What way to point your van. (1 Viewer)

[Wjklewis]

When parking up, and you have a choice. Is there an optimum direction to point your van. Should the van point north for example. Also what do you use to decide, compass or phone app?

 

[MichaelT]

The base vehicles for MH like Mercedes and Fiat have a front nose down tendency so with no levelling always park nose uphill if there's a slope, otherwise the place you are stopping will generally dictate how you park to fit in with others.

 

[icantremember]

The only time I ever consider pointing the motorhome in any direction would be in a very strong gale when I would face into the prevailing weather.

 

[Phill D]

We face our van dependent on prevailing weather conditions or slope and some consideration for our or others privacy

 

[Pausim]

I usually point my van according to the best view.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Riverbankannie]

Another consideration is sun, in the doorway side and not on fridge side.

 

[Hawkstone]

We are rear end high so depends very much if there is a slope and which way it goes. Also European door so on posh sites we have to make sure we can roll the awning out and peg it on grass.

 

[chaser]

There is some sort of saying about parking facing out in case you have to move quickly, it's often quoted on here but for the life of me can't remember the exact words.
I seem to remember Jim said it once.

 

[Jammi]

We always park to get the best view and consider sun direction too.

 

[Jim]

There is some sort of saying about parking facing out in case you have to move quickly, it's often quoted on here but for the life of me can't remember the exact words.
I seem to remember Jim said it once.

In a security article I advised people not to be a ‘Nosey Parker’

in other words always park up in a way that means you can easily drive away.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[PaulC70]

Always North, true North though not magnetic north

 

[Spriddler]

In a security article I advised people not to be a ‘Nosey Parker’

in other words always park up in a way that means you can easily drive away.

Or in bad weather so that the towing eye faces outward which enables a straight pull if stuck in mud!

 

[The Wino]

It seems pretty random in some cases there's a temporary site near us on a school field and someone has chosen to park away from everyone else next to the fence nearest the main road a very odd choice!

 

[TDub49]

Another consideration is sun, in the doorway side and not on fridge side.

Unless your fridge and the hab door are on the same side of course . . . . Given the choice, we generally park to make the most of the sun and the least of the prevailing weather but being level generally trumps these considerations, along with a modicum of privacy and respect for others' privacy.

 

[Grianan]

In addition to the above, and depending on where we are, we may try to park considerately so, if possible, in a space that a car might use overhanging grass behind, rather than across 2-3 spaces.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[PlacidoD]

In short it depends. All the above are relevant. But three factors not mentioned so far:

1. Organised sites will often dictate which way round you park so that everybody gets some privacy under their awning.
2. If you have no EHU or it is time limited try to make sure that your solar panel is not shaded by trees.
3. On serviced pitches parking one way of the other may limit the trip hazard of EHU cable and also hosepipe.

P.S. I like to follow Jim's "Nosey Parker" advice but, being a continental van, I am sometimes forced to do the opposite!

 

[enark]

Ley lines…….

Or towards Mecca?

Usually facing the sea!

 

[Lenny HB]

I usually point my van according to the best view.

Me too.

 

[pelican]

We are rear end high so depends very much if there is a slope and which way it goes. Also European door so on posh sites we have to make sure we can roll the awning out and peg it on grass.

The don't allow awnings on grass if on a hardstanding pitch at CMC sites or have you found different. mean just the pegs?

 

[Lenny HB]

The don't allow awnings on grass if on a hardstanding pitch at CMC sites or have you found different. mean just the pegs?

I thought the Idea of a hard standing was the an was parked on the gravel and the awning out on the grass.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Barclaybasher]

I parked nose in to be level on a site near the river in Bordeaux and was told to turn round.
The reason given was safety - presumably in case of fire or flooding........quick exit

 

[Brains]

There are many considerations to be taken into account. But given an empty field that is flat and open then I'd put the direction in order:

The Sun: We would normally point the Hab door due south, so we can shade the van with the wind out awning.
In Sunnier climes, we would also put shade high on the list and try to work out where the shade from any trees will be in the afternoon.
It's fine to have sun in the morning and evening, but between mid day and late afternoon, ideally you want shade.

The Wind: If it more than a gentle breeze I may point the van broadside, with the hab door on the lee side, It means you can still sit outside and even have a BBQ without the van filling with smoke
If the wind is more than a breeze, then I'll park head to wind, it stops the van rocking.

The Rain: Books can be written on the subject!
Check vegetation, hardness of the ground, any slight dip or slope, direction of pull if you need to be extracted.

The View:
Which may trump all other considerations.

Noise: Not to be near noise, especially at night time, unless it's the sea of course!

And then there are the other campers to consider ......

 

[pelican]

I thought the Idea of a hard standing was the an was parked on the gravel and the awning out on the grass.

Not on CMC sites I have used

 

[Jamie B]

Whichever way the copilot tells me. That sort of decision is way above my pay grade.

 

[cyberyacht]

By the time you consider all these factors, it will no longer be relevant as it will be time to move on.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Brains]

The AI answer from FunBot is:

When parking your motorhome in an open flat field, there are several considerations to take into account regarding the direction in which you park:

1. Sun Orientation: Consider parking your motorhome so that your main living areas, such as your windows and patio area, are facing away from the sun during the hottest parts of the day. This can help keep the interior cooler and more comfortable.

2. Wind Direction: Park your motorhome in a direction that minimizes exposure to strong winds. Positioning your motorhome perpendicular to the prevailing wind can help reduce the impact of wind on your vehicle and improve stability.

3. Privacy and Views: If you have a preference for privacy or scenic views, consider the orientation of your motorhome to take advantage of the surrounding landscape. Parking with a view of a lake, mountain, or other natural features can enhance your camping experience.

4. Access and Safety: Ensure that your motorhome is parked in a safe location that allows for easy access to amenities such as water, power, and facilities. Additionally, consider factors such as proximity to fire pits, picnic tables, and other campsite features when choosing a parking spot.

5. Level Ground: It is important to park your motorhome on level ground to ensure stability and prevent issues with appliances, doors, and general comfort inside the vehicle. Use leveling blocks or ramps if necessary to achieve a level parking spot.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best direction to park your motorhome in an open flat field to optimize your camping experience in terms of comfort, safety, and enjoyment of the surroundings.

Which means someone can write an app to tell you where to go and in which direction to park !

 

[Hawkstone]

The don't allow awnings on grass if on a hardstanding pitch at CMC sites or have you found different. mean just the pegs?

Just the pegs for the wind out, in case it gets breezy

 

[pappajohn]

There is some sort of saying about parking facing out in case you have to move quickly, it's often quoted on here but for the life of me can't remember the exact words.
I seem to remember Jim said it once.

That usually for wild camping.
If you get trouble from local yobs you can drive straight off without faffing about manouvering.

 

[coroner]

Our German Euromobil always wanted to head north towards Poland for some strange reason when disembarking at Calais.

 

[The Old Man]

Points I have rolling around for consideration;

Nose out and ready for a fast departure.
Ñose into any strong winds.
Nose into sun which reduces over heating affect of living areas.
Nose up as shower only one drain, that is too the rear.
Nose down as kitchen sink only has one drain, too the front.

All too confusing for me.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}