Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Fernhills?
The very first thing that people say when they see one of our caravans is 'wow, the quality and level of detail is amazing'.
Don't just take our word for it, come and see for yourself. There will be no sales talk, just honest hard working people who enjoy what they do.
All year use - All our caravans are fully insulated with Sheep’s wool - making them perfect for all year use - unlike yurts and Tipis they need very little maintenance and don’t suffer from mildew or damp issues. They don’t need packing away or dry storing in the winter.
Gas Free - All our caravans are fully electric, which is better for the environment and saves having to handle heavy gas bottles. Our off grid range has solar and wind power. Our static based caravans only require either 16,32 or 64 amp electrical connection, depending on the size and services required. We can supply gas installations if required.
They are on wheels - Our wheels are fitted with agricultural heavy duty tyres. They don’t rattle on hard surfaces or sink into soft ground like cast iron shepherd’s hut wheels. Our caravans have a minimal footprint. They can also be easily moved if you are in a flood risk area or wish to locate them to a different site.
The front axle has a turntable fitted which is attached to the towing bar. This is capable of being rotated 360 degrees which helps in positioning the caravan.
Larch cladding - Not cheap corrugated tin or pine but 18mm solid Siberian larch which is naturally resistant to insects and rot. This Siberian variety is very slow growing due to the cold climate and extremely hardy, making it the ideal choice for cladding. All our larch is factory painted using a Teknos paint system before fitting.
28mm UPVc doors and windows - The very latest window systems that are far superior to timber windows - low maintenance, no warping or sticking, modern locking systems and night time security openings,10 year warranty, realistic flush casement designs and oak finishes. No wonder they are being approved for use in conservation areas. Excellent sound proofing - for a quiet nights sleep.
Modern materials - We use breathable membranes and vapour barriers on our walls and roof to keep your caravan nice and dry, just like a modern timber framed house!
Design - Timeless appeal that won’t come and go like other glamping products.
High end camping - Our caravans are spacious, warm and offer your guests the very finest in outdoor living and attract higher rates.
Value for money - Be careful when comparing prices! Our caravans include wiring, windows, shutters, decorative trims, towing bar, steerable front axle, Siberian larch cladding, double glazed windows, steps, fully painted inside and outside, Karndean flooring and much more.
Chassis - You will not find a stronger chassis. Every model from a Vardo to a Grande Roulotte is built on a solid steel chassis that is fully welded by coded fabricators, sand blasted and spray painted using a industrial paint system. These are built to last.
Stainless Steel Screws - All exterior timber is secured by 1000’s of stainless steel screws , making our caravans suitable for coastal areas or locations exposed to bad weather
British Standards BS3632 - we work closely to BS3632. Benefits include adequate ventilation, safety equipment, fire escape window on all caravans and certain design enhancements such as anchor points for windy or exposed areas.
Easy site set up - Our caravans arrive fully assembled and ready to use.
Better than an extension - Minimal impact on your existing business when expanding. No disruptive building work.
Longevity - Built to last which long term will offer better value for money than cheaper alternatives.
Is my caravan road towable?
No, due to the weight and size, our caravans are not able to be towed by a car on public roads but they can be moved around a campsite site for positioning purposes. The front axle has a turntable fitted to it and we supply a towing bar with each caravan.
We can however supply a chassis for slow road towing such as living vans or caravan chains. This can include air brakes, suspension and larger wheels.
Is Planning permission required?
Many people believe and some hut builders advertise that if it has wheels then it doesn’t need planning - this is not entirely true! Whilst in most cases no planning is needed (Vardos and smaller Roulottes) there are some instances where it is necessary to obtain planning permission.
A caravan, hut or wagon may be parked temporarily (in the same manner as a car) within the curtilage of a domestic property with no need for planning permission, unless there are limiting conditions applied when the house was built. This is more common in modern housing estates.
A caravan can also be used in a manner ancillary to the residential property; that is, in addition to the use of the house, but not as somebody's separate dwelling. You may use a caravan as a granny annexe for example, but it must not become somebody's "only or main residence". There must remain a relationship between the caravan and the house, so, for example, meals could be eaten in the house. Use the caravan simply in the manner of an extra room/bedroom. Make sure it remains moveable.
Check to make sure your property deeds do not restrict this permitted development right; particularly on more modern estates or where the council has issued an Article 4 Direction, common in Conservation Areas.
If you are considering using your caravan for holiday lets, as a permanent dwelling or as paid guest accommodation then you will probably need planning and/or a site license.
We are not planning specialists or do we have the knowledge or qualifications to advise on planning - it is always best to contact your local planning office BEFORE ordering. If you would like some professional help with the planning process we can recommend a consultant who specialises in rural planning and is very experienced in all aspects of the planning process - please ask for further details.
How should I site my caravan?
We recommend that all our caravans are sited on a solid, even surface. We can provide further information dependant on location.
How will my caravan get to site?
Before you place an order with us, we talk to you about access and locations of the caravan. We use a professional haulage company to transport our caravans, but we always follow and assist when it gets to site (within a reasonable geographical location).
What services to site do I require if having a toilet, shower, sinks or kitchenette?
Water needs to be plumbed up to your caravan from a mains supply.
Hot water for the shower and sinks is normally supplied by using a hot water tank with a 1 KW element.
Waste water needs to be dealt with depending on the services you have in your caravan. For example, if a standard toilet is fitted, waste pipes need to be connected to either the main sewage system or your own septic tank.
We can fit any electrical supply you require, normally a standard 16amp 240v Electric pack is needed for our smaller caravans and a 32 or 64 amp supply for La Grande Roulotte and Circus wagons. A qualified electrician needs to wire up the appropriate lead from your mains supply to the caravan.
We recommend contacting your local professionals for further advice and help with organising this work. We can help with any information they will need.
Do I need to have a normal toilet?
No. If sewage and piping is an issue, we have a composting and a portable chemical toilet option.
How long do they take to build?
The time they take, depends on the layout, but on average a small caravan will take 8-10 weeks and the larger Roulottes and Circus Wagons up to 20 weeks. We can give you more of an idea when we know what you want. Please order early as we have a waiting list.
What are your payment terms?
Our standard payment terms are straight forward and designed to give you piece of mind throughout the build process.
Advance Orders - 5% deposit to secure the build slot - non refundable after 14 days.
10% 12 weeks before the start to fund the chassis
10% 4 weeks before the build start to fund the doors and windows
30% when the chassis is complete and the build starts
25% when the frame work is complete (after customer inspection)
Final balance payable when complete.
Can you build bespoke caravans?
Yes, our minimum size is 4.0m x 2.2m but we can build to any length or width to suit your design (up to a maximum of 8 m x 3.0 m). Windows, doors, shutters, cladding and trim can also be painted to any colour. Our fit outs are only limited by your imagination.