Caravan and Motorhome Club new rules

[Vennwood]

I have never been a fan of the “centre peg” rules on Caravan and Motorhome Club sites but have gone along with it as it was stated “to reduce the risk of Fire damage” and it does make the sites look neater, I guess.

I have just returned from Hebden Bridge Club site where they have introduced two new rules. The first consists of two pegs per pitch and the club member is asked to place the Motorhome or caravan between the two pegs. Now that isn’t a problem however what does concern me is the consequences and safety aspects. The second rule is that ALL awnings/canopies must be on the right when facing the pitch.

I find this second rule discriminatory to all European Motorhomes and caravans and penalises them as they must drive into the pitch head first as their doors and canopies (or awning rails)are on the right hand side so must face the hedge row so possibly cutting out light and views.

This also adds another dimension as in the event of an emergency all European motorhomes have to reverse out of the pitch thus taking more time. Caravans are even more at a disadvantage as they can no longer be hooked up as they have to be turned around manually first.

If reducing the risk of fire spreading quickly is the aim of the game, then surely (in these high temperature and dry conditions) it would be much safer to cut down the hedges/bushes etc. that separate the pitches as these poses more of a fire risk than a motorhome.

Are these Hebden Bridge only rules or has other Funster members come across these rules at other sites?

 

[Fdhadi]

Thought it had always been the rule to park with awning on the right as you look.
When I was a member I was asked to drive onto a pitch with European Motorhome.

 

[PP Bear]

Nope, had the same at one of the York sites.

Just cancelled the renewal of my membership. Can’t see the science behind paying a heap of money to be in a club and then be charged a heap of money to stop on a site.

 

[Miggs]

I find club sites horrendous overcrowded and overpriced places anyway so it doesn't concern me. I use the club to access CL's where you can (generally) park wherever and however you want.

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

We recently stayed at the Castleton CAMC site, which was our first encounter with the new 2 peg approach. When asked, the warden there didn’t have a preference as to whether our Euro van went in head or tail first, he left it to us to choose.

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[David and Sally]

Most sites allow parking the “wrong” way. We just let the wardens know what we are doing.
IIRC one Funsters even has a letter from CMC HO to say there really is no such rule.

 

[Pausim]

This is what their rules say.
b. On most pitches, outfits may be pitched nose or tail in. The Site Staff will advise you where your outfit should go in relation to the marker. If you wish to pitch in any other way please ask the Site Staff.

c. To avoid the spread of fire, there must be at least 6 metres spacing between facing walls of adjacent caravans, motorhomes or trailer tents and a minimum clear space of 3 metres between adjoining cars/awnings/tents in any direction.

They allow you to park nose or tail in so I don’t see it as discrimination. However if you want to put up an awning then it seems reasonable that you put it on your pitch (right hand side) not on the 3m spacing from the next pitch (left hand side). Having said that I agree with Miggs the CLs are much nicer and usually cost less.

 

[Gellyneck]

They had introduced the same two peg scenario at Burrs Country Park when we were there back in May but no mention was made of all awnings on the same side. From memory, but I wasn't paying particular attention as it's never been an issue at any C&MC site we've used, awnings were on "both sides" (obviously not on one caravan \ motorhome!).

 

[Jenka]

Perhaps they could reduce costs for members by not sponsoring these so called journalist/ ambassadors to tour europe /UK at members cost !

 

[Conal]

I have always thought that one reason for the rule was to ensure privacy for each site. If the awnings face each other you don’t get this. In fact, I recall a recent Vlog where the poster was complaining that the warden was not allowing two groups to face each other.

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[RidersofRohan]

Presently at Castleton enjoying the fabulous weather, in our British Motorhome. It’s all working very nicely everybody has their own bit of gravel and then another bit of grass each. Unless they are big mates with next door and they can to enjoy sharing said bits of gravel and grass.
If we venture here again we will be in a Euro A class and I will be happy to drive in and reverse out in order to have our own gravel and grass as stated.
The idea that you are being discriminated against is just plain balmy.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I have never been a fan of the “centre peg” rules on Caravan and Motorhome Club sites but have gone along with it as it was stated “to reduce the risk of Fire damage” and it does make the sites look neater, I guess.

I have just returned from Hebden Bridge Club site where they have introduced two new rules. The first consists of two pegs per pitch and the club member is asked to place the Motorhome or caravan between the two pegs. Now that isn’t a problem however what does concern me is the consequences and safety aspects. The second rule is that ALL awnings/canopies must be on the right when facing the pitch.

I find this second rule discriminatory to all European Motorhomes and caravans and penalises them as they must drive into the pitch head first as their doors and canopies (or awning rails)are on the right hand side so must face the hedge row so possibly cutting out light and views.

This also adds another dimension as in the event of an emergency all European motorhomes have to reverse out of the pitch thus taking more time. Caravans are even more at a disadvantage as they can no longer be hooked up as they have to be turned around manually first.

If reducing the risk of fire spreading quickly is the aim of the game, then surely (in these high temperature and dry conditions) it would be much safer to cut down the hedges/bushes etc. that separate the pitches as these poses more of a fire risk than a motorhome.

Are these Hebden Bridge only rules or has other Funster members come across these rules at other sites?

I always thought that this was the case. Don't have a problem with it

 

[Quackers]

Visit Woodside Field CL, M4 Junction 18 Bristol/Bath.
Apologies, you will need to provide your own white pegs.

 

[RidersofRohan]

In May we spent time in Germany, where our British van was the odd one out. At one place I reversed in. I could see people gazing across at my manoeuvres but carried on regardless. Eventually the Kamp Kommandant came across and asked me to park the other way round “Everyone must face ze lake”. He did add he could see why I had done it, but a rule is a rule in Germany regardless.
At another place the parking was chaotic with six emplacements in three lines of two again facing the lake. A German family in a caravan attempted to park across the back of us, making it impossible for us to leave the following day without unpegging their awning encampment. Thank God for the British sense of orderly withdrawal, I told them I would move to the back row and they could park where we were as I was leaving the next day from wherever I was parked.

 

[nicholsong]

I find club sites horrendous overcrowded and overpriced places anyway so it doesn't concern me. I use the club to access CL's where you can (generally) park wherever and however you want.

So if the Clubs authorise the CLs and CSs why do they not have rules for them?

Because the farmers would not enforce them or maybe even tell the Clubs to p*ss off.

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[Vennwood]

Interesting coments.
My criticism at Hedben Bridge is that we had NO CHOICE but to park nose in even though we were only there two nights and didn't want our canopy out. Nose in just in case. Like others have mentioned the prices are far too high (not to mention the numerous price rates) I take the point raised about facing your neighbours door but I don't like being told which and where to park when I've paid (a high price) for the pitch on a site with few ammenities (no toilet or shower block in this case and £24+ per night). I do think its discriminatery to force European outfits to face in - they should have a choice

 

[Vennwood]

Too many jobsworths

 

[Pausim]

So if the Clubs authorise the CLs and CSs why do they not have rules for them?

Because the farmers would not enforce them or maybe even tell the Clubs to p*ss off.

The landowner manages the CL/CS not the Clubs. The Clubs provide the certificate that shows compliance with required standards. Other organisations such as Motorhome Fun can issue certificates.

Fun sites

It's just been mentioned on another thread that 'Motorhome Fun has 11 CL sites scattered around the UK to explore', I'm not sure quite what that means? Is there a list somewhere? Any in Wales?

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[keithchesterfield2]

Sorry, but isn't it common sense to have all habitation doors facing the same way.
It's an unwritten rule on the Aires with UK or European vehicles you park facing in or out whichever vehicle type of Motorhome you own.
I've been on overseas sites where they've formed three or four Motorhomes into a kind of wagon circle and thoroughly enjoyed friends mixing together - but, of course, there aren't any Wardens on the Aires .......

 

[stevewagner]

I have never been a fan of the “centre peg” rules on Caravan and Motorhome Club sites but have gone along with it as it was stated “to reduce the risk of Fire damage” and it does make the sites look neater, I guess.

I have just returned from Hebden Bridge Club site where they have introduced two new rules. The first consists of two pegs per pitch and the club member is asked to place the Motorhome or caravan between the two pegs. Now that isn’t a problem however what does concern me is the consequences and safety aspects. The second rule is that ALL awnings/canopies must be on the right when facing the pitch.

I find this second rule discriminatory to all European Motorhomes and caravans and penalises them as they must drive into the pitch head first as their doors and canopies (or awning rails)are on the right hand side so must face the hedge row so possibly cutting out light and views.

This also adds another dimension as in the event of an emergency all European motorhomes have to reverse out of the pitch thus taking more time. Caravans are even more at a disadvantage as they can no longer be hooked up as they have to be turned around manually first.

If reducing the risk of fire spreading quickly is the aim of the game, then surely (in these high temperature and dry conditions) it would be much safer to cut down the hedges/bushes etc. that separate the pitches as these poses more of a fire risk than a motorhome.

Are these Hebden Bridge only rules or has other Funster members come across these rules at other sites?

If there’s a fire I can’t see anyone stop to hook up before evacuation

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[cyberyacht]

As far as I'm aware, there is no rule regarding "nose in or out". CAMC have a regime of 'car, van awning' or 'awning, van, car'. Either format will still ensure the 3 metre rule between clients. The door side is an irrelevance.

 

[hja]

We have only been on one club site this year, and it was trialing the two pegs system, which, i understand from the recent magazine, is to become permanent. No mention of awnings.
We often want to park nose in because it helps with levels on the ducato.
We are visiting a Haven site in october and had to ensure we could book with our van because on some sites they don’t allow European vans! I wasn’t sure what a European van was, ours is Globecar so German. There biggest worry seemed to be which side the electric input was. Now that I do believe to be discriminatory. But presumably most of their customers are in caravans, and are probably largely British vans.

 

[Pausim]

Sorry, but isn't it common sense to have all habitation doors facing the same way.

No. Facing whichever way gives you the best outlook is common sense to me and fortunately the two big clubs agree. Pitching an awning so that it doesn’t inconvenience other campers by encroaching on the separation space is a reasonable limitation. Where the door faces within your pitch is irrelevant. Caravans and motorhomes have windows on both sides so there is little privacy on these sites whichever way you are facing.

 

[David and Sally]

No. Facing whichever way gives you the best outlook is common sense to me and fortunately the two big clubs agree. Pitching an awning so that it doesn’t inconvenience other campers by encroaching on the separation space is a reasonable limitation. Where the door faces within your pitch is irrelevant. Caravans and motorhomes have windows on both sides so there is little privacy on these sites whichever way you are facing.

And with our Ducato we prefer the bed area at the rear of the pitch. It also depends on which way is best for levelling.

 

[nicholsong]

The landowner manages the CL/CS not the Clubs. The Clubs provide the certificate that shows compliance with required standards. Other organisations such as Motorhome Fun can issue certificates.

Fun sites

It's just been mentioned on another thread that 'Motorhome Fun has 11 CL sites scattered around the UK to explore', I'm not sure quite what that means? Is there a list somewhere? Any in Wales?

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

So do those 'required standards' include the Club rules referred to in this thread?

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[Pausim]

So do those 'required standards' include the Club rules referred to in this thread?

No. I think they relate to things like drinking water and toilet dump.

 

[JoshnPen]

We recently stayed at Ferry Meadows CMC which has the two peg rule. Would be fine except that both sides of the pegs were gravel so felt as though we were in a car park!!!

 

[GJH]

So do those 'required standards' include the Club rules referred to in this thread?

The C&CC publish a number of leaflets which describe the standards required. One details the 6 metre rule.
Presumably the CAMC does the same.
As has already been pointed out, landowners manage their sites in compliance with those standards.

 

[GJH]

If there’s a fire I can’t see anyone stop to hook up before evacuation

True, but it may be necessary to remove caravans to prevent fire getting to them whilst it is still safe to do so.

 

[Pausim]

This also adds another dimension as in the event of an emergency all European motorhomes have to reverse out of the pitch thus taking more time. Caravans are even more at a disadvantage as they can no longer be hooked up as they have to be turned around manually first.

If reducing the risk of fire spreading quickly is the aim of the game, then surely (in these high temperature and dry conditions) it would be much safer to cut down the hedges/bushes etc. that separate the pitches as these poses more of a fire risk than a motorhome.

I doubt that a living hedge made up of green wood and leaves is the biggest fire risk on a campsite, especially a tended hedge where dead wood and undergrowth are removed. How fire proof are awnings? Motorhomes might well drive out to avoid a fire and reversing is not a problem. Anything with an awning attached is not going anywhere in a hurry whichever way it is facing and access to a caravan towing hitch probably will not help. Better to have proper spacing to start with which brings us back to making sure that awnings are pitched without closing the fire break.

Without an awning I can choose which way I face. The limitation is awnings not the position of the habitation door or the direction you are facing.