I understand there are different insurances for sites hence they specify only certain units but FCs seem a grey area. So can FC's go on a caravan only site? and if so why not a TT as some of the FC's have the side opening beds so are similar in layout other than having the on board kitchen. Hubby wants a FC but as I like to use electric to cook and not bothered about the walk to wash dishes I really don't see the benefit for us other than maybe we could use a few more sites and an extra double bed if we go for a large one.
I did try and search the answer to this but not really sure what phrase to use for best results.
There is no one rule as such. Some sites apparently don't accept TT ro FC but I would say they are generally few and far between. The two main organisations CC and C&CC accept units at all club sites to my knowledge. We've never had a problem at a CL either.
Obviously if the main unit needs any pegging out on your TT it may impact on what pitches you can use (hard standing etc)
In answer to you other query the difference between most FC and TT is that the main living area is above ground on FC's and they can be used (6 berth ones anyway) for shorter stays without an awning. Most TT's just have the beds and a small walkway off ground.
Some of the newer TT's blur these difference I know but it is a general rule I would say
Finally many site owners don't even know what a FC is so that is probably why you struggle to get a clear definition of what is allowed tc and what isn't
I thought the general rule was if the main unit needs any pegging then it is a trailer tent if not then it is a folding camper. I too have never come across a site yet that did not accept my FC. I was a TT owner for 20 years and loved it now had 2 FCs and they are much better for us even noe there are only 2 of us I would not go back using a TT is more hard work, with all that pegging
Some newer TT's don't need main unit pegging out. Pretty much all FC's have cooking facilities on board main unit so "definition" is arguably a combination of these two points
I contacted a site a few months ago to see if they allowed FCs as they stated no trailer tents - the reply I got said that if the beds opened out at the front and back it was okay, if they opened out at either side then not! Can only assume it was something to do with the legs that hold the beds up on the sideways opening FCs...so there you go - a site that will accept some FCs but not others - muddies the water a bit more!
I said on the telephone (when booking a pitch on the Caravan and Camping Certificated Club Site ,) - 'Folding Camper,' The Campsite Owner said 'you mean a Trailer Tent,' I said 'No, a Folding Camper,' they replied 'yes, a 'Trailer Tent'
Maybe they can fit more units on if a 'Folding Camper' gets classed as a 'Tent' on a Certificated 5 unit site. ? (Just a thought.)
Quote: Originally posted by Coast walkers on 14/9/2012
I said on the telephone (when booking a pitch on the Caravan and Camping Certificated Club Site ,) - 'Folding Camper,' The Campsite Owner said 'you mean a Trailer Tent,' I said 'No, a Folding Camper,' they replied 'yes, a 'Trailer Tent'
Maybe they can fit more units on if a 'Folding Camper' gets classed as a 'Tent' on a Certificated 5 unit site. ? (Just a thought.)
I had the same conversation the other day with c at cc certified site owner..." is it a trailer tent?" "no its a folding camper","so its a caravan then.."" no its a folding camper..."
we are going there today so hopefully we have a decent pitch for it...
I think that C&CC certified sites can take a maximum number of caravans (Maybe 5?), but more tents. So they probably would prefer trailer tent to folding camper!
Although, as others have said, its a grey area often not understood by site owners and clubs alike, generally a folding camper has the same footprint as a caravan and is usually sited where caravans are sited, whereas trailer tents have the same footprint as large tents and are usually sited on tent pitches.
We have never had any problems on 5-van sites or any other site, except for the length of our 6 berth FC. When they see us driving up with our comparatively small trailer, they tend to try to site us on a small hardstanding until I tell them that once it is unfolded, it will be 21 feet long.
Having owned both TTs and FCs, like others, we will never go back to the TT. FCs are just so much more comfortable. All the luxury of a caravan, but with the comfort and cosy feel of a tent.
We had trouble on a site in Norfolk. We told them FC. Fine the first year. Next year we booked the same pitch in the caravan field as it was the best field (and that's a whole other thread). After the first week the snooty owner told us we couldn't be there; we were not a caravan). We had already paid the whole amount in advance (yet another thread). She condescendingly let us stay the rest of the time on that pitch and didn't make us move.
On one recent Caravan Certificated site we stayed on it had 5 caravans on the front field, 7 caravans on the back field, (add on us and that made it 8)
Plus another 3 caravans out next to the roadside and one camper we talked to who was pitched on the owner's back garden.
We booked the site thinking there would only be 5 units, we wern't the only campers to be confused/surprised by all the caravans. We were told that the back field was the owners own private field so they could have as many caravans as they liked, though on the Campsite's entrance the notice board still stated that it was a Certificated Caravan Site.
It is a bit of a grey area, we went to park resorts and they wouldnt accept us as we weren't a caravan.....despite our protest. To cut long story short we stayed at another park resorts......and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone.
Butlins camping only accept caravans but when you ring will accept FC and TT.
Haven only had a pitch for caravans at a recent stay when we tried to book online, but after ringing they confirmed if we don't need to peg the base as with a FC it's fine.
I have a feeling that when we were refused at park resorts it was bcause of maybe their license/insurance as they just had caravans.
I think it's best to double check and try explain what a FC is, as many just assume its a TT and requires pegging.
------------- What's the point in them folding campers, there silly........................2 months later I own one!
I did check with teh Caravan Club a few years ago as a result of a leaflet from DEFRA regarding temporary sites. they confirmed they make no distinction between caravans, FCs and TTs but agreed the definitions are somewhat blurred.
I've never had an issue myself but I mainly stop on CC sites anyway. For some events elsewhere where the booking form doesn't have a space fro Folding Camper (which it rarely does) I just book as a caravan.
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Topic: can FC or TT`s go on a caravan only site?
