New Caravan but which one, the Swift 560 or 580 - We've made our decision.

We asked you for your opinion on which caravan we should buy The Swift Conqueror 560 or 580 or should we hold fire and keep the caravan we have?
We were overwhelmed by your responses, comments and opinions and so grateful for your help.
There was a lot to think about and we gave it a couple of weeks before deciding but now we have made our decision.
Thanks for your help we hope you enjoy the video.
Cheers,
Dave & Helen
Link to the Swift Conqueror 560 & 580 video tour
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[@gillianmeston8157]

Aww , loved we got a mention , thank you I’m so chuffed with my self , fab decision , have a fab season , best wishes Gillian and Mark in Leeds x

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks to you Gillian & Mark, really appreciated your contribution and support for the channel. Hope you're looking forward to your 2023 trips too. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@pennphilip]

Great decision guys. You went with your head rather than your heart. 🙂

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Phil, we don't do that often enough, so pleased with this decision. Thanks for supporting us. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@iancampbell7684]

Great choice as your van is a very nice one. With the wee mods it’s becomes even more personalised.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi there Ian, we’re sure we’ve made the right move for now but who knows what the future holds. Thanks for supporting our channel. Cheers, Dave and Helen 👍

[@stevecarter8846]

By what you've said you've made the wise decision, Happy travels 👌

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks very much Steve. Certainly we think that’s the right decision for now. Appreciate your support, ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@SteveLewis75]

Just purchased or first Carvan this year at the NEC Birmingham Caravan Show. We went for the Swift Freestyle Special Edition S4EB. Love your content, fantastic channel.

[@HelenandDave]

Bless ya Steve! You must be ecstatic, knowing your new van is in order. Hope you have many fun adventures when it arrives and thanks so much for supporting our channel. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@jbrislen1]

Great decision you've made. Your caravan is lovely 😁

[@HelenandDave]

Thank you very much, we appreciate your support with the channel and your feedback. ATB, Dave & Helen

[@barryjeffries2067]

Hi Dave & Helen Great post as usual. So glad you come to decision about keeping your caravan, now you can look forward to the new season and enjoy. Love your channel

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Barry, thanks very much, glad you enjoy watching our vids and we really appreciate your support. We're happy with the decision and we're looking forward to lots of great trips ahead. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@colinrimmer789]

I think you’ve made the right choice 😁👍

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers Colin! Always plenty of other things to spend our money on 😂 ATB, Dave and Helen 👍

[@dw6549]

You made the right choice. Again 20k is a lot to spend on a few little differences. Your van looks great. Enjoy what you got and save the 20k for a rainy day.

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks, thanks, that’s pretty much where our heads are at. Thanks for your support. ATB Dave and Helen 👍

[@gregcale8285]

I personally think that you have made the best decision mate You have got a lovely van

[@HelenandDave]

Cheers Greg, it certainly feels like the right decision for now.

[@PeterWalkerS770]

A great decision Dave and Helen I hope to see you on some campsite this year, I will keep a lookout for your cars registration number, best regards Pete.

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Pete, appreciate your support. Yes look out for us, it’s gonna happen one day 😂😂 ATB, Dave and Helen 👍

[@sandraleybourne7106]

Good discussion, lovely van you have x enjoy your travels

[@HelenandDave]

Thank you Sandra, that's very kind of you. Appreciate your support. Thanks, Helen & Dave

[@gillianbradbrook9906]

Hi Dave and Helen we have the 580 it does have a solar panel, I agree the TV point is not ideal but we manage OK. Have to say love the 580 2023, our previous van was 2016 conqueror 560 and prefer the 580. We paid 14k to trade so pleased with the deal. If you are happy with what you have you should stick with what you have 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Gillian, we prefer the 580, nice layout you got a good deal there by the sound of it. Agreed, if it's not broken, don't fix it. We are staying with what we have, at least for now lol. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, Helen & Dave

[@leannegolder9610]

The TV thing is a deal breaker, I agree, you need to put feet up and be comfortable, you couldn't do that in the other vans. Your van looks lovely, We have just purchased a new van at the show, exactly the same one but a brand new one and a dealer special so lots of extras. New vans are exciting but I completely get where you are coming from with the additional spend and looking after the pennies. I look forward to watching more adventures in your van.

[@HelenandDave]

Hello Leanne, bet you can’t wait to get your new van. No wrong decisions only the right one for you. Thanks for supporting our channel and wishing you many happy trips in your new home from home. ATB Helen and Dave 👍

[@stevegoacher6964]

Hi Helen and Dave. We were going through exactly the same decision-making process as you recently - and we also came to the same conclusion. We’re thinking of adding a self-levelling system and possibly an Omnivent in the kitchen. Expensive, yes, but much cheaper than a new caravan. Thanks for some great vlogs with, hopefully, many more to come. Marion and Steve

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Marion & Steve, that’s the thing, so much you can do to your existing van. Well done to you both, thanks for supporting our channel and wishing you many more happy travels. Cheers Dave and Helen 👍

[@robswiseways5697]

Not surprised there Dave & Helen, you’ve got a lovely caravan 👍well looked after too 👍. We don’t do much cooking either, but the Omnivent extractor comes into its own when we return to the caravan on a baking hot day 🥵. Looking forward to see where you go next. All the best, Rob & Gail

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Rob & Gail, as tempted as we were, in the end, that was a very easy decision. If it ain't broken, why fix it? Hope you're both keeping well, looking forward to your next adventures too. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@michaelsnell5888]

Absolute correct decision ( imo ) if it's not broke don't mend and was it want or need a new Caravan .....

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Michael, we're in agreement that for now, this was the right move. Thanks very much for your views and supporting our channel. Cheers, Dave & Helen

[@lammyfromlammypie.1996]

Hi Helen and Dave completely agree with the decision, may you continue with your happy travels, Mark and Sue 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi there Mark & Sue, thank you so much. We do appreciate your feedback and support for our channel. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@andrew-karens-adventures]

Great update & wise decision why change what's not broken, 20K is better in your pocket, lots more weeks away 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Andrew & Karen, exactly. So many places to see yet, so at least we have a few quid to do it. Hope you're both well. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@martinfield1484]

Hi dave&Helen great video and a wise thing to do you have a lovely caravan I currently have an older caravan a fleetwood vanlander with twin singles at the back we love the layout so much we have decided to revamp the interior so it just happens there’s a guy in Caister that does it professionally so I’ll be dropping all cushions off in the next couple of weeks Cheers martin

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Martin, that's interesting to know, we thought we may look at doing something similar in the future. Might need to find this chap myself. Yep, if you're happy with your van and it's serving you well then why bother changing. Thanks for the heads up Martin. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@malcolmburns832]

Hi Dave and Helen, so wise a decision. I think you have a great van already and using the money for upgrades is a great idea. Have a great time this touring season. All the best Malcolm and Jill.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Malcolm & Jill, thanks very much, it certainly feels like the right choice for us for now. Thanks for supporting the channel, we really appreciate it. Thanks, Dave & Helen.

[@brianmorris8434]

Hi Dave and Helen I think that you have made the right decision, you have a lovely van and you look after it, no need to change. Take care Brian

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Brian, we had such great advice from you and others and we are happy with what we have for now but ‘never say never’. ATB Dave & Helen 👍

[@planecrazyaviation7773]

Hi Helen & Dave, so glad you decided to stick with your lovely caravan. Wise decision, spending money on upgrades is wise too. Keep the videos coming. Steve

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Steve, really appreciate all of your support on our channel. Thanks mate, Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@steve1962]

Wise decision..........keep the money in your pocket and use it to enjoy travelling with the caravan. We bought our first caravan last year - a 2017 Bailey Unicorn Valencia.......one previous owner and it's immaculate - price to upgrade just isn't value for money at the moment.

[@HelenandDave]

Spot on Steve, we are on the same page. Thanks very much for supporting. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@cfp8872]

I think you made the right decision. Enjoy the coming season , happy adventures. Kind Regards CFP

[@HelenandDave]

Hello CFP, thanks very much for sharing your views and watching the video. We really appreciate your support. Dave& Helen

[@arimington-is7gv]

We were in the exact same situation as you a few weeks ago, went in for toilet chemicals and nearly part exchanged our 2022 Vigo. Went home and gave ourselves a good talking to 😂

[@HelenandDave]

Ha Ha, that’s the ticket!! It’s quite scary isn’t it. Did you get the chemicals? Thanks for watching. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍

[@arimington-is7gv]

@@HelenandDave yes, got the loo stuff, it's too easy to get caught up in the moment.......

[@paulefc1971]

Probably the right decision, we have the 560 and can only keep very light stuff under the rear bed, even something like the cadac under there really upsets the balance of the van so we now carry that in the tow car

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Paul, thanks very much for watching and leaving a comment. The 560 really is a lovely caravan and we liked the layout. Never say never as they say. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@jonesclanontheroadmoho]

Well I bet it was a difficult chose but it's what you like and want in the End happy travels you two have fun catch up on a site some time. Dave and Julie

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Dave & Julie, thank you very much. It's right for us at the moment, that's for sure. Yes if our paths cross, do stop and say hello. Thanks for supporting our channel. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@MrSnookerballs]

Spend a little bit more and get the Elegance. A lot more for your money and a better warranty. We had the 650 and loved it.

[@HelenandDave]

Must admit, they are lovely vans, you've got a great one there! We have decided however to hold fire a little longer before spending the cash and in the meantime will make a few little upgrades to our existing caravan. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@mellarner8253]

Although we have not followed the same path, we had a 2014 Eccles Quartz ( same layout as yours) which we had quite a few problems with, still getting warranty work done from year 1 in December 2018 would you believe!, 2 weeks before we changed. I really liked the van to be honest in every other way. We went to an Adria French bed layout, which was fault free and then got hooked by the 2 single bed layout, which was a mistake, so after a year, went back to an Adria transverse bed model as per Eccles Quartz, which is spot on, now had it a year and is a keeper and the last one we will buy. Moral here is, the Eccles eventually got sorted and we would or probably should have kept it and saved more than £20k in the process, you made the right decision, for sure.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Mel, interesting reading your comment about your experiences. It shows that regardless of age, you can always buy trouble but such a shame and quite demoralising when it happens. Glad you have found a van that's ticking all of the boxes for you and that is where we are currently. Really appreciate your support. Thanks, Dave & Helen.

[@stuarteaves5398]

The right choice you have a lovely van ,and you have a lot of things you like about it ,keep the cash

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Stuart, that was the overwhelming consensus too. We almost went the other way but feel sure for now that we did the right thing. Thanks for your comment. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍

[@stuarteaves5398]

No worries love the channel

[@HelenandDave]

@@stuarteaves5398 thank you 👍

[@melonieward7483]

I have an Avondale Dart 510 from 2004 I think but I love it

[@HelenandDave]

Melonie, that’s all that matters. We all just want to be happy. Well done to you 👍 ATB Dave and Helen 👍

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Good choice 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks guys, we think so, certainly for now. Hope you're both well. Thanks, Helen & Dave

[@lindafraser6466]

Glad you saved your money, your caravan layout is the same as ours ( Swift challenger 580) your car looked the same as well lol Kia Sportage. I love our unit, wouldn’t change it, enjoy. X

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Linda, we're caravanning twins lol. I think we've done the right thing for now. I am sure when the time comes, there will be plenty of vans to tempt us. Happy caravanning, Dave & Helen.

[@TheFrenchiesMotorhomechannel]

Agreed , wise decision , for the moment 😂 , don’t hurt to keep looking though and I don’t think we’ll ever know where these prices are going or will even end up 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Mike & Kirsty, deffo a case of ‘never say never again’. The prices hikes are mad at the moment and that includes site fees too! Hope you’re both well. Cheers, Dave & Helen 👍

[@HepcatHarley]

Hi Dave and Helen. Glad you saw sense, it's only natural to keep wanting newer and better then realising what you have is perfectly adequate but it's also good to keep researching to see what's out there. I do it all the time with cars and motorcycles....mind you I have 6 motorcycles so don't take any advice from me :D

[@HelenandDave]

Ha Ha Ha, that's a great comment lol However, we get where you're coming from and do agree. Happy with our decision for now, thanks very much for supporting the channel, we really appreciate it. ATB, Dave & Helen

[@tonks1968]

Best decision guys. I think you’re van is beautiful and you can put that nest egg away for another day. Enjoy your vanning this season!

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Tony, completely agree. There will be plenty of things to spend the money on. We are looking forward to an adding a few bits to the van. Appreciate very much your support. Thanks again. Helen & Dave

[@mentalneil]

So glad that you decided not to waste your money, I truly believe you have made the right decision, "if the carvans a rocking don't come a knocking"

[@HelenandDave]

😃😃Thanks Neil, it feels like the right decision for us, at least for now. Really appreciate your support, Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@clabby154]

Great update Dave and Helen and makes you realise what needs to be considered - we are collecting our first ever caravan on 15th March having waited over a year for it and cannot wait! Time not wasted watching just about all of your wonderful videos in the interim so don’t feel total novices…..yet😊 we are in Suffolk so hope to bump into you both in the future 👍 Steve and Karen

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Steve & Karen, my goodness, it's like a kid waiting for Christmas Day, you must be so excited. Glad you find the vids useful and we are really grateful for your support with our channel. Yep, we are heading into Suffolk on a few occasions again this year so if you see us. Stop and say hello. Happy caravanning to you both. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@martinfield1484]

Try beach view touring park on the coast great site

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Martin, will check it out. 👍👍

[@lancegranville6997]

Hi to you both I think you made the right choice carry on enjoying the caravan life Take care Kind regards Lance and Rona

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Lance & Rona, thanks so much, really appreciate your support. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@glyn829]

Some good points there guys 👍 think you have made the right decision.. tbh I'd miss the outside 240 and dimmable lights .. regards Glyn

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Glyn, Do you have outside 230v and dimmable lights? thanks very much as always for your support. Cheers Dave & Helen

[@glyn829]

Yes Dave got them on our van , the outside power point is always used for the electric grill plate sort of a electric cadac only found the lights were dimmable by accident playing around with them , we have the electric extractor vent to but tbh you don't really need one

[@garyfoster4704]

Good decision guys 👍 ... We looked at the rear end layouts and not having outside access to under bed storage would be a defo pain. The weight loading was also a worry, most of our heavier gear is stored under the bed in our Valencia. We're keeping our hard earned dosh for now at least until this dodgy economic atmosphere is well over. Enjoy your touring season 👍👍

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Gary, yep, it's not a good time to be throwing your money around that's for sure. We're sure we've made the right decision for now. Thanks for your support on our channel. Appreciated, Helen & Dave

[@stevep.8706]

Congratulations on your final decision, I don't think you'll regret it. Quite frankly, I was shocked when you mentioned that the new caravans you were considering which cost well over 30K didn't have a solar panel fitted. Caravan manufacturers seem to be offering less than they did a few years ago for considerably more money. I paid nearly 23K for my caravan back in 2016 which was a heck of a lot of money but, It has a solar panel and a Thule Omnivent in the kitchen area as standard. I also had a motor mover fitted included in that price. I've looked at the spec of a 2023 model of my caravan, which now costs around £35,500. It's exactly the same layout as mine but, no solar panel, no motor mover and they're still not fitting a DAB radio. So, apart from the cosmetic changes, how are they justifying a near 50% increase in price? I think this bubble will burst, just like the housing market did back in the late eighties and nineties.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Steve, you’re absolutely spot on! It’s certainly a case of supply & demand and since covid everything connected to caravanning, camping etc has sky rocketed. (Including site fees). If it ain’t broke don’t fix it! Really appreciate your views and support for our channel, thank you. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@robentwistle10]

You have a great caravan Dave, keep your 20k

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Rob, that's very kind of you to say and you're right, keeping hold of the cash is the right thing to do at this moment in time. Our caravan ticks all the boxes at the moment. Cheers, Dave 7 Helen.

[@marcandsebe]

I have a Challenger 580 with the rear island bed and love it. I personally have never liked the transverse bed myself. But ideally I would like to change the 580 for a Swift Basecamp 2. Small is better in my opinion 😂

[@HelenandDave]

That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day. If you’re happy with it then it matters not what anyone else thinks. We do love the Swift vans. ATB, Dave and Helen 👍

[@joedunks6515]

Glad you decided to keep your caravan. Like you say you can always upgrade on your caravan. To be fair you have a great looking van cheers ATB Joe & Tracey

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Joe & Tracey, thanks very much for supporting our channel, we really appreciate it. We feel that’s the right deduction for now but we will keep an eye out for the future. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@johnb1800]

Correct choice in my view…..new caravan nothing but trouble I know😢been back nine times and still waiting for jobs doing and it’s only just a year old….love my new swift “NOT”

[@HelenandDave]

Hi John, so sorry you have experienced so much bad luck. It's a big purchase and should come with a lot of peace of mind and reassurance not the hassle you have experienced. Really hope you get it all sorted soon. Thanks very much for supporting our channel, we really appreciate it. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@stuartrich2499]

Swift annoyed me with no Swiift Command and they seemed so boring so we went for a S5 Bailey Unicorn Canbrera!!! Gorgeous!!

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Stuart, the Canbrera is a lovely caravan. We do like the Baileys very much too. Hope you have a fab 2023 touring season. ATB, Helen and Dave 👍

[@paulandsarahcaravanlife]

Hi Dave and Helen you made the right decision for you at this time. I'm sure your find what your looking for soon just enjoy what you have now. Prices I'm sure will fall a bit soon. Paul and Sarah 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Paul & Sarah, good point on pricing, demand is still high for caravans & motorhomes etc. and site fees are rising as a result too. Thanks for your comment. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@jamesdavison9483]

Decided to keep your caravan the right decision Helen/Dave 😍hope to bump into one day

[@HelenandDave]

Hi James, many thanks for sharing your views and supporting our channel, we really appreciate it. If you see us out and about, come and say hello. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@davefella1890]

Really glad you came to your decision in the end... I can really see the sense in it especially as you already have a layout you are more than happy with and your caravan is lovely and I reckon you'd miss it 🙂... however if you had decided to buy a new one that would have been OK too so I'd just like to give a shout out to all the people who have been in your exact same position and decided instead to go new... they didn't make the "wrong" decision they made "their" decision and that's what counts as the "right" decision in the end... all the best you guys and keep the videos coming we love the content.... Dave and Jane 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Dave, couldn't agree more. At the end of the day it 's what makes you happy and of course what's right for you. At the moment though, we have a van that's really functional, has no damp issues at all and does everything we need it to do. We would be very concerned about buying a new van that then comes with issues/snags. So for us, it's the right move for now. Thanks for supporting our channel, we really appreciate it. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@Meggy6571]

Hi Dave and Helen, Wonderful to see you have made a great decision as all have said your van looks great, Not only have you saved 20 grand but the advice on things to look at when thinking of changing which aren't obvious. Yes I think we all get sucked into the new van syndrome when looking. The only reason we did swap was we wanted a fixed bed otherwise our Sprite SR 2 was fine. Enjoy your time away in 2023. Paul and Joanne 👍

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Paul & Joanne, thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment, really appreciate your thoughts on the subject. Hope you have a great touring season too. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@Meggy6571]

@@HelenandDave 👍😁

[@terryfielding8836]

Hi Dave and Helen. Wise decision re the caravan and saving £20k. You mentioned the fridge being bigger which is great, we have that fridge but the downside is on our Swift Challenger (as with the Conqueror) it is on the awning side. It really struggled during the hot weather last year as the awning was holding in the heat and the fridge/freezer couldn't cope. You have a beautiful caravan which I'm sure will last you many years. All the best Terry

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Terry, thank you very much, yes, I remember this now and again something we wouldn't have thought about. The awning is like a greenhouse in hot weather so I can see how it causes a problem. Thanks for supporting us Terry, much appreciated. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@peteandmaggie8570]

My last van was 15 years old and only got rid of it due to damp. My current van is a swift elegance 580. I only got it because it hasnt got any wood in the construction, and it's the same layout as yours. With the smaller fridge like yours, we take out the freezer compartment when not needed, which gives you loads more space.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Pete & Maggie, thanks for sharing your comment. Do you know, I had forgotten that the freezer box can be removed, top tip there, thanks. Yes, we feel we have made the right decision for now. Thanks for your support. Dave & Helen.

[@alanmiller259]

Hi both, great decision and one we had to make with our previous van, which we held on to for 8 years because it was in brilliant condition and the new vans didn’t offer anything extra, other than smelling new. We have now changed, but for the reasons I mentioned on your last vlog. No doubt you will change eventually, but in the meantime enjoy not spending £20k. Alan

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Alan, yes it’s definitely a ‘for now’ decision. Helen will find something else to spend the money on 😂. Thanks for your support. ATB, Dave and Helen 👍

[@TheTurnersOnline]

Hi Helen and Dave. Seems like you made an informed choice. Your van looks lovely and if it does everything you need then why spend more money to replace. Much better to invest in a few upgrades and spend the money on enjoying your breaks. Happy 'vanning.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Simon, many thanks for your message, it certainly feels like the right thing to do for us at the moment and we agree with you, better to do the little upgrades as you say. Thanks for supporting our channel, we really appreciate it. Thanks, Helen & Dave

[@TrevorBoakes]

Definitely right decision to keep what you've got, agree with the other comments off having the upgrades fitted, definitely a cheeper option. If it's not broken then why fix it. Don't know if you remember our 26 year old caravan from Mildenhall last October. She's old but everything works and we still love it. We won't upgrade until we need to. One thing I will be doing after watching your video on cleaning the water system. I bought the Purisol product. On a 26 year old caravan the results should be really noticeable. Keep up with the great videos. Take care guys 😊

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Trevor, we can't forget you guys. The famous campsite proposal lol. Completely agree with you, it's not broken so why? Hope you're keeping well. We are back at The Willows in April, love it there. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@DesmondsDonders]

Size is not everything except with caravans and motorhomes. The three inches could make all the difference LOL I think you have come to the right choice. Prices in the second hand market have already started to fall for motorhomes and I am sure that will continue a little but the new market prices are still going up. I think this will continue as well until sales stop. Desmond is 18 this year and we are trying to keep him another three years. Then we have to decide which way to go. Congratulations on your decision.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Dave & Lindsay, Desmond is living proof that you should stick with what you have as long as you can. You hear horror stories of those with new vans/motorhomes having all sorts of issues and warranty snags etc. So, if it's not broken, don't fix it. Hope you're both ok. ATB, Dave & Helen

[@DesmondsDonders]

@@HelenandDave We had three new caravans and had issues with all of them. Both well but shaking off colds. Take care stay safe.

[@HelenandDave]

@@DesmondsDonders thanks both 👍

[@keithalisonpreston9327]

Good decision. Ours is a swift same layout as yours and love it. Carn't use it at the moment we were going away last Friday and lost the panoramic window on the A55 so got a big plaster on it at the moment waiting for new window at dealers. Soooo upset. X

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Keith & Alison, blimey, was it hit with a stone or did it just fall out? Sorry to hear that but hope you're both ok and back on the road again soon. ATB, Dave & Helen

[@keithalisonpreston9327]

​@@HelenandDavejust fell out i noticed it when looked through wing mirror. Caravan only 4years old. Hopefully be fixed nxt week. X

[@HelenandDave]

@@keithalisonpreston9327 crikey, that must have been terrifying for you. Hope you have a great trip when you get away again. Cheers, Dave & Helen

[@PoshcatsCamping]

Great decision 😃👍🏻 Lots of trips to Scotland can be funded now 🥳

[@HelenandDave]

Oh yes indeed. Thanks Trev & Sue, appreciate your support. Good luck to Sue on her amazing month of walking for Cancer Research. We went and sponsored her today. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@PoshcatsCamping]

@@HelenandDave Thank you so much for your generous donation. We really appreciate your support. Catch up very soon 😃👍🏻

[@davidandrewstarbuck2151]

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! As they say 👍

[@HelenandDave]

exactly!

[@rikhughes3290]

Thank you Dave and Helen for a very informative blog. We are going to buy a caravan next year and hopefully will use it for the next 10 years. Work has finished and now play will commence. We are thinking of a new van (and we’re going to the Harrogate show in September) but some people have said that a 2 year old one would be more cost effective. We are thinking of either an Adria or a Bailey. Would love your thoughts and advice on the pros and cons of new or second hand.

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Rick, Glad it was helpful! Personally I wouldn't buy a car or a caravan new, mainly because of the loss in depreciation but where a caravan is concerned I think the waiting time for new is currently very long so check that before committing yourself and generally whatever a salesman tells you I would take it as the very minimum. I know of people who have had to wait over a year for a new van. I think a year or two old has many benefits including price but also all the snagging is generally over and done with. Check service records (and reports). Biggest thing to check I think is for damp and tyre condition (the walls and age, not so much the tread). Modern vans, tend to not suffer so much with damp these days but they do still leak from time to time. It all sounds quite horrendous but in the vast majority of cases, there are not normally any issues at all. Hope you find the perfect van and like us have many fun trips. ATB, Dave & Helen.

[@rikhughes3290]

Thank you so much for replying. We have been having a look the second hand market and the choice is huge. Also I have heard that new vans manufactured during the period 2021/22 and into 23 the demand was such that manufacturers were prioritising quantity of units produced over quality and that if we were looking at second hand we should be looking at 2019/20. Any thoughts? If new we'd be looking at the Bailey Rimmini or the Adria Altea Tyne, my wife wants seperate beds for some reason, can't think why. Would love your feed back. Rik Hughes@@HelenandDave

[@tgburchick]

All 2023 Conquerors have a 100 watt solar panel that fits flush to the roof.

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks Trevor, that wasn’t made clear to us at the time but explains why we couldn’t see it!! ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@janethogg6719]

Good call! We think your caravan is really nice, why change it .

[@HelenandDave]

Thanks so much Janet, that means a lot and we really appreciate your support with the channel. ATB, Dave & Helen 👍

[@adeledawn3720]

Hi great video have you got any advice to check the journey like for bridges or steep hills just starting out thanks 🙏🏻

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Dawn, many thanks for your comment and for watching the video. My advice would be DO NOT use your car Sat Nav. We purchased a sat nav which is especially for large vehicles/caravans etc. You can get them quite cheap (set up for lorries) ours was quite dear it has all caravan sites set up etc. It’s also a good idea to use google maps to check site entry etc. good luck and happy travels. Dave & Helen 👍

[@adeledawn3720]

@@HelenandDave I am definitely going to purchase one thanks once again 👍

[@hanskozlowski1712]

Hello Helen and Dave, I'm writing from Lower Saxony in Germany. I have been following your KZbin channel for some time. We are planning a trip, with our caravan, through England from May to September. The ferry is booked. Because of your recommendation, we have already booked the Bath Chew Valley campsite. I have some important questions for you today. I need a gas bottle for my caravan (Hymer) for the duration of the journey. I know that I need an adapter (already bought) and a 27mm clip. I can't get this in Germany. Can I buy this in England together with the gas bottle? Another question, should we join the two big English camping clubs? Should we become members of the two big English camping clubs? Your video is very good for preparing our trip, even if I don't understand everything well because of my English. Greetings from Germany Hans

[@HelenandDave]

Hello Hans, many thanks for your message and supporting our channel, we really appreciate it. As far as joining the club(s) is concerned, the money you save on a 5 night booking covers the cost of membership at Caravan & Motorhome Club and the average saving for being a member of The Camping & Caravan Club is 30% so if you plan to use the club sites then your fee is soon reimbursed. We are members of both clubs but mainly use Caravan & Motorhome Club. In terms of buying gas many of the camp sites, petrol stations & DIY stores sell gas but if you have no empty bottle to exchange then you will need to pay a deposit on your first new bottle. I would contact the first site you are staying at and see if they sell gas and can supply you a new bottle. Failing that, then perhaps you can search online in the first town you arrive at in the UK (ferry port). You can easily pick up a 27mm clip from a camping supply store, again I would search on line for the nearest in your first town in UK. If you contact them in advance they should be able to reserve for you. I hope that is of some use (I’m no expert). Wishing you a fantastic UK tour. All the best. Helen and Dave 👍

[@gregcale8285]

Was it hard to fit the spotlights?

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Greg, no it was really easy, I'm going to put a little video out on it soon. Cheers, Dave & Helen.

[@marraaman]

You’ve made a wise choice👍save the £20k for your energy bills next year😂😂

[@HelenandDave]

Hi Steve, 😂🤣 or indeed the site fees. Thanks so much for supporting our channel, really appreciate it. ATB, Dave & Helen.