|
Post by Sorento 08 on Jul 26, 2021 21:32:40 GMT
Hi Mike Can you please put me down for the following? (site reports to follow, not sure when) The Firs CC CL -Adults only, 8 nights, towed: 133 miles and £18pn Shamwari CC CL -Adults only, 6 nights, towed: 100 miles and £15pn Forge Manor farm CC CL - 14 nights, towed: 125 miles and £15pn Swallows View CC CL-Adults only, 7 nights, towed: 150 miles and £15pn Maisey Cottage CC CL -Adults only, 4 nights, towed: 110 miles and £15pn Holywell Farm CC CL -Adults only, 3 nights, towed: 50 miles and £14pn Skybarn Farm CC CL -Adults only, 7 nights, towed: 20 miles and £17pn tow home: 57 miles So hopefully that should read: Total nights = 49 nights total towed = 745 miles Ave cost per night= £15.57
Thanks Paul
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on May 23, 2021 8:10:51 GMT
Well the day is arriving, we go away tomorrow morning (Monday) until 3rd July not quite sure why we have packed Shorts, T Shirts and Sandals along with Sun Cream??? But I suppose we can but have wishful thinking. 5 new sites we have never been to so looking forward to seeing how they fair up. So long as the idiots and Boris doesn't spoil it for us..
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on May 19, 2021 7:56:10 GMT
Although the site is surrounded by mature trees, it can sill get windy. We witnessed a Caravan with a 'Sun Canopy' style Awning dismantle itself and the canopy ended up on the roof of the caravan. The owners were out, so we collected their gear Chairs ext together and put then under their van. We also had a massive Thunder Storm, scary stuff. Unfurtunatley a lad in Yorkshire got struck by lightning that night and died. Mike That is always sad, many years ago our daughter's boyfriend's friend died when he was struck by lightning in a village called Youlgreave in Derbyshire.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on May 16, 2021 9:01:51 GMT
A quick overview of Poolsbrook C & MC site Thanks That brings back memories we went there many years ago when it first opened, enjoyed the walks around the water and beyond. I remember it was very windy and not much chance of getting a pitch that was protected, but suppose the trees and bushes have grown since then.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Apr 1, 2021 15:12:31 GMT
If everyone behaves themselves between now and the 12th of April and the sites are opening up in England is there anyone booked to go away? We sadly will not be able to get away until June which is our 4 weeks usual (except 2020) break, due to health issues.
Happy vanning, and stay safe!!!.....
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Feb 16, 2021 21:31:25 GMT
Just received another email from Swift with the following, so hope those who missed it have another chance to register and log on.
NOT JUST FOR TWO DAYS, BUT A WHOLE MONTH!
There has been a little confusion about the dates for Swift Live, but we are happy to reveal that the event is on until 12th March!
You can access Swift Live 24/7, whether you want to wander around the booths, tune in to informative videos in the auditorium, or download brochures.
Plus, every day from 10am to 5pm (Thursdays 12pm to 8pm) you can also chat live with our friendly advisors, who are on hand to help with your queries.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Feb 12, 2021 20:05:39 GMT
Just had an email from Swiftlive for feed back from my visit. It also said it will be running Sat & Sun 13 &14th Feb 2021 10 - 5pm. They are offering discounted prices during the "virtual show"
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Feb 11, 2021 17:35:57 GMT
Tomorrow is the last chance to visit the "virtual visit". Not sure if you will still be able to pop in after.. Factory visits are basic, but gives people who have never been to one before an insight of how things are built. and if you have questions you put them to the panel.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Jan 30, 2021 12:02:16 GMT
Received another email from Swift to register "to go behind the scenes" (virtual) those interested need to register for the event 11th February 2021 see details below swiftlive.vfairs.com/?tracking_id=4315f988c9b34e37a5567eca85db3554Swift Live is coming in February 2021! Experience a completely new online event, bringing you unique access to expert advice, inspiration and a virtual showroom, all from the comfort of your sofa. Whether you’re completely new to touring or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a world of ideas, tips and exclusives at Swift Live, where our specialist team will be waiting to share what makes the Swift life so special. Explore our 2021 ranges with new 360° vehicle tours, ask questions and receive tailored support. Go behind the scenes with our designers to discover the latest leisure vehicle interiors trends, watch our craftspeople at work, enjoy helpful demonstrations and so much more… With so much to see, from product first looks to demonstrations, live talks and Q&A sessions, get ready for our most innovative event yet! The full agenda for Swift Live will be updated here and on Swift’s Facebook and Twitter pages, so be sure to keep an eye out. The event is entirely free, and it’s so easy to visit. All you need to do is register your place and join us on the day from your computer, smart phone or tablet. So grab a cuppa, put your feet up and be our guest for Swift Live – the must-attend event in your 2021 calendar!
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Jan 26, 2021 15:10:48 GMT
Just had an email from Swift Talk saying their website is being closed down, see below a part of their email. Dear Swift Talk user, After a successful ten years as the central hub of the online Swift community, we have sadly taken the tough decision to close down Swift Talk. Thank you for being part of the Swift Talk community and for your support over these past few years. We appreciate that the platform will be missed, but unfortunately following a review of the site, there are a number of areas of the forum that have strayed from the positive, inclusive environment we are committed to maintaining for all our followers. The review was also mindful of the growth of user groups on social media platforms, especially Facebook, that to a great extent now fulfil the original purpose of Swift Talk. Swift Talk will remain open until February 5 to allow time to download any content you may require in the future. To stay involved with the Swift community, you can follow our official social media channels (Facebook @swiftleisuregroup | Twitter swiftgroup | Instagram @swiftleisuregroup).
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Nov 13, 2020 19:46:33 GMT
Final update
Carried out the tests as suggested by Alde, over the last few days, I can now confirm that the boiler is making a slight "kettling" noise and it is now only happening for 10 seconds before it reaches "set point" and cuts the power and is intermittent. As Alde are certain it is some slight trapped air in the boiler, as they can not think of anything else, I have decided to return the van to storage as I think the more the system is used it will disappear, but that is not really going to happen for the rest of this year, (we are booked to go away at Christmas but think this will be unlikely). I will be calling Alde on Monday to provide the details, they have said if the "kettling" was really bad after the weekend, they will arrange to come to me and look at it, which is really good customer service, unlike other manufacturers in the caravan industry.
I am now hoping next year will be a better year for us all to get out and about more freely.
Paul
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Nov 10, 2020 15:54:52 GMT
Managed to get to Alde on Monday despite the fog, for them to look at my boiler. (Saw no other vans on the road). They agreed the boiler shell needed replacing plus the clips and hot & cold pipe feeds, total parts cost about £760 glad it was warranty. As mine was being wheeled out another van arrived. So that's 2 on the road. On way back saw a travellers van going opposite way. Filled water back up and tested system, only to find when on boost the kettling returned. Spoke to Alde who suggested running pump at speed 5 overnight, then turn off and bleed, which I did and found air in washroom rad. Reset system and notice now I have intermittent kettling. Spoke to Alde again today who have suggested air is the problem, so I need to run system for a few days, if no better by next Monday, call them and they will arrange to come to me, I asked if using their service pump would help they said the new 12v inline pump is as good. But they might. The sensors seem to be working as the temps are within 2c of each reading. So I have tilted the nose up and running the pump at speed 4 for tonight. Just hope it cures it. 🤞🤞
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Nov 6, 2020 21:15:47 GMT
Glad to see your axle is sorted, I am surprised that Alko have treated you so badly. Perhaps they are getting bit big for there boots, although they have a big part of the market. From the reports I have heard about Alde you should have no problems. Les Thanks Les I have had previous experience with Alde, their customer service is second to none, Alko, Dometic and Coachman really need to take a leaf out of Alde's book. Why these manufacturers have to be so negative is beyond me. I have heard that another dealer has had problems with stub axle threads being stripped on first service and even an axle from Alko having the brake lug welded on incorrectly, making it necessary for a dealer requesting a replacement axle, how this was missed by Alko and indeed Coachman's "quality" process is worrying. I do not see why having the monopoly of chassis and axles for most of the caravan industry warrants being so unhelpful. I hope this experience is not repeated again. Hope you stay safe during this next phase. Regards Paul
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Nov 5, 2020 19:40:38 GMT
End of the saga.
Axle arrived back to me on Tuesday. Contacted AWS chap who arranged to come over on Thursday (later to be England lockdown) to refit. He did turn up Thursday morning at 08.30 and we got cracking to refit and reset brakes and ATC. After 2 hours all was complete and his van was loaded up ready to go, but he suggested I took it for a road test before he left. All OK. He has called Al-Ko to tell them he will be billing them for 4 hours labour, they did not seem too forthcoming to meet his requirements, I do not know why this very large manufacturer would be so offish. I certainly hope I do not have anymore dealings with them again. They have refused to pay for my van hire and fuel to return the axle (even though they agreed to collect but didn't) and the nyloc nuts, which in total has cost me £80.00. I am pleased that my next years service will not be to remove the one shot nuts as I will not have covered sufficient miles, He did say that they do not have to be removed every year unless excessive miles have been covered. which is fair enough.
The next thing that needs to be repaired is the Alde boiler, I called Alde on Wednesday afternoon to see about rebooking my pre-booked appointment, but they said no need to I can still take it down on Monday, as they are allowed to work on warranty and other work during this 2nd lockdown.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Nov 3, 2020 15:28:13 GMT
Great news axle returned from Al-Ko this afternoon. I had already booked the AWS engineer to come on Thursday before the pending lockdown, I think he is still due to come as he was working through the last lockdown as he is fully Covid compliant. I am sure he will get back to me one way or the other as I have text him this afternoon to let him know it is back.
The next dilemma is the van is booked into Alde for Monday 9th November for them to look at the boiler as it is "kettling" when the hot water is on. I know manufacturing is to stay open, so I will have to call Alde on Friday to see what they think. If I did go I would stay in my car on the car park, while they deal with the fault, so no contact with anyone, then drive straight home, they are only 60 miles away from where I live.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Oct 26, 2020 16:42:06 GMT
Further update Well after sending the emails to Alko and Coachman, both had not replied, this is absolutely not the way I expect manufacturers to behave, I texted the AWS engineer this morning to ask if he would get involved again, he did and he called me this afternoon to say Alko will accept the axle, if I arrange to get it to them, (I did offer just to get the axle down to them) that is really big of them, to say this is a 1 year old van and the failure is down to Alko manufacturing process, it is appalling. I have now booked a hire van at a cost of £48.00 I am hoping Alko will refund that cost. Sadly they are unable to offer any date for the return, their track record does not give me much hope. and I know as the rise in Covid cases, this will just hamper the situation. Another update today (26.10.20) I returned the axle back to Al-Ko factory this morning, tried to get them to rectify the axle while I was there, but no luck. The manager has said she will hopefully get the axle back to me in just over a week. Lets hope they do not let me down again.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Oct 22, 2020 16:12:04 GMT
Further update Well after sending the emails to Alko and Coachman, both had not replied, this is absolutely not the way I expect manufacturers to behave, I texted the AWS engineer this morning to ask if he would get involved again, he did and he called me this afternoon to say Alko will accept the axle, if I arrange to get it to them, (I did offer just to get the axle down to them) that is really big of them, to say this is a 1 year old van and the failure is down to Alko manufacturing process, it is appalling.
I have now booked a hire van at a cost of £48.00 I am hoping Alko will refund that cost. Sadly they are unable to offer any date for the return, their track record does not give me much hope. and I know as the rise in Covid cases, this will just hamper the situation.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Oct 21, 2020 14:23:55 GMT
Alko have still not arranged collection which means my appointment made with Alde to have the boiler looked at is beginning to look like it will not happen.
I can not believe why Alko are dragging their heals in getting this resolved. I have emailed Coachman Customer service manager to see if they can get Alko to move on this.
This is so frustrating.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Oct 18, 2020 13:00:27 GMT
Stub Axle damage to the hub bearing diameter and thread whilst removal of the one shot nut for the first time.
|
|
|
Post by Sorento 08 on Oct 18, 2020 11:16:27 GMT
Good Evening Mike, Finally managed a few days break last month, went away to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary, first time away since we put the van into storage last September. Location as nearly always, down on the Lizard in West Cornwall, off grid in our favourite farmer's field, and apart from two nights, had it entirely to ourselves. The pre-getaway clean up took some time. Not being able to use the storage owner's adjacent CS, wondered if the Karcher would run off our Mains Inverter system, and the van's water barrels, and it worked a treat, so we were able to put a sparkly clean van back on the road. Hopefully ? we'll be able to get away again over the Christmas period, if not, well, there's always next year, and maybe, greater freedom. Anyway, could you enter us in 9 nights @ £5.00 per night, and 165 miles towed. Many thanks Neil & Jackie C You could try this www.carparts4less.co.uk/p/streetwize-portawasher-portable-power-8l-sprayer-with-xtra-wash-brush-551770561?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxe6R2IG-7AIVQbTtCh3PfQXqEAQYASABEgLguPD_BwE
|
|