Thinking of giving up our membership

Not something that we have considered ourselves, and unlikely that we will. But we do have friends and neighbours that enjoy their static. I think in the end it will be your own private decision, once you have weighed up your options. If you only use Club Sites, and like full on site facilities, then perhaps you are right to look at this option. But if you are more flexible, not concerned about doing without one or two things, and enjoy the variety of holidaying in different places, then I would suggest trying a few CLs (that have the facilities you need) at a better price, before you give up totally on touring. It is a big decision, so I hope you get it right for yourselves!

We have been caravanning for 28 years and have been members of the CC for 15 years. But with site fees becoming so expensive, due to the high and mid seasons being stretched, also we used to take the grandchildren away for a 'free' week in peak season using our credit card site night vouchers, then we could only use them for 5 nights, using any others later in the year but sadly now no more. Also we are getting older and tend not to take the van so far these days. It seems more of a hassle getting it home from storage, packing it and getting away than it used to. However, we love our van, it has taken us all of these years to find our perfect layout and awning. Anyway we are now considering giving up and buying a static van in the area we usually visit. I know the pitfalls - the ground rent, being at the mercy of the owners of the site,probably loosing money on it. But the family can use it, we can go whenever and whatever time of the day we want and best of all we can just pack up and go. I know it is up to us but does anyone out there have or has had a static van and what do you think? Answers greatfully received.

It appears that you really like your caravan and awning but you are not so keen on towing it any more. Have you considered siting it somewhere that you really like and using it like a static?

Cant answer you directly, within my circle of friends 2 have statics, both gave up touring, oh I should add we are all in our early fifties so still work, but another placed his tourer on an all year seasonal site, maybe this is the happy compromise.

All 3 say they have done the right thing for them.

Regards

Brian

I am not sure I understand the logic of your argument regarding high site fees. Surely if you are going to buy a static the fees for that are likely to exceed the site fees you pay to the Club each year even if you think them expensive.

Least you think that is an arguement against going down the static route then its not but the decision has got to be made, in my view, of you being tired of touring and happy to have always in the same place. If that is the case I can see the attraction of having a static especially if the whole family can make use of it, even b etter if they can contribute cost wise.

David

Oh one more thought,

Have you considered storing your caravan on a caravan park?

The benefits or obvious so i wont say, the pitfall is you still have to book a pitch, but this is the cheaper option.

Regards

Brian

Sorry to hear you are thinking of giving up touring. Have you considered buying a motor caravan. They are childsplay to drive, don't need to be put in storage and if you go for a modest sized van, it can be used for day to day travelling, days out and shopping. 

Many older caravanners go for that option. 

We looked into the finances of buying and maintaining a static van on site for our extended family to use, but were put off by a few things. 1- The actual cost of the static. 2 - The annual service fee including site fee over which you have no control, as written into the contract we viewed, the site operator is within his rights to increase those annual charges as they see fit.  3- the on site contract was for a period of 10 years when they had you over a barrel as you would have to remove the static off site at your own cost or buy a new one.  Please look carefully at what the site owner has put in their contract, if you are going down the static route. 

K

K 

Thanks for the replies so far. It's nice to hear that people's friends have statics and like them. The problem with the site fees David is that 15 years ago they seemed more reasonable and in that 15 years I haven't seen many new toilet blocks or refurbished ones. More pitches are being squeezed in and many hard standings need 're-graveling as it wears away over time, so I am not sure it is value for money at longer. OH would like a Motorhome but would want to tow the car with it and it's really not for me.

Yes Kennine you are right 're the contracts, that is what I am concerned about. If we go further down this route I will read it carefully, used to do this as part of my job. Retired Trading Standards officer.

if you think club site fees are expensive just wait until you start getting static charges then factor in huge and I mean eye watering depreciation. I agree with one of the posts above put your van on a seasonal pitch. Just my opinion but statics on a decent site on a decent area will cost a bomb.

We've just returned from a few days on a CL near Hornsea (San Tropez!) which charges £10 a night inc awning and electrics.

We saw several static parks on the coast advertising ground rents from £2995 a year...presume you have then fixed water and electricity charges and insurance. We wouldn't do it or pay it but we do have a friend whose static van is near Bridlington. She loves it and is there nearly every weekend with her family. To each their own.