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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
I’m changing gas, besides bottle size what else should I consider?
The actual fitting to the bottle may be different. There’s both clip-on and screw on types in different sizes so when you’ve chosen the new gas bottle type, ask what else you’ll need to connect up. If you’ve a modern tourer with a fixed bulkhead regulator you may need to change the flexible hose or ‘pig-tail’ section too.
Read more »
I have roof bars on my motorhome, what can I carry up there?
Be careful and check the handbook, we know of some motorhomes where they’re a design feature and not made to carry any loads. Much easier if you’ve a panel van as the factory hard-points may still be available and for a dedicated kit.
We can only suggest you check the handbook as any limits should be included in the specification.
Also factor in the load, a bulky item will add drag, heavy items may upset stability. Lighter and more svelte loads such as a kayak or surfboard make more sense.
Read more »
I have an older caravan with a low awning channel, can I use a modern awning?
Older caravans were often lower than current models and some had quite interesting roof profiles, somewhat reminiscent of an over-turned boat. Modern universal awnings haven’t been made with such caravans in mind as they are cut to suit the straight portion of a high awning rail. Such awnings can still be compatible with older caravans but they may not sit flush to the caravan, especially down the side of the ’van, and you could find water pooling on the roof in severe rain. You may be able to get a full awning tailored to suit your caravan, though this is likely to be quite an expensive service.
Read more »
Do campsites have to have a drain for grey water?
Grey water is the waste that comes from washing, washing up and similar. Not all campsites have grey water drains, some ask you to tip it into the hedgerow or another location. This will be made clear from the site staff or steward, where the campsite is temporary. However, where there is a dedicated waste point you should always use it.
Read more »
How often should I deep clean my fresh water carrier?
If you’re a very active camper then a simple rinse may be sufficient to keep the inside of the tank fresh through the summer, however some campers prefer to use some form of steriliser every now and then so it is very much personal choice. It is worthwhile giving everything a good clean before you pack away at the end of the season and also before you go camping after a long break.
Read more »
Do you allow gazebos or other shelters on Club Sites?
Utility tents, gazebos and similar are normally allowed as long as they fit within the confines of the pitch.
As part of our site policies, our site staff reserves the right to ask for structures such as windbreaks and awnings to be taken down if there are safety concerns – if strong winds are forecast, for example.
Read more »
How do you dry a trailer tent when it’s in storage?
The best option is to open the trailer tent fully, if you have the space, even if it is still raining. Leave it open until the weather clears. Once the weather improves it will dry out and can be packed properly. This is a better option than leaving it packed away wet, even if it takes several days.
Read more »
Is it possible to get a hose for my external gas barbecue point longer than 3m?
It should be possible to buy one, though for a long time it has been advised you do not exceed 3m. In reality you shouldn’t have a hose longer than is necessary but if you need, for example, to keep an appliance safely away from an awning then you should be able to get one.
Read more »
Can you get manual electric cars?
At this time all-electric vehicles (EV) and hybrids have automatic transmission and with the exception of a few mild hybrids, it is highly unlikely any such EVs will have a manual option. There may be exceptions for some highly specialised vehicles, but none we’re aware of.
Read more »
My registration plates have the blue GB EU panel showing the European flag. Do I have to replace them before travelling on the European mainland?
There’s no need to change your numberplates, they will remain legal to use in the UK or Europe for the vehicle’s life. However, when you’re travelling outside the UK you must also display a UK sticker at the vehicle’s rear (or a magnetic removable type) though this is not necessary for the Irish Republic.
The most up to date information on this can be found on the gov.uk website and if you need to know more about travelling abroad we have a Data Sheet on the subject.
Read more »
This is my first winter using my caravan. Can I close some of the vents to reduce drafts?
I’m afraid those vents must be left clear. Some are there to allow a constant airflow to keep condensation to a minimum, but the most important ones channel exhaust gases from the cooking appliances outside the ’van. The floor level vents are known as drop-out vents. These allow gas to escape safely in the unlikely event of a leak. Both propane and butane are heavier than air and must be able to flow out through vents like this.
Read more »
I’m planning an extended European tour. Can I get my motorhome’s MOT test certificate renewed abroad?
No, a vehicle must have the annual technical inspection (MOT test) performed in the country in which it was registered.
If your planned itinerary covers the date the MOT expires then the simple solution is to bring the test forward to a date before you leave the country. If you do not do this you will need to come back to the UK for the test.
Read more »
I’ve noticed engine capacities are getting smaller. Can cars with these engines still tow?
To help reduce emissions and overall running costs car makers have been squeezing as much power and efficiency as possible out of sometimes quite small power units.
The big change has been the mass adoption of some form of forced induction, usually a turbocharger. This makes small petrol engines develop considerable amounts of power, but –perhaps more important for towing – more torque (the measured turning force of the engine) at lower engine speed.
It is now quite common to find a petrol or diesel engine around 1.4–1.6 litre producing similar amounts of power and torque of a 2.00-litre diesel from a decade ago, using less fuel too.
Read more »
Is there anything I can do to stop the door and window rubber seals sticking on my caravan?
Firstly make sure the hard surface, whether a door, door frame or window (plastic or glass) is both clean and dry. The rubberised seal surface can be treated with a light silicone release spray or given a dusting of talcum powder. It is worth checking the handbook as some time a specific product type may be recommended for your particular vehicle.
Read more »
I’m looking at a winter tour, mostly using campsites without electric hook-ups. Can I work out how much gas to take?
There’s no definitive answer to this as it depends how warm you like to be, how good the tourer’s insulation is and the overall ambient temperature. In a cold spell where the heater is running for quite long periods, you’re cooking and using hot water you may get through 3kg of gas in a day. If you have blown-air heating you will also need to factor in battery drain from the heating system as the fan must run while heating is on. In the depth of winter solar charging may struggle to keep up.
Read more »
I have a caravan that was imported from Europe. How can I find its value? My insurance company is asking for it.
It isn’t easy to establish a UK price for an imported caravan. You know what you paid for it and should retain your receipt, even if it’s a hand-written one from a private sale.
It is unlikely any trade price guide will cover an unusual imported model so it is up to you to determine a value. Seek out online listings for similar caravans on the websites such as Autotrader, eBay or the like. Prices from traders will generally be higher than private sale prices.
It doesn’t have to be an identical product, but a caravan of a similar age and specification should offer up a fair estimate if you ever need a replacement. It is better to be slightly over-insured than under.
Read more »
Can I use a 13kg cylinder in my gas locker instead of two smaller 6kg ones?
There’s two issues to factor in here. Firstly will the single larger cylinder fit in your locker? This isn’t just about the height or girth and getting it through the hatch – the base needs to sit securely in the receiver that’s mounted on or moulded to the locker floor, as well as being securely strapped into the locker.
Secondly is the concern about safe lifting, depending on design and layout you may have quite an awkward reach. A full 13kg propane bottle may exceed 26kg. Can you manoeuvre this safely?
Read more »
I use a winter cover on my tourer but there’s a large amount of puddled water on the roof whenever it rains. Is this a problem?
If the cover is on a caravan, use the jockey wheel to raise or lower the front of the unit so the rain runs off. You can do something similar with a motorhome with levelling ramps. Use them in such a way that water will be encouraged to drain off the rear. Read more »
Are winter tyres compulsory on the European mainland?
Regulations on tyres vary from country to country and sometimes from region to region within a country so you need to do your homework. As a rule of thumb, it is sensible to expect any mountainous areas to have some form of local rules for winter tyres or the need to carry snow chains as an alternative. This will apply to cars that are towing and to motorhomes, though it may be sensible to avoid high passes altogether if you can.
It is worth noting that France has introduced a winter tyre rule from winter 2021/2 for 48 departments in mountainous areas, more details can be found on this French website, which has an English translation option.
Read more »
Why do you tow a caravan at speeds over the national speed limit during the Tow Car Awards testing?
Our experienced driver specialists take a car and caravan combination over the UK’s legal limit of 60mph for two reasons. Firstly there are some European countries that allow towing up 120km/h (around 75mp/h), though most are actually limited to 80km/h (50 mp/h). Also when we’re testing some very powerful or heavy vehicles a little extra speed can reveal weaknesses that are masked at lower speed. This helps us differentiate between such vehicles.
The testing is all performed on a closed circuit within the operating rules of the test track and subject to our own risk assessments. If a driver judges a combination does not feel comfortable to go to higher speeds they will not do so. Click
here
to see the results.
Read more »
Can I drive abroad while my replacement driving licence is still being processed by the DVLA?
There is a useful leaflet on the Government website
INF188/6
that covers details of section 88 of the Road Traffic Act. This explains you can drive in the UK while the DVLA processes your licence. However, this is a UK-specific law and it may not apply overseas. To check for the regulations in any other country you will need to contact that country directly.
Read more »
Can I use Club Site facilities during the day to empty my wastewater tank, fill up with fresh water and take advantage of the other facilities?
In normal circumstances a number of our campsites offer this service for a small fee. Unfortunately during the pandemic, while we’re operating a no-visitor policy, the Service Stop-Off Point system is suspended.
Follow
this link
to our dedicated webpage to check which sites offer the service, the fees charged and the latest information as to whether the service is available.
Read more »
I have fitted a replacement gas strut to hold my gas locker open but it hasn’t lasted very long. Is this normal?
Before making any assumptions about the quality of the strut itself, please check whether you have fitted it upside down. This easily done if the two end fittings are apparently identical. If it is the wrong way around, when it’s closed the end where the inner rod slides into the outer tube can face. Even if this is only slight, the oil in the tube runs to the wrong end and the gas seal is no longer lubricated, which can allow the gas to escape over time.
Read more »
What’s is the rating of an electric hook-up on a Club Site pitch?
All electric hook-up points on Club Site pitches are rated to 16A unless it says otherwise on the site’s information panel in the Siteseeker app or book. We cannot vouch for private operators and Certificated Sites so please check with the campsite if you have a specific requirement for a current above, for example, 6A.
Read more »
When I brake while towing my caravan there’s a clunk from the tow bar. What is it?
This could be one of two things. In most caravans there is a gas damper in the caravan’s over-run brake. If this has failed then the braking will work but will not be smoothed by the damper, causing the clunk. There’s a more worrying, and thankfully rare, cause and this is a loose tow bar. If you have any doubts about yours, get it checked by a qualified mechanic before your next trip.
Read more »
I have an electric pump to inflate my tent frame. Can I use it on anything else, such an inflatable canoe or airbed?
It will depending on the fittings, but in general the answer is ‘yes’, though such pumps are low pressure-high volume. There’s one very common design I have seen sold for tents, awnings and even some watercraft but there are variations. You may have a set of adaptors with the pump or you could buy one separately to fit your other inflatables, but you should always be careful to inflate any kit to the correct pressure.
Read more »
Can I bring a dog to a Club site?
Dogs are welcome on our campsites, though we ask you to stick to a few common-sense rules. Keep dogs on leads no longer than 2m, use the designated exercise areas whenever possible and always clean-up after them.
Also - if your dog can react enthusiastically, say to people or other dogs, consider a windbreak to block its view and reduce the chances of it reacting, keeping noise down.
You can review our full
Club Sites policies here
.
Read more »
Is it OK to use a garden-type watering can to top up the onboard tank in my motorhome?
Filler hoses for use at motorhome service points should be made with a food-grade lining material, but it is unlikely a gardener’s watering can will be built to the same standards.
Yet plenty of people use watering cans to fill up. The larger type holds around five litres and I can see it’s easier than moving the whole tourer over to a service point. So it is more your judgement, will the can taint the water to taste for example?
Read more »
I have added a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and when I’m driving the pressures sometimes exceed the maximum quoted on the sidewall of the tyre. Is this safe?
It is quite normal for tyres to warm up when you’re on the road and all the bouncing of the sidewalls and the small movement of the tread-blocks may increase the pressure significantly due to the temperature increase.
This is why tyre pressures are quoted ‘cold’ – it allows for this perfectly normal process. If you find you have tyres operating close to or at their maximum pressure, for example 65 psi, don’t be surprised if the pressure goes above 70 psi while cruising at speed on a warm summer day.
However if you find one tyre is suddenly warming up but there’s no increase in pressure look for a small leak or puncture, this is a useful early warning symptom.
Read more »
The water pump always seems to be running in my caravan. Should it switch off?
There’s a high likelihood you have a system that’s controlled by a pressure switch. Many of these are manually adjustable and can be fine-tuned to suit both the pump’s power output and the voltage available from the battery or power supply.
You may find you need to adjust it when you go from being on an electric hook-up to green-field camping as there’s a small voltage drop once you’re totally reliant on the battery.
You can find out how to adjust the pressure switch in the handbook, I find it takes two to three goes to get it right for the conditions.
The switch is usually located close to where the water comes in from the outside of the caravan or close to the water heater.
Read more »
I see red and white striped boards on the back of motorhomes where bikes are being carried. Why?
A red and white diagonally-stripped board is to warn other road users of an overhanging load.
The rules on the use of these boards vary slightly from country to country. In the UK you must display one when a load projects 1m or more from the rear structure.
However, a much shorter overhang requires a marker board in some countries on the European mainland. It seems many users are just in the habit of leaving their board on, even when it’s not really required.
Read more »
Are all towing brackets the same?
The ball coupling is standardised at 50mm diameter and this has been the case for decades.
However, the bit that bolts the ball to the car is unique to each chassis type so you must make sure you have the correct part for your vehicle.
The AL-KO AKS series of stabiliser hitch heads, which are popular on caravans, require additional clearance due to the physical bulk of the coupling. This clearance is available with swan-neck style towballs but a bolted-on flange towball requires additional clearance. Such towballs are readily available if you need one.
Read more »
What is meant by a ‘secondary coupling’ on a trailer?
A secondary coupling is a mechanical device, such as a chain or steel wire, that’s in addition to the main tow ball coupling. Its role is to the keep an un-braked trailer connected to the towing vehicle if the ball hitch becomes uncoupled. It should be strong enough to hold the fully-laden trailer to the vehicle and sufficiently short so the hitch doesn’t strike the floor if an under-slung skid is not used.
It is a legal requirement to have a secondary coupling on a trailer without brakes.
Read more »
I want to start a small campsite. Can the Club help?
Yes we can, the Club is an organisation that’s entitled to issue exemption certificates. If you are awarded one you are allowed to develop a small campground without needing planning permission from your Local Authority. Our dedicated web page about this is
here
.
Read more »
What’s involved in converting a campervan from butane to propane?
Besides checking the alternative cylinders will fit in the locker, the only other thing that needs to be changed is the actual fitting to the cylinder. This may be a simple adaptor or the regulator – these differ.
Read more »
How does the AL-KO ATC system react with my new tow car’s trailer stability programme?
Your car’s vehicle trailer assist will not interact with the electronic AL-KO Automatic Trailer Control (ATC). The systems are (and have to be due to construction rules) independent. Although the ATC is less sophisticated than the car’s electronics, it’s much ‘closer to the action’ so it can be more sensitive and therefore very effective. The car’s system is more about how it reacts to stability loss without making things worse with a trailer.
Read more »
Will the Club allow me to pitch on a Club Site if I’ve converted a van myself?
We normally allow self-converted campervans. In our
general policies
it says, “If planning to use a non-proprietary camping unit, please seek approval from Customer Services before camping for the first time.”
We may ask you to send us some photographs and we may need to see a copy of the sign-off of any gas or electrical installation.
Read more »
We now often use a Super Pitch. How do you recommend we clean our hoses? Is it similar to cleaning our water barrels?
If you regularly use fully serviced or super-pitches that have their own stand-alone water supply or have a seasonal pitch it may be worthwhile cleaning your fresh water hose occasionally.
It will not take much to make a bucket full of you preferred water system cleaner. Use a funnel and jug to fill the fully unwound hose carefully, until the liquid runs from the end. After the prescribed waiting time, the hose can be connected to a water supply to purge the cleaning liquid.
Read more »
Do compressor fridges need winter vent covers like my old motorhome fridge?
No not normally, a compressor fridge runs rather like a domestic fridge as it compresses a contained gas and needs only a modest amount of airflow that can be internal depending on design.
Your previous fridge was probably a three-way (gas, hook-up 230v AC and 12 volt DC powered) and this absorption process is driven by heat hence there can be some quite large external vents including a gas flue, in the winter or very windy days they benefit from having temporary winter vent covers fitted.
Read more »
My vehicle’s due a service but it has hardly been used this year can I not postpone it?
This is a conversation to have with the supplying dealer, especially if there’s a warranty to support, may not have any choice but stick to their schedule.
This may not necessarily seem so bad but vehicles just sitting about may deteriorate faster than one in active use and some elements such as brake fluid for example simply ages and may need changing by a calendar date not distance.
With modern vehicles there could also be software updates for safety or efficiency too.
Read more »