

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks Paul I am glad you found it useful. Thanks again Phil 🙂 👍

[@caravanningmacs8009]

Really useful vlog Phil. Appreciate all the info. Thank you. George and Trish - CaravanningMacs

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks for watching. When things go wrong I find the dealer is the best and first place to contact. It worked for me. Thanks again Phil 🙂👍

[@shaunjohnuk]

Great vid👍

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thanks. Phil🙂

[@andrew-karens-adventures]

Windows don't tell me Dometic, I had same thing said to me when 4 of my windows had cracks propagating from behind the locking latches, took me over 16 months of fighting with dealer & Dometic a long story, we also discovered that dealer had not told us the truth regarding the sale of the MH to us so that was more ammunition for me, eventually we came to a compromise & eventually they were replaced in January 👍

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Andrew. Yes it was. Lucky for me the Dealer wasn't having any of it. Swift step in and replaced it. I recall you having issues with the windows on your MH. Hope the caravan it better and you are enjoying yourselves. Phil👍🙂

[@angelamartin5109]

Thank you for your video, very helpful, we are looking to buy our first caravan, going to the caravan & motorhome show in Feb. We are restricted in weight with our car.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Angela. You are very welcome. Enjoy the Show. If you see us we drink Tea. Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@Venomator.]

Nice one Phil, great idea for a video with some very helpful fixes along the way… 👍🏻 I am intrigued why you did not have the smelly carpets resolved under warranty… 🤷🏼‍♂️ Hope you are both keeping well and staying safe, all the best, Rog… x

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Rog. Good question! I would have probably waited a year thats before arguing that they stunk. We also didn't want to spoil our experience and finally they were beige in a grey and blue van. They looked so out of place. The replacements cost me £100 and they are tape bound rather than the nylon bound edges. We are both ok, just busy helping Jo at present. Saw her today and had a chat. Thanks Phil 👍🙂

[@xntricity6446]

It just defies belief that the new Caravans just fall appart slowly, I have to seriously question the design usability engineering methodology they apply.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi. A Lot of the issues are things coming loose over time due to the Caravan being a rigid box bouncing and vibrating down the road I guess. Thanks Phil🙂

[@xntricity6446]

@@lostweekendscaravan Totally agree however their design approach needs to factor in real world use. Taking one simple example, a spring that breaks on the latch of dometic fridges, if this breaks you have potentially door coming off it hinges during transit and food tossed everywhere. I think more accountability needs to be placed firmly against the caravan manufacturers ,I myself have been lucky and not heavily impacted but there are so many bad stories out there as we know. It appears you have to be a jack of all trades when you own a caravan, if you don't have that diy mechanical aptitude your caravans health will decline quicker than others.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Yes you are so right. Caravan Manufacturers should be regulated just like the car industry. I suppose you do have to have some skills when it comes to small jobs. I feel I am lucky as I can turn my hand to most things however not all folk are capable or have the skills to do so. I try to make my fix or how to videos easy to follow and hopefully simple to understand. I am recording a video about caravan servicing very soon and asking the question Why do we bother? 🙂

[@xntricity6446]

@@lostweekendscaravan I appreciate your videos and very helpful 😊 at least youtube is the holy grail for problem solving.

[@northlancsscotsman7475]

Glad you’ve enjoyed your first caravan experience, you’ve actually been very lucky and had a good dealer. I’m not so lucky at the moment, I’ve had 4 caravans in 21 years, I’ve had the old sprite as my first van, this was a used van and had no issues, this then began the next 18 years with 3 new vans, a Bailey, an elddis and finally a Lunar Clubman, all with no major issues, my wife and I are really happy with the clubman, it’s got nice styling, nice extras and appears well built UNTIL! I found a hairline crack on the rear corner panel, only very small however something that needs addressing, but remember we’re talking about a Lunar here the same Lunar that went into administration a year after I bought my new van. I’ve completely lost my warranty, habitation and body, I thought there might be hope in the form of a new company taking over production and existing warranties by the name of Lunar Automotive, however this appears to have not materialised after 2 years and it must also be noted that when they originally became known to the industry the small print in a statement concerning covering existing warranties stated that this would only happen if the caravan dealer that I purchased my van from continued to remain a Lunar dealer, surprise surprise this well known Lunar dealer in Preston (also where the caravans are made) is no longer a dealer!. When I tried to contact the dealer all I got was an automated email stating there’s nothing they can do, I’ve had no after sales service whatsoever. I understand that it’s not the fault of the dealer that Lunar went out of business however it’s not my fault either so it would have been nice if the dealer could act on their responsibility to the customer, namely me and at least respond to my correspondence and maybe negotiate a deal in having my van repaired however the dealer just wanted my 25 grand and wave me goodbye. So while I’m pleased for those that have trouble free warranties and have understanding and professional dealers, please spare a thought for those with new Lunar vans with non existent warranties.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hello Ah yes Lunar. I had a friend who thought he bought a bargain until he found several faults. He lost out a lot having to trade in for a swift. I feel for you I really do,. We nearly bought one but they increased the weight so we bought the Sprite. May I suggest this product. captain tolley's creeping crack cure. Thanks Phil.👍🙂 www.wowcamping.co.uk/productDetail/capt-tolleys-creeping-crack-cure-60ml/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4eaJBhDMARIsANhrQAAHmwYvOK-IGVwML_iVWBUlub6WgcGfyiLleMjpV2t4in4Y8KiudVoaAjmDEALw_wcB This is great product and cure your issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5W9ioOrf7uBoas

[@northlancsscotsman7475]

Hi Thanks for your kind words. Oddly enough I have used captain tolleys on the crack just the other week and I’ll probably try and build this up until it gives a good seal and just keep my eye on it until I decide to get it repaired. I have used this product before on some window seals on a previous van and found it worked perfectly, hence why I thought I’d try it again.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Great I am glad you are using it. I understand it's a great product and does work and last years. Good luck and let me know how to get on. Take Care Phil👍🙂

[@philipvayro6293]

I had stress cracks on our xplore 402 after 3 yrs the manufacturer didn't want to know consequently we sold it on ....stay away from xplore,s

[@TheCaravanNut]

Not too many major problems and all sorted which is good. Should last you for many more years of travels. Cheers

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Martin, just issues. I was taught look after things and they will look after you. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@Bernie_Outdoors]

Totally agree Phil. We have a 2018 Sprite Major 4 EB, almost the same as yours apart from the bed at the end. We love the colours of ours and the new ones at the moment do not look as nice. Might change our carpets to grey after seeing yours. Good summary.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Bernie. Yes I am adverse to brown and beige. Our carpets are much better and warmer. There are a number of Company's out there who will provide you with new ones. Try and get them tape bound as opposed to the nylon woven type they last longer and don't come undone. many Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@Bernie_Outdoors]

@@lostweekendscaravan Thanks for that 👍

[@Bernie_Outdoors]

Hi Phil, cannot get tape bound anywhere near me for a reasonable price, but got a new set with the nylon edging for £170, so if that lasts a few years, I'll be happy.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

@@Bernie_Outdoors Great Bernie I am so pleased you got fixed up. If you find me on twitter I would like to see the result. Thanks Phil:)

[@Bernie_Outdoors]

@@lostweekendscaravan will do when I get them ☺️

[@dzonikg]

Wow thats a lot..i have hobby 540 2007 ..that is 15 years old now and last 3 years i had 0 issues. Few items inside glue out in summer because off heat but that is 30 second to glue them again and one off as on me because i forgot in winter to drain water from boiler so it cracked. Problem i see in future is that rust kind off started little under caravan..and i really dont want to sell it because its perfect for me ,still like brand new inside so i will have to find a way to deal with that rust. Reason i dont want newer ones is that they are su much heavier for same spase inside..like 500 kg more and dont offer anything more that i allready have ,i dont really need wifi lights ,i allready change all lights inside to LED

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Dzonikg. Believe or not my Caravan has had very few issues. Some Folk have had far more issues than mine. I understand why you don't want to change yours. Hobbys are very well made but cost a fortune. Yes the new ones are much heavier I don't understand why when we are being push towards Electric Powered cars. LED lights are a good change as they put less load on the battery etc. Carry on enjoying your Hobby especially if it is not costing you anything.. Thanks for watching. Phil🙂👍

[@DJMarshy]

The plastic chips and cracks on the jockey wheel we changed ours to a proper tyre

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Marshy. We bought a Kartt Jocket wheel its works a lot better. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@DJMarshy]

@@lostweekendscaravan our caravan goes back to dealer in November as our new one should come March so will get one wen we pick it up

[@johnleighton9850]

Hi Phil. Thanks for the great video. We have an Alpine 4, 2019 model with the same interior as yours except grey bench tops, I agree the colour scheme is great. I have an issue where the windows are not staying open. Initially they hold but with a bit of wind they easily close. Have you heard of this issue and do you know a fix for these?

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi John. I can't say I have heard of this issue. If you are still under warranty contact your Dealer there seem to be an issue with the struts. Ours have been fine. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching. Phil👍🙂

[@DixonsVideos]

Great video! Subscribed! We have just purchased a new sprit major 6. I notice on your video you have the 3G wireless alarm fitted in the sitting area. I have you found it? Battery life and any false alarms? Thanks

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Dixon. Yes I do! I have been using the alarm for over 18 months. The Battery life is about 6 months (Decent Batteries) and I have had 2 false alarms in that time. One was the wind and the other was Spider. The video for this alarm is in the link below. Very happy with it. Thanks Phil. 👍🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqKvd6aurq-FrdE

[@jabba8284]

Hi Phil and Juliet great video as always.we also have your exact caravan.do you by chance have the measurements of your seating foam as we are also having a nightmare with the uncomfortable seating.caravan at storage yard,i'm hoping your the same as my husband and have it wrote in a little book lol.Would be great, i can order it now, without having to go to the van. regards Cerys.

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Cerys. Thanks for watching. Sadly I don't have the measurements I threw away my notes. Have you watched the foam replacement video I did. If not please watch as there are tips on getting the right foam also the company I used were great and very quick. There is a link in Part one to their site. Sorry I couldn't help any further. Thanks Phil 🙂👍

[@jabba8284]

@@lostweekendscaravan No Probs Phil . yep watched video all good . Thanks Cerys .

[@gavinstreetie1473]

I’m sure I’ve seen this one somewhere before not sure where ?? 3 years gone in the blink of a pie 🥧 where did it go ?? Hopefully many more to come Anyway must go shopping duty today must get some new cans ! Ok duck !!

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hello Pie n Gravy. Hmm I think you have seen this one before. Remember CANS come all shapes and sizes. Enjoy Shopping. From the Ducks. P&J.

[@KendoNagasaki120]

Same mattress

[@lostweekendscaravan]

I think its down to personal choice and comfort. Thanks Phil👍🙂

[@steveholmes4329]

Hi Phil some great things to keep my eye on there.i have a 2018 swift sprite and for some reason I've noticed water in the gas locker and is sodden,looking at it rain water runs down the front and the flooring is on show between the GRP front and the A frame housing instead of being g above so the water runs off the bottom as it should.so was wondering if you have heard of this or if anyone else has thanks steve

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Steve. This sounds like the locker seal is either not seating correctly or has worn. Try removing it and soaking in water and refitting. If this doesn't work you may need a new seal. This is the only thing I can think of as I have not heard of them leaking any other way. Thanks Phil.👍🙂

[@paulhilling6208]

Looking at putting a deposit down on a 4eb for next Yr, disappointed they are ditching swift command for 2022, I work in smart tech so was a big plus over the bailey phoenix for me

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Paul I was not aware the Swift command was going, hmm shame it works well. We are still very happy with the Sprite and would buy another but it would a dealer special next time due to my adverse dislike of beige and brown. Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@paulhilling6208]

@@lostweekendscaravan only being removed from the sprite and challenger. You can get it on the elegance, the beige theme is the same on the sprite 2022. Binge watched your videos some great advice in them thank you ! I was looking at dealer specials but would rather start with a clean model and get the extras I want like atc not so fussed on solar panels etc. Also preston near me call it the kudos sounds like a 90's boy band !

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Paul. Thanks for watching. I would n't mind a Kudos despite the dodgy name. Prestons is not far from me either. I hope to be filming up there this winter. Still a shame about the Command system. Thanks Phil🙂👍

[@lostweekendscaravan]

The 2022 interior is the same as last year. They seem to not spent much this year.🙄

[@paulhilling6208]

@@lostweekendscaravan they have added a random USB socket above the bench seats an added a head unit from a 2005 vauxhall corsa ! I had a chat with the guys at Stewart Longton the other week so will probably order through them . Look forward to the video from preston!

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Any ideas on a caravan which would be any good for mid winter? I need one with good insulation. Thanks

[@lostweekendscaravan]

HI DJ. Most modern caravans are insulated to the same specs. For winter I would recommend any caravan with the Alde Central heating system. Blown air is not suitable for winter trips. Hope this helps. Phil🙂👍

[@KendoNagasaki120]

We have the mattress and it's awful, it's like lump of stone

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Hi Glyn. Ooo sorry its not for you. Ours is very firm but it helps Juliet as she has had her back braced. Maybe getting an alternative might be the best. way for you to get a good nights sleep. Thanks Phil👍🙂