Latest News From Reads

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2013 CaravanTalk Awards (19-04-2013)

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2013 Caravantalk Awards (05-04-2013)

Could we kindly ask everyone to show their support and vote for us in the Caravantalk Awards. You can vote for us in both dealer of the year and best caravan servicing.
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Caravan Service Washes Back On (26-03-2013)

We are proud to announce that we have now employed Chris Hurst at our aftersales centre. He is a very experienced caravan cleaner and was employed by Barrons of Coppull for over 25 years to look after and maintain their show ground caravans.

So we are now pleased to announce we can offer our superb caravan hand washes again, so dont forget to ask for a wash whilst your caravan is visiting our aftersales centre
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Swift TV (13-03-2013)

To view vidoes from Swift about new products, models and layouts visit Swift TV
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JR Leisure Radcliffe, Manchester - Gone (07-02-2013)

JR Leisure, who bought Castlecroft Caravans in Radcliffe, Manchester a couple of years ago, have now pulled out themselves. So this Bailey and Swift dealership has now gone.
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Choose your workshops carefully (06-02-2013)

Just be aware when using AWS workshops and mobile technicians, that although they maybe approved by the scheme, it does not mean they are approved for everything by everyone. SO if you need a warranty repair they must also be approved by the failed component manufacturer ie truma, thetford, whale, dometic, sargent, swift etc.

So if you are thinking of using an AWS member and you also know of a warranty problem you want attending to, make sure they are approved to complete the repair as well.
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CaravanTimes 2012 Readers awards. (10-12-2012)

It is that time of Year again, where you, the customer, have the chance to have your say and show your support for Reads. As 2012 draws to a close, CaravanTimes is eager to know what you made of the last 12 months in the world of caravanning. Did you discover a fantastic camp site? Did your local dealer outdo themselves? And most importantly, what was the best new caravan of the year?
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Parts Clearance (21-11-2012)

Over the next few weeks our Parts Department, which is within our Aftersales Centre, is having its annual clean down. This means parts we have on stock will be sold off to make way for new lines of parts for the recent build of new caravans.

These clearance parts will be advertised on our facebook pages and will be on a first come, first served basis. They will range from furniture, drawers, microwaves, electrical items etc and all are original manufacturer parts and accessories.

So if you are not already a friend of Reads, then please follow the link and send your friend requests.
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New idea to help our Customers (08-11-2012)

Today we had a customer away with his caravan and he was struggling with a few bits on his new purchase. We spent long time on the phone with him talking him through things, trying to understand what he was looking at and seeing.

Tonight on reflection I had an idea, what if we could see what he was seeing. Light Bulb! We now can do it. If you have a smart phone or webcam and a Skype account I have just set up our own aftersales account so our customers can use Skype to contact us and show us in real time what the problem is and see what they can see.
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Thank you Mr & Mrs Bradbury (05-11-2012)

May we say a big thank you to Mr & Mrs Bradbury who surprised us when they came to collect their 2007 Ace Jubilee Aristocract they had just bought from us. They had very kindly baked us a thank you cake. Its the first personalised cake we have recieved. Picture left to right: Wendy (caravan cleaner), Mrs Bradbury, Alison (accessory shop), Mark (caravan sales), Mr Bradbury, Guing (caravan cleaner)

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New Feature on our Website (05-11-2012)

We are now trying to do our bit to help those unfortunate customers who have had their caravans stolen. If you look on our website on all pages now down the lefthand side we have a new widget called "caravan theft alerts". This is a new system were caravanners can help recover stolen caravans.
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Thank you all (25-10-2012)

This year`s caravan industry awards were sponsored by the website Caravan Talk, which is one of the largest online caravanning communities in the UK with nearly 30,000 members. Members were asked to vote in various categories from the first nominations to the final winners. This meant that the finalists and winners were chosen for their merits by a large and independent caravan community, lending a tangible credibility to the results not found anywhere else.

“On behalf of all of us from Reads, especially everyone in our aftersales centre, can I say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us. We feel very proud and honoured to have won the best caravan servicing. This award means a lot to us because we do pride ourselves on trying to offer the best service we can. To have our efforts acknowledged by customers in the first award of its kind for servicing, makes it that bit more special. We never try to be the best, just the best we can be and we will continue to try and be better in the future.” Shane Smith-General Manager

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Roll Back Price Match Servicing (09-10-2012)

Normally November and December are quieter times for our team of service technicians. For this reason we are trying to keep them busy by encouraging new customers to our Aftersales Centre by matching the price paid for their last service in 2011. The service is a full NCC service

Don`t worry if you are an existing service customer of Reads, their is an additional reward for your continued loyalty.

For more details or to make an appointment please phone 01254 688300.

Terms and conditions apply.
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Lunar Venus Dealer (13-04-2012)

Now that we are a Lunar Venus dealer, we are able to undertake any Lunar warranty repairs. SO if your not happy with your current Lunar dealer, or you know someone who isnt, we would be more than happy to help out and see you at Reads.
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Lunar is Coming (12-04-2012)

Great News......the Lunar Venus is coming to Reads.

The new lightweight and inexpensive caravans will be arriving through May in time to have the full range with us for the Bank Holiday. Brochures are already with our sales team and orders are already being taken.

If you would like more details or to be told when a particular model is in stock then please email enquiries@readcaravans.com and we will keep you informed

Please follow the link to take you to the Venus microsite
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Alu-tech Servicing Scrapped. (28-02-2012)

The fixed price servicing of all alu-tech models has been scrapped and the need for the bodyshell bolt check on service 3. This means all future servicing of any Bailey will be charged at our normal service prices.

Press release taken from Bailey website.

"Vehicle service schedule (all vehicles) – Following a survey of Alu-Tech caravans in use thus far, there will no longer be the requirement to carry out the additional bodyshell bolt check on year three of ownership on any vehicle of any age built using this construction method - thus reducing the overall cost of servicing.

Vehicle service schedule (all vehicles) – The fixed price servicing plan will end and the charges applicable in future will be as per the standard Retailer price tariff for all servicing costs"
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New Feature (23-01-2012)

If you haven`t already noticed, we now have share buttons on all of our stock of caravans. So now you can simply let your friends know what you have seen, or what you like with the click of a button. This will then be shown on your Facebook pages or tweeted to your Twitter account. So be one of the first amongst your friends to use this new feature and let them see what you have seen.
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And Caravantimes Dealer of the Year is......... (16-12-2011)

Yes we did it, we won.

May we say huge thank you on behalf of everyone at Reads to all of our customers who took the time to go on-line and vote for us. Its great news for Reads and we really appreciate that all of our hard work and commitment to providing good customer service have been acknowledged by our customers.

Follow the link to see the video of all the winners
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Urgent - Caravan Services (26-10-2011)

Due to the sad news surrounding Discover Leisure going into administration, we are finding more of their customers choosing to use our services and aftersales instead. This is great news for Reads and we welcome the opportunity to help these customers.

Because of this we are urging our existing customers to book in earlier for servicing to avoid any disappointments and to make sure the caravan gets serviced firstly, when you would like it to be serviced, and secondly within the manufacturers warranty guidelines.
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Discover Leisure in Administration (14-10-2011)

Following the recent developments at Discover Leisure and the company going into administration today, are sympathies go out to all their staff involved. It really is sad news.

For any customers equally worried about their caravans, servicing and warranty repairs, we at Reads are very happy to help out at this difficult time. We are approved by Bailey and Swift for servicing and warranty repairs.
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Alu-tech Servicing Prices reminder (14-10-2011)

Bailey set all alu-tech servicing prices when they were launched at
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £250 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £350 plus parts + VAT

But at Reads, anyone purchasing their Alu-tech Bailey from us will automatically be rewarded with loyalty price servicing, which is
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £200 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £250 plus parts + VAT
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Club Member Discounts (06-10-2011)

In 2012 we are offering discounts on servicing to Caravan Club members and Caravanning & Camping Club members and other clubs we work with

These discounts are with the regional clubs we have worked with in the past. So check with your club or ring our aftersales on 01254 688300 to see if your club is included in this offer.
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Wheel nut questions (04-09-2011)

Following an inaccurate letter in August edition of Caravan Club magazine we have had numerous calls regarding the use of alloy wheel studs on steel rims in the event of a puncture.

Both Bailey and Swift caravans can use the alloy studs on steel rims. For full information and torque wrench settings then please refer to the users handbooks.
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Latest Unicorn Recall Update (22-08-2011)

This is taken from the Bailey website 22/8/11, and is the latest update.

Following recent reports of a small number of wheel detachments on single axle Unicorn models, Bailey can now confirm its findings on this matter and the remedial action required to prevent this issue from occurring.

Examination of the Unicorn models which have experienced this type of failure has revealed no fault with the either the production process or the specification of individual components used. Further testing has shown however that, whilst the current configuration is robust, in certain extreme driving conditions where significant amounts of heat is generated in the wheel assembly, loosening of wheel bolts can occur. The larger single axle Unicorn models will be most susceptible to this problem given their relative size and weight.

After extensive research with the assistance of the National Caravan Council in a number of recognised test facilities and in consultation with leading automotive and commercial vehicle experts we have found that the following actions will significantly reduce the risk of any further wheel detachments :-

1.Replace the existing zinc plated wheel studs with new bolts coated in a dry lubricant (Delta Protekt 301). The purpose of the coating on the bolt is to reduce the friction between the wheel, hub and bolt thus doubling the level of tightness (technically referred to as ‘pre-load’) in the joint. As a result there is a significant improvement in torque retention and an associated reduction in the risk of detachment. Please note that no other lubricant (e.g ‘copa slip’) should be used in this regards.
2. With the previous assembly any additional bolt torque would simply be lost as friction between the component parts and as such would serve little purpose in securing the assembly. With the new bolt coating the higher torque is converted into pre-load in the bolt and as such benefits the assembly. Consequently we are recommending an increase in the wheel bolt torque settings for single axle Unicorn models fitted with the new bolts. You will be notified of this higher torque value when the bolts are despatched week commencing 8th August 2011.

In the interest of customer safety we will therefore be issuing an immediate product recall on all Unicorn Valencia, Madrid and Almeria models. These corrective actions can be carried out by any Approved Bailey Service Centre or should they wish to do so, at their own risk by the owners themselves. The cost of carrying out this exercise will be covered, on a without prejudice basis, by the Bailey manufacturers warranty. Unicorn Seville and Barcelona models have not been affected by this issue and are therefore not subject to this recall.

A quantity of replacement bolts will be supplied to all Approved Bailey Service Centres week commencing 08/08/11. Once this has been done we will then issue a written recall notice to owners of the models affected outlining the options available to them as regards to getting this remedial work carried out on their caravan.

These changes will be adopted on all future Unicorn production builds.
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Aftersales - Used Movers (04-08-2011)

Many used caravan movers for sale from £200 self fit only, fully tested and working. Ring 01254 688300 and ask for Kevin in parts. Fitting service available from £250
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Great News For Reads Alu-tech Owners (24-06-2011)

Bailey set all alu-tech servicing prices when they were launched at
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £250 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £350 plus parts + VAT

But at Reads, anyone purchasing their Alu-tech Bailey from us will automatically be rewarded with loyalty price servicing, which is
1st Service £150 plus parts + VAT
2nd Service £200 plus parts + VAT
3rd Service £250 plus parts + VAT
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Aftersales Centre Success (14-06-2011)

May we say a very big thank you to all of our customers who have been using our new Aftersales Centre since we opened it at the start of March and commenting on how much better the centre is for access, security, service, facilities and parking

On top of that, we must also say a very big thank you to the customers who are taking the time to rate our services on-line with the Approved Workshop Scheme. As a result of our continued hard work and commitment to customer services and aftercare, our Aftersales is now the highest rated and top performing dealership workshop in the Northwest with a feedback score of 92%. This score also puts us in the top 1% for the whole country.

Again many thanks to everyone who has come to use our new Aftersales Centre, and if you have not come to us yet, why not, when our customers are already telling you, that we are the best in the region.
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Bailey Unicorn Technical Bulletin (03-05-2011)

Following a small number of reports of wheel detachments on new single axle Unicorn caravans we will are issuing a technical advice bulletin to owners of all Unicorn Seville, Madrid, Valencia and Almeria models.

Whilst the level of incidence is low we are taking this matter very seriously and as a matter of urgency we are currently working with our suppliers to identify the cause of the problem. It is suspected at this time, that the caravans involved may have had the wheels removed for Tyron Bands and/or motor movers to be fitted.

Until this can be clarified, as a safety precaution, we are therefore asking owners of the models in question to ensure that they are torquing the wheel bolts in accordance with the guidelines laid down in their Owners Manual prior to travelling with the caravan.

The correct torque setting for the Alloys wheels fitted to the current Unicorn range is: 110 Nm (81 Ft/lbs).

The wheel bolts should be tightened in sequence (each opposite fixing in succession) using a calibrated torque wrench. Please do not use a corner steady brace or an electric power wrench as it as dangerous to over tighten as to under tighten the bolts. As per the instructions in the manual this should be done before every journey made with the caravan.
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Alde Heating Explained (12-04-2011)

In order to assist new Bailey Unicorn owners with the operation of the control panel of the Alde heating system, Bailey have produced a simple demonstration video in conjunction with Leigh Marsden of Alde.
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Leeds Branch (06-04-2011)

We closed our Leeds branch at the end of October 2010

We have been informed that another company is trading from this site with touring caravans, but this business has no affiliation with Read Caravans and is a independent business.
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Pictures of New Aftersales (01-04-2011)

We have just uploaded a few pictures of our new Aftersales Centre to our facebook pages
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New Aftersales (14-03-2011)

We are now moving our complete aftersales operation to our new premises Wednesday 23rd March. Anyone booked in for servicing or repairs on or after this date please deliver your caravan direct to our new workshops.

The new aftersales centre address is:

Lower Philips Road
Whitebirk Industrial Estate
Blackburn
BB1 5RP

The new telephone No is : 01254 688300

On this day there will be new road signs to assist you finding us.
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Camping and Caravanning Club Data Sheets (06-03-2011)

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s technical team has drawn on more than 250 years of camping and caravanning experience to create 11 new or revised technical Data Sheets.

The sheets were released to both members and non-members last month. They cover a range of camping and caravanning topics including introductory subjects such as ‘choosing a tent’ and ‘choosing a motorhome’, helping all campers to enjoy their leisure time.

The new or revised Data Sheets are excellent sources of advice and include:
Choosing a trailer tent or folding camper
Choosing the right layout for your tent
Choosing the right materials for your tent
Servicing your caravan or motorhome
Winter care for your caravan
Matching your car and caravan
Stabilisers and trailer control systems
Choosing the right transmission for your towcar
Gas for tent campers
Gas for caravans and motorhomes
Choosing a motormover for your caravan

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New On-line Caravan Magazine (26-01-2011)

Discover Touring is a dedicated website to help inspire you to take up caravanning or motorhoming. It contains everything you need to know about the freedom, fun and flexibility of touring holidays.
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Rate our Work (25-01-2011)

The Approved Workshop Scheme now has an on-line survey. This is for customers using workshops who are members of the scheme. It applies to any work undertaken including servicing, warranty repairs and insurance repairs, which you may have had completed by any of their members. It has been proposed that these results will be published on the scheme`s website, showing scores against each workshop

So this is your chance to win £150, and have your say. So if you have had any work completed by us, then please follow the link and fill in the form. We thank you for your feedback.
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New Section for Ex-Display (23-01-2011)

Because we have been asked by our customers, where can they find any ex-display stock we are discounting, we have a new section.

If you choose showroom, then new stock and look at the bottom of the drop down box, there it is. These are caravans which will have been on display for a few months and we are discounting them to make way for more stock.
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Christmas Closure (21-12-2010)

We will be closed this year from 21st December until the 3rd January.

Aftersales will not have any technicians back until 10th January although the office will have a skeleton staff working. This staff is to take appointments, accept and dispatch caravans and to answer the phones only. There will be no technical support or parts service because we are in the process of moving all our parts and stores to our new premises.
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Major Customer Announcement (31-10-2010)

Reads is a family run business founded in 1986 in the small village of Read near Burnley. In 1994 Mark and Denise Holden bought the business. Since then our business has continued to grow in size and reputation, which lead to the business moving to their current location in Blackburn. This is now undergoing a major improvement programme to relocate all Aftersales to new premises to allow both the sales and aftersales departments to grow further. In June 2002 we expanded into Leeds on A64, formerly Countrywide Caravans. Again this branch and business steadily grew in size and reputation. Amongst other restrictions, including access, parking, and workshop facilities, it has become apparent that the business was actually out-growing the site and was being suffocated by these restrictions. This expansion has proved painful and difficult and this has lead to the problems we face today. It is now with great regret we have taken the very serious and difficult decision to close our Leeds branch. This will happen 31st October. We are currently trying to make alternative arrangements for servicing with other local companies who are either Bailey approved, Swift approved or NCC approved workshops. We know this is very difficult and possibly upsetting for some, and for any of our customers affected by this closure who may have any concerns with regard to warranty or any aspect in relation to your caravan, may we invite you to contact our Blackburn Aftersales.
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Carver Mk2 Fanmaster (29-03-2010)

We now have the slide switches which go in the fire front to suit the MKII carver fanmasters as fitted to the Carver 4000 fires. We have a company producing them for us and we have them in stock at our Blackburn Aftersales.
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New Swift Forum (26-03-2010)

Swift Group has now set up their own forum. On there they have their own staff answering enquiries and members who are caravanners. So please have a look and show your support by joining. Just follow the link and you see us on there as well.
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Approved By Lunar (04-07-2008)

With recent developments, we are proud to announce we are now approved by Lunar Caravans to undertake their warranty repairs as well as the ongoing servicing of their caravans. May we take this opportunity to thank Lunar for their continued support and faith in the abilities of Read Caravans.
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