Advice Needed: Buying Our First Motorhome

[Cartela]

Hey guys. Total newbie here. We are a hab check away from purchasing our first MH. It’s a 2009 Hobby Siesta on a Ford Transit. We love the MH, but it’s stretching our budget at £26k. We have come up with this list, can I get some opinions please…

◦ Pros
Great Layout
Comfortable
Good Condition
Big garage
Comfy to drive
Local

◦ Cons
Expensive (for us)
No clothes wardrobe
Little surface space
Small oven
Missing trays (freezer and oven)
Open shower (missus prefers the ones that have a screen so water doesn’t go everywhere)

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Cartela]

That's an overcab the T650 is a low profile.

Ahhh maybe not T650, will have to have another look

 

[Cartela]

Ahhh maybe not T650, will have to have another look

Advertised as a T650 but can’t make it out on the side

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Something not mentioned. But how many seat belts does it have that are FORWARD facing?
You mentioned that you may have 4 travelling persons in total, you. Wife,daughter and friend. But this has a side bench as I understand it.
Has it also got 2 usable belts facing forward, possibly at a table area?

 

[Cartela]

Something not mentioned. But how many seat belts does it have that are FORWARD facing?
You mentioned that you may have 4 travelling persons, but this has a side bench.
Has it also got 2 usable belts facing forward, possibly at a table area?

Yes, that is the first thing we look at, it has 2 forward facing in the back

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[offagen]

Like LennyHB, the only T650 models I have seen from that period have been lowline.

I did wonder if it could be this model but it doesn't fit your description: https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/reviews/hobby-siesta-t-650-ak-klc

Something of a mystery as to exactly what model it is that you are considering.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Yes, that is the first thing we look at, it has 2 forward facing in the back

So next will be usable payload with 4 persons travelling and all the "essential" clutter that you, or they,
" think" they will need.
Very important is payload!
Then have a look at its MOT history on the government. Website.

 

[oilrag]

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[Cartela]

So next will be usable payload with 4 persons travelling and all the "essential" clutter that you, or they,
" think" they will need.
Very important is payload!
Then have a look at its MOT history on the government. Website.

Payload is something I need to find out now. I thought I had it but not so sure now. Checked the MOT history, looks good to be fair

 

[Cartela]

Like LennyHB, the only T650 models I have seen from that period have been lowline.

I did wonder if it could be this model but it doesn't fit your description: https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/reviews/hobby-siesta-t-650-ak-klc

Something of a mystery as to exactly what model it is that you are considering.

I looked at that one, is almost identical except this has bunks and our one has a fixed double. Do they make the same models with different layouts?

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[The Old Man]

Something not mentioned. But how many seat belts does it have that are FORWARD facing?
You mentioned that you may have 4 travelling persons in total, you. Wife,daughter and friend. But this has a side bench as I understand it.
Has it also got 2 usable belts facing forward, possibly at a table area?

Very important point there.

My van wS advertised as Six Berth.

Yes there are six beds with everything arranged, however there are only four belted seats, plus two sideways bench seats AND, loaded to travel with just two people there is only 25kgs of payload left!

 

[Cartela]

Very important point there.

My van wS advertised as Six Berth.

Yes there are six beds with everything arranged, however there are only four belted seats, plus two sideways bench seats AND, loaded to travel with just two people there is only 25kgs of payload left!

Oh dear that’s not great! Trying to find out the proper model, plus the payload now

 

[TUCANO]

Sorry l can't offer advice about the particular van you are asking about but please think before you act, especially about the payload.
Lots of things have to be about compromise when purchasing a van but weight cannot be compromised, without sufficient payload you won't be going anywhere legally.
With possibly four people travelling l would suggest that no wardrobe is a possible bonus, less is more.
Tyre condition/age is another boring but necessary concern.
I can't really talk in detail about either of the subjects l have briefly mentioned and there are a lot more wiser people on this forum than l.
Think, don't jump is the best advice l can give, enjoy the search as it should be part of the FUN.

 

[Cartela]

Sorry l can't offer advice about the particular van you are asking about but please think before you act, especially about the payload.
Lots of things have to be about compromise when purchasing a van but weight cannot be compromised, without sufficient payload you won't be going anywhere legally.
With possibly four people travelling l would suggest that no wardrobe is a possible bonus, less is more.
Tyre condition/age is another boring but necessary concern.
I can't really talk in detail about either of the subjects l have briefly mentioned and there are a lot more wiser people on this forum than l.
Think, don't jump is the best advice l can give, enjoy the search as it should be part of the FUN.

Great advice, thank you! Yes I was having fun, but it is becoming quite frustrating, especially when vans are advertised as superb condition and you turn up to all sorts of problems. Currently waiting on the info regards the payload

 

[PaulW2]

Hey guys. Total newbie here. We are a hab check away from purchasing our first MH. It’s a 2009 Hobby Siesta on a Ford Transit. We love the MH, but it’s stretching our budget at £26k. We have come up with this list, can I get some opinions please…

◦ Pros
Great Layout
Comfortable
Good Condition
Big garage
Comfy to drive
Local

◦ Cons
Expensive (for us)
No clothes wardrobe
Little surface space
Small oven
Missing trays (freezer and oven)
Open shower (missus prefers the ones that have a screen so water doesn’t go everywhere)

Thanks in advance!!

I had a Hobby (Sphinx). Built like a brick outhouse. A monster. Far superior to almost any van from any manufacturer I've seen of the same vintage. It was a big van on an Iveco chassis but had the curved Hobby sliding shower doors. Some of the smaller Hobby vans have this too, but below a certain size compromises are inevitable. Thing is, while nice showers are lovely you don't spend hours luxuriating in a motorhome shower. You don't have enough hot water for starters and have to do the on/off thing. It's all pretty utilitarian. So what you'll get is only a few minutes of slightly better comfort. And drying the surrounds only takes a few minutes too.

I think the oven thing is German convention - fine for me as I never use one (now in a small PVC) - but most Brits prefer ovens and the UK-built vans are built accordingly. On balance I'd probably stick with continental, and maybe even specifically German, manufacturers.

Shame about the trays - maybe see if you can get the dealer to source this via the Hobby agents as part of the deal.

And unfortunate about the wardrobe but as you have a garage you'll find a way of doing the in-the-van-or-the-garage juggle.

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[Cartela]

I had a Hobby (Sphinx). Built like a brick outhouse. A monster. Far superior to almost any van from any manufacturer I've seen of the same vintage. It was a big van on an Iveco chassis but had the curved Hobby sliding shower doors. Some of the smaller Hobby vans have this too, but below a certain size compromises are inevitable. Thing is, while nice showers are lovely you don't spend hours luxuriating in a motorhome shower. You don't have enough hot water for starters and have to do the on/off thing. It's all pretty utilitarian. So what you'll get is only a few minutes of slightly better comfort. And drying the surrounds only takes a few minutes too.

I think the oven thing is German convention - fine for me as I never use one (now in a small PVC) - but most Brits prefer ovens and the UK-built vans are built accordingly. On balance I'd probably stick with continental, and maybe even specifically German, manufacturers.

Shame about the trays - maybe see if you can get the dealer to source this via the Hobby agents as part of the deal.

And unfortunate about the wardrobe but as you have a garage you'll find a way of doing the in-the-van-or-the-garage juggle.

Thanks for your reply. I tend to agree with everything you have said. What do you find with surface areas for prepping food? This has pretty much none barre the dining table.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Thanks for your reply. I tend to agree with everything you have said. What do you find with surface areas for prepping food? This has pretty much none barre the dining table.



View attachment 859503

In our Adria we supplement the limited kitchen worktop with a folding table, legs flat, laid on a bed. Can also be used as your outside table.

 

[PaulW2]

Thanks for your reply. I tend to agree with everything you have said. What do you find with surface areas for prepping food? This has pretty much none barre the dining table.



View attachment 859503

I think they're pretty limited in most cases. If you work carefully it's possible to have some of those thin, durable plastic chopping board covers and use that over the glass cover of the sink. But as you say, otherwise it's the dining table...

 

[Cartela]

In our Adria we supplement the limited kitchen worktop with a folding table, legs flat, laid on a bed. Can also be used as your outside table.

That sounds like a plan

 

[Cartela]

Make sure you understand what 'payload' is, and how much this van has.

I have been sent this…any help?

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[Cartela]

I think they're pretty limited in most cases. If you work carefully it's possible to have some of those thin, durable plastic chopping board covers and use that over the glass cover of the sink. But as you say, otherwise it's the dining table...

Thanks mate, getting some ideas

 

[Cartela]

That's an overcab the T650 is a low profile.

Hey Lennie. Asked and told is a T650 AK GFLC

 

[Brains]

Great advice, thank you! Yes I was having fun, but it is becoming quite frustrating, especially when vans are advertised as superb condition and you turn up to all sorts of problems. Currently waiting on the info regards the payload

Insist on a weighbridge certificate before you part with money
No certificate = No money !
(Pounds for Pounds)

There are many many stories on this site of people buying 3500kg vans and then finding out too late they only have 200kg of payload, before they start loading.

With a full tank of fuel, gas and 20 liters of water, 2 people on board you need about 400kg spare.
(Or as a minimum you need to know exactly how much spare you have)

For calculation purposes:
1 liter of diesel or water weighs 1kg,
LPG is 1kg for 2 liters + bottles.

 

[PaulW2]

On a 3.5 ton chassis? That leaves one with an 'on paper' payload of 400kg. And the manufacturers give themselves about 5% leeway which usually works to their advantage, ie lower payload.

I think it would be a good idea to get the van weighed as it stands. Both axles and total. I think 400kg is a bit marginal to start with. And then if there are any extras, or if this particular one had a lower starting point, it could become tricky.

 

[Nanniemate]

I read somewhere add another 20% on the price for repairs/replacements
A new set of tyres will be in the region of £500 to £700
As excited as you are have you got the money for the unexpected costs? Also check what it will cost to insure it

But don't listen to my advice as I did none of that

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[Dutch 68]

On a 3.5 ton chassis? That leaves one with an 'on paper' payload of 400kg. And the manufacturers give themselves about 5% leeway which usually works to their advantage, ie lower payload.

I think it would be a good idea to get the van weighed as it stands. Both axles and total. I think 400kg is a bit marginal to start with. And then if there are any extras, or if this particular one had a lower starting point, it could become tricky.

Do you have c1? Up plate vehicle

 

[Cartela]

Do you have c1? Up plate vehicle

Yes on license. This payload situation is a worry now. He has stated 3500kg, which wouldn’t leave much would it?

 

[Jev88]

My advice is always the same. If you have decided on best layout then that is great. Don't stretch your budget! Keep 15% of your funds in your pocket. There will always be something that needs relacing or fixing on a Motorhome and the most depressing thing is finding a fault and not having the funds to fix it to keep you traveling and enjoying the new toy.

 

[Cartela]

My advice is always the same. If you have decided on best layout then that is great. Don't stretch your budget! Keep 15% of your funds in your pocket. There will always be something that needs relacing or fixing on a Motorhome and the most depressing thing is finding a fault and not having the funds to fix it to keep you traveling and enjoying the new toy.

Yes it’s this particular layout we are keen on, just works for how we want to use it. As for budget, this would be very penny I have to spend on the actual van, money aside for storage plot and insurance

 

[PaulW2]

Yes on license. This payload situation is a worry now. He has stated 3500kg, which wouldn’t leave much would it?

Par for the course though. If it's a 7m van with 4 berths and especially if it's solidly built that's what you get. You won't have very much payload to start with.

As reported elsewhere on this site, many (most?) French vans of that size blithely exceed their weights as most French drivers don't have C1 entitlement.

This is a payload vigilante forum so won't tolerate those laissez faire ways

Seriously though, you don't want to put yourself in a compromised position from the outset.

Sometimes up-plating a vehicle to 3,850kg is a simple 'paper' exercise that costs a few hundred quid. If you do this you are no safer, physically speaking, but you are legal. Which may also matter for insurance purposes.

Then there's all the stuff about what speed a heavier van may travel at in different European countries, or which roads it may access, or whether it can use Swiss or Austrian vignettes, and so on. It's simpler being 3.5 t.

Being law-abiding people we want to abide with all the laws of the countries we find ourselves in, after all.

If it was me? I'd get it weighed, and if I do have a 400kg payload I'd try to make it work. If less, I'd have to think hard.

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[offagen]

This seems to be the model you are considering

Hobby T-650-ak-gflc t

Osta käytetyt Hobby T-650-ak-gflc t edullisesti. Nettikaravaanista löydät 604 myynti-ilmoitusta kohteesta Hobby T-650-ak-gflc t. Tutustu ja löydä omasi!

m.nettikaravaani.com

I also found online on Hobby Caravans website a 161 page downloadable PDF owner's guide for the GFLC model with lots of useful info. Just do a search on 'Hobby Siesta AK GFLC'

BTW does yours have a solar panel?