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We have a Symbol. Until recently used this with a Movelite XL awning, attached via guy ropes thrown over van. The Movelite was damaged in unexpected winds on our last trip. Now looking to replace, but very few options due to lack of guttering /  anywhere to attach J rails etc on the van. If we go for an awning again we can only really go for another throw over one, which we are not keen to do. Does anyone know the regs / any restrictions on siting a tent alongside the van instead, and using it as an awning for eating / storage etc? We are in The Camping and Caravanning Club  and use their sites / CS sites for most of our trips. Any advice  / info appreciated!

We're in the C&CC too, a few MH'ers use the 'dome type' tents or small gazebos as 'day shelters' - the general concensus seems to be that providing no one sleeps in it - then it's fine as an awning - though I suppose there will still be other site wardens who may have a problem with this, it might just be down to how 'broad minded' the wardens are (or how much room is available on site! 

Would you consider a Quechua Base Seconds tent as an awning. You get them from Decathlon or ebay and they are pop up tents, but don't let that put you off. They are very sturdy with heavier than standard fabric and they have a rain cover over two of the doors which would make it suitable for 'docking' onto the side of campervan.

Thanks for these suggestions!

We had spotted the Quecha Base range on-line, but been concerned they might not be accepted on sites. It is good to know others have used them without challenge from any site managers.

Which model(s) have you purchased? The one we have seen (similar to the one posted) appears to have two 'doors' but then two overhangs that remain open unless connected to (zip in?) sleeping tents. Does it also have zip-in doors in these two sides and / or  is there a Quecha Base model that has closable doors all round?

As suggested, maybe having a couple of guys attached to one of the rain cover / porch canopies, so these can be thrown over to 'show willing' would be a thought?!

P and L

This base seconds is discontinued but there are some available online. You might have to order from a different store to your local one but there's some jiggery pokery you can do about putting in the local postcode and then your own address. Mm you'd be as well to check with the folks in 'camping under canvas' to check that one.

As Bigtoe says this is a four sided tent with two doors at 90degrees to each other. The other two walls have a mesh half moon window in each with a zip up cover. I have the inner which you buy separately for £29.99 which turns this tent into a sleeping tent. Personally I use mine for a kitchen tent.

The base seconds XL is not discontinued but is quite expensive at £199. Each panel is the same size as the base seconds that I have, only there are six instead of four. This makes quite a big communal area fantastic for get togethers. Probably too big for your needs though.

Here's a thread with a pic of my Base seconds - I have it pitched along side the Quechua 4 man (the small one). The Base seconds is technically a four man too, but the difference is it's stand up height inside.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=32&TopicID=249170&PagePosition=8

We also have the base seconds but I did have a problem with trying to use it as an awning on a Forest Holidays site. They insisted it was either a tent or a gazebo and we had to pay for it as such, I think it was £5 a night as a gazebo, I was abolutely spitting as there were huge caravans with massive awnings and 4x4s paying less than us with a tiny VW campervan and pop-up.

We also weren't allowed to use it on a caravan & motorhomes only site as they weren't licenced for stand alone tents, even pup tents weren't allowed there.

Otherwise no probs, but then again we don't bother to take it any more, just use the sun shade then it's easier to pack up & move on.