Exploria Kombi Beds

[DaveyB]

Hi Folks,

We have had a lot of enquiries regarding what specific changes we've made to the Exploria Kombi Bed and there seems to be some confusion of what we are doing (or have done) to the hugely popular Exploria Kombi Bed.

First of all, there was nothing wrong with the Kombi Bed I, but like many products, it's just got better!

Changes that have been made:

We had a lot of customers asking if the rear mattress was removable, and on the Kombi Bed I it wasn't, so on the Kombi Bed II we made it removable. This allows customers to remove the mattress if they want to load items on top or remove the mattress, so that they can lie on it outside if its a nice sunny day. The option of removing the mattress meant that we had to change the ply board on top, so we have changed this to the best quality treated European ply available. This Ply has a highly durable anti-slip hex pattern on top and a smooth underside. The Ply is finished in a nice mid-grey to match the panels and dash of the transporters. The edges are also now coated.

The sliding mechanism on the Kombi Bed I wasn't as smooth as it could be, so on the Kombi Bed II we have added an industrial grade sliding rail system. This rail system allows super easy extension & retraction of the bed, as well as fully supporting the slide out section of the bed. The locking system of the bed needed to be changed with these improvements, so we have also introduced a new, horizontal locking plunger and nylon lined receiver, to lock the beds back for when travelling. These improvements to the sliding rails and the locking mechanism mean they should be smoother & quieter than ever and also easier to operate.

We changed the colour of the bed frames so that we could easily identify which version they were. The Kombi Bed I was a mid-grey colour, which we changed to a slightly textured black finish on the Kombi Bed II, which is more in-keeping with the Transporter trim and seating components and it is also tougher than the original finish.

We have had a few minor tweaks on the new bed system.....we are currently dispatching beds on a daily basis and working through the backorders. We do have lead times currently at 3 - 4 weeks, because we have more beds on order than ever before, and we are also exceptionally busy building vans as it is our peak season! The lead times will hopefully reduce in time, but if you do want one, the best thing is to order one sooner rather than later. We do apologise for any delays and we always do our best to keep everyone up to date with current lead times, but sometimes it is out of our control when we are in the hands of suppliers and awaiting specialist components.

Thanks for your understanding & continued support

Graeme Hirst
Exploria Ltd

Thanks for the update. Whilst it is great that you have taken to the forum to make everyone aware of the updates that are being made to the product, I personally feel that it is a shame that the company have not given it's customers who are still waiting for their item that individual touch and kept them updated. I've now been waiting hell of a long time, and have had to call you to find out what is happening, and that is I think 3 or 4 weeks since being told you were redesigning the mechanism. Not asking for miracles just that personal customer touch that stands out. And with access to so many avid Transporter nuts, it is these little touches that enable everyone to realise who are the good companies and those that are great.

@Pauly, maybe Exploria need to be set up as a trade member?

 

[T6 Dave's Dad]

@DaveyB I am in agreement with you but give @Exploria Ltd their due, and I am not apologizing for them, they have just joined the Forum and their first post is to update all members of the changes made and the situation and progress with outstanding orders . I understand your dissatisfaction as an individual but I have no way of knowing how large their office staff is, the number of customers affected and the clerical effort required to contact customers individually . I haven't looked at their website to see if they had posted any updates there.

 

[DaveyB]

@DaveyB I am in agreement with you but give @Exploria Ltd their due, and I am not apologizing for them, they have just joined the Forum and their first post is to update all members of the changes made and the situation and progress with outstanding orders . I understand your dissatisfaction as an individual but I have no way of knowing how large their office staff is, the number of customers affected and the clerical effort required to contact customers individually . I haven't looked at their website to see if they had posted any updates there.

As it says in my post I think it is great they have come to the forum where they can share first hand their new products (I am desperately wanting their development rear valance). It's brilliant that they have actually come out and given real clear information about what is going on. However, they need to know when customers have feedback, because the person I have spoken to on the phone came across as not giving two hoots. It's not my problem that I was the first response, such is life. At the end of the day I have a van and am looking to spend my hard earned money on it, and I am happy for Exploria to have it, but I do expect good customer service.

 

[T6 Dave's Dad]

As it says in my post I think it is great they have come to the forum where they can share first hand their new products (I am desperately wanting their development rear valance). It's brilliant that they have actually come out and given real clear information about what is going on. However, they need to know when customers have feedback, because the person I have spoken to on the phone came across as not giving two hoots. It's not my problem that I was the first response, such is life. At the end of the day I have a van and am looking to spend my hard earned money on it, and I am happy for Exploria to have it, but I do expect good customer service.

Agree entirely with your point of view and I hope that @Exploria Ltd will contact you about the extremely poor experience that you had on the phone. There is no excuse for such poor service and such individuals need to be reminded that is the customers that fund their wages.

 

[Northside]

Hi Folks,

We have had a lot of enquiries regarding what specific changes we've made to the Exploria Kombi Bed and there seems to be some confusion of what we are doing (or have done) to the hugely popular Exploria Kombi Bed.

First of all, there was nothing wrong with the Kombi Bed I, but like many products, it's just got better!

Changes that have been made:

We had a lot of customers asking if the rear mattress was removable, and on the Kombi Bed I it wasn't, so on the Kombi Bed II we made it removable. This allows customers to remove the mattress if they want to load items on top or remove the mattress, so that they can lie on it outside if its a nice sunny day. The option of removing the mattress meant that we had to change the ply board on top, so we have changed this to the best quality treated European ply available. This Ply has a highly durable anti-slip hex pattern on top and a smooth underside. The Ply is finished in a nice mid-grey to match the panels and dash of the transporters. The edges are also now coated.

The sliding mechanism on the Kombi Bed I wasn't as smooth as it could be, so on the Kombi Bed II we have added an industrial grade sliding rail system. This rail system allows super easy extension & retraction of the bed, as well as fully supporting the slide out section of the bed. The locking system of the bed needed to be changed with these improvements, so we have also introduced a new, horizontal locking plunger and nylon lined receiver, to lock the beds back for when travelling. These improvements to the sliding rails and the locking mechanism mean they should be smoother & quieter than ever and also easier to operate.

We changed the colour of the bed frames so that we could easily identify which version they were. The Kombi Bed I was a mid-grey colour, which we changed to a slightly textured black finish on the Kombi Bed II, which is more in-keeping with the Transporter trim and seating components and it is also tougher than the original finish.

We have had a few minor tweaks on the new bed system.....we are currently dispatching beds on a daily basis and working through the backorders. We do have lead times currently at 3 - 4 weeks, because we have more beds on order than ever before, and we are also exceptionally busy building vans as it is our peak season! The lead times will hopefully reduce in time, but if you do want one, the best thing is to order one sooner rather than later. We do apologise for any delays and we always do our best to keep everyone up to date with current lead times, but sometimes it is out of our control when we are in the hands of suppliers and awaiting specialist components.

Thanks for your understanding & continued support

Graeme Hirst
Exploria Ltd

 

[Northside]

Thanks for the the update ,
getting very excited now. Got my van booked in with Exploria for conversion in May will keep everyone updated how it goes!!

Alex

 

[DaveyB]

Thanks for the the update ,
getting very excited now. Got my van booked in with Exploria for conversion in May will keep everyone updated how it goes!!

Alex

Please do, we love reading how folks get on with their conversion. What are you having done up at Exploria?

 

[Thogg]

Update... bed is ready and will be here on Monday. Review to follow....

 

[DaveyB]

Another update. Mine is supposed to be delivered today, been waiting; still waiting, why do I get that feeling its not going to arrive! Gonna give it another 30 minutes then get on the phone to Exploria who can then chase their courier. Why can't there be a decent delivery firm that arrive at a specified time rather than "they'll be with you sometime between morning and night".

 

[T6 Dave]

Will be worth it @DaveyB , good luck, it's like the ole kettle!

 

[DaveyB]

Will be worth it @DaveyB , good luck, it's like the ole kettle!

Eh, what the Mrs doesn't know how to use it to make her dearest husband a cuppa whilst cleaning all the s@#t out of the van that she and the precious moppets put there, as it is only him that cleans it? What's that got to do with a delivery? Or have I missed the point

 

[T6 Dave]

Watched kettle never boils etc... Or seems to take an age!

 

[DaveyB]

Well, you know @T6Dave, you could be right, well partly. I put the kettle on and a delivery came!


The downside being is it is part 1 of 2, and was the only bit he had on his lorry.
He (and I) is hoping that the Merc Sprinter which is also out doing deliveries has the other part. He did suggest that the light stuff goes on the van the heavy stuff on the lorry! There is environmental and economical sense for you.
@Thogg, hope you've been to the gym buddy, I can't believe how heavy this is. It took the pair of us to lift it out the lorry.
Opened the box, hoping that part 2 of the order could be the mattress so could still get it mounted in the van. NOPE, the second part has to be the legs. Darn! If it doesn't come I'm going to .
Good job I did not wind the B14's all the way down on the back!!!!

 

[T6 Dave]

Sod's law @DaveyB , try another cuppa, you never know! Your only fecked if Murphy is out playing with sod today

 

[DaveyB]

Sod's law @DaveyB , try another cuppa, you never know! Your only fecked if Murphy is out playing with sod today

And knowing my luck, they are not just playing, they are getting hitched.

 

[Thogg]

Well, you know @T6Dave, you could be right, well partly. I put the kettle on and a delivery came!
View attachment 6716

The downside being is it is part 1 of 2, and was the only bit he had on his lorry.
He (and I) is hoping that the Merc Sprinter which is also out doing deliveries has the other part. He did suggest that the light stuff goes on the van the heavy stuff on the lorry! There is environmental and economical sense for you.
@Thogg, hope you've been to the gym buddy, I can't believe how heavy this is. It took the pair of us to lift it out the lorry.
Opened the box, hoping that part 2 of the order could be the mattress so could still get it mounted in the van. NOPE, the second part has to be the legs. Darn! If it doesn't come I'm going to .
Good job I did not wind the B14's all the way down on the back!!!!

 

[DaveyB]

Low and behold, It's the end of the day and I do not have 2of2 on this delivery. What a surprise, if it was not for bad luck I'd have no luck at all! Totally peed off. Phoned up TNT to find out what was going on; the van that it should have been on is back in Milton Keynes, they don't even know if it's sat there in the van. I mean WTF!!!!
Great use of a day sit at home and wait for a delivery that only 50% arrives.

 

[DaveyB]

Got a further update from TNT; the 2nd box is back at the Milton Keynes depot! Therefore it has been out and about in a van all day, and the one job that the driver needs to do i.e. Empty the van by driving to the required addresses, he/ she has failed to manage. Not like I live somewhere that is impossible to find, all of the other deliveries that I have had today made it. What on earth is happening with the service industry?

 

[Thogg]

Got a further update from TNT; the 2nd box is back at the Milton Keynes depot! Therefore it has been out and about in a van all day, and the one job that the driver needs to do i.e. Empty the van by driving to the required addresses, he/ she has failed to manage. Not like I live somewhere that is impossible to find, all of the other deliveries that I have had today made it. What on earth is happening with the service industry?

I think you're being disingenuous mate... there's so many other things that could cause you to miss a massive box in your van. McDonald's for instance. Or an important status update "got this big box in my van... gonna leave it for a day #cantbearsed #waitsucker"
Not to mention all the other boxes that aren't so heavy...

 

[DaveyB]

I think you're being disingenuous mate... there's so many other things that could cause you to miss a massive box in your van. McDonald's for instance. Or an important status update "got this big box in my van... gonna leave it for a day #cantbearsed #waitsucker"
Not to mention all the other boxes that aren't so heavy...