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Quote: Originally posted by jennifernn on 20/2/2007

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I'm sure a dealer will do anything if you pay them!    There are also mobile servicing guys that come out to you.

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You know, daft as it sounds, I never even thought of servicing issues.  When I did see something on here a few days ago I mentioned it to my Partner and he didn't realise either but he said he wondered whether you could someone to come out to you.  I will ask a colleague at work, she has just bought large Hobby and is having it taken to the site by the Dealer.

Thanks again.

Hi there,  we are a family of 6, eldest being 15, so dont anticipate him camping with us much longer.  This in mind, we are looking to move from a nebraska XL (tent), to maybe our first caravan.

We have spotted an Avondale Argos with 'extras' at what seems an ok price.  Does anyone have any advice on these vans,  or would you recommend something else? This van is a 1993 model, and would appear sound enough.  Is the layout a good one for a family of 6? (eldest going out in the awning)!

Thanks, 

bunny.

We got a brochure on the Avondales but I am pretty sure that someowhere on here I read that they were overpriced for what they were and weren't as good as some other makes.  I could be wrong, often am!  But I think if you do a search for Avondale on here then you might find the thread where I saw it.

That is good through about the monibile servicing.  My Sister went to the NEC earlier this week, she and her hubby live on a cruiser so they went for the boats, but knowing I was interested in a caravan she had a look at some, she said there were loads of them, would love to go but don't think we will be able to this year, unfortunately.  Someone recommended the new Adria Adiva but there aren't any photos on their web site yet, I think it was launched at the NEC, hopefully there will be more details next week.

Go for the Hobby.  Our friends have one and they have never been turned away from a site.  I think that story is a myth. 

Secondly the Hobby is better and stronger built caravan than any British caravan.  I have never heard of any one experiencing damp problems with these caravans but there may be some other issues that i do not know about.

Our next caravan purchase will be a Hobby and you do not pay VAT on a 2.55m wide caravan.

Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 22/2/2007

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Go for the Hobby.  Our friends have one and they have never been turned away from a site.  I think that story is a myth. 

Secondly the Hobby is better and stronger built caravan than any British caravan.  I have never heard of any one experiencing damp problems with these caravans but there may be some other issues that i do not know about.

Our next caravan purchase will be a Hobby and you do not pay VAT on a 2.55m wide caravan.

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It is not a myth, but perhaps a bit overstated.  I have seen signs up outside sites saying" No Hobby Caravans", last place I saw one was near Whitby, but there are plenty of places that will take them.  As long as you are aware of the possible problems you will be OK.  A wide one could be more of a problem than a 2.3 m one.

 I would check the insurance situation first, especially if you go for a wide van, as this is likely to be your biggest problem. Then phone round a few sites and ask if they will accept the van.  Also there are not that many dealers, so it depends on where you are whether it is going to be convenient or a big hassle with servicing. 

We considered a german van, they are very substantial,  but there are no dealers around here, so it was not a sensible proposition.

Thanks again, I really appreciate you all taking the time.