The Caravan Owners Club

[kev946]

We really like the Hobby caravan’s quality and we are now on the look out for a 540 UF. We were initially thinking of a used one, (it would have to be 2004 onwards), but have started thinking about buying a new one direct from a German dealer. I’ve already had a quote from Franz at Joeressen’s and found them very helpful. They do have a few 540 UF’s in stock at the moment. Doing my own importing certainly doesn’t bother me but will need some advice.

We live quite close to Ambergate Caravans, the main Hobby dealer in the UK, so we are very fortunate to be able to see these caravans in the flesh and be able to use them for servicing etc.

I have the following questions, which I would appreciate any help on: -

1. When’s the best time to buy new, i.e. am I likely to get a good deal from a German dealers during the winter months on a 2006 model and how much could I save over a 2007 model. They seem to be in great demand so suspect the 2006 stock might just sell out anyway.
2. Does anyone know where I can find the German RRP price.
3. If I order a 2007 model, what is the typical delivery lead-time and what kind of deposit should I expect to pay.
4. How does the specification differ between a German Hobby and UK Hobby, e.g. I know the German ones have no 12v system and an electric water heater, plus of course the gas connection and 13 pin plug.
5. What exactly do I need to do regarding importing myself. Is it just placing an order then collecting, or is there customs paperwork necessary.
6. Can I get the Hobby CRIS registered in the UK
7. What kind of extra’s can we get fitted from new. We’ve already been offered an Air Con system for 1100 Euro.
8. What is a typical price of a 2004 model. Just trying to work out how much more a new model will cost.
9. What has changed on the 2007 models and does anyone know any websites with pictures. I know the rear end has been redesigned.


For information, I’ve had an extremely expensive quote from Germancaravans.co.uk. So think I would prefer to deal direct with a German Dealer. The quote’s I’ve had from Joeressens’s on 2007 show a big saving over Ambergate Caravans price, e.g. roughly £3k.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[candlefish]

Hi Kev.
Welcome to the club....

I can't answer all of your questions, but we did buy from Joeressens last year, and so can talk a little about that.

We decided to get a Hobby (495 UK) in January 05, and ordered it in February. By that stage it was a case of fitting into the production schedule, so we could have had an Excellent Easy in march or a de-luxe easy in June.

We went for the Delux easy, but got bits added to it, so it is nearly an excellent easy now!

We also got the battery and water tank added, which was not cheap, but we think essential. If you are handy with electrics, you could do it for less, but at least ours is warrantied!

To import you need to drive to the dealer, hook up, and drive home. There is no customs declaration, and no paperwork.

You will need various bits and pieces, like a german to uk gas convertor, (14 euros) and a 2 x 7 to 13 pin electric lead (Towsure, but not in the catalogue, about £20 )

Have a search through the forum, and you should find various posting from others who have asked about the same thing.

I'll PM you some more info.


Cheers

David

[kev946]

Thanks David.

We've already recieved some good prices from Johannsens and Hexel. Can anyone recommend any other dealers worth asking for a quote.

Cheers
Kevin

[framptoncottrell]

Try www.mobile.de, select the English option, then follow your nose.

It's quite an addictive site!

Dr. (musical, not medical) Roy