new thread

[alanharrison]

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we have just returned home after the NEC show and are very interested in buying a Dimension and would like to hear from those who have one

we have read some of the chat pages which included mention of overlays to iron out the bumps before going to bed - also self-inflating mats - not too keen on all that palaver and have asked about a different foam in the seats

someone mentioned a trapdoor - what's that all about?

excellent idea to ask for a second towel rail before signing up for the van

any views on the sliding wardrobe - doesn't hold more than a couple of coats

someone mentioned a sliding door to the bathroom - is that a previous model?

at the NEC we discussed the prospective purchase with the Isle of Wight dealer/manufacturer - someone in this site mentioned the thick dividers in the side windows which hold the blinds and said it was an impediment to clear vision on roundabouts etc - - the MD didn't seem to understand my concern about the problem - it seems to impede a clear view of the road behind as one is driving so opinions welcomed please

is there anyone out there with experience of VAT exemption for the disabled - the dealer wants £700 worth of clamps and ramps in order for the van to qualify for exemption yet another dealer with a similar van only wants to see the blue badge - we've had this problem before and get fed up with the post code differences the VAT offices create --- another dealer says that the buyer signs a declaration and if the VAT people want to check then they will and it's not dependent on ramps and clamps

looking forward to joining the Dimension Brigade when our present van is sold and, of course, when peace of mind is secure

if you have reached this sentence - many thanks for your perseverance

[mike and heather]

Welcome Alan.

We had our first Dimension in 2003 and changed to the Dimension 2 this year. It has many improvements, but there are always compromises in a van this size. But it's the largest van we would ever want so that we can get around on holiday without parking worries.

We find the seats in D2 better for travel, but pretty hard for sleeping. The new seats are much more level than before, so do not need the infills for the reason they were provided in D1. We have invested(!) in one inch Raskelf overlays for sleeping, which store well and are not too much trouble to roll out. Driving with soft seats does not seem a good idea.

Trapdoor - underfloor storage between front and back seats - very useful!

Yes to a high towel rail - why they are not standard any more defeats me - they used to be.

The wardrobe does store more that first appears, with containers down below. We usually take fleeces and roll these up to store in any odd space, leaving more room for other clothes.

The new model has a sliding door to the wet room - a big improvement - the wooden hinged door in D1 was always getting in the way with the two of us.

The side blind holders ARE thick, and if I drive on my own, it does alter the way I drive up to junctions. Someone on the forum was contemplating not having them, but we manage. They are great for night time and even day time use if the sun is low in the sky.

Wonder where you live - we consider ourself extremely fortunate to live within striking distance of Ant at Avon Motor Caravans near Bristol. He is always most helpful.

Hope this helps.

[ant]

Hi Alan.
The rules regarding VAT exemption are a bit vague but have been tightened up as many dealers were using it as a sales gimmick.
Basically you will need to alter the vehicle in such a way as to suit your disability, the exemption form will need to be completed by both you and the dealer. You will be making a declaration that you are a bone fide case for a VAT free vehicle ( a Doctors letter of support is always useful for your case), the dealer declares that he has altered the vehicle to suit you and he is confident you are a genuine disabled person.
The most important thing to remember is it is you who is liable for the VAT if the Customs and excise man checks you out and does not think you are a genuine case. The dealer is not liable, other than in his capacity as a tax collector. In the past dealers have offered the VAT free option without any alteration in the hope you don't get inspected by HMCE but now the inspections are more common and the risk is too high to take a chance.
Lastly, you can have a VAT free vehicle without alterations if it is registered to a registered carer who would be the only driver.
Ant