I am going away with my mum in her camper van, (van too small for both of us due to her being disabled). We don’t really want to buy a awning but was wondering if a tall tunnel tent would be ok to add to the side of the van (it wouldn’t connect as such) not sure what sites are like with this sort of thing I would sleep in there but would also be for storage of her mobility scooter.
Probably impossible for any of us to give you a definitive answer, as very much down to the camp site as to acceptability.
A very practical solution on the face of it, but technically you'd have two 'units' on one pitch, which may clash with site policy and possibly any insurance cover they may have, and of course fire regs which dictate spacing between main units, which may prevent you being allowed to do so. That said, many sites allow 'pup tents' (usually for the kids) on the same pitch. Think one question that may crop up is 'do you have gas/cooking facilities in the tent as well as camper', it may be one or other acceptable but not both.
Only real answer to question is discuss with camp site(s) to get their reaction. If you explain reason/circumstances they may accept you, but be prepare for some sites to reject the idea.
I suspect sites may be concerned about how much space you occupy, whilst a tunnel tent may not be any bigger than an awning, an awning will be completely alongside a camper, whereas a tent will need to be displaced to allow access to side door. Not necessarily a problem on a very large pitch, but may be an issue on smaller pitches, obviously the size of the tunnel tent has a bearing on that.
Only a few thoughts on subject, nothing very definitive I'm afraid. Good luck.
We see plenty of free-standing tents beside MHs on independent (not Club) sites. Certainly easier than lining up the van to a drive-away awning if you’ve been away for the day. And more choice. And you can use it with friends for other trips.
You’d need to watch the overall width, to be on one pitch. Some sites may insist on you paying for the campervan & also the tent - C&CC charges extra for even the wind out awning that we roll away at night, so we don’t use it on their sites. You may need to hunt for a sympathetic site - you’ll need one with facilities that your mum can use and not all sites have these; explain why you need the tent on the same pitch & that it’s for dining & sleeping, you’d be cooking in the campervan.
Good luck - I’m sure you’ll find somewhere & have a lovely trip.
i wouldnt worry about it, its no different than a tent camper arriving in the car/van and setting up, or no different than a motorhome with awning turning up, you would still take up the one pitch space regardless. if i arrived at a site that insisted on paying for 2 pitches then i would be turning around and leaving to be honest
Every site we’ve been on since the pandemic has required booking, so there should be no surprises - for the site or the OP. Call the tent an awning - some sites will charge a bit more, others don’t. Some sites allocate a wider pitch, others don’t.
Call it a utility tent or awning (or actually buy a utility tent), and explain you need it for the mobility scooter. I camp with a small van and a separate Quechua tent, and never been asked the q. I stay mostly on C&CC sites, and they don't charge extra for awnings.
I agree with Marg6 above regarding being charged double for one pitch. Camp sites that do that deserve to be empty.
We use two drive away awnings and the roll out canopy attached to our van. The larger awning of the two is never attached to the van. Both can be freestanding at the side, lengthways down the van or pitched so it is at right angle from the van. On both the large and the smaller one we find it easier for everything, to just roll up the 'tunnel' that does the attaching to the van, and leave the awning freestanding. We eat, store the seats, fishing kit and table and chairs in there. Plus we have had two people sleep in the smaller one, they were classed as guests and paid for their two overnight stays. So far since 2011, nobody has suggested we pay extra.
Mazda bongo's etc, don't seem to be asked to pay extra for having an awning. I think you will be fine.. You will have to pay for just the two of you. Nothing more.
£150,00 drive away tent awning ,we have space for a extra person and scooter used it 4 time , my name is Glyn and my wife Julia for next year has brought a bigger 9 foot 6 inch square one ,set up as a tent ,2 straps over the van ,and its there ,take off in 3 minuets ,
I use a Vango small universal tent awning with a Trafic camper.
I wanted something small to keep the dog happy and place the toilet, and to keep out the rain when the sliding door is open.
It covers the side door admirably.
I don't have roof-rails, so I fitted a couple of bolts into the existing roof-top fixings. These are needed to tie the awning hoop against the side of the van. The long flap from the awning goes over to the far side of the van, where I use two guy ropes.
Cost 72 pounds new (Dec 2021), at
https://www.campingrecycled.co.uk
.
The OP Sheraley never came back after posting their first & last question on UKCS last year, so they may not see your photo, banderson.
It would have been good to know the outcome though, or whether any of the many suggestions had been helpful.
Hi guys, we never went away last year due to illness but looking to venture off this year with a small tunnel tent acting as a utility tent. I will let you all know how I get on. Thank you for all your replies.
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Topic: Camper van awning v’s tent for storage.
via mobile 09/10/2021 at 4:00am
