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Quote: Originally posted by Petrolhead on 26/1/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by brianconwy on 25/1/2011

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Where does one want to stop on the way home?  Just curious. 

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On a long journey it is much easier to stop either overnight or for a break as there is no setting up to do.
Its easier to leave the M/H whereas with the caravan I wouldn't feel happy leaving it hitched up to the car if we had a break and went for a walk etc.

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a short while back I had to bring a caravan up from west country, as I set off late and got tired I stopped for a while at services on M3 for a break. left van attached to vehicle and got into the caravan put kettle on and lights etc. within 15min I had a bod knocking to collect over night fee. told him there was no way I was paying anything and he said he would have unit clamped, I told him to go away, (words to that effect) my being over 6ft he did not argue. but I finished the tea and drove on after a short while. from stopping and starting It was about 2hour max.

now the question is was he as I suspect trying it on or was a fee due ?

as I understood it both caravans and motorhomes can now stop at services for a reasonable break. but who states the break time ?? I understand lorry drivers still have to pay ???

this was the first time I have stopped for a period at night, its usually very early in the morn or mid afternoon, and then I pull up with other caravans if poss. this time I was alone with a few lorry units, and services was almost deserted.

he had a glow coat etc but no uniform or vehicle.

after I told him to "go away" he did not seem too keen on pushing the matter. hense my thought that he was trying it on but cant be sure.

and at after midnight I was not in any mood to seek signs or go and try to find a person to enquire further. plus was not prepared to leave the car and unit incase he was genuine and the clamp arrived. then it would have been a longer row and stay. than planned.

Quote: Originally posted by Petrolhead on 26/1/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by johnks on 25/1/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Petrolhead on 25/1/2011

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We are in the process of selling our caravan to swap to a motorhome.

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One of the biggest reasons is I hate towing with a passion so when we change I will be able to go away during school hols with the children without having to rely on my Husband to tow the blooming caravan!
Also when you leave site you can stop on the way home - with a caravan we never could.
The motorhome we are swapping to has as much if not more space inside as our caravan although I must admit it is a big M/H lol!

Mrs Petrolhead

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I really hope you have thought this one out particularly as you have children. What about the days out and the visit to the shops etc. We had a large motorhome and it was the biggest (and most expensive) bad move we have ever made. Uncomfortable, cold and damned expensive to run!!!!

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Have spent a long time thinking it through and as I will not tow it is the only option for me to go away solo. Will have push bikes though, also public transport and will tow small car when we go into Europe en mass as a family. Currently our caravan just sits doing nothing when my Husband is at work as I can't/won't tow it so can't go away in school hols unless he is off so its a no brainer for us.
Thanks for the thought though :)

Mrs P

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Wouldn't a towing course be cheaper ? There really is nothing to it - it's just a matter of getting used to it !!

Quote: Originally posted by brianconwy on 29/1/2011

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There are many service stations on the M5 that charge for overnight stays and are clearly signposted as such.  If they are signposted properly then they can charge and probably clamp if not paid.

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Hi, re paying to park on sevices over night, I'm an HGV driver and can tell you that you can park on a motorway sevices for up to 2hrs for free the you have to pay the parking charge,

Don't be fooled into the "they can't do anything about it" trap TRUST me they can!! As you enter the service area your vehicle is photo'ed by a number plate recognition camera, (they also have them on the fuel pumps) if you stay over the "2" hours without paying, they get your address from Dvla, then send you an invoice for the over due parking charge which is now about £80. If you do not pay they will seek recovery in the courts, I know as its private land its a civil matter, but there are loads of signs saying that if you park you agree to pay!, YOU WILL NOT WIN, if you could we truck drivers could save about £20 a night to park!!! But we have to pay!

Quote: Originally posted by bluesriff on 30/1/2011

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Hi, re paying to park on sevices over night, I'm an HGV driver and can tell you that you can park on a motorway sevices for up to 2hrs for free the you have to pay the parking charge,

Don't be fooled into the "they can't do anything about it" trap TRUST me they can!! As you enter the service area your vehicle is photo'ed by a number plate recognition camera, (they also have them on the fuel pumps) if you stay over the "2" hours without paying, they get your address from Dvla, then send you an invoice for the over due parking charge which is now about £80. If you do not pay they will seek recovery in the courts, I know as its private land its a civil matter, but there are loads of signs saying that if you park you agree to pay!, YOU WILL NOT WIN, if you could we truck drivers could save about £20 a night to park!!! But we have to pay!

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thanks for that I thought I was right about the requirement. I guess he was trying it on under the rules system I thought I was ok for an hour or so but was not 100%

all the best   Thanks

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