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hobby caravans again
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 5:11 PM
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MD
Joined 12 Apr 2007
70 posts
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Hello Ali and others,
I checked recently, with CIS, regarding their insurance for Hobby vans of 2.5m width. It is true that they will cover them whilst fixed on site in the UK. Their policies DO NOT cover towing the caravan outside of the requirements of the Road Traffic Acts - i.e. 2.5 m vans are NOT covered, in the UK, whilst being towed by a vehicle under 3500 kg unladen weight. They state that all of this is specified within their policy documents.
There is a new law that came into effect yesterday regarding misinformation being given/information withheld at time and point of sale. This may/may not help a little. However, I have a friend who purchased privately and was completely misinformed regarding the 2.5 m width vans. The ‘private’ seller turned out to be a dealer working from home! Subsequently, the LTSO took the matter in hand and my friend went to court to obtain a refund – and won! I think the case against the dealer is still under way.
There is a tightening up of the towing laws through VOSA:
“The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.”
There have been checks, just a short distance from the Dover Ferry terminals, at the top of the hill heading towards Folkestone. I had both tow vehicle, caravan and hitch loadings measured, lights checked and both tow car and caravan VIN plates checked – even the Euro Standard mark on my Milenco wing mirrors and their overhang from the towing vehicle was examined. It took best part of 30 minutes. The only criticism was really advisory ‘gas had not been fully turned off at the cylinder’.
As for towing capabilities, I’ve towed (within the law as stamped on the VIN plate) when my caravan had a MTPLW of 1500kg and my towing vehicle was 1475kg. The car in question – a Peugeot 406 GTX HDi 110 manual estate (Not the family version!). No problems bringing my new van home from Germany – superb handling and fuel consumption of 30.24mpg whilst towing at motorway speeds.
My more recent tug is a Nissan X-trail 4x4 – six speed diesel 138 bhp CDi unladen 1675 kg. Same 1500 kg van. It tows OK but not with the refinement of the Peugeot and it definitely doesn’t feel as stable. Fuel consumption a poor 22.3mpg. Plenty of buffeting in windy conditions (as experience by most SUV towing vehicles).
The 85% rule is a guide only, particularly for new drivers experiencing towing for the first time. It is not law, just highly recommended.
You are doing the right thing – ask questions first, get peace of mind before purchasing a new caravan (or used one!) and enjoy the friendly community of caravanners in both the UK, Europe and World Wide (if you can make it).
Regards
Madge
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 5:31 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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Hi Mac, interesting info. The 540 cabin, what's the spec for that then, or should I say, the Layout and berths etc. Ideally I wanted a Hobby a bit bigger than that as we are selling our Adria 580 as require more space for all the kids etc. Any advice?
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 5:37 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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True, I rang Flamingo Land and they told me it's their policy not to accept Hobbies, Buccaneers and another German make I can't remember. They wouldn't actually divulge why which was most annoying. It's unfair that these caravans are turned away. Most of the Hobbies look amazing externally and internally so it's just a disgrace and unfair to respectable families like ourselves with 4 children whom require lots of space. Excuse me for being a "blonde" as I do not have a tape measure to hand but what's the length of yours in feet then?
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 5:41 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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Thanks for that info. My Land Rover Discovery states on the plate - 2720kg, 6220kg, 1 - 1200kg and 2 - 1650kg. Which do I go on? I imagine it's the 2720kg?
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 5:43 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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Hi again Paul, I have been told that there are a few Hobbies which are 2.3m wide which is great but which models do I need to be looking at and what is the longest length they do in the 2.3m? Basically I need a big one that is legal ! Excuse the pun !
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 5:56 PM
 Edited by smifff 27 May 2008, 6:00 PM
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smifff
Joined 22 Sep 2007
88 posts
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Models upto and including 540 are 2.3 metres wide......models 560 and above are 2.5 metres wide
You could always try the new Sprite Quattro FB..2.23 metres wide and 20ft 7 inches long
Cheers
Smifff
___________________
Theory is a wonderful thing but very rarely works in practice
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 6:08 PM
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PAUL
Joined 6 Apr 2003
43 posts
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Hi Ali
The body length of mine is 18ft and the overall length is 22ft but I wouldn't recommend it for a larger family, with the fixed double bedroom it does tend to lack loungespace.
Paul
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 6:23 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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Ok, will do, thanks.
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 6:24 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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Oh that's a shame. Thanks anyway.
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 6:31 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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I am looking for a large Hobby to tow around the UK and have found out in last couple of days that my Discovery is not legal to tow the 2.5m wide Hobbies so am now looking at the 540 with it being 2.3m wide. Do any of you have experience with the 540's and if so can you give me a bit of info on space/cupboards/layout etc. We are a family of 2 adults and 4 young children. Is this big enough for us? What is the actual body length in feet excluding the A frame? Is it also a fixed bed? As much info as poss would be most appreciated from you 540 owners as we are in a position to purchase but need some answers before we do. Thanks sooo much.
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 6:33 PM
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MD
Joined 12 Apr 2007
70 posts
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Hello Ali once more.
2065-2225 kg unladen weight depending on model
2720 is the max laden weight GVM
6220 is the maximum train weight MPTM
towing 750kg unbraked or 3500kg braked trailer (includes caravans - only restrained by legal max. towing width in the UK of 2.3m)
1200 is the max front axle loading and
1650 is the max rear axle loading.
Hope this helps you along the road .......
Regards.
Madge
There is also the recommended towball loading - I think (!) it was 150kg but you can find it in the instruction booklet for your particular model.
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 8:12 PM
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MD
Joined 12 Apr 2007
70 posts
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Ali, if you need space for six, adults and teenagers, then you are unlikely to find what you want in any of the Continental vans that are 2.3 m in width.
Have a look at the HOBBY site http://www.hobby-caravan.de and you will see the dimensions and layouts of the narrow vans.
In fairness to your family and yourself, of course, you will probably have to look for a six berth full size van from a UK manufacturer.
Check out Practical Caravan magazines in your local library for recent reviews of some of the larger vans currently available.
Good luck in your search.
Madge
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 8:20 PM
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Suzy
Joined 5 Mar 2004
10 posts
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we have a Hobby 500 kmfe 6 berth fixed double at the front solid bunk beds at the back (adults have slept in them) and the dinette in the middle goes to a double can be cramped on a wet day if you dont have the awning up it worked for us i will be sad to see it go (husband changed job cant get away in it) : - (
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 8:23 PM
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Mac
Joined 6 Oct 2004
44 posts
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Ali, I am aware that insurance companies have been known to refuse to pay out when faced with an accident. I am also cynical enough to think many will agree the sale to get your cash, there are after all hordes of so called loss adjusters paid to find loopholes in any claim afterwards. If you advised them in writing that there is this "obscure law" which says dont do it in the UK , and they still agree to insure you then ok but that isnt going to happen is it? So while your Disco is powerfull enough and may weigh a bit more than the van you buy, it doesnt weigh more than 3500 Kg, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Mac
Regards
Mac
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 9:07 PM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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I have decided to have a look at the 540 and check out the layouts and space. This is the biggest one they do up to the 2.3m so thought we may check it out. You never know.
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hobby caravans again
27 May 2008, 11:36 PM
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Kaiko2107
Joined 20 Jan 2007
63 posts
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Hi been looking at your discussion. I am with CIS insurance and have a letter which states that they are fully aware that i am towing a hobby caravan of 2.5m wide with my kia sedona and that i am fully insured in the event of an accident. My Kia is also insured via CIS as i did not want any confusion if i had to make a claim. The letter is an original as i told them exactly what i wanted on on so as not to cause any confusion later. It basically say that they are aware that i am towing a caravan of 2.5m with my Kia Sedona reg no bla bla bla and that i am fully insuranced. I will look it out and scan it in as a photo to let you all see it. ps my caravan has now been stollen so this for us is a mute point. I have enclosed a pic. If anyone has any information or has see it on their travels please let me know she is my pride and joy. Im not sure if i am still going be a hobby owner anymore but it was the best van i have ever had or seen. I just dont know if it is worth all the hassle we get as owners either through travellers stealing them, campsite refusing us entry because they think we are all travelling scum (sorry a little biased now) or through this stupid law. Its not fair that we have to go for something less nice and practical for our needs. I have 2 boys and this van was just perfect. Beside i probably wont be able to afford either to buy another one or to pay the extra premium on my insurance after this.
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hobby caravans again
28 May 2008, 0:14 AM
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Ali
Joined 7 Feb 2008
17 posts
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Am so sorry to hear of your Hobby being stolen, that's so sad, I imagine you are furious. It appears, according to some of the write-ups I have read that these vans are more than likely stolen by gypsies. It's just so unfair. Genuine, respectable folk should be able to buy a Hobby and not be faced with all this rubbish regarding camp-sites, people thinking that you are a gypo and the law re the width. Hobbies are fantastic vans inside and out which should be enjoyed without all this hassle, in saying that, it's great that your insurance co. actually insured you for the 2.5m wide van and backed it up with a letter. Shame you havn't got the van any longer. PS nice photo!
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hobby caravans again
28 May 2008, 0:16 AM
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MD
Joined 12 Apr 2007
70 posts
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Hello Kaiko2107,
It would be nice to see your letter, with a date and name of contact on it. CIS refused to even consider giving a quotation for a 2.5m van that was going to be used on UK roads in conjunction with a Nissan X-trail because, as stated in their policy conditions, the combination must meet all legal requirements within the country in which it was being towed. As it wouldn't meet UK regulations it was a non starter UNLESS it was towed legally or just placed on a permanent site.
Madge
You don't specify whether they referred to a trailer caravan 2.5 m in length or in width.
Sorry to hear of your caravan loss. Can you display any pictures of peculiarities of your van - i.e. changes from standard - any extras - CRiS markings inside the van in addition to windows, skylights and rear light clusters ...... Where did it disappear from? What security devices did you have in use? What is the HOBBY reference number? Are the police involved?
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hobby caravans again
28 May 2008, 9:25 AM
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Richie
Joined 17 Apr 2006
39 posts
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Madge
Can I ask when were you checked by VOSA and did they measure the width of your caravan?
Richie
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hobby caravans again
28 May 2008, 9:29 AM
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Richie
Joined 17 Apr 2006
39 posts
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Madge
yet again I ask the question.
If you exceed the speed limit does this invalidate your insurance?
Richie
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