Vehicle restrictions on certain sites

Paul Norman
Paul Norman Forum Participant Posts: 6

Hi, I am new to the touring community.  I am looking to buy a motorhome similar to an Autotrail Cheyenne 840.  This is a tag axle 28.5 ft motorhome.  Can anybody tell me if they know of sites where this vehicle would not be allowed onto.

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Comments

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,665 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #2

    Some Club sites, and other sites too, do have a length limit, either due to access or the length of the pitches.

    The limit for each club site is shown in the description, so you would probably need to check each site,

    A very few have a limit of 7.5m, some have 8m, others 8,5m or more. That MH is almost 8.7m, so you would need a site that had a limit above that.

    It can be that a suitable site only has a few pitches that can take such a long vehicle so you would probably need to book well ahead .

    You will be limiting your choice of sites.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
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    edited May 2019 #3

    If you can stick to a van of not more tthan 8 meters long there will be very few sites you cannot use.

    peedee

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,135 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #4

    In the world of motorhoming many find that big is not best but we all make our own choices and life is full of compromises.

  • Paul Norman
    Paul Norman Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited June 2019 #5

    Thanks for the advise much appreciated.

     

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #6

    Where sites can't accept an outfit of 8.5 metres in length is usually because of access problems or general pitch length. If you come across a site you would like to use but it has a length restriction it might just be worth contacting the site direct as some sites have the odd pitch which might accommodate your size of van. Infact some sites have this instruction to contact the site if you are over a certain length.

    David

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited May 2019 #7

    IIRC. the 840D (island bed) and 840S (single beds) are on a prety long chassis of 8.75m or so...

    this is a very spacious van, and can accommodate a family easily, however if there are only two occupantes this is a mighty large van to be considering...

    there are many vans at a good metre shorter (7-7.5m) that easily accommodate a couple and allow (with drop down bed or lounge bed) the occasional grand children as guests...

    if you are a couple and you are thinking about 'touring' in this van it might make sense to look at something a tad smaller which will also take occasional, guests....

    having said that, folk tour continental Europe in the mightiest of vehicles. without issue......although uk sites (incl the CC) might be a bit more restrictive. 

  • Rushallmanor
    Rushallmanor Forum Participant Posts: 78
    edited May 2019 #8

    I would also suggest you check insurance as I have heard of issues with new to motorhomers and large units. 

     

    Its also worth noting large motorhomes also have to use Go-boxes in Slovenia and Austria which works out considerably more expensive than Vignettes

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
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    edited May 2019 #9

    Would getting, moderate cost "recovery services" also not be a challenge with an 8.7 metre MH?

  • JollyKernow
    JollyKernow Forum Participant Posts: 2,629
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    edited May 2019 #10

    Morning

    If using club sites the max outfit length is displayed in each sites description page. Some of those sites may only have a couple of pitches suitable so you may be allocated a pitch upon arrival. Apart from that you're more likely to be restricted when touring as to where to park etc unless you have other transport. I had an Autotrail chieftan garage for five years and loved the space. I used the garage for a motorbike. If it's a van you'd really like I'd say research lots. Insurance and breakdown cover are easily available even for an 8.7 meter van.

    Follow your dreams budsmile

    JK

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,828 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #11

    I guess it depends where you want to go and what sites you want to use. We watched one of those big Autotrails  do a 17 point reversal onto a hedged pitch in France, then have to start all over again at the other side of site when he found he had no tv reception from his rooftop dish. It looked a bit tiresome. 

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,579 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #12

    The vehicle will have quite a lot of restrictions as to the sites it can use and access to some might be difficult. You will in most cases have to make sure the site knows you are coming, as they will probably have to reserve you a pitch, which limits choice. It is basically a question of if you are willing to accept the restrictions for the extra room you get.