27/09/2010

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Wandahome Caravans & Motorhomes at South Cave

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ALTHOUGH Wandahome was once split between two sites at South Cave and Knottingley, they are now two entirely separate businesses, with the massive caravan and motorhome retailing site at South Cave now found online at www.caravanbuys.com.

Last year a new office block and reception area was opened, but Director Steve Bateman told me that they are developing this already extensive site still further, with new service bays in the process of being erected. New motorhomes are supplied by Adria, Swift and Elddis, with the latter manufacturing Wandahome’s own dealer specificationial range, the Liberte.

The range of new caravans is particularly extensive, with Buccaneer, Bailey, Coachman, Elddis, Sprite, Swift and Xplore all represented. As you might expect, there are dealer specificationial caravans too, with the Coachman Wanderer and Swift Corniche ranges. The used stocks are vast, especificationially of caravans, which are conveniently arranged according to the number of berths.

Available at the time of our visit:

Lunar Newstar 58

This coachbuilt Lunar was a genuine used bargain, as its exterior condition showed no major dents or missing trim. The Newstar was a generally under-rated motorhome and when you find a used in this condition and at this price it makes a cracking buy.

This Fiat based Lunar is of a size which new-comers won’t feel intimidated by, but still provides a fair amount of room inside that belies its exterior dimensions. Its outwardly appearance is is slightly anonymous, but it has the benefit of a Fiamma F45 canopy.

Step inside and the interior feels so much larger than the vehicle does outside. The interior is tasteful but not particularly exciting. It is also tranquil and unfussy, so it will be easy to live with. A double bed is placed above the cab which also has upholstered swivel seats.

The rear end has a caravan-like layout with parallel seating and a central chest of drawers. There are plenty of roof lockers which should help to keep it tidy below.

The seating is still supportive, loose fit carpet is like new and the spacious arrangement allows four people to eat in perfect comfort. The side kitchen does lack worktop space, but locker storage is good.

Elddis liberte 19/4

The Liberte is Wandahome South Cave’s own dealer special and it’s certainly a smart looking tourer. Looking brand new, the Elddis was clear of marks and even minor panel damage.

The striking front lounge area is comfortable and will seat four with ease, its bright and airy too. Roof lockers abound, although the front ones don’t have much depth.

The side kitchen comes with full oven, microwave and fridge and although storage here could be better, the large side dresser opposite provides plenty of backup. A window is fitted here too so this allows extra light and ventilation.

The heater isn’t placed under the wardrobe, so it has extra storage underneath.

The rear bedroom has a corner washbasin and a side fixed bed that looks hardly used at all. The corner washroom is large enough for showering and comes with a soap holder.

The Liberte has much to commend it; a super roomy four-berth that will no doubt appeal to couples who want a fixed bed layout with plenty of room.

Herald Emblem

Made by Compass, the Emblem range was the entry level range, yet it came with blown air heating, a fridge, an oven and even mains lighting – not bad at all for the time. The exterior is rather plainly styled, but has survived eleven years exceptionally well.

The large front lounge has a central chest of drawers and roof lockers only along the sides.

The seating and furniture looks dated, but has lasted well. The seating even had under seat lockers, which are great for an entry level model. The side kitchen comes with a full oven and fridge, plus an enamelled sink/drainer.

There isn’t much work top, but the kitchen has a large side window for light and added ventilation.

The washroom has a moulded vanity unit and manual cassette loo. It’s just big enough to shower in if you were desperate but at least all the seals were intact around the shower tray.

The Emblem is a great first buy, having a specification and has been well looked after too. A bit dated but still a great buy.

Bailey Pageant Series 5 Bretagne

The Bailey Pageant Bretagne is a large tourer but it’s not so heavy that a Vectra can’t pull it.

The Interior feels cosy and up-market, with seating and carpets in great condition. For a used family caravans, the Bretagne showed very little wear and tear.

Front large lounge will seat all six, but the side dinette could seat another two. Roof locker storage is superb and also the locker tops can be used as shelves. The side kitchen is well equipped with a full oven and Dometic fridge, also having a family sized worktop and cupboard storage.

The side washroom has a shower and manual swivel cassette loo. A vanity unit and cupboard beneath allows plenty of toiletry space, it’s a small washroom but we reckon most will use site facilities. The rear end fixed bunks also have their own windows.
A great family tourer that will fly out of the gates, so get there quick!

Contact:

Wandahome South Cave
Southcave
Brough Road
Southcave
East Yorkshire HU15 2DB

Tel: 01430 424342
Web: www.caravanbuys.com (link will open in new tab/window)

This profile was first published in Caravan Motorhome & Camping Mart's Summer Special issue.

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27/09/2010 Share this story

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