Let down by FIAT Professional in Sussex
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2025
- We can’t believe it has been a year since we picked up the keys to Snoopy, our Consort Nova Motorhome. It is time to head back to Leeds for the annual habitation check and we have problems getting a Fiat Professional garage to service the van.
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Welcome to our channel! We're Carol and Ken, retired professionals turned van life enthusiasts. We share our adventures across the UK and Europe in our camper van, which we have just upgraded to a slightly larger model.
Our goal is to provide a relaxing, honest account of van life, with no scripted drama - just the real, day-to-day experiences of our travels. Many of our viewers find our content calming, and we hope you will too.
We're passionate about wild camping and love to share our knowledge and tips, from staying cool in the van to choosing the right toilet. We're always learning and look forward to sharing our campervanning experiences with you.
While we love the freedom of wild camping, we also enjoy supporting local businesses by indulging in delicious local food. Expect to see plenty of one-pan meals and restaurant visits in our videos.
We like historical sites, country homes, towns, villages, and the occasional city. We aim to share interesting facts and stories about the places we visit.
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If I had the money I’d buy a van just like yours, ideal for two but not too big for city or country camping. 🇦🇺 😊
We have a small motorhome on a Toyota Hilux 4x4 truck. We’ve been very fortunate that our local Toyota dealer has a service area with a high roof and a hoist that can handle the 3.45 tons of our camper. When I took it there the first time I showed off the interior to the staff. We were lucky to have this close to home, especially as a car needs servicing every six months.
That afternoon tea looked so yummy 😊 and happy birthday snoopy 🎉🥳🥳
I was born in Harrogate Yorkshire and have been to bettys cafe too when 16 I'm now 60 ...I emigrated with sis and mum and Dad in 1970 to western Australia.....love your channel Thankyou
Does it look the same ?
@LifeistooshortCK absolutely
I hope snoopy had a good day he does have the best owners of course
😁👍
A year already! I know, I know, but I have to say it! I miss little red! Snoopy is growing on me though! We holidayed at Cayton Bay when our kids were little and visited Scarborough. Love that part of the country. Betty’s Tearoom looked a treat!
Happy birthday snoopy, hope you have many more happy travels together
🎉Happy Birthday Snoopy! 🚐 🎈 🥂 Hope you’re enjoying celebrating with the birthday girl! 🥳 🎂
And hope you’re feeling better, Ken. ❤ Thank goodness for Carol!
Betty’s is lovely. Only been the once and was packed! Still enjoyed it though. 🙌 We all need a special treat now and then. 🥰 xx
Loved your visit to Harrogate. That is where I grew up and I have a home nearby in Beckwithshaw. So glad you got to visit Betty's, a highlight for any visit. Keep 'em coming.
Thanks carol and ken, hope your feeling better ken 😊
I’ve been to Betty’s in York, just like stepping back in time, nothing beats a nice afternoon tea:).
So true! 😍
Hope you are feeling better Ken can’t believe it’s a year since you got Snoopy happy travels to you both xx
We had breakfast in Betttys tea room in York. Absolutely amazing place. A little pricey but well worth it. 😊
Happy 1st Birthday Snoopy, hope youhave many more safe travelling years to go.
We visited Scarborough when we went to the UK a couple of years ago as the wife’s Grandmother's last home was there before she migrated to Australia, the home was right behind the harbour on the cliffs on "Long Greece Steps" , but is no longer there, only a grassy slope and a car park remains , cheers, Garry from DownUnder
Happy birthday Snoopy! I was thinking of you the other day when Liam and Janine were looking at campers, and was going to recommend Consort, when they then gave you a shoutout and took themselves to Leeds. I must say, it's getting more and more tempting to drag hubby along next time we visit our daughter who is studying in Leeds! x
Lovely vans 😁👍
Happy Birthday, Snoopy. I'm glad you passed all your exams.
I saw a nasty accident driving into town for my Rx. Worse, I recognized the vehicle as the one that passed me on a 40K twisty hill, then took off like a bat out of hell and disappeared in the distance. I said aloud, "I guess he thinks the speed limit doesn't apply to him."
The police were at the crash site and there was a line of cars behind me, so I just waved at the cop and gingerly drove over the bits of glass.
I got the non-emergency police number from the pharmacist, and rang them back before I drove to get groceries. A young officer phoned me back when I was pushing a loaded cart back to my car. I gave him all the details that I could remember, but couldn't remember seeing if the driver was male or female or the plate number.
Driving home, I was passed, legally, this time, and glanced at the driver, who glanced back. Then I remembered the same thing happened with the man driving the crashed vehicle.
So, do I ring the police back again and tell them I'm sure it was a man?
I got home safely, although I did bump my fence at the end of my driveway.
So, drive carefully, everyone. Follow the speed limit.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Time goes by so fast. Happy Birthday Snoopy.
Harrogate is lovely and we were there last week when they had snow. Glad the van is sorted and hope you are feeling better Ken. 🙏
The piles of snow were still in the car park 👍
Because we’ve previously used Betty’s online service to deliver treats for our UK family & friends, during another UK trip, we visited Betty’s in York a few years ago. The queue was unbelievable, but worth the wait.
How time flies 😊
What difference does it make to dealers whether the van is converted or not?
An oil change or service is the same whatever has been done in the back.
I think people possibly try and conflate problems i.e. a conversion problem with a base vehicle issue. It’s wrong as if we need warranty work on the base vehicle it would be a real problem.
Happy 1st Birthday Snoopy enjoy your travels with Carol and Ken.❤
I've lived in Cleckheaton for over 40 years. Its a lovely town and so glad we could help you.
Cleckhuddersfax no?
Yeah, I am a local too.
Unfortunately as a diabetic I cant even enter the door at Bettys tea rooms. Looks lovely though . Glad you got sorted in our Yorkshire
Just had my Ducato conversion serviced at Premium Motorhomes in Harworth near Bawtry/Doncaster. They are a Fiat Professional & Morelo dealership. I enquired at Brownhills & was told they no longer work on any van's that weren't bought from them.
We had a similar experience with an Eriba caravan. Our dealer went bust and no other Hymer dealer would help us with a broken skylight. We ended up having to take it to a garage in Scotland. They fixed it and we sold it to them as once bitten twice shy.
Watching as per, but on a quiet Thursday morning with a cuppa tea 🍵 and all essential dunking biscuits 😊😊Those cakes at the tea room 😋 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩yummy 😋 🎉
Goodness -a whole year already!! Time has flown, and a year full of awesome adventures 💙🦋
This year has flown by, Happy Birthday Snoopy! See you on the next.
Happy birthday snoopy 💐💐💐💐🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
❤ Take care X X X
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. Glad snoopy passed. More adventures await us! Mary
Thanks for the update, it’s hard to believe it’s been a year since you bought the van.
Happy 1st birthday Snoopy, our Dora was 1 year old on 25th Jan and also had Hab Check on the 23rd Jan. Interesting regards the service. Had trouble in Spain/France May 2024 with central locking - day 6 of 2 month trip. Loooooong story but I had to pay for repairs and still chasing Fiat now, though it was Camper Assist (RAC) that really let us down.
Let us know how you get on with Fiat 👍
The last year has flown by! ❤ happy birthday snoopy x
Aww you were just down the road from me in Roberttown, shame I didn’t know you could have had a free brew whilst waiting for Snoopy in Cleckheaton. Glad you enjoyed Yorkshire, and Betty’s, we’ve a lot of fabulous places to explore!
Happy Birthday Snoopy. We've been enjoying all your adventures ❤
Thank you 🤗
I fitted a Victron XS on my VW camper a couple of months ago and it works fine especially alongside a Victron Smart Shunt
Well can’t believe it’s a year already!
Lovely to see you both xx
I've had the lurgy, too. Still recovering. Hope you're feeling better ❤
Thank you! You too!
Glad things were ok,Harrogate is a nice town,and the weather here in Stockholm is also not so good,i need a bit of sun😊Greetings from Stockholm Sweden
Happy birthday Snoopy, blimey what a fandango with Fiat. I have friends in West Sussex who until recently had a Murvi campervan on a Fiat. I will ask them how they managed for servicing the base vehicle and let you know. Loved seeing Betty's, best wishes with the test kit ♥️🚐 Glad the storm has gone away xx
Cheers I would be interested to know 👍
Hello Carol and Ken. Been a while since I said hello. Good to see you both. Enjoyed the wee update. Hope you are both well. Take care.
Paul 🏴😎
Cheers Paul 🙂👍
Blimey, the last year has certainly flown by 🙂
Hi you 2, that curry looked scrummy. Happy Birthday Snoopy.
Best Regards to you all Martin King.
That’s an excellent upgrade. We have a Victron DC/DC charger and MPPT solar controller. They both work very well indeed. Our Reef was serviced last July at a local Fiat Professional dealer. I got quotes from several dealers and none said they wouldn’t work on a converted van. Strange you’ve had problems…
I managed to book into one Garage. I duly turned up and they had no trace of my booking. Then they told me they couldn’t handle the van. To say I was a bit miffed was an understatement.
@ Oh dear that’s poor. Strange how it varies in different parts of the country. I have used two separate dealers locally (one for the service and one for the software update on the automatic gearbox) and
also one in Devon which fitted us in at short notice when our engine management light came on whilst we were away
Hi What is the situation going to be if Snoopy needs mechanical warranty work doing if some dealerships refuse to carry out servicing.
Hopefully we don’t have to find out but we have now learned of one garage down south that will help.
My goodness, that is interesting to know about Fiat. I can't see what the difference is between a commercial vehicle and a campervan, I could possibly understand if it was a motorhome, because it physical wouldn't fit the ramps. 👍🐸
Excellent Video, Thank You For Sharing.❤️
G'day, Happy Birthday Snoopy. Bettys looked good, didn't see the curry, seemed to be covered with real big bita bread over the top. that looked amazin, if I saw what I thought it was. Good luck with the Victron. Lookin foeward to the nextie. c ya l8r m8s, stay vertical Eh!
I thought you were in Scarborough today. I'd pulled into the bus stop near to Scarborough's Royal Hotel and you walked past the open doors. Unfortunately I didn't get chance to say anything and I wasn't sure if it was you two anyway you had a green waterproof coat on Ken. Anyway, I hope you had a good day in my home town.
That was us. Had a good day 👍
@LifeistooshortCK Good and you've lost some timber Ken the healthy lifestyle has paid off!👍
Happy birthday 🎂
Its my birthday on Friday, so will be celebrating 🍾 but I will watch your video as I never miss them xx
Have a wonderful birthday ❤️👍
That will be very interesting . Gosh that Betty’s tea looked amazing. I put in a kilo just looking!😁
Nice to meet you both in Scarborough this afternoon. Happy Travels Mike & Helen from Malton 😊
Very nice to meet you both. Thanks for saying hello. Hope you get that van ❤️
Happy 🎉🎉🎉🎉Birthday Snoopy van ❤❤❤❤
Gefeliciteerd 🎂
In my experience many fiat professional dealers are only interested in working on commercial vehicles and give very poor customer service especially whilst carrying out warranty claims. But glad you found a good dealer
I live in Sussex and use Adams Morey in Portsmouth for servicing, they are Fiat Professional dealers, but do not provide habitation service, etc
Are you happy with them ? Thanks for the tip.
Hi we also are planning to use Adams Morey in Portsmouth for the van engine service we extended our warrantee with them a year ago when we bought our new fiat Ducato Adria conversion but we actually bought the van from a motorhome dealer in Somerset so any warrantee work has to be done by the dealer which is a 3 hour drive form us , at that time we were informed by Adam Morey that the habitation check can be done at their Southampton branch instead so I’m hoping if there is nothing needing to be done next year we will be able to use the Southampton branch as planned !
We have to empty the van for the habitation check so I’m curious whether that was required when you went to consort ? It does make camping in it a bit tricky !
I used Adam’s and Morley when we had the fiat based Motorhome. Very knowledgeable and helpful. I would recommend
@ we had to empty Little Red for the habitation check at Sussex Campervans. We did not have to empty Snoopy for Consort Motorhomes though 🙂
Happy birthday snoopy 😊
Ah Snoopy & I have the same birthday!
Afternoon tea looked delicious
oh looks lovely ❤dull here in Devon storm IVO passing through Devon and Cornwall
Happy Birthday 🎉
Happy Birthday Snoopy!!
Hope you are well!
I wanted to ask if you have a van tour video?
And re: National Trust…. I’ve just binged a fabulous BBC series ‘Hidden Treasures of the National Trust’ - thought I would recommend it to you as I know how much you enjoy your visits!
Finally hope Ken is over his severe ‘man flu’ !!
ua-cam.com/video/zSt0cJBR0aw/v-deo.htmlsi=-5jRCddDiz-HsY4C
I live in Sussex ,it's ridiculous how far we have to go to get stuff done 😂
Adams Morey in Portsmouth are really friendly for FIAT campervans and motorhomes for reference next time.
Cheers
Dying to see the upgrade.
Done a fair few myself and always test before I publish anything on video so completely understand.
Hi Ken, we were shocked to hear that no less than 3 Fiat Professional dealers refused your request for a service because it was a converted vehicle. I have to say that when I inadvertently overfilled our Constellation 3XL with oil our local dealer was more than happy to accommodate. Even more it was gratis!. Odd that they all refused. Hopefully you will find a Fiat dealer that is happy to assist. Sid and Nicola, Rugby
great vlog on travels
Our hab check was two weeks ago @ Consort ! Did Consort fit the B2B for you ? Didn't think they spec Victron kit, your choice ?
They did but they don’t currently offer it. I specifically asked for it 👍
Greetings and Happy Birthday Snoopy from a wet West Sussex coast, not Scarborough weather! The reaction from the dealerships in Sussex does not surprise me having had all sorts of nightmares with car dealers in the South of England including return of vehicles not fit for purpose or poor maintenance. Anyway enough of me rattling along about my pet subject. All the best Crawford
I bought a Fiat extended warranty which I am beginning to regret now. No use if the dealers won’t touch it.
@@LifeistooshortCK My son is a Sales Manager in the motor trade and the issue is lack of knowledge and the recruitment and retention of staff.Also "see what you can get away with" seems to be the motto!
Well done. Looking slim Jim. Hope your flu is completely gone now. There's some nasty viruses at the mo.... 🤗
Much better now, thanks 👍
Betty's looked fantastic. So sad that we were only in York for an evening and couldn't go. We will be heading to Rye and Canterbury in April. what places to visit and eat would y'all recommend? Thank you!
Both towns are beautiful.
We had a lovely meal in the Layla Grill in Rye - a Turkish restaurant.
Places to Visit:
• Mermaid Street: Famous for its cobbled streets and historic buildings, offering picturesque views.
• Rye Castle Museum (Ypres Tower): Explore the town’s history in this 14th-century building.
• Camber Sands: A beautiful sandy beach located just outside Rye, perfect for a seaside stroll.
Canterbury:
Places to Visit:
• Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest Christian structures in England.
• Westgate Gardens: Beautiful riverside gardens perfect for a leisurely walk.
• The Canterbury Tales: An interactive attraction bringing Chaucer’s famous stories to life.
Enjoy your visit 🙂
yea you watch Gary too ❤❤❤i love him he is so funny and Greeno eats is funny too ❤❤
Now I’m worried! I’ve just ordered a Reef from Consort and I’m wondering why you are doing an upgrade. Is there something wrong with the standard electrical set up?
I wouldn’t be worried we have never run out of power with our existing setup. We are constantly charging camera kit and running a laptop to edit. Winter is the challenge for us especially when there are short drives between destinations. We are hoping the new B2B will give us plenty of wiggle room.
@ So what does it actually do? I understand if I have to wait for the next vlog when all will be revealed 😬
The standard B2B charges the leisure battery at 20 amps per hour when driving. This new one gives 50 (on paper). Time will tell which is why I am not recommending it to anyone.
Other than your brain fade, you are looking great; we’ll done you! Must be another year of the best partner. TY for the year.
Hi, I have heard in the past people who have bought caravans and can only get warranty work carried out be agent that sold it, it must be a bit of a worry if you have any "Fiat" warranty problems. However are these problems not pointed out at the time of sale ?
Well in Consorts case their after care is second to none and they refer locals to Fiat at Cleckheaton for base vehicle work. Cleckheaton service a lot of vans. I might have issues nearer where I live although thanks to the comments a viewer has identified a Fiat professional garage much closer to us.
Very interesting video as regards servicing, I thought van servicing was every two years, although I would have an oil change after one, when we had the CV20 from new, we took it to Fiat Prof garage at Maidstone, then they stopped doing Fiats, so we ended up using Nev'll Fix it at Tonbridge . Our first hab check at Consort will be in August, so may take up your suggestion about Cleggheaton
Yes every 2 years for a service, I just had an oil change 👍
The service is every 2 years. Could have left it for another 12 months.
Just exactly what is a habitation check?
It’s a check of the part of the van that you live in to make sure everything is in good condition and working as it should.
Welcome to Yorkshire. Betty's at Harlow Carr near Harrogate is even better. The RHS gardens are wonderful.
I can't believe it's a year since you got Snoopy. Time flies...
Do try to go to Flamborough Lighthouse landing to see the seals while you're in God's County.
We were just looking at that and might give it a go.
Thank you for the update we wanted to go to betty’s but the Q was horrendous . Disappointed to hear Fiat let you down , so was wondering how the van mechanical warranty would work when it’s bought by consort converted and sold as new . Is everything warrantied through consort or just the build and then all the mechanics through fiat . Thank you both good luck well done 👍 👍👍🏴🏴🇬🇧🇨🇦🦢
Consort cover the conversion and Fiat the vehicle. I think that is pretty common.
Were as that year gone to time go to fast any way happy birthday snoopy .
Great to see you both and I do believe that you would definitely get another Consort motorhome at really large discount from Scott as I think you are the best advertisement in the UK and beyond for them.
As someone said if I had the money 😂
Euro millions just isn’t working for me 🤔😁
Tell that to Scott 😁👍
Why did you get it serviced fiat ducato services are every 2 years ?
We didn’t. It was just an oil change.
@ yes oil change is due every 2 years or 24k because they use fully synthetic long life oil.
WOW... a year already! Time flies, eh!
Hi Both. Did you try Adams Morey at Southampton?
Not yet 👍
We had a dpf sensor failure (like many other vans of similar build vintage).
Adams Morey were very good and were more than happy to work on our Auto Trail Expedition. They would also do both main cab service and hab service. When I went there they had quite a few motorhomes, campers of all makes. Give them a try. Cheers Mel & Shell.
Just had my 6.3m peugeot first two year service at Stellantis Maidstone, they were brilliant and it only cost £140 as i am only at 13500 miles, and they had an offer on. Result! Cant believe you have had that for a year! How many miles have you done?
8000
Gary eats ! Great channel 👍
Gary is a very naughty boy. He keeps leading me astray 😁👍
Scarborough! 20 miles up the road from where I live. I work in scarborough alot 😊
With the 50Amp B to B charger do you now have the 230 Amp Lithium battery Ken ?
We have a Roamer 230 amp lithium 👍
Is it worth asking. After a year of ownership, are there any dislikes about Snoopy?
Drum roll … not really but we are going to do a video about what we have learned. 👍
Just a thought,from 2017 onwards Fiat Ducato based motorhomes only need a vehicle service ever 2 years.
@@grahamtoyn2912 we just wanted to get an oil change. We will get a full service next year.
Interesting to watch! A bit frighting re servicing issues with fiat dealers. Did you have any issues with the nissan NV? (Seems you could get stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea with camper van conversions) BTW have you sold old red NV yet?
Red is sold. Our local Nissan garage serviced it.
A year already!? 😮
Wow a year already! Also, Carol - what is your Duolingo streak? I (Andy) am also very much into daily Duolingo, learning French too.
Carols Duolingo streak is currently 1789. 👍
@@LifeistooshortCK That is seriously impressive and puts my 815 days to shame. Thanks for the van update!
That year has gone fast. How many miles have you put on the clock? Happy gotcha day snoopy 🎉
8000
Short vlog but interesting, you mentioned an upgrade I thought it was a new catch for the loo😊, was it repaired under warranty ! Also how is your type 2 diabetes, I ask because my wife has been diagnosed as well. best wishes 👍
All fine thanks and we had the shower room door replaced under warranty 🙂👍
You follow Gary Eats too? Its like we have a mutual friend. Would love to go for a meal with all of you!
I can't believe it's been a year. Honestly, doesn't time fly?
I am very surprised ANY Fiat dealer would touch that van? Conversion of a commercial vehicle may well void the manufacturers warranty, and thats something which would put any dealer in a very difficult position had they carried out any work on the vehicle, even if it was only servicing. It might be a good idea to clarify that with Fiat?
Lets not be silly.
@@LifeistooshortCK Check it with Fiat. I think you will find I am correct. Its the reason almost all new MH are based on chassis/cabs, and arent converted vans. T
Not far from me in Cayton Bay