Can I leave my cassette blinds down while my caravan is in storage?
Most cassette blinds use a spring motor to roll the blind up. If the blind is left extended in the down position for a long time this can weaken the spring. If this happens, you can get replacements, but they can be fiddly to change. It may be better to close the curtains rather than leaving the blinds down, if you can.
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Is it possible to pitch an awning on a hardstanding?
Normally the answer is yes. Most campsites with hardstanding pitches will use some form of compacted stone or gravel so normal plastic and thin wire pegs will not work, but you can buy robust heavy-duty ones, often known as rock pegs. Over time you’ll probably end up carrying a selection of pegs to suit all ground types.
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It is necessary to use a heavy wheel clamp?
You may find it’s a term of your insurance policy that when your caravan or motorhome is left unattended you must fit a physical immobiliser, such as a wheel clamp or lock.
Always check this and don’t assume any lock will do, either. Not all clamps and locks are tested to the same standards and your insurance may require a lock that meets a particular standard.
We recommend products that meet Sold Secure test requirements. When you leave your vehicle in storage, ideally you’ll use a lock or clamp that is rated to at least Sold Secure Gold.
We have a guide about security on our website. If you have a twin-axle caravan you are likely to need to use two locks on the same side.
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What the best mode to use when I'm towing with my plug-in hybrid (PHEV) car?
We’ve found PHEVs are best left on a generator mode, though your car manufacturer may call it something slightly different. The option is likely to be buried in the vehicle’s menus and it’s designed to force the car to leave the engine charging all the time. This will give extra torque as need from the battery to support the engine. It isn’t so good for overall economy, but you may find with a depleted battery it’ll lack pulling power.Read more »
Can I get a cover that lets the fitted solar panel maintain the battery storage?
The makers of the tailored covers can assist in this. They now offer the option for a transparent panel should you wish, this is a pay-for extra feature, however you will need to take measurements of the panel and where it is located on the roof.
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What the best way to drain the water system?
All tourers should have some form of drainage tap set in circuit on the floor, once you switched off the water pump, you then open all the taps, if they’re mixers put them in the mid-position, and then open the drainage tap, leave all the taps open throughout storage. If this is part of an overall preparation for winter we have a dedicated advice page.
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I get water puddling in my leisure fridge, I know there’s always some condensation but what can I do?
There should be a drain, look for a small hole underneath the heat-exchanger fins or behind a salad drawer. This could have a little bit of debris in it. It will drain to a little receiver and evaporate from this to the outside. If there’s peculiar conditions and the evaporation is slower than the draining level, it’ll overflow and lead to a water puddle looking like a leak from under the fridge.
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My tourer’s manual states the gas locker will take two 6kg bottles but I’m struggling to make two fit?
We need to accept that manufacturers will have the caveat that specifications may change without notice. Then we have the added complication that gas bottles are not sized to a given standard, they could be a little fatter, or taller, maybe the top protective collar differs in shape so it is best to check rather than assume all will fit.
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I’ve an older camper with a petrol engine, can I use this E10 fuel?
Vehicle registered since 2002 should all be E10 compatible. Our .gov.uk website has a vehicle checker tool but this is really centred around vehicles made to European specification. If you’ve a grey import such as the popular Mazda Bongo Friendee you may have to discuss this with the importer or look on owners’ forums for advice on what age or engine number the changes were made.
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Can I use a hook-up cable splitter so I can use electricity in both my caravan and the awning?
It’s Club policy (Section 4.6) that a splitter must not be used between the site bollard and the touring unit. This is because the Regulations for Electrical Installations (also known as the wiring regs) make it clear the lead is to be unbroken between the two points.
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I have a micro-camper, should I use the campervan option when booking online?
Yes, when you are booking a pitch on a Club Site the campervan option in the drop-down menu is the one for a micro-camper. If you have a micro-caravan, just use the caravan option. The size of pitch you need can be worked out from the dimensions you add to the booking.
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My three-way fridge has broken down, can I fit a domestic one to my caravan instead?
If you only use the fridge when you are on an electric hook-up then, in theory, yes - you can fit a domestic appliance but there are three things you’ll need to consider:
- A leisure three-way fridge has been designed to be quiet in operation, domestic fridges can be deceptively noisy and may keep you awake
- The coolant in a domestic fridge needs to settle before the fridge is switched on, which isn’t ideal for touring
- You may have to modify the fitted cabinetry around the fridge and this could devalue your caravan when you want to sell it.
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How often should I renew the waterproofing on my gear?
The need to re-proof a piece of kit depends on the wear and tear it’s had. For example, where you use a rucksack the shoulder straps and hip belt are likely to rub on your jacket and in these areas water will penetrate first. If you’re a regular outdoor walker then it may be worth topping up the protection in such zones three or four times a year. Always check the instructions supplied with the garment and follow closely the proofing product’s instructions for application.
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Which are best, fitted or freestanding solar panels?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, it is more about budget and your specific requirements. A direct-connect-to-the-battery freestanding unit is the simplest solution and often the cheapest as there are no installation costs, especially if your leisure battery is easily accessed from a side door. When you are on site you can move the panel to track the sun to get the best charge during the day. Such panels can also be transferred easily from tourer to tourer.
Fitted systems, typically on the roof, are convenient and always on. They will maintain a battery (or two, with the right kit) even in winter storage and of course they’re out of sight of prying eyes. They lose some efficiency by facing straight up and are tricky to remove to transfer, some bonded types may be permanent.
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My caravan’s motor mover is playing up. What’s the best course of action?
The problem could be one of a number of issues, but before you start pulling things apart or booking a technician there are some things you can check. First, try a new battery in the remote control handset as this often solves the issue. Then take a close look at the caravan’s battery. Not all charging systems perform well and your battery may benefit from a separate charge with a smart charger rather than relying on the onboard kit. Only once you’re satisfied all the batteries are in good shape and there are still problems will you need to have some expert help.
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Do you allow fire pits on Club Sites?
At this time the Club does not allow open fire pits on site. We accept enclosed products such as a wood-fuelled stove, as long as it’s used carefully in a correctly-ventilated and flued tent. Of course charcoal- and briquette-fuelled barbecue grills are fine outside too. We accept these grills will involve fire starters and perhaps a little kindling when getting them going, but this should die back quickly to give glowing coals to cook over.
If we have an extremely dry summer solid fuel cooking appliances could see a temporary ban for fire safety reasons.
With any such appliance please take care, consider fire safety, the risk of burns and please use a carbon monoxide alarm where a flued stove is used.
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Can I use a petrol generator at a Club meet?
Generator use is normally acceptable within certain limits, as set by the meet’s steward team. You are likely to find two-stroke units are prohibited and that you can only use generators between certain times. Ideally, we prefer quiet suitcase-style generators rather than the noisier open-frame types.
It’s worth noting we accept such generators have a place, but solar chargers have reduced significantly in price in recent years and this much quieter method of charging a battery is preferred by many.
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Do you allow people to camp on Club Sites with temporary camping conversions?
If you mean modular removable pieces of furniture that make, for example, a small MPV car into a camper then broadly the answer is yes. Kits are available from companies such as Amdro, Ququq and others.
We expect provision to be made for privacy, which could be curtains or blinds on the car’s windows. Where any gas or electrical equipment is installed, it needs to be professionally inspected and signed-off.
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I see Calor is withdrawing smaller gas bottles but the taller ones don’t fit my camper. What can I do?
Calor has amended its policy regarding the withdrawal of 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane bottles and it will no longer be withdrawing them immediately.
The statement is clear, the bottles will still be phased out but now over a longer time. This means any cylinders returned damaged will be scrapped and no further recertification will go on so the product will wither on the vine. The Cube, 6kg Lite propane and 12kg butane cylinders will still be discontinued immediately.
In the medium term it will still be necessary to investigate alternatives such as Campingaz which is butane only, Flogas has compatible alternatives and there’s a compact refillable system from Gaslow.
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Are roof tents allowed on Club Sites?
Yes, roof tents have always been welcome on Club Sites, though in the past there was not a specific booking category for them. Since spring 2023 there has been a dedicated booking option, so you can select ‘roof tent’ from among the camping unit options in the drop-down menu.
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Do I have to have my caravan serviced every year?
This is strongly recommended across the whole industry and with newer equipment the annual service is typically part of the warranty terms. As equipment ages it’s important to monitor parts that suffer from wear and tear and adjustments or repairs should be performed as necessary – just because a caravan or motorhome is older it doesn’t mean it should be neglected. You may also find some form of scheduled service is a requirement of your insurance cover.
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How easy is it to get spares for a tent that’s no long in production?
Some parts such as poles can be cut down from generic oversized spares that are available from all camping retailers, as are guy lines and pegs.
Some more specialist spares can be sought from companies such as
Tentspares
, which also carries a range of air tubes for inflatable-tube tents.
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I’m trying to order a new tow bar and the supplier asked if I needed single or twin electrics and seven- or 13-pin connector. What does this all mean?
Older caravans came with a pair of plugs, a black one with seven pins and all the legally-required lighting connections (known as 12N) along with a grey supplementary seven-pin plug to allow the in-caravan services, such as the battery charging and fridge (called 12S). Back in 2009 the caravan industry merged these into one plug with 13 pins. However, many light utility trailers, racks and light boards still use the seven-pin 12S connector. We go into some depth about these in our expert guide on tow bars if you’d like more information.
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Is it possible to get replacement keys for my locks?
There’s no single way to get new keys. Many keys have a code stamped into them and if you quote this (along with its accompanying lock brand) to a supplier you may be able to buy a new one or have it cut.
With items such as the AL-KO Secure Wheel Lock that’s tested to Diamond standard from Sold Secure, you must register your key code. If you need a replacement it’ll be sent to you. Other suppliers have a key-code tag with the number stamped on it or a barcode, so make sure you don’t lose this.
It’s worth gathering all this information and holding it somewhere such as in a secure computer document, a safe or at least a locked drawer. Don’t leave it where it can be easily copied.
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Is it worth spending money changing the bulbs in my caravan or motorhome to LED?
Changing every bulb in a tourer to a good quality LED can be an expensive exercise, especially with the extra work involved where a fluorescent tube is in place. If you always use an electric hook-up then it’s probably best to wait until a bulb fails before you change it. If you prefer off-grid camping and are reliant on your battery then the reduced power consumption of LED bulbs could make such an investment make sense.
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Should I use the same waterproofer for all my outdoor gear?
It’s best not to. Durable water repellents (DWR) found in supermarket generic products may be quite different in formulation to those designed for use on a canvas-type textile, for example. Check the product’s instructions and make sure it’s suitable for your particular fabric before you buy.
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What problems might arise if my caravan or motorhome has been out in freezing conditions?
Water expands slightly as it freezes so can cause problems. When you use a tourer after a period of cold weather be mindful of the possibility of leaks, especially if you didn’t drain it down thoroughly before the cold spell.
If you left taps open, don’t be tempted to force them shut. It is quite common for them to freeze in position. Let the heat soak into the components gradually, allowing them free-up naturally.
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How does insurance work when towing a trailer?
Once a trailer of any kind is coupled up to a towing vehicle it is considered part of the vehicle for insurance purposes and any third-party cover, the legal minimum, comes from the car policy. It is therefore important you check your car policy to make sure trailer towing is covered. Dedicated
trailer insurance
, such as that offered by Club Care covers the other risks.
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Do I have to use a hardstanding pitch on a Club Site?
Generally we always put a caravan or motorhome on a hardstanding pitch, to keep the grass in prime condition as much as possible, particularly in the winter or wetter periods.
If you prefer a grass pitch, please ask at the point of booking. If the ground is good enough we can usually accommodate this, but it remains at the site staff’s discretion.
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What dictates the unbraked towing limit of my car?
In law any trailer weighing more than 750kg must have brakes, so
unbraked trailers
are capped at 750kg. However, you may find your car has a lower limit as the unbraked limit must not exceed 50 per cent of the car’s unladen weight. The relevant figure for your vehicle will be published in the owner’s manual.
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Do I need to disconnect my solar panel if I want to put my leisure battery on a home maintenance charger?
In theory this shouldn’t be necessary as the solar panel circuit should be equipped with diodes to stop the reverse run of power. However, it is worth checking both the user manual for the panel and the one for the charge controller, if there is one in the circuit. The controller should have the same protection built in as the panel, but don’t assume this.
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Is automotive liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) propane?
In the northern part of Europe - including the UK -the LPG sold for use in cars is largely propane with trace amounts of derivatives including a small amount of butane. In southern Europe you may find a higher proportion of butane, I’ve seen comments that LPG sold in Spain can blend 10 per cent butane to propane.
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At my recent caravan service the technician said the gas regulator should be changed as it is now ten years old. Is this correct?
The popular Truma GOK regulator has a recommended service life of ten years in leisure use, reduced to eight years in a commercial application. The regulators contain precision moving parts and are controlled by a rubber diaphragm and spring, so the rubber parts can deteriorate.
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Is it necessary to unwind my hook-up cable?
This is strongly recommended and not just in winter where electrical consumption can be significantly increased. The cable gauge is such that it can cope with a continuous high load where the heat is allowed to radiate away in its unwound state, leaving it wound up will hold in the heat. This has nothing to do with electrical induction heating, it is simply the natural resistance in the cable when under load. For further reading about electricity on the campsite, we have a useful
guide
.
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I’m looking at getting a full awning, how do I size it?
Full awnings go in stepped sizes and you need to get what’s known as the A measurement which is through the awning channel measuring from ground to ground at the other end. This is sometimes quoted in the owner’s manual, good awning retailers will know and the awning manufacturer Isabella has a comprehensive list too. To understand the A measurement better and to find out more about awnings in general we have a web guide on them.
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What the biggest caravan I can tow with a car?
In the UK with a vehicle up to 3,500kg maximum mass, which is the current limit of a car licence, the width limit is 2.55m wide and 7m body length. This length does not include the A-frame or draw-bar structure at the front that’s sometimes housed under a cowling.
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I have an older petrol-engine campervan, is it wise to use E10 fuel?
Modern vehicles from around 2010 should be fine with E10 fuel, pre 2010 the older they are the less likely they are to be compatible. So unless you can verify from a note in the handbook or from a dealer or brand specialist it is best to use the slightly more expensive E5 fuel. This is normally super-unleaded with a higher octane and may have other premium features such as enhanced detergents. Also having less bio-ethanol makes E5 a better fuel for long term storage too as it is less hydroscopic.
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What is the electric hook-up rating on Club Sites?
Most electric hook-ups are rated at 16A. There are a few with lower ratings and this is now highlighted in the campsite’s SiteSeeker listing, in the ‘worth noting’ section. As an example, Oxford Club Site has 10A hook-ups.
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I am used to towing a caravan but have just bought a motorhome. Are the weight distribution principles the same?
Broadly yes, ideally you keep heavier items lower down where possible and over or in between the axles. This can be a challenge if your motorhome has a large storage area at the rear, sometimes called a garage, as it’s tempting to fill it with kit.
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There seem to be several types of awning on the market. Which is best?
There isn’t really a best type, though there are many variations to suit different needs and budgets.
Lightweight awnings can be cost effective, quick and easy to pitch, but are not designed to cope with very bad weather and the textile is likely to have a shorter working life due to sunlight damage (UV). At the other end of the price range there are products designed to be left pitched all year round, some even withstanding a snow load. Check our awning guide for more information on which type might suit you.
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I went to change the tyres on my twin-axle caravan. I currently have car tyres fitted but I’ve been told these should be changed to commercial ones. Is this correct?
This may not be correct. Your caravan may be large and heavy, but the load is spread across four tyres so each probably takes a similar weight as a tyre on a fully-loaded small to medium car. At most you may benefit from extra-load tyres (marked XL). Commercial ones (marked C) may have an excessive load capacity, more suitable for a van.
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How do I get rid of my empty gas cartridges?
I’m afraid there’s no straightforward answer to this. The small amount of gas left in them may be similar to the propellants used in some domestic spray products that are allowed to go into domestic waste or recycling. However, some local authorities want camping gas cartridges to be taken directly to a main recycling centre. Please check with your local authority or ask at a campsite.
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Can I charge my electric vehicle (EV) on a Club Site pitch?
At this time the Club allows you to charge an EV on a pitch, whether it’s a car or a light mobility scooter. However, you must not charge your vehicle directly from the site’s electric hook-up bollard as it was not designed for this. The relevant standards state the bollard should only be used to provide power to leisure accommodation via a single 25m long lead. Once your caravan or motorhome is connected to the bollard you can trickle charge the vehicle’s battery from a three-pin 13A socket in or on the caravan or motorhome.
Some other site operators (including those on the Certified Sites (CS) network) may operate differently so please ask on arrival.
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I’m planning to go to France soon. When I last went the French television system was different from the UK. Is this still true?
Since the launch of digital terrestrial television the Digital Video Broadcast system (DVB) is a global standard so you should now be able to receive free-to-air television channels in France. However, you will only receive French channels unless you’re close to a border with another country. Don’t forget to check how to retune your set, as you may need to do this when you arrive at the campsite.
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Is it possible to use domestic (230V) electric items while green field camping without an electric hook-up?
There are two main ways you can provide 230V electricity (using a domestic-style 3-pin plug) on a campsite when there’s no electric hook-up. A petrol or diesel generator can give power on demand, which is convenient. However, it’s expensive to buy, there are added fuel and servicing costs, and even the quietest ones are noisy enough to cause a disturbance so they are not generally allowed to run overnight on campsites.
An inverter is the alternative option. This almost silent device takes 12V DC from your battery power and transforms it into 230V AC, as you have at home. You need to choose your inverter carefully and be aware of how much power you’re using, to avoid flattening the battery. We have an
inverter guide
that gives more details, including information on power usage and the importance of features such as pure sine wave production.
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Is a trailer tent the same as a folding camper?
Not really, other than they fold down to be compact trailers to tow. Technically, a trailer tent has to be pegged out while a folding camper can be self-contained. This means a trailer tent generally needs to be pitched on grass while a folding camper can sit on a hardstanding.
However, both are often used with awnings and externally it can be difficult to tell the difference.
On a practical level, a folding camper normally has a substantial lower base section that’s fitted out much like a caravan. It may have additional pieces of furniture to put in place. There may even be a small washroom with a cassette toilet built in.
Trailer tents are often lighter, more simply equipped and need pegging out to be stable on the pitch.
In our advice section of the website you’ll find a useful guide about trailer tents and folding campers.
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How do I insure my car towed behind the motorhome as the car policy doesn’t cover this?
UK trailer law is simple, any vehicle that is manufactured or adapted to be towed by another vehicle is a trailer. Once your car’s coupled up all the third party liability sits with the tow vehicle’s policy. It is prudent to check the motorhome policy does cover towing a trailer.
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