Quote: Originally posted by Tony B52 on 04/3/2013
Reference Pretty, the new Hobby's are, but take a look at the new Eternity's there outright flipping gorgeous.
Tony B
The Eterniti appears to have at best mediocre build quality, nothing in comparison to a Hobby. IMO
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I'm always puzzled by people who are convinced that continental caravans have small bathrooms or spartan fittings compared with English ones. When looking for ours we saw a lovely Hobby with a spacious rear washroom, some extremely well-equipped Hymers and a gorgeous Adria, as well as the Burstner we bought. In fact we were spoilt for choice. But we didn't see a single English cravan we liked.
Perhaps it helps that at the age of 60 we were new to caravanning and had absolutely no preconceptions or prejudices, unlike some people we talked to at caravan shows who told us we'd never get insurance for a German van and many UK sites wouldn't let us stay on them. I'm glad to say not all caravanners are such Little Englanders but there's obviously a lot of ill-informed prejudice around.
------------- Il vaut mieux vivre ses reves que rever sa vie
We've admired them at the NEC as well, but, it is true that some sites won' t accept them, it's in the T&C's for a seasonal pitch on our site, along with several other German makes like TEC, LMC and Roma.
All the german makers stopped exporting caravans to the uk because of the exchange rate, it made them too expencive, hymer have recently started exporting to the uk, there are a few companys importing hobbys but not on a large scale, mine has everything a uk van has including a proper fridge freezer not one of those silly little things on uk vans
Justed noticed this thread and must reply having owned 5 Hobby caravan since the mid 80's, NO I'm not a "Traveller"!
ALL UK imported Hobby caravan have oven/micro wave fitted. Hobby Ambergate are the importers.
As to "lets stop the import of continental caravans." Suggest look at the number of Imported cars and Motor homes.
What sort of welcome do we give those visiting us from "abroad"? Too long, wide, door on wrong side etc etc.. For those who travel on the continent, I'm sure they do not say NO brit vans!! The travellers use them ! Shock horror.
British manufactures now produce 2.5 metre vans. Where are the comments about the increase in bus/coach sized motor home?
Each to their own, but a run of the mill Swift group van or something different? Adria, Burstner, Air Stream, Eriba and so on.
The range of layouts in the continental vans is amazing. Some really imaginative design has gone on and best of all there are some 4 berth vans that will comfortably sleep 4 adults. This for example Hobby 540 LE
Haven't found a UK van yet that will sleep the two of us and two enormous teenagers and doubt I will. UK vans seem to have moved in a different direction and filled them with all the bells and whistles but forgotten that people need to be able to sleep in a caravan as well.
We sold our Bailey earlier this year for a UK spec Knaus. Part of me wishes I gone for the continental spec as I don't need magazine racks or scatter cushions
Its the body length on some of the larger Hobby's that are the issue and need a commercial vehicle to tow them (body length too long for regular cars/4x4s)
As someone relatively new to caravanning also, I have no preconceived ideas about makes and such and that helped when we started looking round at the quality of what was being offered inside and out
If continental manufacturers wanted to set up dealer networks all over the UK then they would. Until they do, with full ranges with UK side doors, plug sockets etc, then they will always remain a niche market. Hobby & Hymer have importers but few dealers, importers for other continental makes come & go & the caravan warranties go with them, presumably. Only Adria are well established in the UK & are serious about penetrating the UK market with UK specific models.
For those that caravan on the continent several times a yr & are familiar with driving abroad, then buying abroad in countries where dealers speak English, ie Belguim/Holland/Germany & getting warranty work done on annual visits to that country are a good option, but for those who only caravan in the UK & France/Spain then buying a UK built 'van from a local dealer is an easier & probably more sensible option, unless you live near a continental 'van importer.
If anybody wants an older caravan well out of warranty then there are plenty of smaller German built tourers around in the UK & worth considering if you find a good one. The chassis & interior fittings are same as UK built 'vans & any UK caravan workshop can service them.
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
