I don't do caravans! (Sterling Caravans in general)

Name: 1maryanne

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Product:	Sterling Caravans in general
Date:	16.11.02 (1896 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 'Things' have certainly improved.

Disadvantages: I don't do caravans!

I don't do caravans...............

HE and our girls did, with much enthusiasm. So there I was, for many years dragged, kicking and screaming, onto the road for one adventure after another, from one end of our country to the other and much of the 'continent' as well ......... (and secretly I shall admit to you, my Dooyoo friends, I loved every one of them).

The old four berth Sprite with the toilet tent in the awning, which had a larger floor space than the van itself. Aaahh! Those halcyon days of youth. I wonder does time lend a rosy glow. We had no cooker, just a hob and grill, no refrigerator, no heater, no running water. It is still with us and gets taken out occasionly, poor old thing!

These days I'm into luxury!!!!

THEN!!

We happened by Berkshire Caravan's little shop to buy a bit of piping, or something. I sat in the car while HE went inside. Before me was a range of Sterling caravans, the like I have not espied before, smart, or what? These caravans were fabulous, pure luxury on wheels. Spacious living with all mod.cons. One even had a real bath, imagine that a real bath! -AMAZING. This modern technology blows my mind! Now to you young things these aids may be essential but this old one was gob-smacked!

Have any of you who 'don't do caravans' seen what is available these days? I can tell you these modern two wheeled holiday homes are something else. What to choose? Now there IS the rub! As an 'elderly' couple we might well choose a model with a separate bedroom so that we are able to shut the door on the unmade bed! (As if!) But there again we have these children who have children who.......Well let's put it this way something more accommodating than a two berth would appear to be more appropriate.

What do we know of the Sterling range of caravans? The name, Sterling, has been recognised and respected since the earliest days of British caravanning, whi
ch spans more than eighty years. Today all that wealth of knowledge and craftsmanship has combined with innovative computer design technology, which in its turn has led to quite a collection of awards. Sterling itself is part of Swiftleisure, who manufacture in Cottingham in East Yorkshire.

Safety is paramount to this company. Their commitment is recognised through ISO 9001, (for the reader who knows about that sort of thing!). Before a prototype is even produced computer aided design simulates weight distribution and aerodynamics: strict quality control systems follow to ensure that each element performs not only as it should but so that it also complies with European standards. (Europe gets in everywhere doesn't it? Just don't start me on that!!! There are many exceptional caravan sites in Europe, another dooyoo?)

There are three distinct ranges of Sterling caravans, which cover all one's touring needs. Firstly there is the much acclaimed Eccles, secondly the ultimate twin-axle Eccles Elite and thirdly the completely redesigned Europa. There are more than three caravans to choose from, though! (This year they have added to all models an AKS 2004 AL-KO stabiliser, which evidently smoothes the ride and makes for safer towing.)

The Eccles has a contemporary style and comes in nine models. The new Onyx, in this range they are all called after jewels, which is a four berth and costs £12995, offers longer front beds and an additional Heki roof light above the fixed bed, yes it has a fixed bed, giving a panoramic sky view and increasing the amount of light throughout the whole van. The Eccles range has caravans from two to five berths and prices range from £11545 to £12995. The Onyx measures 22 foot 11 inches long and 7 foot 4 inches wide.

The Eccles Elite is, as its name suggests, the most expensive of the range and comes in five very desirable but more expensive models. The Searcher, the Trekker and the Wayfarer have no
w been joined by the Alpiner and the Explorer. These twin-axle vans have a Scandinavian theme, light wood, airy spaces AND an 86litre fridge/freezer and stainless
steel kitchen equipment. The six berth Trekker is 20 foot 10 inches long and 7 foot 4 inches wide. They range from four berth to six and they are ALL superbly finished, but you do pay for this. The cheapest of the range is £15995 and the others cost £16245.

Last but not least we have the Europa. This may be the cheapest, with prices ranging from £9895 up to £11120, (which is the latest model, the 490. It is a four berth but with a fixed bed), but they are certainly value for money. These vans range from two to five berths. A very stylish five berth with an excellent shower-room, cooking facilities, and adequate storage space will cost £10995. The size of this van is 21 foot 9 inches long and 7 foot 1 inch wide.

All the caravans have GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) front and rear panels and these as with many of the components are built on site in their ultra modern manufacturing plant so the quality is assured. They use CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) facilities which produce a high quality, robust finish to their state of the art interiors. When did all this luxury become the norm?

Even if you have no interest in buying a touring caravan I would say have a look at some of these constructions. Of course, if you do decide to buy, Sterling not only supply you with the product, it provides an enviable 'Supercare' after sales service and a three year manufacturer's warranty. All designed to make your acquisition both enjoyable and trouble free. Of course Sterling also has an active Owners Club to all purchasers of a Sterling tourer.

Me, which do I choose? I don't do caravans..............Do I?

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