We’ve been caravanning since 2006, I just mention that because it means I officially know everything there is to know. I’m joking of course. However, on our many trips we’ve always been interested in the things people bring with them in their caravan.
Sometimes I’ve watched and wondered where on Earth some people store all the stuff and also wondered if they understood that there’s a maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTLPM).
If you sit and watch (and I’m sure you do) you’ll see chair after chair, tables, various games and flag poles, lights and even drones.
Drones
Drones are a relatively new thing on site. When we were last at Rookesbury Park, a youngish child was using one. I first noticed it when some people where looking skyward, I was aware of a feint buzzing noise and looked out of the window to see a drone whizzing about.
I love drones and some of the footage I’ve seen on You Tube make me tempted to get one at some point. But they are a bit pricey!
- Fly further. From your pocket.
- The Mavic uses Sky Autonomy technology to sense obstacles up to 49ft (15m) away. It can then bypass these obstacles or brake to hover, preventing accidents even when flying beyond visual range.
- Precision Hover. Satellite positioning can only help a drone hover in an unobstructed outdoor area free of interference.
- Stay flying longer. Why fly for 10 or 15 minutes when you can fly for up to 27? With the Mavic you can.
- DJI Mavic Pro Drone; Intelligent Flight Battery; Quick Release Folding propellers; Battery Charging hub; Remote control;
It reminded me of a conversation I had with an old neighbour of mine. He was a keen caravaner and I admit I do blame him for getting me hooked. He was talking about kids onsite with footballs, kicking them about and hitting side of the caravan. At the time I thought he was being a little miserable, very out of character for him. “They’re just playing football” I’d said. “Yes but the side of the van isn’t armour plated and can dent easily. There are dedicated fields to play football on.”
I guess that was fair enough, it prevents people having to come out and tell kids off.
Seeing the drone at Rookesbury Park got me thinking about this conversation and wondered if the same argument, or concerns are valid for drone usage? Firstly, they are a bit dangerous flying amongst the caravans and secondly, if they’re videoing, isn’t that a privacy issue?
I was sitting drinking tea, I know, I live life in the fast lane, I was enjoying watching the drone, people were pointing and to be honest, the kid was good at flying it. However, as soon as the thought entered into my head that if he lost control it could damage our pride and joy, I started getting a bit tense. Then I convinced myself they surely have some safety measures built in, but I know little about them.
After doing some research whilst writing this post (by this I mean using google!) I found this :Â https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/clubsitepolicies/
6.9 – Designated recreational areas are indicated on site; where available. Ball games, frisbee, cricket and any games that may interfere with the enjoyment of others are not allowed in the vicinity of units. For safety reasons the flying of model aircraft, drones and kites is prohibited.
So the Camping And Caravanning Club make it quite clear.
There seems to be a 50m rule, whereby you can’t fly a drone within 50m or a person, vehicle or building, this is a CAA rule (Civil Aviation Authourity). I was unable to locate any specific rules on the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s website.
As I said earlier, I do love drones, but there’s a place for everything and in the middle of a crowded caravan site isn’t one of them.
Flag Poles
We’ve probably all seen caravan flag poles, some as high as 6m flying around in the wind with flags of varying types, and sometimes windsocks.
- 6m FlagPole With Large Top Ring + Swivel & Metal Ground Spike Camping/Caravan
- 5m Flag Pole With Large Top Ring + Swivel & Metal Ground Spike Camping/Caravan
I don’t really know what to think about these. I don’t have one myself, but I know a lot of people have them. But why? I’m not criticising, I just don’t know. My guess is that some people have them so that children can easily identify where their caravan is.
What about when you hoist an England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland flag when you’re abroad? Is that OK? What are you saying to other people? National pride? There’s nothing wrong with that. No different from me wearing a football shirt. It could be to tell other people your nationality before they speak to you? Or even an ice breaker to start a conversation?
I have seen home nations flags abroad, but can’t recall seeing French, Dutch or German flags in this country on site?
It’s all personal taste of course, just because someone else doesn’t like it is no reason to ban it. Some think it lowers the tone, others find it amusing.
I definitely have more questions than answers. When all’s said and done it’s a personal choice thing and as long as you’re not ruining the enjoyment of others, there’s no issue. I did once have a caravan next to me flying something that made a clicking noise and it was windy. I was tempted to just get my saw out and hack it down at 3am. Maybe we could have spoken to them “you’re flying thing is making a noise that’s keeping me awake at night”. Maybe there’s an impression that someone flying a flag would take kindly to being asked to take it down?
Lights
I love lights, I’ll just make my feelings clear. However, do some people go over the top?
I’ve seen 6m poles with Led’s wrapped around them, and I have to say I’m slightly in awe of the effort it takes. But again, I’m wondering why they do it? In the same way that people put masses of Xmas lights on their houses. All looks lovely, but do I want to live next door to it? What makes people do it? Again, I’ll sit on the fence, I really don’t mind wither way, I’m not concerned about light pollution as such. Noise pollution is a no-no though so there does need to be tight rules around that.
Let us know your thoughts…
*Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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