Probably going to get abuse for this, but need help!

[Newtothisemma]

Hi,

I have just finished work for maternity leave and thought what better way to refresh is a week long in a camper van. Booked and paid £1000 for one week hire........and then realised not a single campsite is open until 4th July.

I genuinely didn’t realise that this was an issue with my own washing / cooking / toilet facilities. However now have no-where to stay other than my own front garden.

WAS planning on driving the south coast from Hastings to SandBanks, stopping in Brighton.

Any advice, should I give up and stay put or do you think there are fields / sites / pubs that I can still stop over in?

Many thanks,
Emma

 

[st3v3]

The company that hired that to you wants shooting!

 

[2cv]

Until the government rules change you must stay home each night, so the only option is your front garden. You could use the van for day trips in England but must return home at night.

 

[runnach]

Stay put, frustrating, but I doubt any members here will advocate you travel until the restrictions are lifted

 

[antiquesam]

Surely they have to refund as you can't use the thing. You can't even wild camp.

 

[colinm]

The law is very clear on this, you can only use the van for day trips and must return home each night. There is no reason why a company can't hire out a van in these circumstances, so you have no comeback on them, although I would have liked to think a responsible company would have pointed this out before taking the booking.

 

[campervanannie]

Have you actually collected the vehicle yet if not I would ask for a refund.

 

[trixie88]

The law is very clear on this, you can only use the van for day trips and must return home each night. There is no reason why a company can't hire out a van in these circumstances, so you have no comeback on them, although I would have liked to think a responsible company would have pointed this out before taking the booking.

quite right......a person may have wanted to hire the van for any number of reasons...........day trips....shielding .....extra accommodation ,,on own property etc................
could always ask them for refund........or credit note to be used at a later date......when restrictions are lifted........

 

[phillybarbour]

I wouldn’t risking staying out as it may upset the locals who could damage the van, the last thing you need on a hire vehicle. As said have days out and sleep on the drive at home.

 

[Mr and Mrs Tupcox]

Ask for refund .

 

[mfw]

Not gonna knock people for views on this and not get nailed for it either - but i live in worthing and due to purchasing a second van for security reasons did not have a lot of options cant park outside it is too big an eyesore for neighbours so had to kip in it for a few nights till i sold my old one so i parked in a place 15 mins walk from me obstructing no-one and where you can park a motorhome legally and we all shut blinds anyway so thieves dont get a chance to look in parking all the way down the side of road both sides you could park artics in there

 

[GreggBear]

I'd say the company are legally allowed to hire you the vehicle, but morally they should have made sure you knew about the situation before taking your money. Sure, they need income just like we all do, but its a bit off to be underhand if that's what happened. Best solution for all would possibly be to try for a credit note to carry forward to when restrictions are eased, they still get the income, & you are paying for something you can actually use.... Good luck.

 

[mfw]

Could be costly mistake try and get money back - bottom line make the best of what you are stuck with

 

[Minisorella]

If they won't play along with a refund, maybe you could get them to change the booking dates? Campsites could well be open in July - fingers crossed!

 

[Debroos]

Or will you be producing by then?
If you are stuck with it then maybe get the map out find some not too far away beauty spots. Buy some nice food, take some nice music and you'll only be missing the sleeping bit.
And after all that nice food you may well need a nap anyway!

 

[Nabsim]

So, what did you do op?

 

[r4dent]

Please don't use it for sleeping overnight. Sorry you are losing money but we are all in the same boat. Using it would be selfish and reflect badly on all motorhomers. You made the mistake and the company should have told you. But, like you, they made assumptions.

 

[st3v3]

So, what did you do op?

Vanishing act lol

 

[barryd]

I assumed motorhome hire companies would be closed but a quick google found this

"
Beat the lockdown blues with an epic roadtrip
Once in a lifetime opportunity to see the UK as you’ve never seen it before.

Explore the UK without the crowds, discover remote places which interest you, visit family far away - all in the knowledge that you are completely self sufficient and safe within your family bubble. Our friendly team is on hand now to help you create an unforgettable multi-destination motorhome adventure.

"

Motorhome hire UK & rental from Just go motorhomes

Motorhome hire by Just go Motorhome Rental UK, who offer two to six berth RV hires in the UK. We offer Motorhomes for hire in the UK. Largest self-hire fleet and best place to rent an RV.

www.justgo.uk.com

not read any of the details but it seems crazy to me that motorhome hire companies are renting vans out and not explaining the lock down rules to people (if that is the case).

 

[mariesnowgoose]

I assumed motorhome hire companies would be closed but a quick google found this

"
Beat the lockdown blues with an epic roadtrip
Once in a lifetime opportunity to see the UK as you’ve never seen it before.

Explore the UK without the crowds, discover remote places which interest you, visit family far away - all in the knowledge that you are completely self sufficient and safe within your family bubble. Our friendly team is on hand now to help you create an unforgettable multi-destination motorhome adventure.

"

Motorhome hire UK & rental from Just go motorhomes

Motorhome hire by Just go Motorhome Rental UK, who offer two to six berth RV hires in the UK. We offer Motorhomes for hire in the UK. Largest self-hire fleet and best place to rent an RV.

www.justgo.uk.com

not read any of the details but it seems crazy to me that motorhome hire companies are renting vans out and not explaining the lock down rules to people (if that is the case).

Wow, that is unbelievable!!!