Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help!
Tow car editor motty@ practicalcaravan. com
than 6.4m overall. As long as the van is with the car, it should also be covered, provided that it fits those dimensions (which could exclude longer caravans).
The organisation provides The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Arrival breakdown cover, designed specifically for caravanners, with no weight or size restrictions. At the moment if you sign up for that, you get the first year of Club membership included.
The AA’S breakdown policy also covers caravans weighing no more than 3500kg and no wider than 2.55m. It doesn’t have any restriction on length.
WHICH IS THE BEST FIRE EXTINGUISHER?
QWe’re proud owners of a 15-year-old caravan, but we’ve realised we don’t have a fire extinguisher. Which is the most appropriate?
Peter and Julie Winters
Paul Critcher replies…
The Caravan and Motorhome Club website has some useful advice about fire safety:
“The first rule of fire safety in a caravan or motorhome is simple: in the event of a fire, the first thing to do is to get everyone out as quickly as possible. Only after everyone is safely outside should you worry about tackling the fire and saving your possessions.”
The Club goes on to say: “Although dry powder fire extinguishers are effective, they are not recommended for use in confined spaces. We recommend that AFFF is the most effective for use on a caravan site.
“Don’t attempt to use a fire extinguisher on a frying pan fire. Fire blankets are a more effective option. Check that they conform to BSEN 1869 and look for approval from LPC or BAFE.”
And it makes the very important point that:
“Your fire extinguisher should be manufactured in accordance with BS (EN)3 and tested and approved by the British Standards Institute (BSI) or the Loss Prevention Council Certificate Board (LPCB), or approved by the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE). A list of approved extinguisher manufacturers is available from British Approvals for
Fire Equipment (bafe.org.uk).”