Buying a European van in the UK

[GBM]

The only time I've ever bought a new motorhome, it was from continental Europe. I did this - at the time - for two reasons:
1. It was cheaper
2. The sole UK Hymer importer could only sell me a stock van
I wasn't prepared to spend a lot of money buying new only to have a spec someone else had chosen (it's half the fun choosing all the options). I was told that if I wanted to spec my own vehicle I would have to wait until the end of the production run later in the year (i.e. just as the new model year was about to be announced) as the factory could bolt on some UK market vehicles at the end of 'last year's' production run. Apparently UK vehicles are dealt with early in the production run and the dealer has to buy his allocation then in order to have anything to sell for the upcoming year.
Does anyone know if this is how it still operates? What about other European brands, is it the same for them too?

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

I park for the view not to please the neighbours.

Ditto
Front screen always facing the view even if it means a bit of shunting around

 

[gus-lopez]

Yes, that's all we have used, in both clubs and have not had any issues.
Have reversed in and driven in depending on where we wanted the Quest pro 4 screen house, usually to the rear of the pitch.
So if driving in we would be hard over to the LEFT of the pitch, with the screen house at the bonnet end on the RIGHT of the pitch, with the hab door at the front of the pitch, opening on the right hand side, same as the screen house, with the rear of the van at the front of the pitch.
Vice versa if reversing in, but the screen house is at the REAR of the pitch and the bonnet at the front facing out into the site.
Either way, still have a suitable fire break gap as required on both club site regulations.
Why some pitch users only feel they have to go right to the back of a pitch baffles me, but have only really observed this with caravans, not motorhomes.
Usually ask the wardens on arrival which way they prefer, than ask about the pre booked screen house ( booked as an awning) and it's position on the pitch.
Polite conversation, a smile and a friendly approach to the often stressed site staff at booking in time on arrival, goes a LONG way.

large site in Burnham on sea allows no vehicles set up with european side doors.

 

[Lenny HB]

large site in Burnham on sea allows no vehicles set up with european side doors.

Obviously can afford to miss a big chunk of business, what a stupid rule.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

large site in Burnham on sea allows no vehicles set up with european side doors.

Shan't go there then!
Or, if I did, would try and park ACCROSS the pitch with hab door facing the view.
That would double 6 'em.

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[Soycd]

large site in Burnham on sea allows no vehicles set up with european side doors.

Clowns.

 

[Pablo19]

The only time I've had an issue with my continental door was at Salen Bay in Mull when I parked driving into a space with a magnificent sea view. The was a tugger next door who asked me to turn round and that it was a site rule to have the door facing to the left. I went and asked and they told me that was rubbish and park the way I get the best view. That's what I did! He was proper stroppy and left the next morning! I really don't get the obsession some people have with this, we are out and about most of the time anyway!

 

[Pablo19]

large site in Burnham on sea allows no vehicles set up with european side doors.

I live near there so thankfully will never go there! I assume Home Farm or the Haven site? Or do you mean one of the big sites in Brean?

 

[gus-lopez]

Obviously can afford to miss a big chunk of business, what a stupid rule.

Always packed solid & I mean literally

I assume Home Farm

 

[Pablo19]

Always packed solid & I mean literally

I can walk there across some fields from my house! Like you say, very popular.

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[sfrain145]

large site in Burnham on sea allows no vehicles set up with european side doors.

Won’t be going there then

 

[claude et maude]

large site in Burnham on sea allows no vehicles set up with european side doors.

Makes you want to be over the other side of the Channel….glad I’ve got my next set of Le Shuttle tickets, I always feel welcome in Europe.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Always packed solid & I mean literally

Well defo won't be going there if its that rammed and full of door-direction-obsessives.
Just crossed it off my Christmas card list!