Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 10/6/2016
As a folding camper has the same footprint as a caravan, we have never had any problems when we used ours on "caravan only" sites.
However we always telephoned the site first just to double check.
I think the site that nanashirley was told that it was against "local council" rules, was talking "b*llocks" but then again it was their site and they can say whatever they want.
Most sites want your business and money talks.
I think not. We have recently encountered the reverse situation whereby the camp site was restricted to 8 caravans only, whereas no restrictions on folding campers, trailer tents or tents. This was due to restrictions as the site was in a National Park and limits the number of 'white roofs' that could be seen from the various trails in the park. As they had overbooked the number of 'vans they had been phoning round to cancel bookings, under threat of complete closure if they exceeded the licensed number. So some sites will have such rules in place.
Be prepared to explain many times over what your folding camper actually is. I usually say "Its like a caravan but with a canvas roof, I need a caravan pitch" for simplicity. A lot of owners will try to put you in with the tents as they hear the words "folding camper" but think "trailer tent". But it is worth it
Yes, arthurdent, I think I will have to try to explain what it is each time. I just wondered, reading your post, why we would necessarily need a caravan pitch, though, presumably a grass electric tent pitch would work, as we need just a normal electric hook up.
I guess that in very wet/muddy conditions that wouldn't work though as the wheels of the trailer would damage the grass if it was boggy, but I assume that a trailer tent would do the same.
I foresee lots of explaining needed to confused campsite owners and wardens...
Thanks for your reply, that's really helpful.
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Yes you could park on a grass pitch and just use an available EHU, but please remember that a FC, especially a Pathfinder is considerably heavier than a TT and if the ground is not completely dry, your chances of sinking a bit are more likely.
There are reasons why most FC owners prefer to be on Caravan Pitches.
Thanks Lobey, that makes perfect sense, I doubt whether we would want to pitch on grass in wet weather, but nice to have the option of a tent pitch on grass in dry weather I guess!
------------- Enjoying life beyond kids, new love, living on a boat and a new lease of life in my mid 50s! Never too old to reinvent yourself.....
Mum to five - 4 girls, 31,28,25 and 22 and one boy, 20
Engaged! Wedding June 2020!
Hi Tentaddict, Our Pathfinder had a Mass Running Weight of 820kg.
Our 4 Berth Caravan has a MRW of 853kg. Only 33kg heavier than the FC.
So I would no sooner park my caravan on grass than I would have parked my FC.
Having said that, we have been on certain "wilder" sites on the Scottish Islands where all the units were parked on grass and so, with that in mind, we now tow with a 4X4.
Quote: Originally posted by tentaddict7 on 15/6/2016
Yes, arthurdent, I think I will have to try to explain what it is each time. I just wondered, reading your post, why we would necessarily need a caravan pitch, though, presumably a grass electric tent pitch would work, as we need just a normal electric hook up.
Ah, well, most of our booking is over here in N. Ireland, where the concept of tent camping with EHU is very much in it's infancy. In general you can either have a serviced caravan pitch, or a plain tent pitch.
There is no reason why you can't park on grass in theory, but as said above unless the weather is good I personally would prefer hard standing.
Quote: Originally posted by ANGEDAWS on 10/6/2016
We have been to several sites where they accept caravans only but I always tell them what we have first just to be on the safe side.
The site we were on at the bank holiday weekend doesnt accept tents during busy periods because they dont have enough toilets and showers. Another site we go to doesnt accept tents because of damage to the grass.
Another site we go to doesn't accept tents because of damage to the grass
Mmmm. Does that mean they don't accept caravan awnings then?
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