Am close to buying a Hobby 645 (2012) and was interested to know what others have bought for their caravans as accessories and security
We will looking for a secure site to store it so not to sure how much security we will need yet
From the width of 2.5m, I know I am going to need to some very extended mirrors - any recommendations ?
Towing I currently only have a LR removable tow bar which I know from other threads are not recommended for towing anymore - however I remember seeing an attachment that a forum member had designed to make it a bit more permanent (I would prefer not to have a fixed one fitted but want it to be 100% safe)
Wheel clamps ?
something that covers the thing that fits onto the tow bar (complete novice of technical terms) ?
Appreciate any advice
Thanks
SimonD4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
26th Jul 2014 8:50 pm
therso
Member Since: 01 Dec 2010
Location: Here!
Posts: 368
Hitchlock. A Gold Standard CaSSOA Site for storage. Wheel Clamp. CRiS Caravan Register. GPS Tracking System. CCTV. Guard dogs. Anti-personnel mines.
A secure site is important plus the rest (except GPS) to keep the insurance company happy. All of the above just might deter/delay professional thieves. All you can do, if your van is a desirable one, is make it as hard as possible to steal. They are very good at what they do and a Hobby would not attract a second glance on mainland Europe.
Have a look at the Caravan Club site for advice. Plenty on this site. Many owners are too tight to pay for security (like my neighbour) and many live to regret it. Milenco stuff is good and very popular.
I was advised on another forum that I would be towing it illegally if I had a vehicle which had a gross plated plate of less than 3501kgs
Anyone can tell whether the Discovery is less than this as I do not want to spend out and find I'm towing it illegally ?
Googled and found Gross Vehicle Weight is 3,260kgs - is the same thing ?
thanks
SimonD4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
27th Jul 2014 5:45 am
Grunders
Member Since: 30 Apr 2011
Location: Manchester
Posts: 2302
The rules on towing changed a bit back and you can tow with the disco, in regards to the det towbar i towed boats, jet ski's and a Hobby 650 with no issues, and hundreds tow with them on a daily basis,
There are reports of a handful becoming detached, however i am not aware of any being proven to a faulty bar but more the possibilty of it not being located correctly, you need to check the operation and seating of the bar is correct... Which for any item you fit like a roof rack or the like you would doIf it ain't broke... Take it apart anyway, how else you gonna find out how it works
27th Jul 2014 7:38 am
jonnybgud
Member Since: 18 Dec 2013
Location: Leicestershire
Posts: 397
Aslong as the caravan is less than 80% of the kerb weight of the D4 (which it will be) it will be more than fine, intact you won't even know your pulling it...
There will be people pulling these things with Mondeo's so I wouldn't worry one bit what the caravan anoraks on the other forum say
You can check your outfit on here http://www.towcar.infoAdmin on Facebook Discovery 3 & 4 Ownersgroup
Cambelt, Fuel Pump Belt, Oil Pump & Water pump replaced by Flack
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1344
Milenco Grand Aero mirrors are about the best you can get, but you'll need the longer arms (which you can buy separately) to have any sort of view behind with a 2.5m wide caravan.
Providing the external body length of the caravan (minus the A-frame) doesn't exceed 7m, you can legally tow it with a Discovery.
Regards, a caravan anorak who keeps things legal and safe!
Thanks for your help- went to look at a Sterling Eccles 640 this morning and have to admit the Hobby gives so much more - might have to put with the label
Any recommendations for wheel clamps and Hitchlock ?
ThanksD4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
27th Jul 2014 1:13 pm
dantheman
Member Since: 12 Mar 2010
Location: Essex
Posts: 1722
Simon,
With regard to storage there is a very secure site at Gt Leighs. 4 electric security gates and 24 hr access. We keep ours there and apart from the owner being a bit sharp on terms and conditions we are happy. PM me if you want details.
Dan
If you have time if you could reply to my pm about the owner
Are your near me ? I am writtle side of chelmsford
SimonD4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
27th Jul 2014 3:10 pm
Skynet
Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: Melksham, Wiltshire
Posts: 868
One thing to remember guys is when you are actually travelling. If you pull into the Services for a break, make sure the caravan is secured to the car as thieves are watching people pull up and go into the Services, then unhitching the caravan and driving off with it!!!
28th Jul 2014 9:34 am
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1344
Good reminder Skynet!
In many cases, if the various security items are not fitted when the caravan is left anywhere, the insurance is likely to be invalid too.
28th Jul 2014 10:14 am
therso
Member Since: 01 Dec 2010
Location: Here!
Posts: 368
Always put my hitchlock on at services. Takes seconds. Acts as a deterrent (I hope). Milenco produce a lightweight wheel clamp which also takes seconds to fit and remove. You've invested thousands so invest a little time to protect it. So many couldn't be bothered and pay the price.
28th Jul 2014 10:24 am
adeybambam
Member Since: 25 Sep 2010
Location: Skipton, North Yorks
Posts: 71
Regarding towing over 3501kgs, does it not depend on when you passed your test. I seem to remember that licences issued before 1998 allowed you to tow with a combined weight over 3501 kgs but after that there was a change. Am i getting my wires crossed?
I think I read something about changes but I passed in 1985 so didn't take too much notice
My differing on the length being legal or not has let someone else in so back to drawing board - however the layout was perfect for 5 of us and a dog so might stick with the ides of a HobbyD4 2010 HSE Santorini Black
D3 2005 SE Java Black - p/x to D4
D2 2001 GS - p/x to D3
D1 1998 - p/x to D2
28th Jul 2014 4:29 pm
nigel207
Member Since: 26 Mar 2009
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 1344
Things are quite simple really.
If you passed your test post 1997, then the car/caravan combination must not exceed 3,500 kg (of course there are always exceptions in British law, but that's generally the rule).
The maximum width used to be 2.3 m unless it was being towed by a goods vehicle with a plated weight exceeding 3,500 kg (i.e. it's maximum weight, so twin rear wheel Transits etc), when the maximum was 2.55 m. That has now changed, and the maximum is 2.55 m for all.
However, length is where there is still an issue. The maximum length that can be towed is 7 m (excluding any coupling device, so on a caravan that will be the A-frame), unless the towing vehicle has a plated weight in excess of 3,500 kg (note, it's not now a goods vehicle as is used to be). If towing with a vehicle exceeding 3,500 kg, you can tow up to 12 m. Above 12 m it becomes an Abnormal or Indivisible Load, which opens up a whole new can of worms.
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