CL site running tips please for a novice owner

Goatfell farm
Goatfell farm Forum Participant Posts: 6
edited January 2016 in Certificated Locations #1

Hi, 

we have just purchased an established CL site and would welcolme tips on running a succesfull  site. We would appreciate feedback on electricity usage as the site is open 365 days a year. what would you expect a average caravan to use in Kwh per day in winter compaed to summer? Is it good practice to provide a washing machine and dryer? 

 Regards, Martin

Comments

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #2

    I suggest that you join the CL Owners Facebook group by using the following link :- andrew@the-sea.net 

    They should be able to help you with any enquiries,

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
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    edited January 2016 #3

    Martin

    If you state the name of your cl them I'm sure you will get advice on other matters from people that have stayed on site before.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,387 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #4

    I suggest that you join the CL Owners Facebook group by using the following link :- andrew@the-sea.net 

    They should be able to help you with any enquiries,

    Sound advice and there is also this thread >here< and in particular note HBHF's post.

    peedee

  • MidsomerMikey
    MidsomerMikey Forum Participant Posts: 46 ✭✭
    edited January 2016 #5

    Martin

    If you state the name of your cl them I'm sure you will get advice on other matters from people that have stayed on site before.

    Maybe his CT name gives it away

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited January 2016 #6

    From existing reviews it appears that the EHU is a very low amperage one with people being unable to run fridges. I must confess to finding that surprising as it suggests only sufficient for battery chargers.

  • harryb
    harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
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    edited January 2016 #7

    Martin

    If you state the name of your cl them I'm sure you will get advice on other matters from people that have stayed on site before.

    Maybe his CT name gives it away

    .....But not the location

  • Westiegirl1
    Westiegirl1 Forum Participant Posts: 108
    edited January 2016 #8

    Ask Maicolm! Laughing

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,046 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #9

    Near Leek in Staffordshire. Happy

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited January 2016 #10

    After reading the reviews on your cl i do not think ,unless you are upgrading the electrics there will be a problem as it looks as if its very low power just enough for batt charging?

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #11

    Seems very strange that only 2 of the 8 reviews mention the low amperage. Could there have been a problem with it in the summer last year?

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #12

    Hi, 

    we have just purchased an established CL site and would welcolme tips on running a succesfull  site. We would appreciate feedback on electricity usage as the site is open 365 days a year. what would you expect a average caravan to use in Kwh per day in winter
    compaed to summer? Is it good practice to provide a washing machine and dryer? 

     Regards, Martin

    In my opinion it would take you a long time to recoup the outlay in supplying a washer/dryer. You might find that supplying free wifi a better proposition.

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
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    edited January 2016 #13

    I would suggest sticking to neat site,some hardstandings for winter use, good access, Proper EHU and thats it. Dont overspend on the structure as it can be a long time recouping capital costs. Keep your prices attractive at say £10 per night and dont charge
    different to what you advertise. Put the CL site name and number here as free advertising.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #14

    I would say get in touch with other CL owners for sensible advice, and never look at this thread again as users will want something for nothing, everything including the kitchen sink and night time entertainment for less than £8 per night. Laughing

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited January 2016 #15

    We use a lot of Cls for getting out and about to explore the area so our first priority is location, location, location. That is followed by electricity, views, pitch size, short grass and a bonus is WiFi. We don't want toilets, showers and washing machines
    and for giving us what we do want we are prepared to pay a lot more than £10 a night. Thank you all the Cl owners who let us rent your pitches for enjoyable times.

  • wye
    wye Forum Participant Posts: 241
    edited January 2016 #16

    Don't worry about the Electric ...

    More Cls with chemical point and fresh water only .

    Give us the choice would be good.

  • Westiegirl1
    Westiegirl1 Forum Participant Posts: 108
    edited January 2016 #17

    I would suggest sticking to neat site,some hardstandings for winter use, good access, Proper EHU and thats it. Dont overspend on the structure as it can be a long time recouping capital costs. Keep your prices attractive at say £10 per night and dont charge
    different to what you advertise. Put the CL site name and number here as free advertising.

    We wouldn't think twice about paying £12 per night but at £15 we would!

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited January 2016 #18

     

    We wouldn't think twice about paying £12 per night but at £15 we would!

    Unfortunately Goatfell Farm all your customers will be different as we would pay £15 a night without hesitation for a good CL, or what counts as a good CL in our eyes, but we did tell a CL owner who wanted £20 a night "no thank you"

  • Westiegirl1
    Westiegirl1 Forum Participant Posts: 108
    edited January 2016 #19

     

    We wouldn't think twice about paying £12 per night but at £15 we would!

    Unfortunately Goatfell Farm all your customers will be different as we would pay £15 a night without hesitation for a good CL, or what counts as a good CL in our eyes, but we did tell a CL owner who wanted £20 a night "no thank you"

    Don't get me wrong, we have paid £15 on numerous occasions but my site report would then be more critical if I feel it did not warrant it

  • Tirril
    Tirril Forum Participant Posts: 439 ✭
    100 Comments
    edited January 2016 #20

    During the warmer months I look first for basic CLs without EHUs. During winter hard standings become essential and preferably an EHU. My max price for the latter is £12. Most caravans have all the luxury you need and I prefer being self contained on a simple
    but tidy and attractive site.  

  • Goatfell farm
    Goatfell farm Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited January 2016 #21

    Thanks for all your comments and advice. We look forward to having caravaners & motorhomes visiting us during 2016. lets hope for a nice summer!

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #22

    Thanks for all your comments and advice. We look forward to having caravaners & motorhomes visiting us during 2016. lets hope for a nice summer!

    Have you investigated why a coule of reviews mention that they had trouble with the amperage on your site when it was run by the previous owner? What amps do your EHUs give?

  • briantimber
    briantimber Forum Participant Posts: 1,653
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    edited January 2016 #23

    Goatfell farm, you seem to be providing a great deal for the price stated, carry on as you are, don't bother with a washer dryer, as long as the EHU will support my basics then I can use gas for the rest, not a problem. Look forward to seeing you soon.........Cool
     

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #24

    It sounds good to me - I think I would run for now with what you have and see how it goes.  EHU isn't so essential for many of us now and it's pretty costly to instal.  As the others have said a clean and tidy site with a warm welcome is important.  As a
    Solo person I don't want CL prices that go higher than CC main sites for just me and the pitch.  Good Luck and I hope you enjoy running it.  I had one many years ago and enjoyed most of the guests - but there will always be at least one awkward cuss! 

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #25

    Hi Martin. There will always be elderly people here who want things to continue as they are. Your best interests may be different.

    Consider your attendance and occupancy figures and whether you are happy with them or whether you want to increase them. Look at your income from the CL in relation to the hours you have to put in,  the expenses you have to meet, the maintenance you have to do, and what you had to pay to buy the place. 

    What matters is whether you are happy with things as they are.  

  • 1Tracey1
    1Tracey1 Forum Participant Posts: 240
    edited January 2016 #26

    We caravan all year and have only ever used CL's.  In winter we stick to hardstanding and EHU.  Will pay £12 per night for this.

    In summer we use both EHU sites and none.

    As with a previous poster all we want, other than this, is a quiet, tidy site with disposal points.  But I appreciate everyone is different.

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