Message Forums

I understand there are different insurances for sites hence they specify only certain units but FCs seem a grey area. So can FC's go on a caravan only site? and if so why not a TT as some of the FC's have the side opening beds so are similar in layout other than having the on board kitchen. Hubby wants a FC but as I like to use electric to cook and not bothered about the walk to wash dishes I really don't see the benefit for us other than maybe we could use a few more sites and an extra double bed if we go for a large one. 

I did try and search the answer to this but not really sure what phrase to use for best results.

There is no one rule as such. Some sites apparently don't accept TT ro FC but I would say they are generally few and far between. The two main organisations CC and C&CC accept units at all club sites to my knowledge. We've never had a problem at a CL either.

Obviously if the main unit needs any pegging out on your TT it may impact on what pitches you can use (hard standing etc)

In answer to you other query the difference between most FC and TT is that the main living area is above ground on FC's and they can be used (6 berth ones anyway) for shorter stays without an awning. Most TT's just have the beds and a small walkway off ground.

Some of the newer TT's blur these difference I know but it is a general rule I would say

Finally many site owners don't even know what a FC is so that is probably why you struggle to get a clear definition of what is allowed tc and what isn't

I contacted a site a few months ago to see if they allowed FCs as they stated no trailer tents - the reply I got said that if the beds opened out at the front and back it was okay, if they opened out at either side then not!  Can only assume it was something to do with the legs that hold the beds up on the sideways opening FCs...so there you go - a site that will accept some FCs but not others - muddies the water a bit more!

I said on the telephone (when booking a pitch on the Caravan and Camping Certificated Club Site ,)  -  'Folding Camper,' The Campsite Owner said  'you mean a Trailer Tent,' I said  'No, a Folding Camper,'  they replied  'yes, a  'Trailer Tent' 

Maybe they can fit more units on if a 'Folding Camper' gets classed as a 'Tent' on a Certificated 5 unit site. ?   (Just a thought.)

Quote: Originally posted by Coast walkers on 14/9/2012

---

I said on the telephone (when booking a pitch on the Caravan and Camping Certificated Club Site ,)  -  'Folding Camper,' The Campsite Owner said  'you mean a Trailer Tent,' I said  'No, a Folding Camper,'  they replied  'yes, a  'Trailer Tent' 

Maybe they can fit more units on if a 'Folding Camper' gets classed as a 'Tent' on a Certificated 5 unit site. ?   (Just a thought.)

 

 

---

Although, as others have said, its a grey area often not understood by site owners and clubs alike, generally a folding camper has the same footprint as a caravan and is usually sited where caravans are sited, whereas trailer tents have the same footprint as large tents and are usually sited on tent pitches.

We have never had any problems on 5-van sites or any other site, except for the length of our 6 berth FC.
When they see us driving up with our comparatively small trailer, they tend to try to site us on a small hardstanding until I tell them that once it is unfolded, it will be 21 feet long.

Having owned both TTs and FCs, like others, we will never go back to the TT. FCs are just so much more comfortable.
All the luxury of a caravan, but with the comfort and cosy feel of a tent.

On one recent Caravan Certificated site we stayed on it had 5 caravans on the front field, 7 caravans on the back field, (add on us and that made it 8) 

Plus another 3 caravans out next to the roadside and one camper we talked to who was pitched on the owner's back garden.

We booked the site thinking there would only be 5 units, we wern't the only campers to be confused/surprised by all the caravans. We were told that the back field was the owners own private field so they could have as many caravans as they liked, though on the Campsite's entrance the notice board still stated  that it was a Certificated Caravan Site.

I did check with teh Caravan Club a few years ago as a result of a leaflet from DEFRA regarding temporary sites. they confirmed they make no distinction between caravans, FCs and TTs but agreed the definitions are somewhat blurred.

I've never had an issue myself but I mainly stop on CC sites anyway. For some events elsewhere where the booking form doesn't have a space fro Folding Camper (which it rarely does) I just book as a caravan.

Glen