NEW CARAVAN DAY at Kimberley Darlington (and getting the most from your dealer)
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- Join me as I go through the process of trading in my old caravan and the handover procedure. I take this opportunity to meet some people at Kimberley Caravans and Motorhomes Darlington Branch, and ask them what people can do to get the most from their dealer and best work together.
00:00 - Richmond Hargill House Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
00:34 - Access to Kimberley Darlington just off the A1 and arrival
02:10 - Interview with Gary O' Brien, General Manager of Kimberley Darlington
05:45 - Chat with Benson Adams of the Handover Team
08:30 - Handover to of my new caravan
09:46 - Accessories and Awnings with Nick - what do I need?
11:33 - Service Centre
12:05 - Round up - Thank you Kimberley
14:25 - ...And we're off!
A huge THANK YOU to Kimberley Caravans who have sponsored this video. Please be assured that I did a lot of homework before agreeing to work with Kimberley and only do so because of their reputation for fantastic customer service.
Please do check them out at kimberleycaravans.co.uk/
There will be a full review of my Kimberley Xplore Activ 304 very soon so please stay tuned!
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Many thanks for watching, and thanks for your support.
...have to say, we stopped by Kimberley Darlington a few months ago, and although they were aware we were not in a position to change the van at the time, they went out of the way with their time to discuss different van layouts that would suit us. Friendly knowledgeable staff with no pressure which is great! would definitely recommend them.
Good to hear! Cheers.
What a lovely dealer, all the staff looked to be very professional and friendly. Dougal was right at home, it looks absolutely lovely. Congratulations.
Many thanks C&C!
Congratulations on your new caravan. I hope you have many happy miles, and camping days-n-nights with Douglas.
Many thanks Amy!
What a wonderful welcoming buisness, who genuinely seem to put the customer first, and not just the bottom line…..Thankyou Andrew & Dougal🐶…..can’t wait for the new caravan tour👍🇮🇲
Congrats Andrew on the New Caravan, and your right it is the most perfect layout of all Caravans, I hope you both have some great Travels.
Ah, brings back memories of when Kimberly Caravans was Burtree Caravans, the local adverts had the jingle: ‘We’re off to Burtree, to Burtree, to Burtree, we’re off to Burtree to plan a holiday!’ It was our go to place when the parents had a caravan and needed supplies!! 😃. Looking forward to see if the lighter caravan makes much of a difference to your miles per KWH.
Cheers Tristan! Next week I'll be doing the comparison video so stay tuned.
Aww, Andrew! I’ve watched all of your videos & I have to say I’ve never seen you look so thrilled & excited. You are literally beaming 😁 So very pleased for you. Happy & safe travels to you & Dougal. I can’t wait to see your next videos 😁👍
Many thanks Tracey! I'm very happy :)
Hi Andrew good to see you back , great video and dealership and good to see the star of the show .... Dougal 😃
Loved seeing you and Dougal so happy and excited about your new caravan. I wish all dealers could be like the Kimberley crew. Looking forward to seeing your next review.
Oh fantastic! Can't wait to see the inside now! Lovely caravan, think you've got it bang on with this one! Love it!! Hugs xxx 😘🐕🥰
Thanks Anne!
Hello Andrew I am Enrique Pous and i want to tell you that i love your videos. You are very cheerful and charming. Furthermore I am improving a lot my level of english while i am learning about caravans which i love too. Thank you very much from Spain!!
Many thanks Enrique, I'm glad you enjoy the videos. Graçias!
Can’t wait for your next video! Looking forward to see your new caravan inside out
Great dealership, definitely setting high standards for others to achieve! Great video Andrew, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
I love seeing you so happy! I’m sure Dougal is too, he’s just being laid back. So very much looking forward to your new adventures and review of owning you wonderful new caravan!
Congratulations for the new caravan!
Lovely to see you so happy! X
Have lots of fun in the new caravan
Cheers Mo!
Congratulations on your new caravan Andrew! The inside looks really nice and it looks perfect for your tow vehicle. Very smart looking outfit. Safe travels to you and Dougal!
Cheers Dean!
Whoa , now that's what I call a brilliant dealership in my extensive history of eleven caravans since starting in 1984 and all, new caravans since 1989 , great job with Benson , explaining everything , Nick had great words of advice ,
Re. accessories etc., really enjoyed this video , of course he's excited , hugs to the lovely new baby
How exciting for you! Shame on Dougal, not being a bit more animated, really😁. But there's no denying his cuteness no matter what. Looking forward to the tour of the new camper.
Now did I see you at Peterborough Services at around 1330 hrs Thursday the 18th, I would have said 'Hi' but traffic wouldn't allow it. Nice outfit, love the channel👍
That was us! Yes, traffic was horrendous wasn't it?
Andrew, enjoy, as we will the videos you make about your adventures as Dougal’s travel assistant. Dogs life after all.
Thanks Michael!
Great service from that company
Dougal looks thrilled !! Great video, very exciting to take delivery of a new caravan, looking forward to the full tour. 🙂
Very soon!
Looks very smart
Congratulations. My best wishes to you and Doug all for many happy days with you new caravan!
Many thanks Nadine!
Yet anotrher superb video Andrew, I really liked the look on Dougals face when you put the 2 bowls down and he realised there was no food, only water, but seriously though this shows us mere beginners what to look for in a good dealer, Well done Kimberley Darlington, Many thanks and best wishes to you and Dougal.
Cheers Jim!
Wonderful Andrew, very happy for you and look forward to watching and hearing about your travels in the caravan!
Thank you Simon!
I love her, twin! Congrats--and kudos to Kimberley Darlington for their stellar customer service!
Thanks Twin! :)
The dealership is very professional. Very nice to see. And Dougal was wagging his tail as you moved into your new space. So he is in a new happy place. Have great travels in your new caravan.
Many thanks!
I am soooooo envious 💕🐾
Fantastic video enjoy your new caravan… I do love Dougal’s reaction 🥰
Happy new caravan day 🥳🥳
looking forward to seeing all your future adventures in it !! All the best
Many thanks Andrew!
Looking forward to seeing your trips out in your new van👍
Congratulations! Reminded me of picking up our 304! Enjoy!
Congrats with your new holiday home on wheels!! Can't wait to see more!!
Thank you Sonja! The next video will be the tour :)
I do like your new van Andrew.. happy caravanning. 😁. Nick knows his stuff and has helped us many times with choices.
Happy travels 🥳🎉💕🌻
Congratulations Andrew! Indeed, Kimberley Caravans certainly have set their business operation up in a way that backs up what they say. Actions speak louder than words and the action is pretty obvious and the impression is very, very good!
Omg this is exactly what Ive wanted thanks for this info
Thank you for sharing. After a stressful day at work I always find your videos very relaxing. That's one of the reasons I go back to re-watch the Hebrides journeys....not to mention the absolutely awesome locations.
Many thanks! Glad to be of service :)
Hi Andrew. A caravan dealership who cares about the customer only a few about these days. Enjoy the new van. Thanks for sharing
Your wait is finally over hit the road and happy touring both of you 👍
Cheers Clive! Yes, it's been quite the wait but I'mm over the moon with the van.
What an exiting day :-) The stuff at Kimberley Caravans seem very helpful and all a customer would wish for. Thumbs up to them.
They are! See you in a few days :)
Perhaps it’s because I’m from America, but I was mightily impressed by all the staff in their snazzy Company neckties.
Congratulations on your long-awaited new caravan! Happy and healthy camping to you both!
Many thanks Erin!
What a nice little beauty. Very great dealer. That's something I always say in my videos. The best caravan or motorhome is nothing without a great dealer with a good service department. We are also happy with our dealer Niesmann Caravaning. Leaves me to say Andrew: Bon Voyage to Düsseldorf
Cheers Dirk, see you soon!
Van is lovely, Dougal with his paw around your neck ❤️🐕
Hiya ... what a joyous video Andrew......loved it.... so happy for you and here's to many more videos and adventures... love Paolo and Roger 'The Camp Caravanners'
Many thanks guys!
Thank you Andrew for sharing your experience of 'picking up your new caravan' with us. I felt quite honoured to be there, albeit vicariously! It certainly brought back all the emotions I experienced when we picked up our two berth Bailey Pursuit in 2015. Thank you also for going through a rigorous decision making process in a previous video. I found the negotiable/non-negotiable distinction really helpful rather than using the traditional positives versus negatives. Congratulations.
Many thanks Dick, glad you enjoyed it!
Awww lovely to see your old Airstream briefly. Glad to see to see you in the Elddis fold too. Looking forward to the tour of the new Activ 👍
Coming soon!
As a caravan geek, getting a new one is the best day ever !!! 💯 enjoy, drive safe as always .
I have a feeling you are off to the salon! 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Take care 🎩x
You guess correctly :)
Great example of a good dealership. After sales is often the most defining time when judging a dealership performance though. Your new outfit looks very impressive and it’s wonderful when a plan eventually comes together. Congratulations and enjoy 😃 Trev
Many thanks T&S!
We’ve used Kimberlys of Darlington for 2 caravans now . Always great service.
happy travels with your new van Andrew, looking forward towards your new vids with your van 🙂
Many thanks Stephen!
Ooh! You do look smart! ❤️
Hari OM
That level of service is indeed outstanding Andrew... and the new caravan looks perfect behind the car! Can't wait to see properly inside, but I think Dougal looks like he's at home already. Bless 'im. YAM xx
Definitely a feel good video Andrew.Lovely to see real joy on your face(I'm sure Dougal will come around LOL).Looking forward to the tour on the next video.
He's already liking it thankfully :)
congratulations, Looking forward to a full tour
Coming soon! :)
New caravan day👍👍👍👍 even Dougal looked pleased, nice video 👍👍
Thank you 👍
Its only through watching this video that discovered Hymer now own Explorer group and Kabe as of last year own Coachman too.
Lovely caravan Andrew. Enjoy!
Yes they do! Hymer has just invested gazillions into the Consett factory so I'm looking forward to a visit soon. Many thanks!
@@andrewjditton Great! Look forward to it👍
Looks fantastic Andrew, congratulations matey
Thank you! Cheers!
We've bought and just received a Xplore 304 after seeing you show one during this year! So, it's delightful to see you've actually bought one too! We ordered ours February this year 2022 from Kenmore Caravans. Received it a few weeks ago. We are very pleased so far. Almost everything seems to be working OK. Just a few modifications etc needed eg. removing the shower and capping it off after catching the tap a few times and getting drenched! Oiling the A frame and, putting toilet door handle back on and, lastly, the jockey wheel pole getting jammed on a slight slope as the van break came on. Couldn't lift or lower it. Had to use motormover to get it on flat surface to release the jockey pole which slammed down onto the wheel! Beware of that happening as it can be very dangerous and trap or cut ya hand off. Otherwise, all is going well so far
If having issues with the jockey wheel or a jammed jockey, mast best thing to do is lower the front steadies . Safety first.
All noted, thanks!
Aw the caravan looks great! We can also vouch for the monthly phone calls and thorough handover, having bought a caravan from Kimberley, Darlington in June. We originally reserved an Xplore Activ 554 but changed our minds and now have the Swift Icon T4, another Kimberley dealer special. Look forward to seeing more videos!
That's good to know! They're asked me to look at a 2023 Swift Icon when they come in in September so I'm looking forward to that. Hope you're enjoying your new van!
Passed many times but never actually stopped - always en route from Yorkshire to Scotland and usually when the A1 is closed North of there. That said, a great video that encompasses Kimberley's ethos. Not being a caravanner but instead a 'motorhomer', I can understand that the handover will be very similar. The video also highlights a dealership's (not necessarily Kimberley's) split between sales, handover and after-sales and the way those representatives work so very differently but to the same end.
What a great caravan! Your excitement is palpable and contagious. As someone who’s renovated many vintage caravans, I think that top bunk could easily be converted to a narrow shelf. Enjoy your new home on wheels… I’m sure Dougal is smiling on the inside ;)
Good idea! I can't see it staying...
Andrew, loving these videos and so very very happy for you and Dougal! Thanks for this informative series on the dealership. Just the kind of service one would expect and more. We are just packing up and leaving Denmark on Saturday to head to the UK again - mostly North Wales and Scotland again. It’s been too long. Would be lovely if we crossed paths with you and Dougal again (Dougal may not be so thrilled with our Giant puppy though - we lost Millie in April) oh I’m so wordy - just want to say, “Happy and Healthy travels”. Love your videos. One of the nicest guys on RUclips! (And in person;-) )
Thanks Heather! Sorry to hear about Millie :( Sadly we won't cross paths as I'll be in or en route to Germany... :-/
Brilliant Andrew, I’m going for 1st time next week to meet my guy. Ordered a Swift 6 month ago. this is perfect.
Great stuff! Enjoy the new Swift when it arrives :)
Have a fantastic time in your new van. We have bought our 2 previous vans from them and their handovers were excellent. We even were given a voucher for a 2 day stay at Hargill House near them so we could tryout the van and it wasn’t too far away if we had an issue!
Great stuff!
Great video Andrew! I’m just a smidge jealous even though I love my Discovery😊 Hope your enjoying the Xplore, Oliver.
Cheers Oliver! So far so good :)
Hi Andrew,
Another interesting video and good to see that you've focused on how you were treated by the dealer.
We have just bought a nearly new Freedom Jetstream Twinsport from Freedom Caravans in Stafford.
Over the years we've had a number of caravans - some old some new, some decidedly 'tired'.
The last purchase we made was a brand new Sprite Alpine 4 some eleven years ago.
Sadly, the handover then, was pretty much abysmal.
However, I can honestly say the entire customer experience at Freedom
Stafford, from the very first enquiry to agreeing a deal, to the handover last week was without doubt the very best. Throughout the process, communication was faultless.
The handover was thorough and lasted for well over three hours.
The very best we've ever experienced.
That's really good to know thanks Martin. I've always got on well with the Freedom crowd at the NEC and nice to hear they are as good back home too. Cheers!
Good job!
And what a lovely accessories shop too. I might drop them a catalogue and see if they'd be interested in our cards!
Love your add on awnings there wish we could get them in canada
The new adventure begins.
Dougal could hardly contain his excitement.
Enjoy your new caravan 🍷👍
Many thanks Trevor, cheers!
👍👍😁🤩🥰🍀thank you!
Congrats.
Thank you!
I've never owned a caravan but would like one at some point and the xplore 304 would be my choice I think for a first time buy. Look forward to seeing you're travels Andrew 👍🏻
Ps great videos 👍🏻
Cheers Andy! Hope you manage to realise your dream sooner not later.
They look worth the drive down to see
Check first Fiona as they don't have any stock vans of these at Darlington - at least not when I visited.
@@andrewjditton that did cross my mind ( fleetingly in my excitement I have to say) . Im headed to Arisaig and have been wondering if Id be AS tempted if I was towing but rewatched ur video on choosing between m/h and caravan and did think wouldnt be as rattled by time i was there ...but the dogs love the van and dont like travelling by car Ask Dougal his thoughts .. but thanks for taking time to reply. Appreciated
Congrats! Looking forward to seeing your next videos, I have a 2021 xplore and wish had the exterior plug for my EV, just done 120 miles to the New Forest on a single charge.
Great stuff! Yes, I'm getting a good range too - up to 140 miles now on a full charge.
@@andrewjditton Hi Andrew, I bought the xplore after seeing you review in RUclips, I was considering the basecamp too but it was a lot more money and it didn’t have the feel good inside just wondering why it wasn’t on your list? Also I am
Wondering what would be the range in the more aerodynamic Eriba? I really hope that they make more aerodynamic electric only ( no gas, induction cookers ) caravans soon.
@@christianmarler21 Exactly the same with me regarding the feelings between the Basecamp and Xplore Activ. I'm hoping to do some range trials with an Eriba when I a) have the time, and b) can get hold of one!
Oooooo lovely, many congratulations! I was in Yorkshire last week; managed not to come away with a new caravan though whilst dropping off/seeing 2 previous ones ;-) Interested to see how much such a lightweight tourer waggles with a bike on the back though…
Thanks Becky! Bike + rack = 25kg, which is a bit of a drop in the ocean on a caravan weighing in at over 1000kg being towed by a car that's 2000kg :)
@@andrewjditton I take the mouse riding an elephant, towed by a juggernaut point of course, but in general, personally, I think this is something increasingly important which it would be useful for the CMHC's technical committee (which you might be able to make suggestions too??? because who wants to listen to me!) actually revisited and gathered some real life data about because a) their (the CMHC's) guidance is don't put heavy things, including bike racks, at the rear or up high i.e. exactly where it's becoming increasingly common for bike racks to be fitted, by for example b) at least Swift as standard (well they fit the mounting points) and maybe Elddis on some of their ranges whilst Bailey (who years ago actually paid for some towing stability experiments in collaboration with Bath Uni) say no too. For them bikes can only go on the front between axle and hitch but never on the back. It's a matter of basic science though, not opinion i.e. they can't all be right! It's much more of an issue for single axles than twins, but there are dynamic see saw type forces at work when in motion, even if the fore and aft weights are balanced to give the correct nose weight. So whilst, in your case, that little mouse might be tiny, it's still twice as large relatively on your lovely new rig than it was on the Airstream, which also had a longer A frame, meaning the pivot point wasn't quite in the dead centre leading to a slightly more stable tow. Now with the shorter van the bike is slightly closer to the axle so the force moment around the pivot point isn't quite double what it was with the Airstream... As you say massive tow car weight may overwhelm any waggles that drivers of more conventionally matched tow cars might experience. Anyway, I think ordinary caravanners would benefit from some properly gathered real life data so they know whether, and if so how many/what weight of bikes, can be safely transported on what outfit set ups because manuals just seem to be quoting the loading weights of the racks themselves and after all it's nice and aerodynamic to have bikes hiding behind the back wall but not so common to have spent years and years studying physics so to have a gut feel for what's sensible and what's not as long as your overall weights and nose weight is correct... I can't see any calculations or tests by Swift or Bailey to reinforce their positions but they might not publish it even if they had the data! I suggested a while a go to Martin S that this would be a valuable issue to revisit technically to check the CMHC's guidance to members given the changing approach by manufacturers and as it came up earlier in the year on Twitter. Anyway, enjoy the new van, really lovely to see someone going smaller and more agile :)
New caravan looks lovely and ideal for your needs. We purchased our Swift Icon Trend from Kimberley Darlington just over a year ago…great after care service.. especially regarding warranty work..nothing major but so accommodating. We’ve booked Richmond Hargill next year….is it easy enough coming out onto the A66 after leaving the site? Wishing you and Dougal many happy adventures, Helen & Mark x
Yes it is - the gap in the dual carriageway is plenty long enough for the largest caravan rig, so you only have to cross one carriageway at a time. Have a great time!
@@andrewjditton that’s great…thank you…
Dougal is clearly ecstatic with his new portable mansion.
As always!
Fantastic. Good luck with the new van. Can you provide a breakdown of the trip down, towing experience and energy consumption with old van vs return trip with new one? Very interested to see the impact lighter van has on range. Is it about the aero or the weight? Probably both.
Coming up next week!
What a magnificent beard nick has
The new Caravan 🚐 looked smaller. Looked nice though.
That looks a great rig Andrew - nice to see Dougal gets the first service though lol - did seeing the old Airstream bring a bit of a lump to the throat? Seeing an old friend in a chance meeting and all that.
Yes, it really did! Very bitter sweet. Onwards...!
Congratulations! It really is the perfect van for one person (and a dog!) I knew you would go for a 304 after your review of one a while ago. The long front seat is great for a single bed if you don't fancy making up the double. I'm curious about the bunk bed, do you plan to leave it or can it be removed? If you replaced it with a slim shelf with baskets for bits and bobs for example, would it be too low and get in the way when you're sat there? Looking forward to seeing a lot more of your adventures!
Thanks Debbie. Not sure the bunk will go, but check out the next video where I tell Elddis what I think of it... ;)
Excited for you! What does your trailer weight wet?
Hi Eric, I'll cover all that in the next video. Cheers!
As someone who is seriously considering switching to an electric car, it will be very interesting to see how your small, lighter caravan affects your range.
Details video coming up in about a week, Andrew. Cheers!
Forgot to say, also interested in how the EV6 range/ kw/m what’sit alters / improves with a lighter/smaller ‘van.
Coming soon!
In my experience every time I've visited Kimberly Caravans the service has been appalling! It's often difficult to find someone to serve you when you want to look inside one of the locked Caravans outside.
Félicitations Andrew 🥳🥳🥳
Ta nouvelle caravane est magnifique. On ne trouve pas ce genre d intérieur en France et c est bien dommage.
Bonne route et vivement la vidéo de l intérieur de la caravane. 😄
A bientôt 👍
Merci mon ami. Il ne faut qu' attendre le prochaine vidèo pour un tour de l' intérieur :)
Great video again can I ask do you live full time in your caravan?
Not any more Terry. But I've just clocked 58 nights and nearly 3000 miles with this one since mid-August!
Hi Andrew, I'm so very pleased for you ! I love Caravans & yours is 1st Class, You so deserve this ! looks perfect hooked up to your New Car, Dougal was so excited too Bless him. Wishing You & Dougal lots of Happy Travels , looking forward to more upcoming Videos. Lots of Love to You & Dougal 💖💖💜💜 XXXX
Thanks so much!
Hope you enjoy the new van! 👍
Many thanks Andrew!
Hi Andrew, I have been watching all your videos for a while now and also have the new xplore 304 and was thinking of putting shock absorbers on it, although don't have or find any difficulty when towing. Would you recommend that I did so and whether you think it would be beneficial and worthwhile me doing so?
The only reason I chose to do so Mark is because of my very high mileage, to relieve stress on the caravan. Some of the roads I use are quite rough too. It's down to personal choice.
@@andrewjditton thanks for the reply Andrew and I think that I will get them and fit myself as I intend on keeping the van for a long time and if I do fit them myself it's not very expensive at all and will do more good than harm in the long term
Andrew, can I ask what was the reason for having shock absorbers fitted? Don’t caravans have them already? Also, are you able to manhandle/manoeuvre the caravan on your own without a mover? Love Dougal btw. our Jack Russell doesn’t smile either. Thanks for all your really clear and informative videos. 💕🐾
Hi Irene, the Xplore doesn't have them. Some more expensive ranges do. Because of the exceptionally high mileage I do I wanted to relieve the stress on the caravan.
@@andrewjditton Thanks Andrew. 💕🐾
Enjoy your new van Andrew, another great vlog from the #vlogmaster 🤣
Aww, thank you!
A lot of cheese there!!.😂💕🇬🇧
Cheese R Us ;)