Hobby or Hymer van

[Catherine]

We have looked at a range of motorhomes over the past few months and are fairly clear about what we want. The layouts and relatively compact sizes of the Hobby Van, Hymer Van and Hymer Exsis-i appeal to us.

 

We would appreciate comments from anyone who has had experience of any of these vans.

[Thai Bry]

Catherine - 2007-07-02 3:10 PM We have looked at a range of motorhomes over the past few months and are fairly clear about what we want. The layouts and relatively compact sizes of the Hobby Van, Hymer Van and Hymer Exsis-i appeal to us. We would appreciate comments from anyone who has had experience of any of these vans.

Hi Cathrine and welcome to the mad house.

We've been Hymer owners for a few years now, our 3rd and last,or so we keep saying- it all depends on which Hymer you've seen & liked. I know you've mentioned the Exsis, but what other Hymer models have you seen.? I can't speak for the Hobby, I've seen some and have been impressed with some of their layouts.

They'll be some Hobby owners coming along soon to give you more specialist info on that range.

If I can be any help re Hymer's then feel free to contact me.

Thai

[Guest JudgeMental]

You need to add the Knaus van to your list - its worth a look...

 

its wider so a little bit roomier plus a longer bed.

 

Hobby gets my vote over hymer as it has a small couch where the hymer has a wardrobe - making the lounge area a bit to claustrophobic for my tastes.

 

EuraMobil Profila's are also worth a look - modern lightweight construction and GRP coating so much stronger & resilient then aluminum.

 

you won't be disappointed with the new Ford chassis - its great!

 

 

[Thai Bry]

Catherine - 2007-07-02 3:10 PM We have looked at a range of motorhomes over the past few months and are fairly clear about what we want. The layouts and relatively compact sizes of the Hobby Van, Hymer Van and Hymer Exsis-i appeal to us. We would appreciate comments from anyone who has had experience of any of these vans.

Cathrine

I thought there had been a Thread on the Hobby van before.

Go to the top of the page and click on the "Search" symbol. Then type in the Hobby Van in the Keywords section.Then put in 1 month, and it will bring up a Hobby Van thread. I do believe Brian Kirby has ordered one, I'm sure he'll be along soon to offer some specific advice on the Hobby.

Thai

[Catherine]

Thanks. Maybe I should have said that we were keen to have two airbags. We were told by the dealer that this was not a possibility on the Hymer A class models such as the B504. Also, the option of a third occasional child's bed that the Hobbys and Hymers have is useful.

[crinklystarfish]

Hi,

 

Of the 'vans you've listed there really isn't a bum one. The Judge is right too, when he offers up the Knaus Van. They're all decent if you want something somewhere between a 'van conversion and a 'full widther'

 

Unlike the Judge I have reservations about the usefulness of the Hobby's 'extra' seat, but you'll pick up on the differing views if you search as Bri suggested.

 

For me, the best feature of any of the contenders is to be had in the Hymer Van 572; in the shape of twin single beds. The ability to be able to make a nocturnal visit without unceremoniously trailing unsolicited body parts across your partner is, in my estimation, a big plus.

 

To further muddy the waters, the Dethleffs Globebus / Globevan range is pretty good if you fancy a look, especially the Globebus I 1, which has the luxury of twin double beds at opposite ends of the 'van if you really want to extend the comfy kip theme.

 

Good luck.

[Guest JudgeMental]

 

There is a price to pay for single longitudinal beds though...

 

either a longer van or an even more squashed front living area.

 

and I quite enjoy Mrs Mental climbing over me :-D

[jasnelgrove]

Dethlefs Globevan 1 is worth a look and is changing quite a bit for 2008.

Version 1+1 will be a slightly longer version and with either the 'Pack' will include many extra - some quite good.

This van also has Oven and I believe the Truma heater with gas and/or electric.

As is the current trend it also has washroom with folding sections (Vario) to convert the shower area.

Also understand the wardrobe moves from 'lounge' area (now a seat) to under the bed - sounds like hobby type of arrangement.....

[Brian Kirby]

Add to your list the Dethleffs Globevan coachbuilt and A class versions, that's another 6 to be going on with!  All have their merits along with those you've already listed, and others have suggested. 

However, I don't think you'll get twin airbags, or indeed any airbags, on an A class van.  The relationship between driver, windscreen, and airbag is critical for effectiveness: and the varying sizes, and limited production, of the A class models mitigates against economic development of viable installations.

[w1ntersun]

Hi,

 

I to have been looking at these compact vans. The hymer 577 with twin fixed beds ( 20 ft long ) has a staring price of £32000 but by the time you get the essential extras it come out at £39000.

£1700 to put it on the road

Such as Tv bracket £174

gas Plus electric heating £ 400 ( gas only is standard )

All hymers come in with comfort pack and ellegance pack as fitted £3800.

Locker door extra

swivel seats extra

extending table extra

Panoramic roof £800

 

Once you get to £40000 There is a huge choice of low mileage s/h models with all the extras fitted. and for a saving of 7 inches in the width I don,t think they are worth it

 

 

[crinklystarfish]

Seven inches makes a big difference.

 

I'd happily pay even more for top quality and clever use of space. There's much to be said for the compact format if you want to leave the done-to-death tourist trails.

 

But then everyone that's considering one, or has bought one, has probably reached this enlightened conclusion.

 

I'm not quite won over enough, yet, by any of the current layouts though. There's just a bit too much compromise in the lounge space. I wish that one of the manufacturers would do away altogether with the cupboard / seat that inevitably occupies the space to the right of the habitation door - or do away with the habitation door?

 

Judge, I don't think the twin-single Hymer squashes up the lounge any, I think it's just a bit longer overall at about 6.5m. Could be wrong though. Oh, and my opening statement is equally apt if you don't go the separate beds route. Mrs Mental should be able to confirm this?

[Brian Kirby]

Yes, but......

First, what you say is true for all Hymers, but not necessarily true for all their competitors.  Hymers generally look reasonably priced until you adjust the spec, when the extras quickly ratchet up what you pay.  They also have an annoying habit of underspecifying almost all their vans in standard form, so few people would take them in "off the peg" condition.  The Achilles' heel of the Excis-i, apart from sharing the Van's layout, is its sharply reduced payload.  This, to me, reduces it almost to a pretty toy, instead of being a functional motorhome.

Dethleffs take a few paces down the same "options / packs" road, though not to quite the same extent, but, in my opinion the detailed design and finish is not quite so good as Hymer's.

The Hobby is quite well specified from the off, albeit with some sillies such as the choice of fridge supplied, and omits little that a user might add to "finish" it off.  Thus, there are few options, and no "packs".  Finish standards seem up to Hymer's, some might say better, but definitely no worse than Dethleffs.

Comments on cost are true only for RHD vans bought in UK.  So far as I can tell, all the above (except possible the Dethleffs) can be sourced, in LHD form, around £4-5,000 cheaper in Germany and France.  That puts them (except for the A class offerings) in the sub £30,000 bracket.  It is not necessary to actually go abroad to buy (though you may save even more if you do so), there are companies that will do the importing for you, with savings still in the region mentioned above.

What it might be possible to buy once you've inflated the price to £40K, seems to me to miss the point of these Vans.  The object of these "Van" type motorhomes is precisely to be smaller than their contemporaries, particularly in respect of width.  At 2.07M, the Hobby Van shaves the most off the "standard" 2.3M width, the Knaus, at 2.19M, the least.  Second hand motorhomes at 2.3M wide, at whatever price, are not strictly in the same market, so cannot be said to offer better value.  They are pears, whereas the buyer wants apples.

[jasnelgrove]

Brian,

 

I wonder is it polite to ask who the companies that will provide this import service are? I'm currently balanced between the hobby or dethleffs globevan 1.

 

Thanks, John

[peejay]

Hi Catherine;

 

Just to put my tuppence worth in, we have owned a Hymervan 522 for a year now (in for its first service as we speak). We've been very happy with it so far. We haven't found the wardrobe location a problem but I would say that the optional drivers swivel is an essential to open up even more space, it really should be standard. The Hobbyvan differs slightly in this respect having a seat where the wardrobe is but at the expense of a fiddly low wardrobe in the garage space at the rear, depends what you prefer. We have the optionable extendable swivelling table at the front which is really handy but its worth noting that you can't have a front single bed with this option, so bear that in mind.

The Hymervan comes in at 5.99 long whereas the Hobby is just over 6m which might be relevant if you travel regularly on the ferries as 6m is the length on many ferries where the tariffs go up. Both are superb vans with subtle differences and only you can decide which suits you best.

As has been said, don't discount all the other manufacturers versions, they are all realising that there is a good niche in the market for this type of van. I think 2008 will see further improvements on the layouts if you can wait till then.

Interesting that you also mention the Exis as i'm convinced the compact A class will be the next big thing in motorhomes, the exis-i is nothing more than a re bodied Hymervan at the moment and hasn't been properly though out imo, Dethleffs have also got their own vesion called the Globebus, we saw one in the flesh the other day and it looked great, only let down by the interior. Once again, can't wait to see what 2008 brings on this format.

If you want to know anything more specific about the Hymervan then fire away and i'll try to help.

 

Good luck with the search.

 

pete

[w1ntersun]

Hi Again,

 

Re peejay re hymer van

 

How do you go on for watching TV When I sat in the drivers swivel my face felt to close to the Tv. We long term in the winter so comfortable lounging is a must. Do you do much cooking?

 

 

Richard

 

 

[Brian Kirby]

John

No, I'm sure they won't be offended! 

So far as I can, tell there are currently two:  Bundesvan http://tinyurl.com/2e3mv2, and Buy European Direct http://tinyurl.com/2m2vqn .  There was a third, Go European, but their website now seems unobtainable.  Others may be able to supply others. 

The services differ a little in terms of who you pay and how, and whether the van comes to you, or you go to the van.

Neither undertakes to change speedometers and lights to Uk spec as a matter of course, though I know Bundesvan will do this at additional cost.  I believe both claim to be able to source new or used, right or left hand drive.

Good luck!

[Guest JudgeMental]

While at Düsseldorf show last year we looked at Dethleffs and were surprised to see they still use the old type bubble aluminium skin on some of their models.

 

The bubble skin is used as it is thinner/lighter. To have a smooth aluminium skin it has to thicker/heavier. Aluminium tears and dents much easier then GRP - and I know as a tree branch gouged a section out of a previous camper.

 

GRP is stronger and more resilient and a better building material. It’s much harder to damage. Alloy roofed vans have been known to need new roofs after hail storms.

 

That’s why I went for a EuraMobil, not as flash as some but...

Aircraft style bonded construction, no screws, no wood, lightweight. With GRP skin and alloy frame - and better quality windows.

Don’t be fooled by appearances. The fact that you have to pay extra for necessities (swivelling driver seat!) Should tell you something regards the mindset of certain manufactures.

 

[peejay]

w1ntersun - 2007-07-03 12:44 PM

 

Hi Again,

 

Re peejay re hymer van

 

How do you go on for watching TV When I sat in the drivers swivel my face felt to close to the Tv. We long term in the winter so comfortable lounging is a must. Do you do much cooking?

 

 

Richard

 

 

Hi Richard,

 

Never watch TV in the van, just listen to the radio and quaff the odd bottle or two of red :D

 

Yes, no problems cooking although worktop space is at a premium like quite a few continental vans.

 

pete

[Noddy]

Hi

I originally ordered a Hobby Van at the NEC from Brownhills who gave me a great part exchange deal on my 2001 Compass Aventgarde(see thread on part exchange). By May the Hobby hadn't appeared with Brownhills saying they were in short supply and they couldnt guarantee delivery before August at the earliest. Thoroughly hacked off I had a walk around their yard and spotted a Hymer Camp CL542 and bought it on the spot. We took delivery two weeks ago and after a couple of blips like the windscreen wipers and lights not working we went away last weekend. We checked out the sleeping arrangements and ended up in the roof as there is ample room for two adults up there and it saves continually making the bed. The reason we went for the Hobby was its fixed bed and garage. Anyway to cut a long story short, to date, we are very pleased with the Hymer, the separate shower is superb and the fridge and cooking arrangements away from the living area are also well thought out.

Also the colour scheme is a bit of a head turner.

regards

Martyn

[Catherine]

Thanks for all the comments.

 

We had almost decided on a Hobby Van until the dealer mentioned a delivery time of about a year. While we would be happy to get delivery next April or May, we felt that this sort of delay was excessive and could not imagine buying a 2008 van without knowing the details of the spec.

 

On a visit to Brownhills, the salesman we talked to showed us pictures of variations on the Exsis-i for 2008. These included a version with a small seat where the wardrobe is and the wardrobe under the bed (as in the Hobbys). There was also a planned version with a pull down bed above the cab similar to what you get in a bigger A class. We thought this might interest us too.

 

The lack of airbags in lots of models including A class Hymers and Dethleffs have ruled them out for us. I can't imagine buying a new car without at least two airbags and would probably expect 4 or 6 these days. I understand the practical limitations of fitting airbags in an A class but that does not help you if you hit something. (the Exsis-i has two but I suppose that is just because it is based on the Transit, and does not mean they will be particularly effective)

 

In their basic forms, the Hobby models, including the Van, Siesta and Toskanas seem better specified than the equivalent Hymers. For both the Hymer Van and Exsis we reckoned we would need to spend about £4k above the basic price to get the kit we wanted. Even a driver's door is an extra on the Exsis. The Hobbys had most of it in the basic spec.

 

Finally, does the narrower body on the Hymer van and similar vehicles make a real difference to their handling or usability on the road? We will use it in the Highlands, including frequent journeys from Perth to Braemar. Anyone who has used that road will know that it is not the best for wide vehicles.

 

We have now booked to go to the Dusseldorf show and aim to make a decision by then at the latest.

 

 

[michele]

JudgeMental - 2007-07-02 4:07 PM

 

Hobby gets my vote over hymer as it has a small couch where the hymer has a wardrobe - making the lounge area a bit to claustrophobic for my tastes.

 

i have not looked at the hymer or I have but I have forgot it ? trust me I can not reatin anything.

Judge we had that Hobby the big 6 birth one I bought it brand new in Oct got rid in Jan lost alot of money big mistake .

 

I /we could not sit on that seat let alone get a child bottom on it ?

[Derek Uzzell]

There's also Burstner's "Travel Van" (on Fiat) and "Nexxo" (on Transit) 'compact' low-profile designs that have been released recently in Continental Europe and should reach the UK shortly.

 

(Worth adding perhaps that 2008-model layouts may be significantly revised if motorhome manufacturers choose to exploit the space-saving potential of Truma's next-generation Combi heater.)

 

 

[crinklystarfish]

Catherine - 2007-07-03 8:34 PM

 

Finally, does the narrower body on the Hymer van and similar vehicles make a real difference to their handling or usability on the road?

 

 

Undoubtedly. It's probably the single biggest reason for getting one, I'm surprised it seems to be something of an afterthought?

[Derek Uzzell]

The current model Hymer Van 522 has a width of 2.14m, a length of 5.98m and a height of 2.72m. Although it's relatively narrow for a modern coachbuilt, this is still not a tiddler motorhome and other 'Van-type' designs aren't Tiny Tims either.

 

I'm very doubtful that increasing the width of a Van 522 by, say, 200mm (which would make it about average for nowadays) would make any noticeable difference to its handling. As far as 'usability' is concerned, my own Transit-based Hobby 2005-model T-600 FC is 2.29m wide, 6.38m long and 2.75m high and I'll readily admit to disliking driving it on narrow roads. But I disliked doing that with its (narrower) predecessor and I'm sure I'd be no more confident with the Hymer.

 

Even though the Hymer's tighter-than-our-Hobby's turning-circle (due to the 522's shorter wheelbase) should simplify parking, we couldn't live with the Hymer's cramped interior, minimal kitchen, up-a-ladder-bed, and serious lack of low-level interior storage space. For us, even if the Hymer's reduced dimensions did indeed offer a little extra on-road usability, such benefits would be immediately cancelled out when the vehicle was static.

 

What we've got at the moment is a situation where coachbuilt motorhomes have grown to an average width where it's worth manufacturers deliberately building vehicles that use narrowness as a selling point. In fact the latest crop of 'Vans' are just returning to the width of many of the coachbuilts marketed back in the mid-90s. Personally, I'm unconvinced that ultra-narrowness is such a great leap forward for coachbuilt motorcaravans. If I were planning to take a motorhome regularly to places where narrowness of body would be critical, I'd opt for a panel-van conversion with robust steel sides rather than the vulnerable aluminium or polyester scratch-prone skin of coachbuilt models.

[crinklystarfish]

Derek Uzzell - 2007-07-04 9:08 AM

 

Personally, I'm unconvinced that ultra-narrowness is such a great leap forward for coachbuilt motorcaravans. If I were planning to take a motorhome regularly to places where narrowness of body would be critical, I'd opt for a panel-van conversion with robust steel sides rather than the vulnerable aluminium or polyester scratch-prone skin of coachbuilt models.

 

Fair point regarding the toughness of steel but there are big advantages in the ‘new’ thin coachbuilts.

 

They bring the advantages of a reasonable garage, fixed bed, decent fresh water capacity, decent water supply, consistent insulative qualities, no Heath Robinson roof light fittings to compensate for corrugated roofs, (usually) better washrooms; to name the more obvious.

 

I agree that the current interiors are just a bit too cramped though. I wish the manufacturers would just aim squarely for the niche these ‘vans would fit so well and design them solely as luxury two-person vehicles.

 

Surely the diminutive size lends itself to exploration and self-sustainability for one or two people off the beaten track, and any nod towards ‘entertaining’ on site or cramming in a squawking kid is missing the point? Less clutter and more functional lounge space please, then I’ll buy one.

 

That is assuming suppliers can deliver the spec. in the manufacturers brochure that I actually want, but that’s another story…