GeistOwners.com FORUM

Chawbie · Bowler

Don't know whether anyone has seen the topic on the Caravanners Forum regarding Ch 7 looking at doing a report on "imported vans" etc - see topic here: http://caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10578. No brands actually mentioned other than UK vans in general. Might be interesting to monitor what is going on, as well as putting forward all the positives of our vans.

Kevin

BobD · Captain

This request in the forum in the link provided seems to be coming from the angle that imported vans are inherently dangerous. This is preseumably because of their different hitch and brakes and the respondents on the forum seem to be reinforcing this.

Can we get a united response through Peter Treasure or something to this? This has the potential to inflame the doubts that various authorites already seem to have about the hitch and over ride brakes. There is already a whole heap of garbage being posted in response to the question from the channel 7 guy.

Get-A-Life · Captain

It mainly seems to be about the Chinese caravans but the collateral damage is already starting with one caravan repairer stating that Geist caravans will become impossible to insure due to the lack of available spares.

He then goes on to say that doors and side panels are unobtainable in Aust and the UK, supply thru Germany takes 6-12 months.

The new ones recently sold did nothing to enhance the brand, seeing that they were sold with parts missing, without compliance plates and from what I gather the chain on the hitch matter came up again.

There is a small response also pointing out that some Australian vans are well below standard also, but my guess this will get buried very quickly due to advertising dollars being threatened.

All in all, quite a concern.

KenM

Ross Jackson · First Geist Owner

I read the forum and found most of the statements were second hand and not solid information. I am looking forward to seeing the progam and don't care what is said about my caravan as I am more than happy with the Geist and as for support. I can do nothing about this so will wait and see. I will be enjoying my travels with out any regrets.

Chawbie · Bowler

The later posts in the Caravanners Forum seem to be more concentrated on the quality problems of Aust manufactured vans - the reason many of us turned to Geist in the first place.

KenM's mention of possible insurance problems looming have me a little concerned. When my renewal came up earlier this year I sought a quote from NRMA to compare with CIL. Was told they would not ensure Geist because of that very reason, ie cost and difficulty of importing spares. It was only when I reminded them of my constant custom in other areas that they changed their mind - the quote was still only a little more than CIL. But if this is indicative of a trend amongst insurers where will it lead?

Kevin

Get-A-Life · Captain

Yes, it is very interesting to see that the thread is turning 180degrees and responding to the need of the Australian industry to clean up its act as Kevin so rightly points out.

Like the majority of us, we have had our experience with the major Australian caravan builder and all I can say is that it leaves a lot to be desired.

Like Ross we have only good reports to say about our van, now owned for 5 years. It is a pleasure to go away in, both from a towing point of view and comfort/quality point of view.

I'm sure we will continue to enjoy our van for many years to come.

As for parts, nothing less than a major catastrophe, in my opinion will we be unable to be rectified.

AAMI are quite willing to keep on insuring at this stage.

Ken

GeistRunner · Administrator

As I have just come away from the GG in Maleny I have not followed up much on the CH 7 discussion except to put a call into the producer to ask him to call me back on his message bank.

I will be pulling up for a day on Saturday to do some writing of the newsletter to follow up on the great news about our parts situation.

CIL have assured me they will continue to support the Geist brand, saying that of all the imported brands the Geist is the best for parts. I have assured CIL that they will have www.geistowners.com support for parts direction for repairers.

The launch of the new parts website in conjunction with Geist UK in the coming months will give www.geistowners.com members and their insurers exclusive access to parts. More info to be forwarded on to members as they come to hand.

GR