Davedave Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Hello I have ordered an 840 (with AWD mover, 1800kg upgrade, side locker and an extra curtain to make front lounge a bedroom for kids). My concern is that the 8. 05 shipping length might cause some problems if flagged up booking some sites. I also dont want to be put on the few jumbo pitches etc, maybe I should just say it is 7. 98 etc to avoid issue. Practically I dont think 5cm makes any difference and am not concerned about drawbar sticking out etc, it is just that it could cause a problem at booking stage. I also wish they had not called them 840 or 866 as many will issue that is the length maybe. If easy to remove I might take odd decal which says number. Any thoughts? Apart from the length issue they are great vans, there large wrap around dinette really sold its to me. I have a Bailey 540/5 now and the dinette, although great is really too small and not that great quality, too squishy etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durbanite Posted November 7, 2016 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Hopefully you question has been answered on another thread. I have also started a new thread regarding length and ferries in the overseas forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedave Posted November 7, 2016 Author Share Posted November 7, 2016 Thanks for reply, answer seems to be to just say it is 7. 99 to avoid issues when booking pitches, practically there few cm won't make any difference. For ferries I would just say 8. 05, it is not to avoid the small charge extra on the things like ferries but to actually either get in at all (if 8m limit) or not be bumped to jumbo pitches on some sites. Thanks 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stillroaming Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Thanks for reply, answer seems to be to just say it is 7. 99 to avoid issues when booking pitches, practically there few cm won't make any difference. For ferries I would just say 8. 05, it is not to avoid the small charge extra on the things like ferries but to actually either get in at all (if 8m limit) or not be bumped to jumbo pitches on some sites. Thanks I am very curious what sites ask for the length? I know we always had to declare the length of the previous MH'S admittitdely we are back in a caravan for only the last 8 months but used it for six so far and many sites, never been asked for the length of it when booking. If I am ever to be asked I will answer 7m as that is the length of the van - ops forgot the a frame. Steve Steve RR & BC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedave Posted November 8, 2016 Author Share Posted November 8, 2016 Many/most do, including all caravan club ones. If you are a member of a club like that the outfit details are saved in your profile so when booking they do come up, just automatically without having to be asked every time. Many sites will have limited spaces for bigger units but I dont want to ge bumped to them, assuming they are even available, for a few cm that wont practically matter. To be fair most pitches are only a certain length and caravans in uk generally used to be smaller, with sites designed in past for smaller units. So it is an issue, the 8m length is often a dividing line used. Manufacturers keep under just, with a lot at 7. 96 etc, for a reason. I bought a casita 840 but was annoyed it was just over, if that close they could even have made it exactly 8m. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CommanderDave Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Caravan club use a data base for lengths of caravans against their maximum length for sites . My caravan is 8. 14 M shipping length or about 5 inches over . If I try and book a site that has a 8 M maximum length limit the booking system will automatically block my booking . I also insure through them . Dave Jeep Commander 3. 0 V6 CRD Isuzu D- Max Utah Auto Elddis Crusader Storm 2000 Kgs, Unipart Royal Atlas Mover . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durbanite Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 Caravan club use a data base for lengths of caravans against their maximum length for sites . My caravan is 8. 14 M shipping length or about 5 inches over . If I try and book a site that has a 8 M maximum length limit the booking system will automatically block my booking . I also insure through them . Dave Easy to get round as all you do is alter the length of the caravan to 8m in your profile. The system then accepts your booking. The CC software cannot do a cross refeerecne check as it is so antiquated and from the dinosaur age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanV8 Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 It's not just the pitch size that restricts length but the access roads may have very tight turns. I spoke to a warden on a site with an 8m restriction and he said if I wanted to go there then phone him directly and he would know if there was an accessible pitch. Ian 2018 Range Rover Sport AB, 2022 Buccaneer Cruiser registered in 2023. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedave Posted November 8, 2016 Author Share Posted November 8, 2016 As you say, there are valid reasons. I just dont really believe a few cm makes a difference and there would not be that much leeway. If it was more, eg 30cm longer than 8m, then I might/would expect problems sometimes if I claimed to be within 8m. Ps in my specific case I am very experienced towing/manouvering and also have a mover if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogman Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 I have just amended the details for new my caravan on the Caravan Club site, and as soon as you put your caravan in it does list the shipping length, etc. Never understood why anyone would want to sit in a white box in field looking at other white boxes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedave Posted November 8, 2016 Author Share Posted November 8, 2016 Have you found a way to alter it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogman Posted November 8, 2016 Share Posted November 8, 2016 There is a field by the side so you can fill in so in theory yes you could alter the length. But knowing how fussy the Caravan Club is I wouldn't bother. Also I only use the CC for certain sites and all of them have a maximum length of at least 8. 5m. Never understood why anyone would want to sit in a white box in field looking at other white boxes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stillroaming Posted November 9, 2016 Share Posted November 9, 2016 Oh CC that says it all. We are +35 year members but stopped using them a few years ago when they got sniffy about the last MH. Still members for the insurance. We use private and C&CC sites hence never been asked for the outfit length. My profile on the CC website has no details get the odd email asking to update it. But was originally deleted to stop unwanted junk mail, car, caravan, MH insurace etc, it seems to work. Steve Steve RR & BC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon200 Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 Hello I have ordered an 840 (with AWD mover, 1800kg upgrade, side locker and an extra curtain to make front lounge a bedroom for kids). My concern is that the 8. 05 shipping length might cause some problems if flagged up booking some sites. I also dont want to be put on the few jumbo pitches etc, maybe I should just say it is 7. 98 etc to avoid issue. Practically I dont think 5cm makes any difference and am not concerned about drawbar sticking out etc, it is just that it could cause a problem at booking stage. I also wish they had not called them 840 or 866 as many will issue that is the length maybe. If easy to remove I might take odd decal which says number. Any thoughts? Apart from the length issue they are great vans, there large wrap around dinette really sold its to me. I have a Bailey 540/5 now and the dinette, although great is really too small and not that great quality, too squishy etc. Just wondering do you have your 840 yet. whats it like im still waiting for mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedave Posted January 6, 2017 Author Share Posted January 6, 2017 Hello, Yes I have had for about 2 months now. Overall I think it is great. The extra width allowing a wrap around dinette is great and a huge improvement. My last van was really a 2 seater dinette and annoying either trying to squeeze more in or just sitting elsewhere. You dont notice the extra width towing. I wish Elddis had made it 8m shipping length, 8. 05 hasn't caused me a problem yet but it might as some sites (inc Glenmore I will go to soon) say max 8m, but we will see. Everything else about it is great and I like the interior better than the Avante, particularly all worktop and table tops. Its my first twin axle and a bit of an adjustment, more work to fit wheel locks etc. I use Bulldog max locks and so far OK (they dont fill entire alloy space like ALKO, so usually they both fit in without jacking etc). I might buy the airbag locknlevel thing anyway though. I have the AWD evolution mover, invaluable fro me and good. I had a QC issue with silicone coming away from external lockers and trim, but just replaced myself. Heating is good, fine to sleep on position 2 (1. 5kW electric). Higher fine by day and keeps van warm, I have not had to use my seperate fan heater at all. I like blown air heating, rapid and also moves air around in summer. As well as drying things out, with kids thats always a benefit (I basically use shower for that with clothing/ski wear etc) So far great and I am pleased with it, I am glad I bought it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedave Posted January 6, 2017 Author Share Posted January 6, 2017 ps I use the front lounge as a kids room, I had the dealer fit a curtain track across and original curtain adjusted to fit. Beds never changed back to seats, but of course kids or adults can still sit on them by day. With wrap around dinette no need to ever change back and all beds then permanent to save on any hassle of making up. Works well for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dillon200 Posted January 7, 2017 Share Posted January 7, 2017 All good to hear Dave thank You. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewelshman Posted January 7, 2017 Share Posted January 7, 2017 5 weeks until our 866 arrives, can't wait, good to know you are still happy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davedave Posted January 7, 2017 Author Share Posted January 7, 2017 I was very torn between 866 and 840. Very similar in a lot of regards, especially as 840 can use front lounge as a kids room/2 singles. But with 866 front could just be left as a permanent large double. Both great for families and the wrap around dinette of both makes a huge difference. I am pleased with it and it does everything I want it to. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewelshman Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 I was very torn between 866 and 840. Very similar in a lot of regards, especially as 840 can use front lounge as a kids room/2 singles. But with 866 front could just be left as a permanent large double. Both great for families and the wrap around dinette of both makes a huge difference. I am pleased with it and it does everything I want it to. That's the way we looked at it, we can either use the front as two singles, or a huge double bed. Kids are still young enough to use the bunks for a couple of years yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsbabes Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 That's the way we looked at it, we can either use the front as two singles, or a huge double bed. Kids are still young enough to use the bunks for a couple of years yet. we will prob leave the front double up when on summer hols as so much other space in the van www. justgiving. com/fundraising/TamiTurner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pisces Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 We have just ordered our 840, our eldest is 13 and getting too big for bunks looking ahead for the next couple of years, so we thought we deserve a fixed bed after years of pulling out a front bed. Can't wait but sadly have to wait until September. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsbabes Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 We have just ordered our 840, our eldest is 13 and getting too big for bunks looking ahead for the next couple of years, so we thought we deserve a fixed bed after years of pulling out a front bed. Can't wait but sadly have to wait until September. The waiting is the worst part !! www. justgiving. com/fundraising/TamiTurner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llew Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 We have just ordered our 840, our eldest is 13 and getting too big for bunks looking ahead for the next couple of years, so we thought we deserve a fixed bed after years of pulling out a front bed. Can't wait but sadly have to wait until September. September seems a long time away at the moment, but this year's allocation has been sold such is the demand for them. You will have next year's model in September, and because they have been a success for Elddis, I don't think they will make too many changes, unless Hymer have other ideas of course. I very much doubt it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiltshirec Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 have you tried Wiltshire caravans in Wiltshire as they have a couple of 840s for May/June delivery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts