Owners Feedback

Chose the Geist LV550 for internal space (we have two labradors); the fixed bed - having first considered end washroom layouts; internal styling and fitments; German build quality reputation.
We ordered at Earls Court 2004 and took delivery in March 2005 from Campbells at Preston. Fitted extras include Winterhoff towbar/stabiliser,and external gas/240v outlets, and I have fitted my own radio (as shown by other owners) without any undue difficulty.

Have had three trips so far, including one of three weeks and 2000miles plus to Northern Spain. Generally very satisfied with everything, particularly the internal comfort, nice and light and airy feel to interior, workspaces etc, and it tows like a dream behind our BMW 530d Touring despite being such a 
heavy van. Has attracted much favourable comment from other make owners.

We like very much:
- the general excellent quality of fittings
- easily removed carpets (doggy hairs etc)
- electric toilet water level indicators
- excellent large dropdown worksurface
- all the big overhead lockers
- the single side wastewater drain outlet
- the cavernous front locker
- the split door (but a window in the upper part would be a bonus)
- external access to big storage area under the fixed bed.

It would be nice to have:
- a door mounted kitchen bin
- the front blind split into three (ours often jammed/was difficult to get to stay down due to its size as reported by others)
- more kitchen lighting
- better front locker locks
Some annoying minor niggles:
- an initial loose electrical connection on a front side light caused 
the car fuse to blow on return journey from collection
- short screws have pulled out in sliding door track causing the door to drop and jam (only 50% of available holes had actually been used in assembly!). These are a real pain to put back and add the missing screws in the narrow recess. I note others have experienced similar " short 
screw" problems so Geist need to look at this.
- under-seat door catch retaining screws pulled out on one door due again to shortness and slight misalignment. Refixed mine adding a piece of double sided tape under catch which appears to have sorted it.
-front seat/forward sidewall support pulled off wall and had to be relocated to get screws to purchase 
- a really sharp corner edge to heater flue boxing inside wardrobe (taken off in seconds with a smooth file). Actually rubbed a hole in my shirt on a long journey!
- front locker door jammed (in almost closed position!) due to lack of lubricant/loose arm restraining bolt.
Other comments:
- the documentation supplied is a mess compared to British brands, with umpteen different manufacturer's leaflets. Where is the complete wiring diagram in the handbook (which is too general to be of any serious assistance), and as the van has UK towing sockets not 13 pin continental
type, shouldn't this be reflected in the paperwork too?
- I think the rear bedroom doesn't need the rear window with such a large side one and rooflight. Sitting up in bed is not easy with blinds/curtains behind one's back instead of a nice padded headboard as on some of the competition!
- Not sure the blown air heating is setup/working properly as some of the outlets never get properly warm and our friends' UK van warms up much faster than ours.

Would we buy another Geist and recommend to a friend? An unqualified YES to both!!!