So, last week had a good look round the show at the nec, enjoyed it more than the last couple of times, don't really know why, perhaps just more in the mood! Got to say liked the look of a lot of caravans by the british manufacturers, But was absolutely blown away by the look inside & out of the Hobby Premium. With a bit of effort, such as slightly changing layouts & specifications, such as ovens, shower rooms, I really think if Hobby wanted to, they could give the brits some serious problems by grabbing massive sales. For example the stunning van they had on show was £25k, a lot admittedly, but not far away from any big twin axle. Or am I just daft & missing some point?
Most German makes of caravans are very impressive if you view them & standard of construction is probably generally better than UK although you do need to compare like with like price wise. They do have their fair share of damp problems though as Dutch caravanners will confirm.
But fact is no foreign caravan manufacturer except Adria has ever made serious inroads into the UK market by establishing national dealer networks & making UK specific models. Importation of foreign built 'vans has always been on a small scale with UK door side models only being produced sporadically. All German makes produce directly comparable models to UK makes but they chose not to seriously market them here.
If anybody wants to buy a new or secondhand German built caravan in the UK they have always been able to do this but it is much easier to buy & to own a UK built 'van & fact is the UK caravan industry is a massive success story for keeping out foreign built opposition.
I don't think I'd sleep at night with a hobby on the drive, a family close to us had a new large hobby and they went as far as taking all wheels off on the drive and we have very low crime stats around here. Europeans don't tend to use the inside of their vans like we do, the tiny washrooms put me off. However, I do love the Hobbys to look at.
The UK is one of the largest markets for touring caravans in Europe. It is therefore a bit surprising that the largest European caravan manufacturer does not seem keen on competing directly with UK makers. There must be reasons for this otherwise they would. I expect one truth might be is that without modification they might seem sparely equiped compared to vans made in the UK. If they were modified to match then I expect they would not seem to be competitiely priced. It could also be that their designs might not have as much appeal to UK tastes their enthusiasts imagine. Germany as a country is one that lives for exports so there has got to be a good reason why they don't have UK versions of the caravans.
Some interesting new caravans at CARLIGHT..a new wide-bodied twin-axle model to compete with the Hobby type vans.They have a good website ..worth a look.
Hi, yes, we had a good look at the Hobby's, your absolutely right they are impressive. Very pretty vans to look at aswell which didn't do them any disfavors.
Your right, a lot of van for the money. Most of them too big to tow though, certainly for my vehicle.
I wouldn't touch a Hobby with a barge pole. They scream traveller/ itinerant worker at me! I can't say I've ever thought if a caravan as being pretty though;-)
BIGM2: "I wouldn't touch a Hobby with a barge pole. They scream traveller/ itinerant worker at me! I can't say I've ever thought if a caravan as being pretty though;-)"
I wandered how long it would take the anti traveler/bigot to put there ten penny worth in.Funny that when I watched the program of the eviction of the travelers in Essex I did not see one Hobby.
Quote: Originally posted by WESNAT472 on 04/3/2013
BIGM2: "I wouldn't touch a Hobby with a barge pole. They scream traveller/ itinerant worker at me! I can't say I've ever thought if a caravan as being pretty though;-)"
I wandered how long it would take the anti traveler/bigot to put there ten penny worth in.Funny that when I watched the program of the eviction of the travelers in Essex I did not see one Hobby.
PS I own a GERMAN van!!
I agree, although that were an awful lot of Tabberts!
Come on people, I just mentioned that the Hobby Premium in particular was a great looking caravan & I stand by that, it is really a leap forward in looks for the industry, let's not start arguing about who buys Hobby vans. Anyway, if they bring one out in the layout I want they may have a customer here. For what its worth I think it was Swift who had a colour concept caravan on show & I thought that was really good as well if not quite as much wow factor!
I live close to a traveller site and there is a good cross section of vans. The most common being big Swifts and Sterlings, but definitely at least a couple of Hobby's. The local traveller community here are no problem, good and bad in all I guess.
I suspect the reason our local travellers go for the big Swifts/Sterlings/Hobby's is just because of v good build quality and size. I think I'd do the same if I lived in my van.
hi guys,i bought a new hobby.about 11 years a go,cracking looking van,but did not wear well,doors coming loose amongst a lot of other problems.not very sturdy,but saying that,was a long time ago and different model,so perhaps no bearing at all,had a new avondale and was fabulous she looked as good when we sold her as when we first bought her,again a lot of years ago,good luck
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Hobby caravans @ nec
