Select Caravans Limited — Local services in Upper Harbour

Update. When your caravan is having its first warrant, (3 year mark) Check your spare. It's a cheap wheel. Although the tyre is the same. It will fail a wof.

Purchased a caravan 2.5 years ago.  Not impressed with running gear.

This has happened to me after two years of experience with my trailer.

I have found, according to people with experience in these things,  I had to replace springs on our Alpha Wolf. I'm not the only one either.

Just be aware, if you plan to use your caravan for the purpose of towing, in my experience,  your springs are not adiquate for New Zealand roads.  Maybe fine for the u.s. but they need upgrading in nz.

I understand many vans are sold as cheap tiny homes, about 80  percent I'm told, and probably good  for that purpose.

I spent over $3000 replacing/upgrading my springs after two years. Probably around 10k traveling.  Plus associated costs of accommodation, damage to my van etc as a result of failed springs.

Despite doing everything to comply with weight and loading. In fact,  the weight is generally 400kg under the max.

Also,  check for part numbers.

For parts that I needed,  my own investigation,  calls to the u.s. etc to locate skw numbers. David didn't know.

On the plus side,  we now have a wonderful set of new springs that provide our mobile home with a far more supple ride (more longer, thinner leafs, with better country of origin metal.  European steel.

Oem springs too thick. Poor quality.  Fewer thicker leafs made in China).  Less thud, more boing in bumps and undulations with new springs. So to speak.

In my research, I suggest you do yours, many people, even in the u.s. are upgrading springs.

I highly recommend Archers springs in Rotorua btw. Our van tows much better.

Update.  Had to replace brake shoes on the front tandem.

Seems a modification is made to the caravans in that a hand brake is fitted post production to comply with nz laws on trailers.  I understand hand brakes on trailers are not a legal requirement in the us. Which requires modification to the brake shoes in nz.

Friction material had fallen off the metal shoe. Broken in three parts, rolling around the drum.

Cheap brake shoes. Chinese quality again.

Everything about these caravans appears Chinese.

This is not racism.  Simply a matter of product quality through cost cutting, competition,  and meeting mass market demands in China. And U.S. caravans for that matter.

These caravans are mid range, budget in the u.s. market.

Check the seals on your electric motor ram at the coupling hitch. Mine wasn't sealed properly. Motor sitting in water.

Update prior to 3 yearly wof..Rust proofing. It's just paint.

Having mine rust proofed now. Spray can had the fastest passover at time of painting. Tracing paper thin.

But then, it was towed through snow to meet a ship in the U.S. brand new, and sat quietly rusting in a ship for six weeks to nz.

Rusty brake tensioner on arrival, first wof new in nz,...

I recently purchased the Alpha Wolf 33RL from Select Caravans. From the start of the process of getting the caravan ordered, brought into NZ from the US, modifications made that I wanted, to delivery, David and Andrew have been fantastic. There have been some small issues along the way, as expected with such a big unit, but these guys have worked tirelessly to get things resolve quickly and have provided exception customer service. Many caravan companies don't follow through with after-care; once they have their money and delivery is made, they wipe their hands and leave you working out any glitches by yourself. Not these guys! They have been brilliant every step of the way, including after I had recieved my van and needed help with a couple of things. I can not recommend this company enough. I have been really impressed by their customer care and expertise. They continue to be a pleasure to work with, always going...

David Sharp at Select Caravans Ltd delivered exceptional service from start to finish. He guided us to the perfect RV and then led a flawless renovation to transform it into a high-tech business office and AI/energy R&D lab. Despite our complex requirements, the team handled everything—from installing advanced embedded computing, Starlink with DC-DC power, to a massive solar power system and dual air conditioners. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and continual support were outstanding. If you want top-tier expertise, cutting-edge upgrades, and a truly personalized experience, look no further than David Sharp and Select...