European Recovery for an 8 feet wide caravan

robstix
robstix Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited May 2019 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Hi,

We are looking to purchase a new caravan and like the new Bailey Pegasus Grande range that are 8 feet wide. However we are having trouble finding any breakdown cover for our planned trip to France that will cover a caravan up to 8 metres long (including A frame) and up to 8 feet wide (2.43 metres).

Has anyone any experience of this and are there any companies that will provide this cover?

Thanks in advance

Rob

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,860 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #2

    Rob

    I have moved this here as you are likely to get more information in Overseas Touring.

    My previous motorhome was eight foot wide and 7.5 metres long and I didn't seem to have a problem with Red Pennant. Obviously best to ring them to check.

    David

     

  • iansoady
    iansoady Club Member Posts: 419 ✭✭✭
    edited May 2019 #3

    The rules are probably different when it's a caravan not a motor home. Having said that, the Nationwide Flexplus cover doesn't mention caravan width. Although it does say:

    "All caravans and trailers must meet the requirements of Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986". The original version of this has a maximum trailer width of 2.3m for towing vehicle under 2.5t. There's no mention of using a later amended version......

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2019 #4

    Your proposed new caravan is a really big beast, and you may have more issues than just breakdown cover when towing in France or even in some parts of the UK.  Fuel stations, narrow roads, narrow entrances to campsites, and tight turns may all prove problematic.break

    I think there are members of other forums who have similar large caravans and there are posts on UKCS about them (but not about breakdown cover).  If you don't get any suggestions on here then I would suggest a post on there might be useful.

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,670 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #5

    Our van is 7.95 metres long, but only 2.32 metres wide, we usually take out Red Pennant cover.  I believe the other club also have a similar offering.

    We have toured in France a couple of times, also as far as North Cape in Norway and the southern tip of Italy without problems.

    No doubt there will be some tight turns and narrow gates, though we have not encountered many, and fuel stations can be visited solo if necessary.  We always try to make sure we have enough fuel for the day before setting out, only on longer motorway journeys would we need to fill up with the van attached.

    The worst place for narrow roads we have found is SW England, but buses and HGVs will usually also be using any roads that go to a campsite, so access with a wider van should be possible.

    Your main problem in France may well be finding a campsite that will accept a twin axle van at their normal prices!

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2019 #6

    I think your caravan is within the size limits for the Club's Red Pennant policies, but a phone call in the morning to Head Office will check on that.

    However I agree with ValDa's earlier comments that you will have some limitations on which campsites in France you will be able to use with such a large caravan. 

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