Q: Why can't I contact other caravan owners without becoming a member and paying the membership fee?
Answer: For touring caravan exchange to work well it requires that the participants are well motivated and are prepared to put the time in to guarantee success. Also members want to be approached by other members who by paying the membership fee have domonstrated their genuine interest in an exchange. In addition designing and maintaining a site costs money and nobody works for nothing.
Q: I am a non-smoker and I would only want to exchange with a non-smoker.
Answer: That is no problem, when browsing the listings look for the non-smoking information and don't forget to put it in your own listing.
Q: My caravan is well used will someone still want to arrange an exchange with me?
Answer: Provided you caravan is clean and tidy and everything works you should find no problem in setting up a satisfactory exchange.
Q: I don't live in a very interesting area will it still be possible to make an exchange?
Answer: You will be surprised and don't forget that you will be offering to tow up to 50miles from your home to set up your caravan.
Q: I would like to pay by credit card on the internet is that possible?
Answer: Following a number of requests I am happy to say that it is now possible to pay by Paypal who accept major debit and credit cards.
Q: I live within very easy reach of a principal tourist area, am I going to be swamped with requests to exchange.
Answer: Possibly but this gives you a head start and you should be in a good position to arrange an exchange.
Q: How do I avoid exchanging with someone who conceals a family and once the exchange takes place turns up with more family than declared?
Answer: Get to know your exchanger; the vast majority of caravanners are honest and trustworthy. Trust your instincts and pull out if you have the slightest doubt.
Q: Is it safe to leave my caravan in the hands of someone that I don't know?
Answer: This question comes up a lot. remember above all else that your exchanger probably has exactly the same concern about you. If your caravan is in good order this will create a good incentive for your exchange partner to really look after your caravan.
It will take several weeks of communication to set up an exchange and during this time you will exchange information, photographs etc which will help to get to know your exchange partner. Some exchangers arrange to meet on the day the exchange starts or have staggered exchanges because unlike house exchange the caravan is not the principal residence so exchange periods do not have to co-incide. Some exchangers set up their caravan for exchange in the Spring but do not go to the exchange caravan until the Autumn or even the next yaer. Remember that if you apply the 50 mile rule you will only be a couple of hours drive away from your caravan. Why not have a day out and visit your caravan?
Q: Who pays the site fees?
Answer: You will be siting your caravan for your exchanger and therefore you will be required by the site owners to pay site fees in advance. Arrange with your exchange partner to recoverthe cost of site fees and any expenses like calor gas etc.
Q: Should I inform my insurance company and the site owners about my exchange.
Answer: Yes this is a really good idea tell both preferably well in advance just in case there are problems. Remember to emphasise that your exchangers are non-paying guests (friends) and you almost certainly will not get any problems either from your insurance company of from the site owners.
Q: How should I secure my caravan to stop it being towed away?
Answer: You should always secure your caravan to prevent it from being towed away regardless of being in a no-tow exchange or not. How is very much a matter of choice. I suggest that you take advice from the major Clubs and site wardens.
