New member a bit baffled

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New member a bit baffled; Buying a Hobby
Topic Started: Aug 21 2009, 06:22 PM (180 Views)
Bramble23	Aug 21 2009, 06:22 PM Post #1
Newbie Posts: 7 Group: Members Member #1,173 Joined: August 21, 2009	Hello there from a new member a bit baffled already. I am considering buying a Hobby after looking at a lot of caravans but can't find anything that matches the build quality and spec of the Hobby. I've only about 5 - 6k to spend on a 4 berth. I heard about some models being 2.5 meters wide and therefore illegal in the UK - 2.3 meters being the maximum, and found your site hoping to hear any comments or if anyone has a Hobby to sell. On reading the forums I now see that some sites refuse Hobbys which is a bit worrying. B & M trading UK Ltd are near me and seem to be the only supplier with Hobby stock. Why is this? I thought I found the answer to all my caravan needs and desires in the Hobby but now feel like I am stepping into a mine field! Could anyone help with info or suggestions before I spend my hard earned? Much appreciated !! Bramble23



Brecon	Aug 21 2009, 07:07 PM Post #2
Advanced Member Posts: 122 Group: Members Member #51 Joined: August 16, 2008	Basically any Hobby up to and including the 540 series are 2.3mtrs wide and are legal to tow in the UK with a suitable tow vehicle. All models above, ie 560 upwards, are 2.5mtrs wide and need a tow vehicle with a GVW of 3501kg or more, which rules out every "normal" 4x4, car, vans etc. You are entering the Commercial area where tachographs and additional licence entitlements are required. Most of the cheap vans you see in adverts are 2.5mtrs wide, some are "dry" vans, that is have no water fittings, toilet, sink, washroom etc and are worthless. If you stick to UK legal vans, then the Caravan Club and Camping and Caravanning Club will happily insure them, and accept them on sites operated by them. Many Commercial sites refuse to have any Hobby, Fendt, Roma and other non british vans on sites as they are associated with the "travelling" fraternity (rightly or wrongly). Quite a lot of Hobby vans advertised are wrongly advertised relating to year of manufacture and other areas (such as being stolen), so very much a "Buyer Beware" situation. If you know nothing about caravans, it is always worth getting someone who does know to have a look at your prospective purchase. Folk on this forum are more than happy to advise as well.



Bramble23	Aug 21 2009, 07:18 PM Post #3
Newbie Posts: 7 Group: Members Member #1,173 Joined: August 21, 2009	Dear Brecon, Thanks so much for your swift and helpful reply. I am only looking for a model around the 460 anyway and on further reading of the forums I think I am clear on what to invest in. I'll be towing with a Mitsi 2.5td. I am a member of the Caravan Club so will insure through them. Now all I need to do is find one........................



traveller11	Sep 30 2009, 05:22 PM Post #4
Member Posts: 15 Group: Members Member #302 Joined: January 30, 2009	Hi Bramble23, and welcome to the Forum. It might be worthwhile to shop around for Insurance as I understand that the CC can be on the expensive side for insurance. I have ours insured with NFU (National Farmers Union) who are listed in most phone books or a quick search by Google will bring up contact details. My quote was 50% cheaper than CC and I have made 2 claims with them and been looked after very well indeed so getting Customer Service is for me OK. I hope you find your 460 and enjoy it when you do. Good luck!



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