srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Apr 9, 2015 22:28:09 GMT
we used the Xplore for the first time over Easter. As soon as I disconnected the mains cable I tripped the tracker. It tripped again 30 minutes into the journey. I was told that I should switch the tracker off before moving off. On the return journey disconnecting the mains hook up tripped the tracker again even though it was switched off. Our first impressions of the van were mixed, it is basic as expected but adequate for our use. The cons first The rail on the pull out section which converts the front benches to a double bed fell off. it was glued and was attached with small screws into the chip board rail. This is totally inadequate and a better method was used to reattach. I reversed the direction of the screws so they went into the real wood of the rail. 3 heads of stainless screws show but so what. The doors on the wardrobes are held closed by very strong magnetic catches. My wife gave a tug to open one and the bottom hinge pulled away from the carcase. The screws in my opinion aren't long enough and it was re attached with longer screws. If it comes off again I shall use bolts through the hinge and wood even though the heads wil be visible. Practicality over appearance. A screw fell out of the sink. Annoying little things not worth a warranty repair. On the plus side, even though the whip tv aerial didn't work at home we got good reception in Wales. The hot air heating is good we only ever needed a low setting even on a very chilly night. All in all a good first trip.
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srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Mar 14, 2015 16:53:24 GMT
Just a thought, I suppose the tracker is active all of the time but only comes into use when the control room receives a call from the subscriber to say it has been taken illegally. Pretty obvious I suppose, but I have brain ache after the past week.
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srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Mar 14, 2015 16:44:58 GMT
The instructions are very poor and the web site is no better. I don't know when the tracker would be activated, I have to turn the van around on the motor mover before I can hitch up, whether this would activate it I don't know. I am hoping that it isn't activated until it has travelled a short distance, I will try and find out next week.
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srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Mar 14, 2015 16:39:28 GMT
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srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Mar 13, 2015 18:49:10 GMT
Being a new incarnation of a previous model, I thought it may be informative to relay my experiences with our new van.
We didn't get off to a good start. We went to collect the Xplore at the appointed time from Glossop Caravans. See my post in the welcome section regarding the problems with the Phantom tracker fitted. Hopefully it has been sorted out, but due to our oversight we haven't got an alarm fitted. I wrongly assumed that it would come with a factory fitted one like our 2 previous vans. I am a bit puzzled as to how the tracker can tell if it is being moved legally or being stolen. I had a false alarm today when I went into the van so I'll have to ring Phantom tomorrow for more information. Our other caravan had a plipper to arm the alarm and I assume it disabled the tracker when the plipper was used to switch the alarm off.
Our first impressions are that the Xplore will give us all we need for pleasant comfortable holidays.
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srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Mar 10, 2015 18:09:21 GMT
Well it has started, first of all do I keep posting on this welcome site or can you move this post to the right section. Now back to my woes. When I bought the van from Glossop caravans I paid extra for ATC and a Phantom tracker. On collecting the Xplore I saw a Phantom tracker box which I assumed had contained the tracker. Nothing was mentioned at the hand over and I never thought to ask. The next day on checking the box I found it was completely empty and I couldn't find any paper work anywhere. I tried registering the serial number on Phantom's web site but it was not recognised. I tried ringing them to activate their product I couldn't get through. The weekend stopped any further enquiries. Yesterday I started again, I ended up sending an Email to Phantom and one to Glossop caravans. Due to a family medical emergency I couldn't do anything else until today. First thing this morning I rang Glossop caravans, I was promised a return call. After spending most of the day at Hospital, I rang Glossop again at 4pm.
No trace of my original call was found. I was passed from pillar to post and 50 minutes later the fitter from the workshop rang me. He confirmed the tracker had been fitted and told me where the switch was. He was also adamant that he had put the documentation in the welcome pack personally. I cannot find any paper work anywhere. I switched the tracker on and contacted Phantom ops. There was still nothing on the system.
Luckily I have made sure the van is physically impossible to steal, my insurance would be void due to no tracker. I will take up the battle again tomorrow.
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srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Mar 3, 2015 12:29:58 GMT
Thanks for the welcome, we collect our new van on Thursday afternoon. I have spent a couple of hours sorting out insurance and ordering a new insert for our Alko wheel lock. The caravan dealer said it would take 4 weeks for order to arrive. I went to Alko online shop and should get it in 3 days!!!!
When we get it home we can start the process of loading our gear, our garage cannot be used due to caravan stuff. The Xplore 574 doesn't have outside lockers, everything is stored under the beds. As long as there is enough room I don't mind. I have had 2 occasions where a side locker came undone whilst travelling, this shouldn't happen again. Each time we change vans we say we are only going to take the essentials but as everyone knows it can soon get out of hand.
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srf
Slightly Hitched
Posts: 8
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Post by srf on Feb 25, 2015 13:07:24 GMT
We have been the owners of a touring caravan for over 10 years. We are OAPs, and use the van for family holidays mainly in North Wales. A new Xplore 574 has been on order and is shortly due to be collected by us from Glossop Caravans. We use a Ford Kuga Mk2 2 litre 163 bhp SUV to tow with.
We have traded in a Bailey Pegasus and have owned a Swift Challenger. in the past. I always carry a good selection of tools because from experience running repairs are always required. Our breakdowns included the Bailey which had a collapsed wheel bearing within the first 100 miles of use from new. Failures include an exploding extractor fan when one of the blades sheered off. 2 toilet electric flushing pumps replaced and 1 toilet electronic button. We had a failure of the onboard water pump and an ATC warning lamp failing. A leaking shower tap and the same with a sink tap. I always have our vans serviced regularly and winterise properly. We use a cover over winter. I don't know whether we are just unlucky or whether these type of problems are common.
The Xplore was chosen after seeing reviews on line including the Caravan Channel. We hope we have made a good choice, but only time will tell. I am looking forward to reading and taking part in this forum.
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