Servicing calls at CLs for Motorcaravans

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 17:08

Posted on 18/01/2021 17:08

In 2020 when lockdown was lifted in July there was a surge of members desperate to get out in their units.  Sites were swamped and in some areas it was impossible to find a site.  Many motorcaravanners who had not previously gone off grid (I refuse to use the term wildcamp) found they had no choice.  I was lucky to get three nights on a CL at Blairgowrie during a 10 night tour. and one night on a commercial campsite in the Great Glen.  On other nights I stayed in Pub carparks where I was able to enjoy a meal, in forestry carparks, on coastal carparks and on friends drives.

The big problem was disposing of wastes and filling with water.  Friends with drives were very helpful, but the problem of lack of the type facilities such as there is on the continent was very evident.

On the continent many campsites allow non residents on to service their units, for a fee.  It could be an additional revenue stream for CL owners to allow passing trade to use their service points.  This would be particularly useful for CLs who are full to supplement their income and to reduce the problems which were seem in many popular tourist hotspots last year.  The owners would need to look at what extra costs they would have for this service and what services they would be able to provide.  For instance how much does 100 litres of water cost on a metered supply?  How much each toilet emptying would add to the cost of sewerage?  How much for emptying a greywater supply of say 80 litres?  For comparison the CCC, on some sites, allow members to use site facilities, empty wastes and fill water for £7.30 (last years price).  That also allows for the use of showers.

This would stop the complaint that one night stopovers to dump and fill are blocking longer bookings.  A drop in facility could be a bonus for both CL owners and Motorcaravanners.

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 20:17

Posted on 18/01/2021 19:26 by Goldie146

How would the 5 van limit work? Would “just visiting” motor homes be counted? Would there be a limit on the time they could stay?

 

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:17

The 5 van limit is for camping on the site.  

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 20:21

Posted on 18/01/2021 18:28 by davetommo

I think you will wish that you never bothered

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:21

Knowing this forum over many years I would have been amazed if the usual suspects had not tried to decry this idea.  If even one CL owner looks carefully at the idea and costs it out I will be happy.  Some already do this, but they don't make a fuss about it because of the negativity from people who do not realise the extra income this can generate for a small business in these straightened times.

replied on 18/01/2021 20:25

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:09 by

I dont have a lot of sympathy with freeloaders who wont pay where there are abundant sites such as mainland Europe  but there is a world of difference  between them and the scenario described  by the OP who wants to work around the shortage of pitches she finds.

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:25

In part I totally agree David, except she is not working around services she is wanting others to provide which they have decided not to thus far. Maybe they don't see a strong business case?

The lack of site availability is, I presume, due to unusual times? I am unclear from some of the OPs posts whether it is a lack of sites or a lack of sites at the right price? 

Various folk have talked of the unfulfilled need for dump and fill. I presume that those that could fulfil do not see enough take up at a price that they would wish to levy to make it worth their while. 

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 20:27

Posted on 18/01/2021 17:34 by Tinwheeler

BM, you'll find lots of info in the thread Corners linked to.

In short, if some CL owners aren't looking favourably on MHs staying for only one night, there’s little chance of them welcoming non site stayers who want only to use the dump and fill facilities. Perhaps you need to make contact directly with the CL owners group to put your case.

Incidentally, off grid camping is using sites with no EHU (grid) connection. Camping elsewhere other than dedicated sites or permitted stopping areas is wildcamping. It must be pleasing for you to see some councils in Scotland now setting up aire type facilities.👍🏻

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:27

Thank you.  It was viewing that thread (now closed for comments) which prompted me to post this thread.

Some CL owners will be happy to get extra income.  Some CL owners will not wish to have the extra hassle.  Some will be completely indifferent.

The term Wildcamping sets off lots of hares.

As I have been trying to get "Aire" type facilities in areas in the Uk for years , yes I am happy.  It is just a shame that the events of last summer had to happen to bring this provision on stream.

eurortraveller replied on 18/01/2021 20:35

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:35

BM, There are already a few options around for Motorhome waste disposal for passing travellers - have a look at the Campa.org.uk website. Is that helpful to you.?

The facilities tend to be on commercial campsites and at other businesses rather than at CLs  , but I'm not surprised - as CL owners aren't typically quick to spot a business opportunity, are they? That's why they stick to running  CLs . 

Cornersteady replied on 18/01/2021 20:36

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:14 by Biggarmac

The basic CLs in this area, which I used when I had a caravan, seem  have all disappeared.  In fact there are very few CLs here.  (Southern Scotland)

When a CL owner has to put in EHUs, toilets and showers that is costly and when they only have 5 pitches they have to charge a realistic rate to recoup the amount laid out. 

All CLs have Elsan disposal points, taps and a means of disposing of grey waste.  If they allowed passing Motorhomers to come in and use the facilities already provided it would mean that the CL owner could recoup the cost over a shorter period of time.  They would not then need to increase the pitch fee so often.  All members would benefit as the people who wished to stay on CLs would see the benefit.

Not all CLs will be able to offer service stops, but if a few do, especially in areas such as Wales, the Peak district and others where there was pressure on facilities last summer it might make the general public less censorious of touring caravanners, who all get tarred with the dirty camping brush.

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:36

When a CL owner has to put in EHUs, toilets and showers that is costly and when they only have 5 pitches they have to charge a realistic rate to recoup the amount laid out

Sorry why does a CL owner has to put in EHU, toilets,...?

Why do they have to? What is the reason BM?

replied on 18/01/2021 20:40

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:35 by eurortraveller

BM, There are already a few options around for Motorhome waste disposal for passing travellers - have a look at the Campa.org.uk website. Is that helpful to you.?

The facilities tend to be on commercial campsites and at other businesses rather than at CLs  , but I'm not surprised - as CL owners aren't typically quick to spot a business opportunity, are they? That's why they stick to running  CLs . 

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:40

Many CL owners have other calls on their time.

Tinwheeler replied on 18/01/2021 20:41

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:27 by Biggarmac

Thank you.  It was viewing that thread (now closed for comments) which prompted me to post this thread.

Some CL owners will be happy to get extra income.  Some CL owners will not wish to have the extra hassle.  Some will be completely indifferent.

The term Wildcamping sets off lots of hares.

As I have been trying to get "Aire" type facilities in areas in the Uk for years , yes I am happy.  It is just a shame that the events of last summer had to happen to bring this provision on stream.

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:41

I suggest you follow the advice offered, BM, but please don't denigrate your fellow posters with group name calling which breaches the guidelines, or cries of negativity just because they point out pitfalls that need considering. Instead view that as a positive in giving you pointers on how to form your case.

People aren't against you, they just look at things with fresh eyes and see both sides of the coin.

 

PS. It's also a shame it took the behaviour of some to make local authorities consider the need for provision of aire type facilities.

replied on 18/01/2021 20:42

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:36 by Cornersteady

When a CL owner has to put in EHUs, toilets and showers that is costly and when they only have 5 pitches they have to charge a realistic rate to recoup the amount laid out

Sorry why does a CL owner has to put in EHU, toilets,...?

Why do they have to? What is the reason BM?

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:42

I presume that without EHU they expect to have a problem filling pitches. No idea about toilets as that is something I can do without.

Cornersteady replied on 18/01/2021 20:43

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:21 by Biggarmac

Knowing this forum over many years I would have been amazed if the usual suspects had not tried to decry this idea.  If even one CL owner looks carefully at the idea and costs it out I will be happy.  Some already do this, but they don't make a fuss about it because of the negativity from people who do not realise the extra income this can generate for a small business in these straightened times.

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:43

Some already do this, but they don't make a fuss about it because of the negativity from people who do not realise the extra income this can generate for a small business in these straightened times.

Again I'm having difficulty understanding you, you say some CLs already do offer this service but do not make a fuss or advertise it because of the negativity from people who who do not realise the extra income this can generate?

Really? Why should anyone have negative ideas/thoughts/concerns about a small business making extra income? Could you explain that for me?

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