On the Coachman, lovely though they are, I’m surprised no one has noticed the old fashioned tungsten bulb rear light clusters, the cheap jockey wheel, the very cheap roof light in the washroom on the Lusso (£30), the cheaper larger roof lights in the VIP (Half the price of a Heki and brittle), no solar panel on Arcadia or VIP, the small fridge in the VIP 575, VIP and the curling up wall joint tape that will fall off. Yet all beautifully presented.
I used to think end bathroom best. But when searching for a new caravan. The one avaliable at my price was centre bathroom. With longitudinal bed Which I was so glad I had it I always got up way before my wife. So centre bathroom so much more practical. Don't have to disturb wife going to loo. 2 doors as well between to keep down noise. Cup of tea etc
Hiya David, get where you’re coming from on the noise front 😉. Great to have a choice and must say it’s a squeeze getting around the transverse bed in the night. Hope you’re well and keep watching. ATB, Helen & Dave 👍
Hi Helen and Dave a great video as ever! All of them are lovely caravans and some really good design touches they are so much like a real home from home now! I remember a friend of my parents had a coachman VIP many years back and always spoke highly of them in quality terms Swifts have also had a good reputation as well Did you see anything you liked! Best wishes to you both and Bella Daniel
Agree with Helen, Wow! What a beautiful caravan. Love the L shaped sofa and the fact you still have windows on both sides which you often lose on a L shape. Now all we need is £52,000😂.
Hi Cas, yes, just the small matter of £52k plus a new tow car to pull it!! How the other half live but it's nice to dream. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Hi Dave & Helen, Beautiful high end caravans 👍. Only the two birth would fit in our caravan garage though. Will have to get a new one one day 😁. Currently at Delph Bank…. Take care both, Rob & Gail 😀
Hi Rob & Gail, No, you don't need a bigger garage or a new caravan, yours is in pristine condition and does the job beautifully, so why change? Hope you're having a nice time time at Delph Bank, please say Hi to Stewart. ATB, Helen & Dave
Morning both of you, fantastic reviews from both of you. Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻 We have a Coachman VIP 460 two berth. 2022 model. It's as plush as the ones you've reviewed. It's said that the 460 has the largest lounge, kitchen, and washroom of all of the Coachman caravans! The shower, as you say, is huge. The build quality is superb in Coachman. Worth every penny. Loving your videos, thank you. Have a great day Christina x
Hi Christina, thanks so much for sharing your story. Must say, we haven't met a Coachman owner yet who has not been happy with their caravan. We really like them too. Thanks again, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave , our friends went from a swift 9 years ago to Coachman and haven't looked back! They're on their 4th Coachman now. If we had the space at home, we would go for the VIP 675... another beautiful caravan from Coachman. A twin axle fixed bed, end washroom 4 berth... In our dreams.. or when we move 🤞🏼🤞🏼😉 Take care both of you. I hope Helen's shoulders are OK? I, too, am a fellow 'shoulder sufferer'.. X
We had a few Baileys over the years but changed when they did away with the front lockers ,bought our first coachman liked it so much we bought another one this year they have a great Finnish but like everything else these days getting expensive
Hi Doug, not been in a coachman we haven’t liked, the quality is amazing. The prices have gone up in recent years quite dramatically but I wonder if the tide is about to change? Dealers closing all over the place and there is a dip in demand post Covid it will be interesting to see. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave 👍
Same here Brian, lovely vans but we will be sticking with what we have for now. Nice to dream. Helen says Hi and thanks for enquiring. She's still on the heavy meds and putting on a brave face. Take care, `Helen & Dave
Hi Dave and Helen hope your both well We’re on our second coachman now and before we bought the current one we looked at a lot of different caravans and swift in quite depth however the overall quality / finish / and detail on a coachman made our decision very easy Keep up the great work Matt and Karen
Hi Matt & Karen, the Rolls Royce of caravans!! they really are. We were blown away by the size and luxury finish and build of the Lusso 2. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Hi Julie & Tony, we're just back from another trip today so playing catch up (have a couple of your vids to view we think). The Coachman's are very nice vans but we would need to buy a new tow car too if we were going to buy the Lusso 2. Still, nice to window shop lol. Take care, Helen & Dave
Hallelujah. At last Dave, someone who has pulled the bed out and shows everyone the night mode. Never seen it yet on any other Vlog. Many thanks. For us it is a Coachman. Infact we are going to the show next week to peruse at the coachman XCEL with a view to getting one next year once we get something bigger to pull it. The other main thing we are looking at (apart from the pull out bed) is how good the build is underneath re: water ingress. If they still build them like they did say 10 years ago with a skirt sticking down a lot lower than the floor then we are exchanging our 8ft Bailey for a 8ft XCEL Coachman. Many thanks for the review. The Lusso is just a tad our of our price range. Regards Mossy and JM.
Hi both, hope you're well and thanks for the lovely comment. Must say most transverse beds in night mode leave very little room but like ours it's doable! The coachman Lusso 2 was like a hotel room, very nice indeed but we were surprised by the room in the swift Challenger but of course no fixed bed! Hope you get what you're looking for and enjoy the show. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave and Helen, I do like the Coleman caravans, my very first van which my parents gave me was a Coleman VIP back in the early 2000's, but sadly every manufacturer lacks putting electric sockets in the bedroom area, I need this due to having a sleep apnea machine, that first van was out of this world, all the best and safe travels, Neil
Hi Neil, hope you're well. Must agree, getting a plug socket in the bedroom area is a challenge, our nearest one is by the vanity unit at the end of the bed (or in the wardrobe!). The Coachman Lusso 2 is a very nice caravan, the quality is easy to see. Thanks as always, Helen & Dave
Same, never got the idea of a toilet window other than for letting the steam out from the shower or the fumes from the toilet lol. Hope you're well Barbs!
Hi helen and dave,great vlog love the coachman and the swift challenger helen needs to look at a 4 berth challenger i think she would love it, dont think your wallet would though dave 😂😂😂😂 hope your both well,see you soon,take care as always xx
Hi there Julie, we love the Swift caravans too but for now the wallet is staying in my pocket lol. Thanks as always and our very best wishes to you Julie. Take care, Helen & Dave
That new Bailey Alicante Alvoro also looks rather nice, not quite the same spec, but a king size bed is tempting, which is why we are absolutely avoiding dealers and the NEC at all costs right now.😮
Helen and Dave another great video, I will be in the market for a new van in the spring as sadly my lovely Swift Eccles X 850 has been stolen from storage. Obviously professional job all wheel clamps and hitch lock ground off and alarm and tracker disabled !! Hope the insurance don’t mess around with a silly low offer. I will have to get my caravan fix from watching your videos for the next few months. Regards Ian
Hi there Ian, that's devastating news!! We do hope that your insurance company is quick to respond and ensure that you get the offer that you rightly deserve. The thieves sound like they are indeed professional and you have to question the security at the storage yard too. We appreciate you watching the vids and hope that you find a great replacement caravan when the time comes. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi Helen and Dave, very nice vans but out of our league. I think we will be staying with our 3 year old Swift Challenger 850x for now. I agree with Helen about having the fridge on the non awning side. We have had problems keeping our fridge cold on very hot days when the awning is in place. Hope Helen is soon on the mend with her shoulder issues. Cheers, Terry
Hi Terry, thanks for watching, you have a lovely caravan there, we like the Swifts. Yes, Helen makes a good point, seems odd putting fridges on the awning side of caravans but many manufacturers do it don't they, many of the Bailey caravans for example. Hope you're well and thanks as always, Helen & Dave
Great video! We had a look in a 2023 Lusso I at a local show and we were just ‘wow!’ Really liked it, even at £38k. But then we went to look at a local Adria dealer and whilst not quite as luxurious, I do then they are a match for Coachman in terms of quality. And at about half the price of a new Coachman it was great value for money. Pick it up at the end of the month, can’t wait! Although am a bit nervous about it being 8ft wide and over 8m long include the A frame. Especially coming from a Bailey Discovery D4-4!
Hi Matt, that's a big jump but we've towed 8ft wide before and honestly, no issues at all. It still follows you, just take those corners a wee bit wider lol. Not overly familia with them but here is an Adria dealer in North Norfolk, so will see if we can arrange a visit sometime soon. Good luck and congrats on the new purchase. Thanks as always and ATB, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave thank you for the reassurance, I’m sure I’ll be fine after a few miles. We’ve got a VW Touareg too so should be a good match. It would be good to hear your views on the Adria, I think they are built well and look great! I think Helen will notice the ‘neutral tones!’ But they have slashed of colour with the cushions and we’ll be adding more hits and pieces. We went for the Tiber as it has a mid bathroom but they’ve designed it in a way such that it’s doesn’t make it feel smaller but using a kind of Jack and Jill arrangement. Also has built in Bluetooth system which is pretty cool!
Hi Helen and Dave. Great vlog of new models to the market 👌. For us we cannot justify the coachman cost 😮, we have been in them at our local dealer and found things now seem to be made cheaper but still charging a premium. No opening lockers under front seats plus no access from outside, still using wall tape, which we all no curls up. Thought they would have upgraded the stereo by now at that money. For us defo the challenger it just looked much nicer. Just our view, still enjoyed seeing you two back on the telly 😊. Take care as always. Paul and Joanne 👍 😍.
Hi Paul & Joanne, a few people are in agreement. Time to ditch the car stereo's in four of something more 21st century. Out of our price bracket but we really did like the Lusso 2. That said, the Swift felt very homely and the 2 birth layout gives much more living space and it felt very roomy and luxurious and without the need of buying a new tow car and £22k cheaper. Nice to window shop but we will not be changing. Best wishes to you both and thanks as always, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave Thanks, Fully agree, We had a two berth and moved to a fixed bed, sometimes wonder if we did the right thing as a two berth offers more living space, only compromise making up the bed 😉 😍
Hi Simon, thanks for watching, we both like the Swift caravans and the Elegance 835!is a very nice van (lucky you). It’s great to be able to have a choice and there’s certainly plenty to choose from. Thanks again, Helen & Dave 👍
We have looked at the 2 berths Dave and agree that you do get a lot of free space the compromise being the bed, however think about getting in and out of bed, especially the “Night visits” you are back to fixed bed territory.
Hi Keith, valuable comment and yes, you're quite right, this is why we changed from a French bed to a transverse Island bed, didn't enjoy the clambering over each other in the night lol. Thanks as always for watching. Helen & Dave
Sorry to hear that Ronald and they look so good too. However, I think you now have a Rolls Royce of a caravan with the Coachman, lovely caravans. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience too. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi Susan, it was some time back when we weighed the caravan with our stuff in but it gave us a good guide as to how much we can carry. We do take a measurement on the nose weight more regularly. I think it's something that's worth doing if you can get on a local weigh bridge. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Hi Sue, yes the Coachman is very nice indeed. I'm not sure about the price but it would be illegal to advertise/display if this were not the case. Perhaps it's the price Norwich caravans were selling at in 2023? Hope you're well and thanks for watching. ATB, Helen & Dave
The one thing that all manufacturers do with the pull out day and night bed type is not put enough strengthening on the extender in night mode.... I do worry that they are so flimsy and not substantial enough
Hi Dan, I can only vouch for our own and we haven’t had any issue. Our biggest challenge is more about the space left between the end of the bed and the caravan wall. Maybe we need to diet a bit harder 😂. Hope you’re all well 👍 Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave that's good to hear Dave, I do like the coachman twin axle, sadly I don't think I'll have 50k kicking around any time soon, or ever if I'm honest. I'll have to see what retirement looks like in 9 years god willing. Love to you both Dan & Sandra
Always the coachman, never been overly impressed with the swifts. Kitchens are a bit small and their finish never impressed. We have a laser with one eye on a Lusso. If i added all the extras to a different van we wouldn’t be far off the price of the lusso.
The Coachman’s are definitely Premier league, they do say you get what you pay for. The Lusso is very nice indeed! Thanks for watching, Helen and Dave 👍
Hi I like the vid’s you do as you do cover most things, but if in a budget but have a few £££‘s to spend on a new van, the major concern is that if you don’t have a heavy car to tow with you are limited as tow weight is a major factor, so not only buying a new van but a more expensive car could be needed. You could be looking at an extra cost in getting a newer car ie insurance, tax, day to day running cost.. 😊
Hi there Eamon, completely agree. If we were to buy the Coachman not only would we spend £52k on the caravan but probably another £35k on a car to pull it and then as you say, the insurance extras too. This video was all about showing some of the very best luxury caravans. We have also done a number of similar videos on entry and mid range vans too. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Hi Gordon, It's a lot of money but it's a lovely caravan, however, we will be staying with what we have for a while. Thankfully, there's a model and a price out there for most budgets, same with cars but everything seems ti be getting very expensive these days. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
I can see the DIY bed going to have to make a massive comeback with weight now being an issue with tow cars . The Swift is a beautiful caravan loads of space . Coachman’s Lusso 2 . iMO these are seasonal caravans . Heavy and very expensive. Plus you’re going to need another £45-50 k to find a suitable tow car. Not many caravanners will have £100k set up costs .
Thanks Claire, realised later about the microwave but this model does have underfloor heating and a separate hot water boiler to ensure continuous hot showers. We really like the Coachman's. Thanks for watching. ATB, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave We looked at it last year when we bought ours. The motorhomes have underfloor heating but not the caravans. I think Norwich caravans have made a mistake, it's not on the Coachman website either.
@@clairehayward1078 Yes, you're right, I can't see any reference to it but the salesman made a big thing of it, he must have got confused bless him lol. Thanks again. Helen & Dave
I think the Lusso should have underfloor heating, I know the Buccaneers are specced with it and they also have E and P levelling as standard.. Underfloor heating really is fantastic for winter caravanning, super toasty. We also had the levelling system added, mainly due to not being that fit enough anymore to stoop and use the winder or drill even, the other big bonus is that the van is rock steady and just feels really solid. Great vlog once again, both.
Katie and I have a Coachman Acadia on our shortish list for our next van, and to be honest I can’t see where the extra £22,000 is going on the Lusso (does underfloor heating, self levelling and air con cost £22,000?). £30k is already eye wateringly expensive! 😅
Also, Bailey (one of our other shortlisters) have done away with the awful, outdated radios and replaced them with portable Sonos speakers, for me that’s a much better idea. 😀
Fair point, it's a lot of Wonga! Nice vans though whichever model you choose, you know you're getting the best! I've always thought the same about motorhomes and camper vans. Really like them but can't see where all the money is in them. Saw some VW campers last week at almost £80k !! Deffo eye watering lol.
Without even watching this I'd say lusso. Saw inside one for the first time last week and it was like been in a hotel room. Leagues above other manufacturers.
Ha Ha, that's exactly how we both described it, a hotel room however, we were taken by the Swift, which even surprised us. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Hi Fred, the Coachman is very nice! How old is your Sterling and which models it please? (apologies if you have mentioned before just can't recall. Cheers, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave 2011 eccles. By the way, why do caravans not have compressor fridges in. In the summer, they are all rubbish compared to a compressor fridge in a campervan, even expensive caravans. I don't care about the extra noise a compressor fridge makes, keeping your food cool and a lack of food poisoning is much more important. Anyway, I use ear plugs at night, the wife's snoring is many multiples of the audible volume of the fridge lol. On caravans, I must say that I much prefer a conventional front area set up instead of a corner unit. It seems a much better use of space with better functionality, even the wider ones.
@@FredFox-m9v Must admit, mid summer this year our fridge was struggling to keep food cold and the ice box completely failed. Personal choices but I quite like the 'L' shaped lounges, Helen less so. I better get some of those ear plugs too lol.
Hi Dave. Just to point out you put "Birth" in your picture title, I'm sure you meant to put "Berth" Love all your videos, but just wondering where manufacturers are heading when they still produce these great big "Gin Palaces" on wheels when the Government are trying to force us all in to buying electric cars? It doesn't make sense. If diesels are being phased out, and most manufacturers are not making them any more due to such low demand, where are all the big tow cars going to come from? Many electric cars are not suitable for towing or have a very reduced range if they can tow. Low towing limits, difficulty recharging on route with a caravan on the back all add to my scepticism. Also on the subject of Motorhomes, bearing in mind many manufacturers try to build them just under the magic 3500kg limit, so they can be driven on a car licence, what happens if diesel engines are no longer available in the future? Adding a heavy battery will send that weight way over that 3500kg limit? I'd be interested in your view Dave of where the leisure industry is heading over the next few years, or are they just burying their heads in the sand and hoping that it all goes away!
Thanks for the heads up!!! Not sure if I was having a mad moment of the auto correct had kicked in, either way I've changed it now, thanks again. Very interesting question and I'm not too sure but here is my view. I'm not an electric car fan I must say and towing most vans, especially these beasts is just not practical with an electric car in my opinion. The whole carbon neutral policy that we seem to be reaching for is not practical and is impacting the leisure industry and commerce as a whole I think. with caravan dealers closing left right and centre, the leisure industry is struggling for sure but I reckon that's more to do with the Covid aftermath. Every man and his dog bought a caravan or leisure vehicle of one kind or another and the 2nd hand market is now flooded with them. Couple that with the cost of living crisis and that means that the demand for new vehicles is down and therefore the dealers can't make a profit and only the strong or richest will survive IMO. I don't see a time in the near future where we will not be without diesel vehicles but of course we will probably all pay the price at the pump! It's an interesting one but for all of the above reasons, we will not be changing the car or the caravan anytime soon and I think it's a case of, watch this space. All the best DAVE & Helen
That's all only a small part of the problem. Most people haven't got a clue where we're headed. 15 minute cities, the end of private car ownership and the digital prison being put up under our noses seems to have passed most people by.
@@paulhill4457 No got a few other video's to drop in but you've given me some inspiration and I'll get in touch with an Adria dealer in `north Norfolk and see if we can have a look around. Watch this space.
I would have a lusso 2 but that flimsy screen you pull across to separate bathroom and kitchen is tacky,bedroom to close to the kitchen.Why don’t they do different layouts? I renew my caravan every 2 years and currently have the 2023 swift elegance 835 mid bathroom and it’s very nice 👍
Hi Mark, we are fans of the swift caravans and you have a great van there. We also have one of those flimsy screens and can only think they are used to save weight and because they are flexible. Agree though, they’re not great. Thanks, Helen & Dave 👍
Thanks for watching Janice, they are little dark and the mirrors are smoked too. Nice van though but we couldn't justify blowing a hole in the pension! lol. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
One of the most abysmal lo fi out of date things they fit. I've got a 2016 elegance based bessacarr and I've barely switched it on. The sound quality is so bad that I honestly don't know how they get away with fitting such a crummy system. I just bring along either my Sonos move or roam. Which I just Bluetooth to my phone. Caravan manufacturers should give up and just fit a 3rd party system. The big difference is that products like the Sonos get such a good sound is because they use digital signal processing developed specifically for the product.
Must say Michael, you're bang on there, it's a lovely caravan and a nice Roberts DAB built in sound system would be more in keeping. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Nice to see you pull the bed out and check how much space their is, not many do that.
Thanks for watching Chris. Plenty of room in this little beauty. ATB, Helen & Dave
On the Coachman, lovely though they are, I’m surprised no one has noticed the old fashioned tungsten bulb rear light clusters, the cheap jockey wheel, the very cheap roof light in the washroom on the Lusso (£30), the cheaper larger roof lights in the VIP (Half the price of a Heki and brittle), no solar panel on Arcadia or VIP, the small fridge in the VIP 575, VIP and the curling up wall joint tape that will fall off. Yet all beautifully presented.
😂😂😂 nope out of the hundred and thirty odd comments on this video not one person mentioned any of those things 👍 😉
Thanks both for the update, the Coachman VIP 575 we really like…thanks for sharing these caravans, certainly food for thought 😀😀 Tris and Nikki
Hi Tris & Nikki, thanks for watching. The Coachman caravans are very nice indeed but we won’t be buying 😂👍
I used to think end bathroom best. But when searching for a new caravan. The one avaliable at my price was centre bathroom. With longitudinal bed
Which I was so glad I had it
I always got up way before my wife. So centre bathroom so much more practical. Don't have to disturb wife going to loo. 2 doors as well between to keep down noise. Cup of tea etc
Hiya David, get where you’re coming from on the noise front 😉. Great to have a choice and must say it’s a squeeze getting around the transverse bed in the night. Hope you’re well and keep watching. ATB, Helen & Dave 👍
Hi Helen and Dave a great video as ever! All of them are lovely caravans and some really good design touches they are so much like a real home from home now! I remember a friend of my parents had a coachman VIP many years back and always spoke highly of them in quality terms
Swifts have also had a good reputation as well
Did you see anything you liked!
Best wishes to you both and Bella Daniel
We liked them all Daniel 😂😂 the Lusso 2 was something else but not practical for us. Quality of these vans was evident👍 cheers, Helen & Dave 👍
Agree with Helen, Wow! What a beautiful caravan. Love the L shaped sofa and the fact you still have windows on both sides which you often lose on a L shape. Now all we need is £52,000😂.
Hi Cas, yes, just the small matter of £52k plus a new tow car to pull it!! How the other half live but it's nice to dream. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Hi Dave & Helen, Beautiful high end caravans 👍. Only the two birth would fit in our caravan garage though. Will have to get a new one one day 😁. Currently at Delph Bank…. Take care both, Rob & Gail 😀
Hi Rob & Gail, No, you don't need a bigger garage or a new caravan, yours is in pristine condition and does the job beautifully, so why change? Hope you're having a nice time time at Delph Bank, please say Hi to Stewart. ATB, Helen & Dave
Think helen would like the most expensive one i think its lovely thankyou for the video❤
I think so too Alison! lol. Lovely caravan though . Thanks for watching. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Morning both of you, fantastic reviews from both of you. Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻
We have a Coachman VIP 460 two berth. 2022 model.
It's as plush as the ones you've reviewed.
It's said that the 460 has the largest lounge, kitchen, and washroom of all of the Coachman caravans!
The shower, as you say, is huge.
The build quality is superb in Coachman. Worth every penny.
Loving your videos, thank you.
Have a great day
Christina x
Hi Christina, thanks so much for sharing your story. Must say, we haven't met a Coachman owner yet who has not been happy with their caravan. We really like them too. Thanks again, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave , our friends went from a swift 9 years ago to Coachman and haven't looked back! They're on their 4th Coachman now.
If we had the space at home, we would go for the VIP 675... another beautiful caravan from Coachman. A twin axle fixed bed, end washroom 4 berth...
In our dreams.. or when we move 🤞🏼🤞🏼😉
Take care both of you.
I hope Helen's shoulders are OK?
I, too, am a fellow 'shoulder sufferer'..
X
@@ProudNannatoSIX thank you Christina ❤️
Lovely vans! Agree the Swift is very nice but it’s the Lusso 2 for us (if we could afford it). Another great video, thanks 👍
Good choice! that's where we would be too but the Swift is much more in our price range lol.
We had a few Baileys over the years but changed when they did away with the front lockers ,bought our first coachman liked it so much we bought another one this year they have a great Finnish but like everything else these days getting expensive
Hi Doug, not been in a coachman we haven’t liked, the quality is amazing. The prices have gone up in recent years quite dramatically but I wonder if the tide is about to change? Dealers closing all over the place and there is a dip in demand post Covid it will be interesting to see. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave 👍
Some great kit there. Out of my range though. Hope you are feeling well Helen. Thanks for the commentary Dave
Same here Brian, lovely vans but we will be sticking with what we have for now. Nice to dream. Helen says Hi and thanks for enquiring. She's still on the heavy meds and putting on a brave face. Take care, `Helen & Dave
Amazing video as always thank you
Thanks Helen, appreciated as always 👍
Hi Dave and Helen hope your both well
We’re on our second coachman now and before we bought the current one we looked at a lot of different caravans and swift in quite depth however the overall quality / finish / and detail on a coachman made our decision very easy
Keep up the great work
Matt and Karen
Hi Matt & Karen, the Rolls Royce of caravans!! they really are. We were blown away by the size and luxury finish and build of the Lusso 2. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Hello Dave and Helen, enjoyed your reviews of the 2 caravans, think we like the Coachman the best. Quality, take care x Julie and Tony x
Hi Julie & Tony, we're just back from another trip today so playing catch up (have a couple of your vids to view we think). The Coachman's are very nice vans but we would need to buy a new tow car too if we were going to buy the Lusso 2. Still, nice to window shop lol. Take care, Helen & Dave
Hallelujah. At last Dave, someone who has pulled the bed out and shows everyone the night mode. Never seen it yet on any other Vlog. Many thanks.
For us it is a Coachman. Infact we are going to the show next week to peruse at the coachman XCEL with a view to getting one next year once we get something bigger to pull it.
The other main thing we are looking at (apart from the pull out bed) is how good the build is underneath re: water ingress. If they still build them like they did say 10 years ago with a skirt sticking down a lot lower than the floor then we are exchanging our 8ft Bailey for a 8ft XCEL Coachman. Many thanks for the review. The Lusso is just a tad our of our price range.
Regards Mossy and JM.
Hi both, hope you're well and thanks for the lovely comment. Must say most transverse beds in night mode leave very little room but like ours it's doable! The coachman Lusso 2 was like a hotel room, very nice indeed but we were surprised by the room in the swift Challenger but of course no fixed bed! Hope you get what you're looking for and enjoy the show. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave and Helen, I do like the Coleman caravans, my very first van which my parents gave me was a Coleman VIP back in the early 2000's, but sadly every manufacturer lacks putting electric sockets in the bedroom area, I need this due to having a sleep apnea machine, that first van was out of this world, all the best and safe travels, Neil
Hi Neil, hope you're well. Must agree, getting a plug socket in the bedroom area is a challenge, our nearest one is by the vanity unit at the end of the bed (or in the wardrobe!). The Coachman Lusso 2 is a very nice caravan, the quality is easy to see. Thanks as always, Helen & Dave
Love the idea of having a skylight in the washroom instead of a window on the Challenger.
Same, never got the idea of a toilet window other than for letting the steam out from the shower or the fumes from the toilet lol. Hope you're well Barbs!
Hi helen and dave,great vlog love the coachman and the swift challenger helen needs to look at a 4 berth challenger i think she would love it, dont think your wallet would though dave 😂😂😂😂 hope your both well,see you soon,take care as always xx
Hi there Julie, we love the Swift caravans too but for now the wallet is staying in my pocket lol. Thanks as always and our very best wishes to you Julie. Take care, Helen & Dave
That new Bailey Alicante Alvoro also looks rather nice, not quite the same spec, but a king size bed is tempting, which is why we are absolutely avoiding dealers and the NEC at all costs right now.😮
Hiya Mel, so what you're saying is, you're going to be getting a Bailey Alicante Alvoro lol. Hope you're both keeping well. ATB, Helen & Dave
Helen and Dave another great video, I will be in the market for a new van in the spring as sadly my lovely Swift Eccles X 850 has been stolen from storage. Obviously professional job all wheel clamps and hitch lock ground off and alarm and tracker disabled !!
Hope the insurance don’t mess around with a silly low offer. I will have to get my caravan fix from watching your videos for the next few months.
Regards
Ian
Hi there Ian, that's devastating news!! We do hope that your insurance company is quick to respond and ensure that you get the offer that you rightly deserve. The thieves sound like they are indeed professional and you have to question the security at the storage yard too. We appreciate you watching the vids and hope that you find a great replacement caravan when the time comes. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi Helen and Dave, very nice vans but out of our league. I think we will be staying with our 3 year old Swift Challenger 850x for now.
I agree with Helen about having the fridge on the non awning side. We have had problems keeping our fridge cold on very hot days when the awning is in place.
Hope Helen is soon on the mend with her shoulder issues. Cheers, Terry
Hi Terry, thanks for watching, you have a lovely caravan there, we like the Swifts. Yes, Helen makes a good point, seems odd putting fridges on the awning side of caravans but many manufacturers do it don't they, many of the Bailey caravans for example. Hope you're well and thanks as always, Helen & Dave
Great video!
We had a look in a 2023 Lusso I at a local show and we were just ‘wow!’ Really liked it, even at £38k.
But then we went to look at a local Adria dealer and whilst not quite as luxurious, I do then they are a match for Coachman in terms of quality. And at about half the price of a new Coachman it was great value for money. Pick it up at the end of the month, can’t wait! Although am a bit nervous about it being 8ft wide and over 8m long include the A frame. Especially coming from a Bailey Discovery D4-4!
Hi Matt, that's a big jump but we've towed 8ft wide before and honestly, no issues at all. It still follows you, just take those corners a wee bit wider lol. Not overly familia with them but here is an Adria dealer in North Norfolk, so will see if we can arrange a visit sometime soon. Good luck and congrats on the new purchase. Thanks as always and ATB, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave thank you for the reassurance, I’m sure I’ll be fine after a few miles. We’ve got a VW Touareg too so should be a good match. It would be good to hear your views on the Adria, I think they are built well and look great! I think Helen will notice the ‘neutral tones!’ But they have slashed of colour with the cushions and we’ll be adding more hits and pieces. We went for the Tiber as it has a mid bathroom but they’ve designed it in a way such that it’s doesn’t make it feel smaller but using a kind of Jack and Jill arrangement. Also has built in Bluetooth system which is pretty cool!
@@TeamGavlar sounds great and no issue towing with that tow car 👍👍
Hi Helen and Dave.
Great vlog of new models to the market 👌.
For us we cannot justify the coachman cost 😮, we have been in them at our local dealer and found things now seem to be made cheaper but still charging a premium.
No opening lockers under front seats plus no access from outside, still using wall tape, which we all no curls up.
Thought they would have upgraded the stereo by now at that money.
For us defo the challenger it just looked much nicer.
Just our view, still enjoyed seeing you two back on the telly 😊.
Take care as always.
Paul and Joanne 👍 😍.
Hi Paul & Joanne, a few people are in agreement. Time to ditch the car stereo's in four of something more 21st century. Out of our price bracket but we really did like the Lusso 2. That said, the Swift felt very homely and the 2 birth layout gives much more living space and it felt very roomy and luxurious and without the need of buying a new tow car and £22k cheaper. Nice to window shop but we will not be changing. Best wishes to you both and thanks as always, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave
Thanks,
Fully agree,
We had a two berth and moved to a fixed bed, sometimes wonder if we did the right thing as a two berth offers more living space, only compromise making up the bed 😉 😍
I don't want an L shape seating area or a rear bathroom so the Lusso range was out for me. I ended up getting an Elegence 835
Hi Simon, thanks for watching, we both like the Swift caravans and the Elegance 835!is a very nice van (lucky you). It’s great to be able to have a choice and there’s certainly plenty to choose from. Thanks again, Helen & Dave 👍
We have looked at the 2 berths Dave and agree that you do get a lot of free space the compromise being the bed, however think about getting in and out of bed, especially the “Night visits” you are back to fixed bed territory.
Hi Keith, valuable comment and yes, you're quite right, this is why we changed from a French bed to a transverse Island bed, didn't enjoy the clambering over each other in the night lol. Thanks as always for watching. Helen & Dave
We Had Too many Problems With The Swift Elegance, Had It All Put Right Under Warranty But Didn't Trust It !.. Now Have A Coachman, Lovely Caravan..👍
Sorry to hear that Ronald and they look so good too. However, I think you now have a Rolls Royce of a caravan with the Coachman, lovely caravans. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience too. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Hi we are looking into buying a caravan and have seen a lot on RUclips about weighs. Have you had your van weighted with everything in it?
Hi Susan, it was some time back when we weighed the caravan with our stuff in but it gave us a good guide as to how much we can carry. We do take a measurement on the nose weight more regularly. I think it's something that's worth doing if you can get on a local weigh bridge. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Hi Dave and Helen for us it's the coachman but I must say the price was not the same as 2023
Hi Sue, yes the Coachman is very nice indeed. I'm not sure about the price but it would be illegal to advertise/display if this were not the case. Perhaps it's the price Norwich caravans were selling at in 2023? Hope you're well and thanks for watching. ATB, Helen & Dave
Coachman Lusso for me, need a lottery win though !
You and us too Gail, wonderful caravan but we would need a new tow car too. Nice to dream! Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Hi I would like to see reviews on older Caravans over £5000 most people could not Tow or afford a Caravan like that one Thanks Andrew.
Hi Andrew, take a look back in our video catalogue, we've done quite a few already. Cheers, Helen & Dave
The one thing that all manufacturers do with the pull out day and night bed type is not put enough strengthening on the extender in night mode.... I do worry that they are so flimsy and not substantial enough
Hi Dan, I can only vouch for our own and we haven’t had any issue. Our biggest challenge is more about the space left between the end of the bed and the caravan wall. Maybe we need to diet a bit harder 😂. Hope you’re all well 👍 Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave that's good to hear Dave, I do like the coachman twin axle, sadly I don't think I'll have 50k kicking around any time soon, or ever if I'm honest. I'll have to see what retirement looks like in 9 years god willing. Love to you both Dan & Sandra
Swift - then again..... Swift !
Do you like Swift Graham? :o) Thanks for watching, ATB, Helen & Dave
Coachman - and that’s before I’ve seen the video 😂
Ha Ha, beautiful caravan but we we also really loved the two birth Swift, blew us away actually. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Always the coachman, never been overly impressed with the swifts. Kitchens are a bit small and their finish never impressed. We have a laser with one eye on a Lusso. If i added all the extras to a different van we wouldn’t be far off the price of the lusso.
The Coachman’s are definitely Premier league, they do say you get what you pay for. The Lusso is very nice indeed! Thanks for watching, Helen and Dave 👍
Hi I like the vid’s you do as you do cover most things, but if in a budget but have a few £££‘s to spend on a new van, the major concern is that if you don’t have a heavy car to tow with you are limited as tow weight is a major factor, so not only buying a new van but a more expensive car could be needed. You could be looking at an extra cost in getting a newer car ie insurance, tax, day to day running cost.. 😊
Hi there Eamon, completely agree. If we were to buy the Coachman not only would we spend £52k on the caravan but probably another £35k on a car to pull it and then as you say, the insurance extras too. This video was all about showing some of the very best luxury caravans. We have also done a number of similar videos on entry and mid range vans too. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
Swift because of the SmartHT. All caravans eventually leak, at least there is no wooden frame or floor in these to repair when it gets wet.
Ah, a Swift fan!. We like Swifts, our Sterling Eccles is basically a swift. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment Luke. Cheers, Helen & Dave
Would be very nice however £52000 for a caravan in my opinion is a small fortune. The manufacturers are going to price themselves out of it..
Hi Gordon, It's a lot of money but it's a lovely caravan, however, we will be staying with what we have for a while. Thankfully, there's a model and a price out there for most budgets, same with cars but everything seems ti be getting very expensive these days. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
I can see the DIY bed going to have to make a massive comeback with weight now being an issue with tow cars . The Swift is a beautiful caravan loads of space .
Coachman’s Lusso 2 . iMO these are seasonal caravans . Heavy and very expensive. Plus you’re going to need another £45-50 k to find a suitable tow car. Not many caravanners will have £100k set up costs .
Hi, that’s pretty much how we see it too. Good to have a choice though. Thanks for watching, Helen & Dave
We love our Coachman (laser). Under the microwave is an extractor fan, not the microwave panel. It hasn't got under floor heating. 😊
Thanks Claire, realised later about the microwave but this model does have underfloor heating and a separate hot water boiler to ensure continuous hot showers. We really like the Coachman's. Thanks for watching. ATB, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave We looked at it last year when we bought ours. The motorhomes have underfloor heating but not the caravans. I think Norwich caravans have made a mistake, it's not on the Coachman website either.
@@clairehayward1078 Yes, you're right, I can't see any reference to it but the salesman made a big thing of it, he must have got confused bless him lol. Thanks again. Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave Well, we all make mistakes. 😊
I think the Lusso should have underfloor heating, I know the Buccaneers are specced with it and they also have E and P levelling as standard.. Underfloor heating really is fantastic for winter caravanning, super toasty. We also had the levelling system added, mainly due to not being that fit enough anymore to stoop and use the winder or drill even, the other big bonus is that the van is rock steady and just feels really solid.
Great vlog once again, both.
Listen to Helen with her ‘Cool Tones’ 😂👍
I know my interior design commentary young man!
Katie and I have a Coachman Acadia on our shortish list for our next van, and to be honest I can’t see where the extra £22,000 is going on the Lusso (does underfloor heating, self levelling and air con cost £22,000?). £30k is already eye wateringly expensive! 😅
Also, Bailey (one of our other shortlisters) have done away with the awful, outdated radios and replaced them with portable Sonos speakers, for me that’s a much better idea. 😀
Fair point, it's a lot of Wonga! Nice vans though whichever model you choose, you know you're getting the best! I've always thought the same about motorhomes and camper vans. Really like them but can't see where all the money is in them. Saw some VW campers last week at almost £80k !! Deffo eye watering lol.
Much more 21st century, agreed! You don't even get car radios in cars anymore lol.
The controls under the microwave are for the extractor fan.
thanks Samantha, realised that afterwards but appreciate the feedback. Lovely caravan.
All microwaves are to high for small people like me an Helen 😂
@@janiceKershaw-km4uf 🤣😂😁
Without even watching this I'd say lusso. Saw inside one for the first time last week and it was like been in a hotel room. Leagues above other manufacturers.
Ha Ha, that's exactly how we both described it, a hotel room however, we were taken by the Swift, which even surprised us. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
coachman every time. My sterling has leaked through the awning rail ( now repaired ).
Hi Fred, the Coachman is very nice! How old is your Sterling and which models it please? (apologies if you have mentioned before just can't recall. Cheers, Helen & Dave
@HelenandDave 2011 eccles. By the way, why do caravans not have compressor fridges in. In the summer, they are all rubbish compared to a compressor fridge in a campervan, even expensive caravans. I don't care about the extra noise a compressor fridge makes, keeping your food cool and a lack of food poisoning is much more important. Anyway, I use ear plugs at night, the wife's snoring is many multiples of the audible volume of the fridge lol. On caravans, I must say that I much prefer a conventional front area set up instead of a corner unit. It seems a much better use of space with better functionality, even the wider ones.
@@FredFox-m9v Must admit, mid summer this year our fridge was struggling to keep food cold and the ice box completely failed. Personal choices but I quite like the 'L' shaped lounges, Helen less so. I better get some of those ear plugs too lol.
Hi Dave. Just to point out you put "Birth" in your picture title, I'm sure you meant to put "Berth"
Love all your videos, but just wondering where manufacturers are heading when they still produce these great big "Gin Palaces" on wheels when the Government are trying to force us all in to buying electric cars? It doesn't make sense. If diesels are being phased out, and most manufacturers are not making them any more due to such low demand, where are all the big tow cars going to come from? Many electric cars are not suitable for towing or have a very reduced range if they can tow. Low towing limits, difficulty recharging on route with a caravan on the back all add to my scepticism. Also on the subject of Motorhomes, bearing in mind many manufacturers try to build them just under the magic 3500kg limit, so they can be driven on a car licence, what happens if diesel engines are no longer available in the future? Adding a heavy battery will send that weight way over that 3500kg limit? I'd be interested in your view Dave of where the leisure industry is heading over the next few years, or are they just burying their heads in the sand and hoping that it all goes away!
Thanks for the heads up!!! Not sure if I was having a mad moment of the auto correct had kicked in, either way I've changed it now, thanks again.
Very interesting question and I'm not too sure but here is my view.
I'm not an electric car fan I must say and towing most vans, especially these beasts is just not practical with an electric car in my opinion.
The whole carbon neutral policy that we seem to be reaching for is not practical and is impacting the leisure industry and commerce as a whole I think.
with caravan dealers closing left right and centre, the leisure industry is struggling for sure but I reckon that's more to do with the Covid aftermath. Every man and his dog bought a caravan or leisure vehicle of one kind or another and the 2nd hand market is now flooded with them. Couple that with the cost of living crisis and that means that the demand for new vehicles is down and therefore the dealers can't make a profit and only the strong or richest will survive IMO.
I don't see a time in the near future where we will not be without diesel vehicles but of course we will probably all pay the price at the pump! It's an interesting one but for all of the above reasons, we will not be changing the car or the caravan anytime soon and I think it's a case of, watch this space.
All the best DAVE & Helen
That's all only a small part of the problem. Most people haven't got a clue where we're headed. 15 minute cities, the end of private car ownership and the digital prison being put up under our noses seems to have passed most people by.
I am sure you meant BERTH. The alternative is too awful to contemplate 😂
We did, would love to blame auto correct! lol
52200 coachman but no motormover
Good Spot! Nice caravan though. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
Sorry Dave, Adria
Hi Paul, must do a Adria review soon. Cheers, Helen & Dave
@@HelenandDave Yes Dave you must, will you be at NEC?
@@paulhill4457 no Paul, we have other commitments but maybe next time 👍
@@HelenandDave Is that starring in your next show😃
@@paulhill4457 No got a few other video's to drop in but you've given me some inspiration and I'll get in touch with an Adria dealer in `north Norfolk and see if we can have a look around. Watch this space.
I would have a lusso 2 but that flimsy screen you pull across to separate bathroom and kitchen is tacky,bedroom to close to the kitchen.Why don’t they do different layouts? I renew my caravan every 2 years and currently have the 2023 swift elegance 835 mid bathroom and it’s very nice 👍
Hi Mark, we are fans of the swift caravans and you have a great van there. We also have one of those flimsy screens and can only think they are used to save weight and because they are flexible. Agree though, they’re not great. Thanks, Helen & Dave 👍
They look really good quality but there is no colour in them and they look dark. Just my opinion.
Thanks for watching Janice, they are little dark and the mirrors are smoked too. Nice van though but we couldn't justify blowing a hole in the pension! lol. Best wishes, Helen & Dave
I wonder why after all these years and beautiful (expensive) caravans later - a car stereo is still used? 🤔
Agreed, a nice Roberts DAB sound system would be much more in keeping.
@@HelenandDave agree
One of the most abysmal lo fi out of date things they fit. I've got a 2016 elegance based bessacarr and I've barely switched it on. The sound quality is so bad that I honestly don't know how they get away with fitting such a crummy system. I just bring along either my Sonos move or roam. Which I just Bluetooth to my phone. Caravan manufacturers should give up and just fit a 3rd party system. The big difference is that products like the Sonos get such a good sound is because they use digital signal processing developed specifically for the product.
Still a rubbish car stereo! Would expect something a lot better for over 50 grand
Must say Michael, you're bang on there, it's a lovely caravan and a nice Roberts DAB built in sound system would be more in keeping. Thanks for watching. Helen & Dave
I'd rather them knock some money off so I can buy a Bluetooth speaker instead.