Keeping the Van too long?

I think that the past year has shown me that it is possible to run on your favourite van too long!

We bought our Coachman VIP 520/4 in April 2007 and in the main she has served us well in the 7.5 years that we have had her.   We use her on average 40 nights a year and during that time she will cover between 3-4 thousand miles a year.

Tyres were changed after 4 years and I would have changed them at the start of next season.  But sadley I think she will have gone by then,

This year she has been a real pain.  The pump failed!  Bloody expensive at £52 I think.  Upholsterey still looks good but is very thin & soft.  Water leaks in the cold water inlet system.  Finally the Fridge has failed.  My dealer who has always serviced it and in whom I trust tells be that it is a total failure on all three systems.  The model has been superceeded and the new one will not look as well finished in the wood surround.

Dammit a replacement will be at least £700 plus fitting, quite a significant amount on a van no longer worth much over £7k.

This year she has cost a bomb and I now wished that I had changed her last year when I was being offered some cracking deals!

TF