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Please Help,

I'm about to buy a Hobby caravan 2007 model for 9700. I tried to hpi it only to find it is a import. Firstly is it worth that price for a import, 2nd whats the pitfalls with a import, 3rd what guarantee do I have it's genuine. The seller does have the logbook    THANKS

What model is it?    If it is higher than a "540" you need a really heavy vehicle to tow it with.

Imports may not have the fire retardent upholstery, they may have continental sockets, and they may not be wired to use a battery.

They are also likely to have no oven, and only a very small washroom.

It all depends on what is important to you.

There is usually a good reason why they are cheaper than a UK van.  Be careful about servicing and spares, and read on here the dealers to avoid.

Thanks Jennifer,It's the model on my left (a little presumptious putting it there as yet) and I'll tow it with a Renault Traffic but mostly it would be sited. It as the same cushions as a uk model. But why do we need 12v these days? I won't go on a site without 240v. It as oven microwave average f/f and large end washroom

Phil

Nice van, but you need to be aware that to tow it you need a vehicle with a kerb weight of OVER 3500 kg.

If you are sited then as you say , you will not need 12v.

Only the "larger" Hobbys have the end washroom, except maybe some that have 2 single beds.

It is cheaper because you cannot easily legally tow it.  Some of these larger vans are exempt from VAT so that helps.

They are great vans for siting permanently, just as long as you are aware of the rules.

I'm afraid I can't help you on price, but do be aware that it could be difficult to sell on.

Hobby 650 WFU:

MGW - 1900kg, 2.5m wide.

Are you sure a Renault Trafic is powerful enough to haul 2 ton?

£9700 is reasonable, but remember, when it comes to selling it expect the buyer to want a knock down price too.

It is possible to pick up these vans at 5 or 6 years old for not a lot of money.

Also not all insurers will insure Hobbys and not all sites will allow them on.

Ali

   www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/hobby.htm - 102k

thats a heavy van in my book,needs a large motor.

Because of its width Michael it must be towed by a vehicle over 3500 kg, it is wider than a standard UK caravan.  Legal on the continent, but not here unless you have the appropriate vehicle.

Ali

I'm a bit puzzled about not needing 12v if you have it sited.  We have ours sited and still use the 12v as there's items that wont work unless on 12v

Jenny

Quote: Originally posted by Dorset Belle on 04/12/2007

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I'm a bit puzzled about not needing 12v if you have it sited.  We have ours sited and still use the 12v as there's items that wont work unless on 12v

Jenny

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These continental vans have a mains transformer instead of a battery for 12v. hence the reason for needing hook up.

The downside is, if you have no mains, the 12vd on't work either.

If your still on the look out for towing info on this subject the site below is quite an informative one, I have enclosed a link for you below, it would appear at first glance as though you would need to contract some one with the apropriate size vehicle to transport and site this size of van if you buy it, or run the risk of prosecution. good luck which ever way you decide.

            Merry Xmas and A Happy New Year to all.

http://www.towitall.co.uk/NTTA_law/law/dimensions.htm

Some readers may be interested in our experiences re contintental caravans - we bought a 2.5 wide Hobby whilst in Germany about six years ago and because our tow vehicle was below the specified minimum weight for towing 2.5m caravans in UK we stored the van in France and only used it on the continent. (our tow vehicle is a Ford Explorer 5 litre V8 and more than capeable of towing the van but not in UK apparently). Last year we decided it would be nice to caravan in UK again so I searched online (Google + Hobby Caravans) and found a dealer in Ettenheim just across the border with France. They listed their vans for sale, new and used and we selected a new Hobby WLU560 (2.3 m wide and OK for UK towing) with end shower room at a price 2650 pounds below an identical new van being offered in UK. I emailed the dealer and asked what they would give me for my 6 year old Hobby in part exchange and their offer was reasonable considering it was sight-unseen so we agreed the deal and made the exchange two months later in Ettenheim. Without any additional charges the dealer removed our Euromover and battery and charger from the old van and fitted them to the new van. We towed the new van to Le Lavandou in S. France and returned to the dealer after 7 weeks for some minor corrections at no charge. There is no duty to be paid on bringing the van into the UK since the equivalent of VAT is paid in Germany albeit slightly less than here.

For what it is worth, my advice would be that the additional benefit of an extra 200mm on the overall width of a caravan is not worth the problems it brings if you want to tow in UK unless you just happen to already own a suitable weight tow vehicle and can deal with the envious stares of some 'travellers' with light fingers. If continental caravans appeal to you stick to the 2.3m wide vans and buy where they are considerably cheaper ie in Germany. Insuring these is not a problem (ours is with the Caravan Club) and our warranties are applicable anywhere in Europe. The only disadvantage that we have found is that the door is on the off-side and this can sometimes be a tad inconvenient but not impossibly so.