Hi, we've just got an ex transport ambulance to convert. As we are a family of 5 we're wondering what would be best for extra space to sleep, sit and storage. Is a driveaway awning or a stand alone tent better. We have never been camping of any sort as a family so newbies to the whole lot. Any advice, pros and cons of both. Are stand alone tents allowed next a camper on sites. We are planning on going around the UK for the first couple to get our bearings then onto aboard. So unsure if there's different camp rules in different countries. Thanks :)
Welcome to UKCS. You’ve got a big project on your hands! plenty of threads on here about successful DIY conversions, what’s needed to satisfy DVLA requirements for being a “motor caravan”, insurance etc. I hope it all goes well for you.
As to the question, it’s a bit premature - you may find you can sleep all 5 within the vehicle, as some commercially made MHs sleep that number.
As for what sites do or don’t charge for, there’s too much variation to advise you: some charge for a wind-out awning that you only put out for 20 minutes, others don’t charge for a driveway awning or a tent that’s on the same pitch.
I hope I don’t sound negative, I’m just trying to be realistic. You have many other exciting and boring decisions to make before you get to “awning or tent” : assume “either” at this early stage.
As Fiona has said, no uniform hard and fast rules regarding awnings and 'pup tents' (as most sites refer to tents extra to main unit). Both big clubs have uniform rules across the sites they own/run, but independents make their own rules, varying from NO pup tents, to extra charges for them, and with terms for what they can or cannot be used for!
Where you can run into problems is size of pitches and/or fire break distances between pitches, that may exclude pup tents over a certain size. Awnings tend to be allowed for on pitch sizes, but 'No Awning' smaller pitches are not that uncommon. Awnings tend to be around 2.5/2.6m deep regardless of length, and that sort of fits in with the space available on most pitches.
Continental sites in my limited experience can be pretty snug on pitch sizes. They seem to like shrubs/bushes etc. between pitches, which sort of encroach onto pitch space compare to more usual open UK pitches. We couldn't get our 6 berth tunnel tent AND the car on pitch as we were supposed to do, car was left overhanging access road. Don't think friends could get their pull out awning fully extended on their MH either! No idea about pup-tents on continental sites, we snook a one berth trekking tent on our pitch beside the main tent and no one commented, but it barely fitted in the space!
There are a variety of 'bedroom' options for awnings, from freestanding pop-up ones, to accessory ones fitted to a particular awning model. You WILL want bedrooms, awnings can be pretty draughty and chill overnight - far more than tents with typically sewn in ground sheets and tight fitting doors!
If you have kids, and they are approaching or in their teens, they tend to be looking for a little space/privacy of their own (pup tent etc.), so wise to consider options before cramming everyone into the van re beds in your new build, you may compromise space/facilities for beds that will never be used, or only under protest, alternatively suitable screening between areas may work if you have the space!
Awnings are great spaces for sitting out as a crowd and/or dining spaces, bit limited for storage in some ways, as no waterproof flooring, and most sites INSIST on breathable (non-waterproof) floor coverings if any used to save their grass from yellowing. Awnings can get pretty damp with condensation, especially overnight, so damp sensitive things may not be suitable for leaving out there. Also not exactly secure, so nothing of value or only things that can be secured (theft is not a major issue on most camp sites, but can't be ruled out entirely).
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Topic: Driveaway awning Vs separate tent
via mobile 22/4/2025 at 12:34pm
