Robert
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We recently hired this campervan for a family trip around Scotland, completing the NC500 with two children and our dog. Firstly, the van itself is a great-looking vehicle, drives really well, is economical on fuel and comes with a good range of facilities and amenities. However, unfortunately, we did feel that it fell short of our expectations for the type of trip we had planned. Before confirming the hire, the owner specifically asked what we intended to use the van for. We explained that we were planning to complete the NC500 with a family of four and a dog during October. This meant travelling considerable distances, staying in different locations and potentially experiencing the typical Scottish autumn weather. With this in mind, we feel that a little more consideration or guidance from the owner would have been beneficial. Our main concern was the sleeping arrangements. Although the pop-top roof sleeping compartment is clearly advertised, it is worth highlighting that it is heavily weather-dependent. In windy conditions, using the pop-top becomes problematic, and during periods of rain we experienced significant internal condensation, which resulted in bedding and interior areas becoming damp. This made sleeping arrangements particularly challenging during our trip. We also experienced an issue with the inverter, which continuously beeped throughout the night. Unfortunately, we were unable to resolve this ourselves, and it took some time to receive a response from the owner. This resulted in a very disrupted and sleepless night during our holiday. We also felt that having a greater level of technical knowledge about the vehicle and its equipment would have helped resolve issues like this more quickly. In terms of comfort, we also found the beds lacking, particularly when travelling as a family over an extended period. We appreciate that the vehicle’s facilities and layout were advertised accurately, and we accept that it is ultimately the renter’s responsibility to choose a vehicle that meets their requirements. However, given that the owner was fully aware of our intended journey, the time of year and the number of people travelling, we would have appreciated some additional advice about the suitability of the vehicle for this type of adventure. Overall, we think this is a lovely, well-equipped campervan that would be ideal for weekend breaks, festivals and shorter summer trips. However, in our experience, it is less suited to extended road trips, particularly outside the summer months or when travelling with a family. We don’t want to take away from the positives of the van, as it drove brilliantly and had plenty to offer. We simply feel that it is important for future renters to understand its limitations and consider whether it is suitable for the type of trip they are planning
Risposta da Janette
Thank you for your feedback. I’m pleased you enjoyed driving the van and appreciated its facilities.
I would, however, like to clarify a few points.
Another family with children and a dog completed the NC500 in the same van in March without experiencing the issues you’ve described, so I don’t feel it’s fair to suggest the vehicle is unsuitable for extended trips outside the summer months.
Whilst you advised me of your intended journey, you didn’t mention that you would also be travelling with a dog. As you’ve acknowledged, the van and its facilities were accurately advertised. Everyone’s individual requirements and expectations are different, and whilst I’m always happy to answer questions, I cannot reasonably determine what will or won’t be comfortable for another family.
The pop-top is a standard feature of this type of campervan, and its use is naturally subject to weather conditions. Unfortunately, Scottish weather in October is unpredictable and beyond my control.
Regarding the inverter, I appreciate that the beeping was frustrating, particularly at night. However, your message was sent at 11pm, which I unfortunately didn’t see until the following morning. The issue simply required a reset, and I’m sorry this disrupted your night.
I also feel it’s important to mention the condition in which the van was returned. Both the shower rail and shelving were broken, and the vehicle was making a noise that wasn’t present at handover. There was also a dashboard warning light which you suggested had been illuminated from the start of your hire. However, I have a photograph taken immediately before collection clearly showing this wasn’t the case. Unfortunately, the warning light wasn’t reported to me during your trip.
As the owner of a privately owned campervan, I take its condition and maintenance seriously, and it’s disappointing to have it returned with issues that weren’t present when it left.
I’m sorry the trip didn’t fully meet your expectations, but I do feel there’s an important distinction between a vehicle being unsuitable and the challenges of campervan travel during unpredictable autumn weather.
Dan
Grace
Elisa
Callum
Sarah
