New Hymer Nova review

Alutech has been around now since 2010, so is proven.

What is also proven is the venerability  of the wood floor to water ingress, so hopefully the Swift HT models now in their 3rd year should have had the teething problems ironed out now.

If not I will have to use the warranty.

Hymer need to catch up to the UK IMO, joining with a company that uses no nails, but still has ingress problems seems a strange move to me.

I do miss the hardwood edges UK caravans use to get, and a proper built in sink unit with drainer, but those appear to be now only on the heavy expensive UK models, and I have no intention of running a large car just to tow one ten times a year.

I looked at the Hymers on the web out of interest.  The only layout for us is 2 berth with end bathroom which I see that Hymer offer now.  For us there is a long list of dislikes.  1. Wood colour blended with grey upholstery - not pleasing.  2. Inadequate kitchen area.  3. Too wide and too long.  4. Far too heavy without buying a larger heavier car.  All in all I hope we have done the right thing in ordering a Coachman.  We take delivery next month so we will see.

I would respectfully point out, that myself and Ocsid, have had several years experience of the inferior Hymer construction system.  Where as some advocating other systems are doing it from a theoretical basis perhaps they would be good enough to report back when they have lived with and in these superior caravans.   

I have never met Ocsid, but he has taken the time and trouble to answer what questions I have had and to share his opinions with me  If anyone had any serious questions  about Hymer I am sure he and I will answer as honestly as we can   

Anyway I thought I would post a couple of pictures taken yesterday showing what people with caravans doing what they should be doing that is enjoying themselves  and certainly in one of the pictures not a Hymer to be seen  

We have had six years of Alutec and when talking to other Alutec build owners  only one has had a problem with "damp" and that was on an early model,  when there was a problem in the two small front lockers  ,but as is a known fact that people who do have a problem will moan, when the vast majority of satisfied owners say nothing,and the higher the output from manufacturers the  more chance of a "complaint",it will be interesting what Hymer do at Elddis,

Can't help feeling that the discussion using different techniques of construction has missed the point. Surely as far an owner who invests their hard earned cash is concerned, the most important objective is to have a caravan that is reliable and doesn't have to go back to the dealer on a regular basis to resolve problems.

I have no preference as to the design and use of materials, I just do not want to be on first name terms with my dealer. The real killers are variation, lack of quality assurance and control. My UK designed and built caravan has given me nothing but trouble. I know where I will invest my money next time. 

In the past some european builds were good,and as noted when pitched next to a German family a couple of years ago with a Hymer motor caravan ,which on their return to Germany was going to have to go back again ,third time, for more water ingress and poor workmanship even the oven had fallen out before.

I was doing the usual WH Smiths "browse" today in town and there is an article on the Nova in one of the c/van magazines and size for size plus high weight and high price with few of the goodies we in the UK expect,I will stick with the second of the "damp" free Alutecs that we have owned   

"Surely as far an owner who invests their hard earned cash is concerned, the most important objective is to have a caravan that is reliable and doesn't have to go back to the dealer on a regular basis to resolve problems."

I couldn't agree with this more.  It is surely not unreasonable to expect a  product fit for purpose. And should it fall short then the situation be remedied quickly and professionally.  

I assume btw that JVB66 was referring to this.

Hymer Nova 470GL

Which were are the missing "goodies"?

it would be interesting to see a 'real' tesing magazine like Promobil get to grips with an Elddis or similar....

uk mags cant seem to get beyond the colour of the upholstery

When I was working in Engineering we had a golden rule - never buy a prototype. Unfortunately outside of work I was seduced by the prototype Alutech only to suffer sever damp ingress resulting in two return to factory repairs. It was a big problem for Bailey and dealers suffered with having to handle all the repairs. These were not just isolated incidents.

So, what I learned was that Bailey's problem was nothing to do with the construction technique it was poor quality control in the factory which I would think was due to the different working methods and lack of familiarity. Simply put, not enough mastic in the joints.

The fact that a caravan has no wood is not that relevant if water comes in. You will still end up with a damp interior, carpets, walls etc.

I would happily consider buying something that had massive innovation - after it had been in production for about three years and all the bugs ironed out.

Having seen the Nova it looked too dark for us but if they learn what we like from Eldiss then you might get a decent caravan that suits our tastes.