Hobby 495 Excellent  Caravan
(Sleeping Capacity  4 persons)

Hobby 495 Excellent Overview
 
This is a 2008 Hobby Excellent 495
A 4 berth caravan with fixed bed, integrated shower cassette toilet on the ‘cosy side’ comes with Truma Therme 5Ltr 240v Only Water Heater, & Truma Gas Heater blown air heating system, full oven & three gas rings, 3 way fridge 12v,  240v and gas. Windows are all fitted with fly screens & blinds. Roof light can be brought in via 2 heki roof lights 1 big over kitchen & 1 small over fixed bed. Aerial and TV outlets are provided as are 240 and 12 volt outlets. Internal 12V lighting is superb and has to be seen.

This is our second Hobby as the first came with a 1300Kg Axle which on this was purchased as a 1500Kg upgrade. Having virtually lived in our first Hobby for around 9 months of the year including Winter with no problems, the layout is the same on both years although the kitchen and wardrobe are now ‘bowed’ in design that reduces the free space in the kitchen area.

This is as a caravan that gives us a good layout, the fixed bed living area is a serious plus point. The ‘Factory Finish’ is I must say excellent with smooth surfaces on top and underneath that do not lend themselves to providing you with endless ‘splinters’ when you go into the under-seat lockers, or put your legs under the table! We had the fitted oven removed at purchase and fitted a Microwave having been used to this on the previous Hobby it saved a complete learning curve for a gas oven! Whilst the fixed bed is at the front of the van it means one way in and out, but it does not interfere with the living area, can be closed off effectively with wooden sliding doors that helps to keep the noise reduced if you have had a bad night or day! The passage way through sliding doors takes you to the toilet/shower cubicle. However this does mean that you can only get in and out of the bed from one side. The bathroom accommodates both shower and toilet, with a full wrap around curtain to prevent shower water going into the toilet area. The kitchen area is well equipped with 2 large overhead lockers & adequate lighting. Work area is adequate although some people would like a bigger bit. Full cooker, (Now removed and Microwave replaced) large 112ltr fridge, 3 gas burners on the hob. Living area is ‘U’ shaped around free standing collapsible table with excellent back support cushions and adequate LED & Halogen Lighting, the seating area is roomy and makes up into another double bed.

Under bed storage is massive and could play havoc with your ‘nose weight’ but this is accessible from outside via a large flap and also by lifting the double sprung mattress and wood bed frame. There is quite honestly more storage both up and down than you can use to stay inside your MTPLM! The Front locker is HUMONGOUS and can easily accommodate 2 x 13Kg Propane Cylinders, along with BBQ, Steady Blocks, 2 x Empty Water Carriers as there is an onboard water tank (removable 25ltr) 50Mtr EHU Cable, Fire Bucket & small extending arm washing brush! This is a year round caravan, with just 3 external air vents. (1 for the Gas Fire, and 2 x 50mm circular floor vents with 15cm Tubes fitted to stop the creepy crawlies getting in, and they cannot crawl up the tubes!)
 

Sadly although I think it is a common ‘problem’ across the caravan industry, getting replacement parts either in or out of warranty is a bit daunting at times. We are just coming to the completion of some outstanding warranty work after a hard and gruelling 12 months, where thankfully we could still use the van even with the ‘problems’!

 While I feel something of a ‘patriotism to UK manufacturers having looked at the finish of quite a few and then the price, I am sorry to say that £16K combined with a poor & hazardous interior finish (‘UK’ manufacture) versus £12K and a good finish (‘D’ manufacture) there is really no contest. The £4k in my pocket gives me quite a few nights on CL or Club sites and a van that is built for all weathers and a long life? Plus if I want to then 3 of us can have a party on the roof of this one as we can all get up there and polish it if we take our shoes off.

 

The Cost
New models have now been brought onto the market so as expected the price has risen for a new one, however this model is still cheaper than a UK van, and second-hand are at times difficult to find unless you want the double axle extra wide version (Model 600 upwards) that you need a commercial vehicle to tow with.

The Verdict
Considering the amount of time that is spent in this van then the space, fixed bed, shower/toilet & separate washbasin in bedroom, good support on the seats for both your back and your bum! Plenty of space in the ‘living area’. When it’s hitched up and you are travelling you sometimes wonder if it is still there as you cannot feel it! As it is our second Hobby then I guess it also ticks all the boxes for us, as we wanted a van that we would keep for some time, requires minimum maintenance and gives years of pleasure I think we got it right.
 
Information and Links
For further information on Hobby Caravans visit Hobby Caravans
For further information on older units visit: Hobby Owners Club Forum
Looking for a second-hand  Caravan, try here  Classified Ads Caravans

Reviewed by Traveller for 365 Camping Caravanning
Reviewed 2010