We have never left anything attached to the car unattended at services etc. The camping trailer, the caravans, now the dandy camper. Just think if it did go, how much stuff you would lose and the effect it would have on your holiday. Just not worth the risk.
Yes it's a pain, one having to stay with it, but well worth it.
Quote: Originally posted by annestone on 18/4/2014
Gosh, we've camped with a trailer tent in France every year bar two since 1985 and have never felt worried at all. Though advice re hitchlocks is probably good sense.
Camping in France is really lovely. Council sites vary but many are brilliant and almost as good as 3-5* sites for en route stops. And as we always make an effort to be friendly and pleasant, speaking French whenever possible, we've only twice in all those years come across rude French people, which is more than we can say for Britain!!
A lot of difference leaving in a French service station as opposed to a UK one.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
In what way 'lot of difference' - in a good way?Or not?!
We've been all over France and agree that some areas have a 'dodgy' feel, just like the UK. If so, we don't stop until we feel OK about it. But at a guess 90% or more have felt very good. The suburbs of big cities, as in all countries, fell less safe depending on surroundings.
Most definitely in a good way, never been at services in France that felt 'dodgy'.
And lets not even mention the abundance of parking spaces, especially if towing, well that's what we have found anyway.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I haven't done the France thing yet, and have heard about having to have one person stay with your car and FC before. But from a towing with a small car perspective, I tow a Pennine Fiesta with my Peugeot 206CC, and it is absolutely fine. I thought I would loose power on hills (only 1.6 petrol car, and not really designed with towing in mind) but it doesn't. I didn't have a frame of reference, so asked my dad to drive my car with the FC on the back as he has had caravans etc for years and loads of experience, and he had mocked for me even thinking of towing with this car - in short he ate his words and admitted it was far better than he thought. Go for it I am sure your car will be fine. just take the breaks and don't get tiered.
p.s not sure if the other reason I would want one of us to stay with FC is stowaways - would be difficult for them but I bet if someone is determined to cross borders they could.