Retreat Caravans

Hi Tony, just asking what people think of the van and things I should ask about or know about before signing up.

Shouldn't you have asked the questions before putting a deposit on it? Just seems a reverse way of doing things to me.
Wouldn't like your chances of getting money back if you find out what's really beneath that pretty skin and change your mind.
AlanTH.

Agree with Alan, but then again it is better late than never.
Have a look over here Retreat - Owners Discussion Group for 20 pages of discussions.

Isn't a "retreat" the action of going backwards?
Find out first and deposit next, perhaps.

Agree, most forums you are not allowed to bag a product and unfortunately Caravaners Forum is one of them.

Regarding CFs N&S policy, it's actually fairly free providing you don't go over the top.
Lots of members there report faults and issues with their vans which in my eyes is just fine. Just don't go stupid with wild accusations.

Lance

The lemons forum is biased towards the unhappy and whinging owners.
If you like your caravan you will get kicked out!!!

The lemon group is still well worth looking through as part of research (this said in general and not in relation to the brand asked about here). It will tell you if there are consistent problems with a brand, what to look out for if you purchase, and how the manufacturer reacts when there is a problem which is probably the most important of all.

Yes, there are some interesting problems posted - enough to make you realise that the caravan manufacturing industry leaves a lot to be desired. But it is still a forum for unhappy owners so will give a very biased view.

Quote "Phil G (SA)
The lemons forum is biased towards the unhappy and whinging owners.
If you like your caravan you will get kicked out!!!"

But isn't this exactly what the lemon site is for? All the others have a Naming and Shaming policy which prevents anyone from posting negative comments. Even this site would more than likely delete anything that reports badly against any business.

There are so many stories that I have read over the past 15 years (usually just before the comments have been deleted) that puts a shiver down my backbone. We were lucky in that we purchased our current van from the yard of the local dealer, ours has no major problems but others purchasing the same brand have.

It is just a shame that we are not able to tell others about problem products, yes, you can tell the face to face but try doing it online and see what happens.

As far as the OP choice, I have no experience so I wish him luck with his choice.

Negative reports from an owner are of little relevance as far as I can see unless they can be substantiated and proven.
Joe Bloggs caravan fell apart and the wheels dropped off because it was badly built.
The fact that some damage was done on the GRR at 110kph may not be mentioned.
Who knows the whole story ?
Only the builder/dealer and the owner, and most often stories will vary.
Which one is accurate ?

Phil, if u have seen Lemon site and read the rules? You will see that if your claim is substantiated? You cannot be had for defamation and have a right under warranty claims and the administrator will assist you get results resolved. She has already done that with two owners with JB Vans with one one van replaced. JB vans now off the Lemon list, I would have thought that's positive. The site is for vanners with problems and NOT to brag about your own super duper van ...lol

Better to blow a deposit than find you have a $100k dud. Not sure if it is the same as Fraser Retreat but Retreat has the a "high level buyer beware alert" on the Lemon facebook page.

Hi Mikee,
What does "high level buyer beware alert" mean?
From my observation it is the opinion of one person - the owner of that forum.
Nothing against her, but she writes the rules!

.....and a very close matching weighbridge docket after you witness the weighing.
Research is a good start, but be considerate from where the comments come.

Lance