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Subject Topic: Hobby Dilemma Post Reply Post New Topic
Personkitchpoo
22/8/2011 at 7:57am
 Location: Bradwell
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morning one and all.

I have been offered a Hobby Prestige 650 2004 at the trade in price. Before anyone asks from a legit source. I will obviously look very closely at the paperwork and check CRIS.

But reading scant reviews I can find there is always a questionmark over sites taking them, their width and the continental door side. we tend to stick to CCC sites anyway.

Has anyone got a 650? Are there any issues with build or known places to check for wear ? and will our aged Sedona 2.9 be man enough to tug it? and finally, as it is now legal to tow an 8ft van has anyone found it painful?

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May '13 - Cotton Rally S.Suffolk DA C&CC
May '13 - The Steadings, Suffolk S. Suffolk DA C&CC


PersonRune Caster
22/8/2011 at 9:07am
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I don't have a Hobby so can't help you on Hobby related questions as such - least at first hand

To ask if a Hobby, or any other German caravan has build issues would be the same as asking the same question of Rolls Royce.

If a site turns away a Hobby then it is not worth going to that site in the first place - it's that simple. But honestly I've never been turned away with my Tabbert from any site I've chosen to go to, again we use mainly C&CC sites as well.

Concerning their width 8ft is only 3 inches per side bigger than a 7' 6" caravan. I've found towing to be easy, in fact easier than the British caravan it replaced, but this season I added a rear view camera (cost less than £80) and that is brilliant for knowing what is behind you.

Door being on the off-side is not really a problem - we tend to avoid carpark type sites anyway - on that type of site the caravan is on the left side of the pitch (looking at it) then your awning then your car, so in order to get your door correct you'd have to put your van nose in which could be a problem if there is a hedge surrounding the pitch (could be overcome by a motor mover though).

Depending on where the caravan was bought new there is a possibility that it does not have CRIS registration as it is a UK thing only (in Europe there is a lot more documentation required from the previous owner so they tend not to have to bother with CRIS)

Whether your Sedona is a good match depends on the kerb weight, it's max legal towing weight and how much towing you have done really no doubt some one will be along to tell you your kerb weight and the 85% rule etc.

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Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby

rune@tabbytha.com


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Personmjw1999
22/8/2011 at 10:03am
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The width is ok, but i think the length (if its over 8m) may be illegal unless your tow car is 3500kg.

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PersonOpensauce
22/8/2011 at 10:45am
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Its a mistake to say Hobbys don't leak, do the normal damp checks & pay particular attention to floor at front & rear corners, known points for rot. Afaik 650s have a 725cm body length so cannot legally be towed by a car. Take a tape measure when you go & view.


Personjennifernn
22/8/2011 at 11:27am
 Location: NW of Glasgow
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Yes, the body is over 7 metres, so longer than allowed with an tow vehicle under 3500kg.

Be careful....Hobby dealers also list the body length "without gas box" and will tell you this is the length that counts, but I think this is rather dubious.

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Jennifer


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PersonRune Caster
22/8/2011 at 12:04pm
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The length of the gas box can only be taken into account if it is FIXED to the A frame if it is fixed to the body and just rests on the A frame then it is part of the overhang and not counted within the legal length!

Of course you could also check with VOSA as well!

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Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby

rune@tabbytha.com


Personjennifernn
22/8/2011 at 1:08pm
 Location: NW of Glasgow
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I don't think I understand that.

If the gas box is integral in the body, as in modern vans, is that not really part of the body?

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Jennifer


PersonRune Caster
22/8/2011 at 1:37pm
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The 'legal' length of a trailer is the trailer bed i.e. the rectangular floor of the trailer, any part of the load (in a caravan's case the body) that over hangs the front or rear is known as the overhang - there is a maximum allowed overhang, certainly half a metre each end but may be a metre.

It is illegal for any load to exceed the maximum legal width on any road in the UK without the necessary exemption certificate (which will limit you to a speed not exceeding 20 or 25 mph)

If a gas box is affixed to the A frame it is classed as an extension of the bed, if however a gas box is fixed to the body and only rests on the A frame it is classed as part of the overhang. Now for something that may sound queer - if a gas bottle is fixed to the A frame without being boxed in is is not classed as part of the part of the bed.

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Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby

rune@tabbytha.com


Personjennifernn
22/8/2011 at 2:15pm
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So....if my gas bottles sit on a ply floor, which is separate from my caravan floor, and is fixed to the A frame, and then integrated into the front of my caravan body by being covered with the ABS caravan front......

where does that leave me on lengths? Where do I put my tape line?

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Jennifer


PersonRune Caster
22/8/2011 at 2:32pm
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If the gas bottles are fixed to the A frame and have a box or covering irrespective of whether they are connected to the body the box would be classed as part of the bed so if you had a 1 foot square box covering your gas bottle 2 feet in front of the bed fixed to the A frame them you would extend the bed by 3 feet, only if the bottle is uncovered does it not apply.

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Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby

rune@tabbytha.com


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Personkitchpoo
22/8/2011 at 2:49pm
 Location: Bradwell
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Riiiighhht... so looks as though a 650 version exceeds the 8m rule? online the 'shipping length' is 8.43m

Its sounding too much like its a hassle and might wait for something a tad smaller - currently our 26 year old Swift Challenger 550/5 is doing a sterling job - if a little soggy in the corners.

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May '13 - Cotton Rally S.Suffolk DA C&CC
May '13 - The Steadings, Suffolk S. Suffolk DA C&CC


PersonRune Caster
22/8/2011 at 3:13pm
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Quote: Originally posted by kitchpoo on 22/8/2011
Riiiighhht... so looks as though a 650 version exceeds the 8m rule? online the 'shipping length' is 8.43m

Its sounding too much like its a hassle and might wait for something a tad smaller - currently our 26 year old Swift Challenger 550/5 is doing a sterling job - if a little soggy in the corners.


Actually it is a UK ruling of 7m (excludes A frame) - whether the 650 exceeds that would depend on it's design - whether the UK ruling can be enforced (any ruling made in a court in this country can be challenged in the EU because the EU legislation does not limit to 7m) and whether you'd want to be the one to challenge it is another matter!

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Caravanning is a way of getting a cheap holiday out of an expensive hobby

rune@tabbytha.com


Personkitchpoo
22/8/2011 at 3:37pm
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yes, and I dont want to be the 'test case', I'll leave that to someone who can get state funding for court fees and may have already appeared on a channel 5 documentary about elaborate weddings!

Thanks for all your help - Its a tough one as essentially it is £3,000 cheaper than what they tend to fetch.

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May '13 - Cotton Rally S.Suffolk DA C&CC
May '13 - The Steadings, Suffolk S. Suffolk DA C&CC



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