why do sites not allow certain vans?

[joanne_5119923]

i am new to caravanning and have been reading all the magazines including practial caravan. I have noticed that some of the adverts for sites specify that they do not allow certain makes of van (Hobby, Talbert are just two). I don;t have one of these, I have a Coachman, but am just intrigued why they would not allow them?

 

[AlfromYC]

Due to the fact that most `Travellers` use those makes of caravan because of their size and comfort levels. If you tow with a transit or large type van most sites wont let you in either.

 

[RichardS1]

Hi Joanne, its because traditionally those are the type of vans which have been used by travellers. Unfortunatly this is the same reason why a very small amount of sites still seem reluctant to accept twin axles.

 

[mcghee]

That is one reason, but there are others. One is that most large Hobbys, Tabberts, LMCs, etc have no 12v battery and so put a higher demand on the hook up. A lot also have no washroom or kitchen. I have a large Hobby and I've not been turned away from any sites, but mine is a UK special, and I don't tow it with a Transit.

 

[AlfromYC]

I think sites shouldnt be allowed to do it, They are still caravans after all!

 

[Allyson]

I heard because they have left hand doors, most site like to have the hitch facing the road incase there was a fire this would give quick access to van's hitch, and the format of the vans would be van awning, van awning, or van car etc

 

[MikeAce]

its just a simple way of keeping travellers out, and why shouldnt they? i am sure that most sites actually have their own tarmac contractors anyway. lol.

i am sure that the real reason is the size of the vans and the positioning of the doors in relation to the pitch.

and as for transits, lets not get started on that one.

 

[AnnM1]

A couple of years back we owned a twin axle 26' Hobby. It was sited on a seasonal pitch and stored under cover over the winter months. However, we eventually became bored with travelling the same road and seeing the same scenery that we decided to try relocate our 'home on wheels' closer to home.

We found it extremely difficult to find a suitable site which would be prepared to accommodate us. We had excellent security fitted, including a Mule. The reason(s) given were:

1. Unfortunately, they (the site owners) had been advised by the local police that such a unit would be a target for the travelling community.

2. The TC would locate our 'van easily and would attempt to tow it away. If they were unable to do so then they would 'go for another 'van closeby'. Either way, a 'van would go missing. The fraternity would not leave empty handed.

3. The unit would be difficult to site because of its size.

I could go on and on!!!

We were very lucky, however, as we managed to sell our van quickly and return to touring - which we much prefer.

 

[Giles_5119239]

There are traveller associations with particular makes of caravans but there are also other issues with these makes.

Most of the makes listed are also over the legal width to be towed by a non-comercial vehicle in the UK (2.5m if i remember right) so you will end up with large tow vehicles dotted all over the sites. By the time you have added a 2.5/3.0 or 3.5m awning on the side there is going to be no room on the pitch and the site may fall foul of their fire certificate regulations as well.

Doors on the wrong side however do not normally pose a problem, we used a Home-Car caravan for a number of years and either put the 'van in backwards or swapped the traditional locations for 'van and awning on the pitch. This autually worked well as most of the time we were with friends in the 'van next to us so our awnings faced each other!

Our friends tow a 26ft twin axle with a transit size van and have never been refused entry to a site. They always check before hand though just in case.

Giles