Advice please problem with new Buccaneer handbrake

Ariel replied on 13/08/2016 12:57

Posted on 13/08/2016 12:57

We would really appreciate thoughts/experiences/ advice as we are not happy with the response the dealer and manufacturer has provided in response to a warranty claim:  

Having had a bit of a windfall in May this year we became the proud owners of a brand new Buccaneer Cruiser from Glossop Caravans  However the handbrake didn't appear to be holding the van when it was parked on the slight incline ready to move onto our driveway via the mover.  Having used the van three times and therefore having manoeuvred the van back on to the drive three times the lack of handbrake hold has resulted in the jockey being pushed forward which has damaged the jockey wheel. This is now extremely difficult to raise and lower and will not raise fully into the housing. This is our third twin axle van and we have not encountered this problem with any of these. We subsequently returned the van to Glossop who sent photos of the damage to Eldiss under the manufacturers warranty. They have responded stating that this is damage probably caused by over tightening of the clamp or by motor mover over tough ground etc and is not a manufacturing defect. They also advise Glossop to check the clamp and hinge pin as they may also be bent.  My husband is adamant that he has done nothing out if the ordinary and the problem with the handbrake holding is not something he has encountered with the other vans.  We do not overload the van (as was suggested by the Service Centre as a possible reason) there are only two of us and the awning etc travels in the car. We have explained all the above and sent a follow up email to the Service Centre manager at Glosop but they are repeating the manufactureres response. This has spoilt what should have been a wonderful purchase. We therefore welcome your experience/ advice/ thoughts. 

CarmelB replied on 04/03/2019 11:11

Posted on 04/03/2019 11:11

We purchased a Buccaneer commodore in 2017 from Catterick caravans and have had nothing but problems with it. In the two years we have had it we have had 27 faults. The customer service we received from both Catterirck and Elddis( Hymer) was to say the least appalling. They were falling over themselves to blame one another. I feel sorry for anyone who has to deal with Elddis customer service department as they can't distance themselves from their customers enough hiding behind the dealership when possible or just ignoring any correspondence sent to them. Good luck to the original poster trying to sort out your issue. 

 

Surfer replied on 05/03/2019 08:59

Posted on 04/03/2019 11:11 by CarmelB

We purchased a Buccaneer commodore in 2017 from Catterick caravans and have had nothing but problems with it. In the two years we have had it we have had 27 faults. The customer service we received from both Catterirck and Elddis( Hymer) was to say the least appalling. They were falling over themselves to blame one another. I feel sorry for anyone who has to deal with Elddis customer service department as they can't distance themselves from their customers enough hiding behind the dealership when possible or just ignoring any correspondence sent to them. Good luck to the original poster trying to sort out your issue. 

 

Posted on 05/03/2019 08:59

We have a 2018 Cruiser bought from Northam Farm and are overjoyed with it.  Sure we had a couple of minor issues to resolve however as our contract was with the dealer we approached the dealer and not the manufacturer.

Your issue is with Catterick Caravans as it is their responsibility to resolve any issues under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.  If the caravan is on finance approach the finance company as they own the caravan and it is their responsibility to get issues resolved.

On a previous caravan which we rejected we went through the mill using CRA 2015 to our best advantage and also Which Legal Services.  Cost for the legal services was about £95 and we won and also were paid compensation.

Tinwheeler replied on 05/03/2019 09:08

Posted on 04/03/2019 11:11 by CarmelB

We purchased a Buccaneer commodore in 2017 from Catterick caravans and have had nothing but problems with it. In the two years we have had it we have had 27 faults. The customer service we received from both Catterirck and Elddis( Hymer) was to say the least appalling. They were falling over themselves to blame one another. I feel sorry for anyone who has to deal with Elddis customer service department as they can't distance themselves from their customers enough hiding behind the dealership when possible or just ignoring any correspondence sent to them. Good luck to the original poster trying to sort out your issue. 

 

Posted on 05/03/2019 09:08

I’m not surprised Elddis ignored you. They didn’t hide behind the dealership but knew full well it was the dealer’s responsibility, as Surfer said. Deal only with the retailer - he’s the one you take to court, not the manufacturer.

Surfer replied on 06/03/2019 09:36

Posted on 05/03/2019 09:08 by Tinwheeler

I’m not surprised Elddis ignored you. They didn’t hide behind the dealership but knew full well it was the dealer’s responsibility, as Surfer said. Deal only with the retailer - he’s the one you take to court, not the manufacturer.

Posted on 06/03/2019 09:36

Correct however if on finance, it is the finance company that you take to court as they own the vehicle.

Ariel replied on 02/04/2019 15:06

Posted on 04/03/2019 09:16 by ScreenNameF330245D54

I bought my cruiser in dec 15

after it’s first service I went to collect it 

on unwinding jockey handle it snapped

guess there said it was my fault 

they did fix in the end

in the last 3 years I have had constant problems with the van slipping down on the jokey wheel

new clamp and pin fitted 

bought it home reversed it left 90 degrees with mover guess what the pin bent again on jockey wheel clamp 

yes back into dealer and requested a more fit for purpose pin to be fitted

also on 2 last services damp found also the floor in van laminate coming away making the flooring bouncy

all I can say I bought a lemon caravan on a Friday in late December 

totaly lost confidence in using van with mover

its has now been in dealers for 4 weeks now getting damp fixed

Posted on 02/04/2019 15:06

I am the OP of this thread and like yourselves are still having trouble with the jockey wheel clamp. We had a new jockey wheel clamp and pin fitted less than 12 months ago and this week the pin on the clamp has snapped again. Wondered how you’d gone on with yours with dealer? Hope you’re damp is now sorted too

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