Tipi vs Caravan

[Excited_much]

Hi guys

We have been lucky enough to get tickets again, yay. We are looking at either buying a caravan and staying in the caravan fields or staying in a TIPI. There are pros and cons to both but I wanted to see what was good or bad about either from your experiences. We have stayed in Tangerine Fields for the past 2 years and we are looking for a change.

Would just like to know your thoughts please?

Thank you

[grumpyhack]

I'm a strong fan of the caravan option. Started with a big tent, graduated to a trailer tent and am now on my second caravan. I've now got a four berth (one double/two singles, plus two bunk beds - though the upper bunk is really only suited to a young 'un).

Most importantly, I've got a full-sized awning, that can provide accommodation for others if necessary, and gives us a sizeable social and eating area.

The joy of a flush toilet, washroom, shower, decent cooker and fridge, means I won't be going back to a tent.

Remember you book your CV tickets when you pay the balance. And you have to specify at the time if you want CV East or West. Which you choose probably depends on where on the site you are most likely to be at the end of the night. CV East is best for the Acoustic end of the site and CV West for the John Peel end.

I find CV East quite friendly and the Hill of Death, that you may read about, is much exaggerated.

[BlueDaze]

i have spent a number of years in the East CV fields and love it... per Grumpyhack the comforts are quite clear and the real 'pro' for me is getting there on Tuesday lunchtime, with a spot near the Hill of Death and having a couple of days of BBQ'ing and drinking with friends and family. Our group in 2014 consisted of a caravan, campervan and 4 tents. The full sized awning i agree is great for socializing if the weather doesnt behave..

If the caravan dies (it is 19 years old) i may try the tipi field before investing in another, just for the experience.. (Nah..! i am kidding myself.. turning up with everything in the car/caravan is the other big 'pro'.. no lugging your shit across site and back)

The 'Cons' of the caravan would be : things go wrong with it that could cost money, somewhere to store (can be expensive if you dont have room) and it is a bit stressful towing..

[grumpyhack]

Furthering the pro-caravan discussion, you can pick up a really good caravan in cracking nick for well under £4,000 or half that if you're pushed. Get it checked before purchase, particularly for damp, which is the caravan killer.

The only other cost will then be storage, unless you can park it on your own land. I used to be able to keep my first caravan outside the house but the present one is too long, so 'lives' the rest of the year at a secure storage site about 15 miles from my house (storage cost @ £200 a year).

Towing comes with practice - you can read up on tow car/caravan weight balance on the net.

For me caravans beat campervans (small tents on wheels) and motorhomes (very expensive and tax, insurance, servicing and MoT costs). The only other option you might consider is a trailer tent. My old one is still stored in mother in law's garage and is on offer for @£600 if anyone is interested.

[Excited_much]

Hi. Thank you so much for the info and experiences. caravan is the way to go then. Just need to hunt a good one down