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Hi, was wondering if anyone could answer a question for me? We are new to caravanning after having a tent for a few years.

When booking a pitch, are you better going for a hardstanding or grass pitch? We will be using an awaning.

Many thanks

Sheryl

Hardstanding for me everytime but it is an individual thing. If there is room on the hardstanding pitch for the awning you will likely need rock peg which look like large nails.

David

In summer a grass pitch is ok as it doesn't get too muddy. It is also easier to peg the awning down, but quite often there are no fixed pitch areas. This can be good and bad ! In winter we would always try and use hardstandings as we don't have a 4WD and have had trouble getting the caravan up a slight grassy incline (had to use the motor mover and some pushing !). We also use hardstanding in summer quite a lot - don't get much choice in most CC sites.  In this case you need rock pegs and most importantly - a lump hammer to peg out your awning. Plus be aware of site positioning policy - ask at reception if not clear. This is mostly - reverse caravan in to middle of hardstanding, awning goes on the door/near side, car is parked on the off side. This does vary though depending on how big the hardstanding is ! 

Hope this helps, and Good Luck,

Shirley

In France, there aren't many sites with hardstandings.  We found one though, near Angers  It was perfectly flat, and nice small pea gravel.  Thought how lucky we were, until I started to peg the awning down.  Even hard work with the club hammer, and bent a few rock pegs.  Sweeping aside some of the gravel, we found the base to be solid concrete.

Bertie.

We prefer grass, and use CLs a lot.  Seems strange to go to the countryside and sit on gravel or concrete.  Still, a matter of personal preference.

We don't have an awning.  We don't find a lot of problems with mud.  As long as the site is well drained, and there are only a few caravans on it, mud doesn't seem to become a problem.

Jim

I don't think Vic meant it that way Nora.

I think he was saying that, in view of his situation, there's really only one choice.

I also have severe mobility problems, but we manage just fine on CLs.  My wife is happy to wheel the water and empty the toilet, and we just like the quiet.

Jim

we booked hardstanding this year for a week in devon and after seeing how nice the grass pitches were wished we'd booked grass instead.

last year was on grass at the same site and was muddy as hell so wanted a hardstanding....cant win

Personally i prefer a nice grass pitch (but not a soggy one)

Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 11/8/2010

I don't think Vic meant it that way Nora.

I think he was saying that, in view of his situation, there's really only one choice.

I also have severe mobility problems, but we manage just fine on CLs.  My wife is happy to wheel the water and empty the toilet, and we just like the quiet.

Jim

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A pleasure Vic.  It's funny how these sayings arise really.  I suppose every generation develops new ones, and some stick around longer than others.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by Vic Wildish on 12/8/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 11/8/2010

I don't think Vic meant it that way Nora.

I think he was saying that, in view of his situation, there's really only one choice.

I also have severe mobility problems, but we manage just fine on CLs.  My wife is happy to wheel the water and empty the toilet, and we just like the quiet.

Jim

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Thank you for that Jim. I certainly didn't mean it the way Nora took it. "No brainer" is an expression which has risen in popularity in recent years and means No contest/No choice/No option. Sorry for any offence, but perhaps the lady should appraise herself of current colloquialisms before getting brittle.

Vic

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Even colloquialisms change their meanings in different areas.  Asking for sellotape in Australia can, I am told, present some embarrassment.

Bertie.