Lack of new members joining clubs.

As a member of the Caravan Club and other Social caravan clubs there is a big drop in new members (younger persons), this has been happening now for a few years, my Daughter who has been out rallying / holidaying in caravans and motorhomes since birth has looked at purchasing her own unit so her young family can enjoy the social fun and countryside just like the rest of us.

The stumbling block that is now in place before she goes any further is the new trailer test / licencing restrictions she now needs to take before she can tow a Caravan or have a unit over 3.5tonnes total - is this another reason why younger people are not coming into clubs??? Caravan manufacturers should be looking at altering this rule as I am sure it will have a knock on effect with sales and their business!!!

We have now looked at the weights of units and cars and came up with a folding caravan and a Freelander which takes them below the 3500 kilo ruling with allocation to spare for other items, we are now looking at what the costs and how you go about taking a trailer test which is not cheap (more like the HGV Test). This also has a knock on effect with Horse boxes , motorsport and any other social past time where you required to move an object from a to b.

Yes it could be a safety issue but i am sure it is a money making issue more than safety for the goverment test centres and instructors. We all are aware of the 85% ruling for towing and i am sure a better more cost effective system could be used which would not restrict younger members joining clubs and having the freedom as we do.

It would be good to get the feedback on your thoughts and how the Caravan Club, other clubs and manufacturers could do to either change this rule or make it a better one that does not restrict growth within these industries??