RAC Arrival Breakdown

I’ve just received my RAC breakdown ‘Arrival’ renewal quote.  After the usual phone call I’m happy with the price, so no worries there. 

But I noticed that the campervan section has a weight limit of 3.5 tonnes. Does anyone have a Sussex Duo or similar on breakdown under this section. I would hate to call them out and then not be covered.

Thanks in advance.

How strange. Arrival surely has no limit to size or weight while the 'ordinary' RAC cover has such limits. That’s the whole point of Arrival 

Agree with TW , should be no weight limit but the Sussex is a max 3.5 tonnes so not affected.
If they've moved the goalposts then no point in Arrival and I for one will look elsewhere .

Just checked out the Arrival scheme specification...

Motorhome cover – there are no restrictions
Caravan cover – there are no restrictions on the caravan, but your  towing vehicle must weigh under 3.5 tonnes.
Campervan cover – the vehicle must weigh under 3.5 tonnes 
Many breakdown providers have these restrictions so be sure to check your policy so that you don’t get caught out if your vehicle breaks down. The overall size restrictions include the tow bar which can often cause vehicles to exceed the length restrictions. 

What's difference  between motorhome and campervan as far as RAC is concerned? Question needs asking, is a van conversion classed as a campervan  or motorhome?

I must admit it took me by surprise. I think they’ve changed it at some point. It may be worthwhile double checking the cover, although I did think my van was 3.5 tonnes.

I've often wondered what the difference is between motorhome and campervan?
I've owned small van conversions without a separate bathroom, which I called campervans. But although relatively small, I always refer to my Nuevo as a motorhome.
It'd be interesting to know if they're all called 'Motor Caravan' on their V5.
Al.

My Warwick XL 2014 is described as a motor caravan on v5

Motor Home has all the facilities ie.  flushing toilet, shower, , wash basin,   hot and cold water, heating etc. usually a full cooker. in essence a full living van.

Campervan, has a porta potty in a cupboard, no shower etc, just basic amenities.

My Topaz is a Motor Home.has full facilities, 

Nuevo is a Motor Home,

 Those that don`t know or don`t realise the difference call them all campers.

Mine on VL Motor Caravan

The important  question though is what do the RAC define them to be. Can't understand  why they would cover a 7 metre 4.0 tonne motorhome but not a 6 metre campervan that's been uprated to 3.8 tonnes.

Is it to do with the recovery element? A van conversion would probably fit on a low loader whereas an A class wouldn't. Campervan / motorhome is there a different price relating to the difficulty of recovery?

matchlessman wrote:Is it to do with the recovery element? A van conversion would probably fit on a low loader whereas an A class wouldn't. Campervan / motorhome is there a different price relating to the difficulty of recovery?

I’m sure that’s what it is. But it’s snuck in under the radar; Arrival through the C&CC initially made a point of stating no weight or length limit. Now there is. 

I did a quick online check and there’s a price difference. I’m ringing them next week to confirm what class I’m in. As Paul said we’re 3.5 tonnes but I want to be certain.

Well that was a very interesting discussion.

According to the person I’ve just spoken to at the RAC, the restrictions are max 3.5T, 6.4m long, 2.55m wide and 3m high.  But he stated categorically, and checked with his supervisor, that THOSE ARE THE MAXIMUM FOR ANY VEHICLE.

He stated that Arrival gives the level of cover, but when I questioned about the limits on a motorhome, he stated that those above apply.  He said that there is no longer a different section for van and Motorhome’s.  It’s simply the weight and dimensions.

This is clearly not the same as the original Arrival offer, and I said that many members will not be covered, without knowing.  He agreed!

So if anyone has a vehicle outside of those dimensions, I would recommend checking for yourselves ASAP.

EDIT: I’ve just checked with the C&CC, who seemed surprised, and put me back through to RAC Arrivals. They checked my membership and confirmed that I AM covered WITH NO weight or length restrictions. Apparently there’s a difference in cover between existing members, and new members applying for Arrival.

That's Arrival dead and buried then.

According to the C&CC website there are no restrictions,  so suggest you contact them and inform them of your findings.

I’ve just edited my post.

I immediately contacted the C&CC, who were surprised, and put me back through to the RAC Arrivals team.  This was a different person.  She checked my details and said I’m covered with no restrictions on weight or length.

She apologised for incorrect information I had been given by the previous advisor and his supervisor.  Apparently for existing members there’s no restrictions, but there are for new members applying for arrival for the first time.

Even for new members the RAC Arrival website and their policy document that can be downloaded states...
'Vehicle Restrictions •  We don’t have restrictions for size or weight of vehicle or caravan'
Glad you got clarification but still would like to know their definition of campervan v motorhome .

I asked friends in France for a definition and they told me if it's designed to be slept in it's a 'camping car', no other criteria needed..
Al.

Good to hear you got correct info at last, Sally. I was just browsing the RAC Arrival website and spotted the following info. It reads to me as if you select whichever policy you need, either MH or campervan. The former will have no restrictions whilst the latter will.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I’m Paulmold wrote:Even for new members the RAC Arrival website and their policy document that can be downloaded states...
'Vehicle Restrictions •  We don’t have restrictions for size or weight of vehicle or caravan'
Glad you got clarification but still would like to know their definition of campervan v motorhome .

I agree, I’m still not sure of their definition of Campervan. 

Interestingly, the RAC Arrival web page does show a weight restriction. The notes sent with a renewal show dimensional restrictions as well. 

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So is there a price difference between  campervan (where it quotes restrictions) and motorhome (where it states no restrictions as in the photo).

Just checked - as little as £1 per month difference, depending on level of cover .

Paulmold wrote:So is there a price difference between  campervan (where it quotes restrictions) and motorhome (where it states no restrictions as in the photo).

When I spoke to the initial advisor, I asked that very question, as I wondered whether or not to upgrade. He said that it doesn’t exist as a separate cover anymore. There’s one cover and it comes with restrictions, that affects Motorhome’s and campervans. 

Hence my confusion and why I contacted the C&CC.  I still think it’s confusing to be honest.  Because I also checked it online and there’s a £12 difference, for something that apparently doesn’t exist. Clearly it does, and the campervan section does carry restrictions normally.

I have sent C&CC an enquiry through their contact form asking them to check with RAC as to what they are selling and to amend their website if there is  difference.  At least then I'll have it in writing, just hope they don't take 30 days to respond as they did on my last enquiry.

I don’t suppose anyone owns both a Sussex Duo AND a 10 metre tape measure do they please?

I thought it was worthwhile knowing the total length due to these sort of issues, ferries etc.  So I was all set to measure the van, from tip of the front and back to the end of the towbar at the rear.  Then I discovered that my tape measure is a 5 metre one, and it needs to be >6m. I know I can mark it and remeasure but it’s never the same.

If anyone has the full measurement including the towbar it would save me buying a new tape measure that will then never get used again.

Thanks in advance.

Towbars from different manufacturers can extend by different amounts, can't see a way around that.

Paulmold wrote:Towbars from different manufacturers can extend by different amounts, can't see a way around that.

Cheers, I never knew that. 

New tape measure it is then.