Average / standard pitch sizes.

[CluelessNewbies]

Hi All, me again. Im currently looking through different campsites booking our first years adventure.

I was wondering if there was such a thing as a standard sized pitch. a fair few of the sites i have looked at seem to have pitches limited to 6x6m. Is this normal?

Our new caravan, Lunar Clubman SR is 7.3m (the .3 is the A frame?) is this a large caravan compared the average? Im assuming that if a site doesn't ask the size, it must be big enough to accommodate !? Has anyone ever turned up and had their van to big for the plot!?

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Our new caravan, Lunar Clubman SR is 7.3m (the .3 is the A frame?)

I think you'll find the A frame is more like 1m rather than 0.3m.

 

[Hutch]

CN, are you talking about sites for the Uk,,our Coachman is the same size as yours and most sites in the Uk are fine, but in Europe the pitdhes can be a lot smaller.
.

 

[CluelessNewbies]

Yes UK sites. I have been looking at holiday parks with touring capability like haven, park dean etc. The vast majority of their pitches appear to be 6x6.

A few sites down the south coast now have stated they can't accommodate over 7m

Just wondered if this is the norm.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Our new caravan, Lunar Clubman SR is 7.3m (the .3 is the A frame?)

I think you'll find the A frame is more like 1m rather than 0.3m.

Googling your caravan gives the following details:

Interior length 5.8m
Shipping length 7.3m (ie interior length + wall thicknesses/mouldings + front locker + A frame)

You have to check which length caravan sites are quoting, as some quote one number and other sites the other number.

 

[chrisn7]

A pitch just 6 x 6 metres is quite small. If you picture say 1m down the side of the van for manoeuvring the Aquaroll and Wastemaster, maybe 2.2m for the van, 2.5m for the awning, that leaves a tiny strip in the width and it won't fit in the length either.... Too cramped for comfort IMHO.

There are indeed some small pitches abroad, but the CClub does tell you what sizes they are and you can find anything up to 10 x 10

 

[KeefySher]

Parkdean has an online tool that asks < or > 25ft 'length of tourer'. We've used Ruda and West Bay with them. Recommend Ruda, but not West Bay.

Haven's online tool has 13 length categories from up to 4m to up to 9.7m that then once you decide dates gives sites available to you.

CC / camc / wotever also asks your tourer length.

Caravan pitches are generally available on length of caravan with options for awning / non awning / hard standing / serviced etc, whereas tent pitches are generally on an area basis.

 

[CluelessNewbies]

Thanks all for your help. There's nothing like keeping it simple

What ever happened to one size fits all

I never thought about space for changing water etc. That's a good call.

Stupid question, will I need extra kit for connecting to 'serviced pitches' that include water and drainage. Is it just a case of piping to a tap and drain instead of waste tanks? We have much to learn on this !

We collect the caravan next week. Can't wait!

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Stupid question, will I need extra kit for connecting to 'serviced pitches' that include water and drainage. Is it just a case of piping to a tap and drain instead of waste tanks?

'Serviced pitch' normally means water in and grey water out. If you wish to continue to use an Aquaroll then you need a float valve (click here) to go in the side of the roll (40 ltr only) and connect the mains tap direct to it, using food grade hose (suggest you turn the mains tap off when away from the van). For grey waste you just need a longer length of waste pipe to take the waste direct to the drain (about the length of the van would suffice).

I have been to one site where you can also empty the toilet waste down the drain. hmy:

 

[KeefySher]

Thanks all for your help. There's nothing like keeping it simple

What ever happened to one size fits all

I never thought about space for changing water etc. That's a good call.

Stupid question, will I need extra kit for connecting to 'serviced pitches' that include water and drainage. Is it just a case of piping to a tap and drain instead of waste tanks? We have much to learn on this !

We collect the caravan next week. Can't wait!

For drainage connection see here:
https://caravanchronicles.com/2013/05/26/connecting-your-drainage-on-serviced-pitches/
Put 1 pipe inside the other and strap to your chassis with bungees. Pipe fittings in a bag in your front locker.

For water connection if you have a Truma system, this:
https://www.truma.com/uk/en/water-systems/ultraflow-waterline.php
Search the internet and eBay and you'll get one at a decent price.

Have you an onboard water tank, of so use it and keep it topped up either via aqua roll or wateflow

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi,

You've been given two options for connecting mains water to the caravan. My own take on the options are that the system that connects directly to the caravan has in the grand scheme of things proven to be very reliable, in that there have been very few reported failures. They work by including a pressure reducing valve in the pipe. But where they have failed and the pressure has not been capped they have ruined holidays and caused quite lot of damage to the inside of the caravan. Its a small risk.

There have been a number of reports of in sufficient volume of water delivery into the caravan compared to using a submersible pump. Now this could be down to the demand on the sites supplies which reduces the amount of water available, or it could be the pressure reducer in the system creating too much restriction and limiting flow. Whilst not a serious failure, it can be a nuisance.

The other system that still calls for you to use a water barrel, and the caravans pump, and it does seem to get round both of the above issues.

If the water valve in the mains inlet to the barrel fails, the worst that will happen is the barrel will over flow and not affect the inside of the caravan.

If the sites supply is only a trickle, well again the water barrel will slowly fill and act as a local reservoir for the caravan.

For peace of mind I'd go for the water barrel system.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

For peace of mind I'd go for the water barrel system.

Good choice.