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Hello All

Now I know what people think and what they say but I have ordered a new Hobby 720UKFE.

We went to the NEC in October and didn't find the right van for us.  We went back last week thinking the new Pegasus 646 would fit the bill.  Twin axle, triple bunk.  We were ready to order it, as it was a good size and the kids would have their own room.  Then took a walk around the motorhome section and came across some Hobby vans.  I only had a look out of nosyness and fell in love.  Twin axle, big living room, beautiful kitchen, kids room with fixed huge bunks and adults room with fixed bed.  It was what we had always said we wanted but didn't believ it existed.  Fixed beds for all!  We had considered the 5th wheel option but hadn't found the right layout in one that a uk truck could tow.

The Hobby guys told us straight out that the width 2.5m was illeagle to tow with anything weighing under 3500kg but that the law was changing immenantly.  I thought it was a load of flannel so went off to investigate with the experts on the CC stand and NCC.  I was shown documentation from the department of Transport and this indeed is true and show be in force by April.  At the moment the van we have ordered is classed as static due to it's width which means it's subject to 1% VAt but once the law changes this will increase to 17.5% so the price will shoot up.

I know there is some stigma attached to these vans because the travelling community like them and because they are theft attractive but at the end of the day it is the right van for us and a really good buy.  I know that I may get some grief for it and refusal at the odd site but I'm going to give it a go.  I think once the law chages we'll start to see a few more of these about.

Does anyone own a hobby?  Who have you insured with?  I know insurance is tricky with them.

Thank you

YAY!  I'm soooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!

Looking at your sig and after giving it much thought.... have you ever thought of a Hobby Van could be just the ticket?

Seriously if it's right for you and you have the means to tow it, fund the fuel bill and pay the insurance then why not? If it does not come with a tracking device I'd get one, they do attract some erm, unwanted attention!

We saw these at the NEC and they look lovely. Compared to the Airstreams I know which one I'd rather have if my lottery came up.

Just make sure you get good security fitted and never leave it alone on certain motorway service stations.

As a Burstner owner it's nice to be a little different from the droves of Baileys and Avondales on a CC site,

hope you enjoy it

Hi Phantom, yes, we have given it a lot of thought.  It is so well made and beautifully finished and the layout is perfect, it should fit us as a growing family for a very long time.

I intend to use every security device I can and do my best to keep my van safe.  At the end of the day any van is at risk especially big vans but should this really be a reason not to have one?  It seems unfair that people feel pressured out of having something lovely for the fear that someone else may take a shine to it.

Anyway, time will tell, thank you for your reply :)

I have friends with really big vans and they seem to feel that if you have a tracking device, an alko-secure wheel lock and all the usual other stuff you should be okay.

The main risk would seem to be where it is stored as they will break into most places and shift it with a low loader, but even then apparently a tracking device is something they hate!

Congrats on the new van.Get a tracker fitted but make sure you clearly advetise the fact that you have one fitted.I dont think a stolen/recovered van would feel the same even if the thieves hadnt been in it.

just out of interest; is it one of the really big ones?

the one I liked was 2000 kilos!!! way too much for even our terrano; that's Range Rover/Discovery territory.

What are you planning on towing it with?

yes it's huge :)

see: http://www.hobby.testingspace.net/hobby_caravan_details.asp?passinfo=Prestige&modelcode=720%20UKFe

I have an Isuzu Rodeo twincab to tow it with which has the biggest towing capacity of any UK pickup 3500kg so it won't be a problem.

We looked at them too and loved them, I was always put off by the exterior but I think the new models look really smart.

The salesman at the NEC show this year was saying about the law changing for the width but he's not sure if it's changing on the length, he said they're waiting for clarification.

We've been on a fair few sites with them on, they seem a very popular choice for those with seasonal pitches, yes they may be populare with travellers but surely that shows what cracking vans they are? They need vans that are comfortable and sturdy enough to be lived in 365 days a year, I'm sure there aren't many other brands that would stand such use.

Congratulations on your new van, it looks fab.

Quote: Originally posted by TheFarmersWife3 on 01/3/2010

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yes it's huge :)

see: http://www.hobby.testingspace.net/hobby_caravan_details.asp?passinfo=Prestige&modelcode=720%20UKFe

I have an Isuzu Rodeo twincab to tow it with which has the biggest towing capacity of any UK pickup 3500kg so it won't be a problem.

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Good luck with your new van. Don't know which variant of the Rodeo you have but if it's the Isuzu Rodeo Pickup DC - 3.0 TD (96 kW/129 bhp), whattowcar gives a 101% match, and a 103% match for the 2.5 TD model. Care may need to be taken when towing, especially if you are new to caravaning.

HTH