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.

DavidKlyne replied on 18/01/2021 20:46

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:17 by Biggarmac

The 5 van limit is for camping on the site.  

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:46

Biggarmac

I am not sure it is as simple as that. You are right that the certification allows for five units to be on site but how would anyone know if the sixth unit was just using the facilities or actually staying on site if one was just taking a snapshot of a point in time. If the filling and emptying facilities were off the CL area maybe so but I wonder what the CMC would make of that scenario? It think that may also require local authority agreement. There is also the issue of volume of waste. CL's are geared up to having five units on site and the waste facilities are geared to that. Perhaps having the odd motorhome stop once every few days could be accommodated but if there was a steady stream of several a day the facilities would be overwhelmed nullifying any financial benefit to the CL owner. CL's often don't have people around all day to collect fees which opens the possibility of abuse. 

On the plus side there is an organisation called the Road to the Isles Facilities Group which is raising funds to provide the facilities that would help in your circumstances. The more that donate the more facilities that will be provided. Whilst I am unlikely to make use of them I did make a small donation as I thought it a good idea.

David

Cornersteady replied on 18/01/2021 20:51

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:42 by

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.

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:51

Yes I agree fully, I assume CL owners are responding to what people want.

But I'm asking BM as she appears to be lamenting the idea that basic CLs are disappearing and perhaps she should ask herself why?

She did post Not everyone wants the all singing all dancing sites...

perhaps they do

 

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 20:51

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 20:51

I know people who have made tentative enquiries about opening a CL.  They have been told by the representative of the CMC who has visited them that unless they were willing to put in EHUs, toilets and showers they would not be accepted.  They decided not to go ahead with the CMC.

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 20:56

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:51 by Cornersteady

Yes I agree fully, I assume CL owners are responding to what people want.

But I'm asking BM as she appears to be lamenting the idea that basic CLs are disappearing and perhaps she should ask herself why?

 

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:56

One reason is that when people buy vans the salesman tells them how to plug in the electric cable, but not how to use the 12 volt system.  Most vans can be used off grid, but most owners have no idea how to use them in that way. 

Those of us who like rallies and meets would happily use basic sites if they were available.

Cornersteady replied on 18/01/2021 20:57

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:51 by Biggarmac

I know people who have made tentative enquiries about opening a CL.  They have been told by the representative of the CMC who has visited them that unless they were willing to put in EHUs, toilets and showers they would not be accepted.  They decided not to go ahead with the CMC.

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:57

That is not the case at all. All that is required is a tap, rubbish disposal and an emptying point for waste, and insurance.

Standard facilities
CLs are required to provide a minimum standard
of facilities. These are:
Safe access for caravans and motor
caravans to include a 3.66m (12 foot)
minimum width gateway and safe approach
road.
Safe drinking and rinsing water taps. If you
are on non-mains water we will require proof
from you on an annual basis that your water
is safe to drink.
A secure emptying point for chemical waste
water.
An adequate number of covered bins for the
disposal of dry refuse.
Public Liability Insurance. You will need PLI to
cover a minimum of £2,000,000. This can be
arranged with your current insurer or through
the Club. Our Public Liability Insurance
letter will give you more information about
insurance requirements and Club policies.

see: https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/globalassets/pdfs/content/about-us/setting-up-a-cl-guide.pdf

Biggarmac replied on 18/01/2021 21:02

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 21:02

Campra.org.uk now has over 15,000 members and is working with many different providers. I mentioned it on this forum months ago and got most of the same responses then!

Hopefully more CL owners will spot the business opportunity.  If someone calls to use the waste disposal and there are pitches free they might decide to stay for longer if the welcome is good.

Cornersteady replied on 18/01/2021 21:03

Posted on 18/01/2021 20:56 by Biggarmac

One reason is that when people buy vans the salesman tells them how to plug in the electric cable, but not how to use the 12 volt system.  Most vans can be used off grid, but most owners have no idea how to use them in that way. 

Those of us who like rallies and meets would happily use basic sites if they were available.

Posted on 18/01/2021 21:03

Really so CL put in EHU and toilets… just because the salesman says so?

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