How do you move a static caravan? It is nothing like hitching up a tourer and driving to a new pitch. A static caravan weighs between 2 and 15 tonnes, measures up to 40 feet long and 12 feet wide, and cannot be towed. To move static caravan from one site to another, you need a low-loader truck, police permits, and often escort vehicles just to travel on public roads.

Yet the existing advice on how to transport a static caravan is thin — a few forum posts, some brief FAQ snippets, and directory listings that tell you to “hire a specialist.” None of them walk you through the full process: what permissions you need, how route planning works for a wide load, what to disconnect before moving day, or how much is it to move a static caravan when you factor in every cost.

This guide fills that gap. We cover every step from initial planning to your first cup of tea at the new site, with realistic costs and timelines throughout. Whether you’re relocating to a different park, moving a caravan onto private land, or buying a secondhand unit that needs delivering, this is everything you need to know about how to move static caravan in the UK.

Step 1: Confirm Site Permissions at Both Ends

Before you do anything else, you need written confirmation from both ends of the move.

Leaving your current park

Contact your current park owner or site manager and confirm:

• Your departure date — most parks require at least 4 weeks’ notice
• Outstanding pitch fees — some agreements require you to pay until the end of the licence year, regardless of when you leave
• Access arrangements — the transport company will need clear access to your pitch with a low-loader truck (typically 45–55 feet long when loaded)
• Utility disconnection — confirm who is responsible for disconnecting gas, electric, and water (it is usually the caravan owner’s responsibility)
• Site restoration — some parks require you to restore the pitch to its original condition, including removing any decking, skirting, or hardstanding you added

Arriving at the new site

If you are moving to another caravan park, check the following before committing:

• Do they accept “bring-ons”? Many parks only sell their own stock and will not accept caravans from other sites. Parks that do accept bring-ons may charge a siting fee (typically £500–£2,000)
• Age restrictions — most parks impose age limits on caravans, typically 15–20 years from manufacture date. A park that accepts bring-ons may still refuse a 25-year-old unit
• Pitch dimensions — confirm the pitch can physically accommodate your caravan. A 12ft-wide, 40ft-long unit needs a larger pitch than a compact 10ft × 28ft model
• Access for the delivery vehicle — a loaded low-loader is 45–55 feet long and 14 feet wide for a 12ft caravan. If the park entrance or internal roads are too narrow, a crane may be required at additional cost

Moving to private land

If you are placing a static caravan on private land, you will almost certainly need planning permission from your local authority. Under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, using land as a caravan site requires both planning permission and a site licence.

There are limited exemptions — for example, a caravan used as ancillary accommodation within the grounds of an existing dwelling may not require separate planning permission, but the rules vary by local authority. Check with your council’s planning department before buying a pitch or transport.

Step 2: Check Your Caravan Is Eligible to Move

Not every static caravan should be moved. Before spending money on quotes and permits, assess three things:

Structural condition

A static caravan that has been on one site for 20+ years may have chassis corrosion, soft floors, or damp damage that makes it unsafe to transport. The process of loading onto a low-loader and securing with straps puts significant stress on the chassis and bodywork. If there is any doubt, get a pre-move condition survey from an independent inspector — this typically costs £100–£200 and could save you thousands if the caravan is not fit for transport.

Dimensions and transport category

Static caravans come in several standard widths, and the width determines the transport category:

Caravan Width	Transport Category	Escort Vehicles Required?	Police Notification?
10ft (3.05m)	Standard wide load	Usually no	Yes — 2 working days’ notice
12ft (3.66m)	Abnormal wide load	Yes — front and rear	Yes — from every force area on route
13–15ft (3.96–4.57m)	Abnormal wide load	Yes — front and rear	Yes — from every force area on route
Twin unit (2 × 10ft)	Two separate loads	Depends on individual half width	Yes

Twin units are manufactured in two halves and must be transported as two separate loads. At the destination, the halves are reassembled and sealed. This roughly doubles the transport cost.

Legal definition

Under UK law (Caravan Sites Act 1968, Section 29), a structure qualifies as a caravan or mobile home only if it is physically capable of being moved by road. The maximum legal dimensions are 20 metres long, 6.80 metres wide, and 3.05 metres internal height for the living accommodation. If your unit exceeds these dimensions, it may be classified as a building rather than a caravan, which has different planning implications.

Step 3: Find a Specialist Transport Company

Static caravan transport is a specialist job. General haulage companies do not have the right equipment or experience. You need a company with:

• Purpose-built low-loader vehicles rated for the weight of your caravan (typically 2–15 tonnes)
• Escort vehicles (for 12ft+ wide units) with appropriate marker boards and warning lights
• Goods-in-transit insurance that specifically covers static caravan transport
• Experience with your caravan size — a company that only moves 10ft units may not have the right vehicle or permits for a 12ft wide load
• An Operator’s Licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner

Getting quotes

Get at least three quotes. When requesting a quote, provide:

• Caravan make, model, and year
• Exact dimensions (width, length, and height)
• Current location (full address and postcode)
• Destination (full address and postcode)
• Access conditions at both sites (road width, turning space, overhead obstructions)
• Whether disconnection and reconnection of utilities is included or separate
• Your preferred dates and any flexibility

A reputable company will want to see photographs of both the caravan and the access at both sites before confirming a price. Be wary of any company that quotes a fixed price without asking these questions.

What to check before booking

• Insurance certificate — ask for a copy of their goods-in-transit policy and confirm the cover limit is sufficient for your caravan’s value
• Reviews and references — look for verified reviews on independent platforms. Ask for references from recent static caravan moves, not just general haulage work
• What’s included — some quotes include permits, escorts, disconnection, and siting. Others quote transport only, with everything else as extras
• Cancellation terms — weather can delay wide-load movements. Understand the company’s policy on postponements

Step 4: Plan the Route and Obtain Permits

Route planning for a static caravan is not just about finding the shortest distance. A loaded low-loader carrying a 12ft-wide caravan will be 14 feet wide on the road and 45–55 feet long — close to double-decker bus height at 14’6″ to 15’6″. It can only make sweeping turns and cannot pass under low bridges or through narrow lanes.

Who plans the route?

Your transport company handles route planning. This is one of the key reasons to use a specialist rather than a general haulier — they know which roads are passable, where the problem bridges and junctions are, and which police forces need notification.

Police notification and permits

Any load exceeding 3.05 metres (10 feet) in width is classified as a wide load under UK regulations. This requires:

• Police notification — at least 2 clear working days before the move. The transport company submits an abnormal load notification to every police force area the route passes through
• Escort vehicles — for loads exceeding 3.5 metres wide (i.e., 12ft caravans and above), front and rear escort vehicles with flashing amber lights and “WIDE LOAD” marker boards are required
• Highway authority notification — if the load uses any bridges or structures, the relevant highway authority may need to approve the route and impose weight or speed restrictions

For longer journeys crossing multiple police force areas, permit applications can take 2–4 weeks. This is often the single biggest factor in the timeline.

Common route problems

• Low bridges — a loaded low-loader with a static caravan can be 15’6″ high. Any bridge below this height forces a detour
• Narrow roads — a 12ft caravan on a low-loader is 14ft wide. Rural lanes, village high streets, and residential roads may be impassable
• Tight junctions and roundabouts — the 55ft overall length means the vehicle cannot take sharp turns. Some roundabouts must be traversed by driving straight across
• Time restrictions — many urban roads restrict abnormal loads to off-peak hours (typically before 7am or after 7pm). Motorway movements may be restricted to overnight only

Step 5: Disconnect Utilities and Prepare the Caravan

This step should be completed in the days before transport day. It is your responsibility as the caravan owner, not the transport company’s.

Utility disconnection

• Gas — turn off all gas appliances, close the gas bottle valves, and disconnect the regulator. If your caravan has a mains gas supply (rare on parks), this must be disconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• Electricity — switch off at the mains consumer unit inside the caravan and at the park’s external hookup point. Disconnect the supply cable. If the caravan has a hard-wired connection (not a plug-in hookup), an electrician is required
• Water — turn off the mains water supply to the caravan. Open all taps to drain the system. Drain the hot water cylinder and any header tanks. If you are moving in winter, ensure the system is fully drained to prevent freeze damage in transit
• Drainage — disconnect the waste water drain. If connected to a sewage system, cap the site-side pipe

Some transport companies offer a disconnection service as an add-on (typically £100–£250). If you are not confident doing it yourself, this is worth paying for — especially for gas, which must be handled by a competent person.

Interior preparation

• Remove all personal belongings — the transport company’s insurance covers the caravan structure, not its contents. Pack everything separately and transport it yourself
• Secure or remove loose fittings — take down mirrors, ornaments, and anything mounted on walls that could fall. Open cupboard doors and remove crockery and glassware
• Lock all windows and the main door — the vibration of road transport will rattle anything that is not secured
• Roll up external awnings and remove any satellite dishes, TV aerials, or roof-mounted accessories

External preparation

• Remove skirting around the base of the caravan
• Detach any fixed decking that would prevent the caravan being lifted or slid onto the low-loader
• Clear the immediate area — the low-loader needs room to manoeuvre alongside the caravan. Move garden furniture, planters, and fencing out of the way
• Lower stabiliser legs — or confirm with your transport company how they want the chassis prepared for loading

Step 6: Arrange Transit Insurance

This is the step most people overlook — and it is one of the most important.

Does your existing policy cover transit?

Most standard static caravan insurance policies cover the caravan while it is sited on a licensed park. They do not cover it during transport. Check your policy wording carefully. If your policy does not include transit cover, you need to arrange it separately before moving day.

Transport company’s goods-in-transit insurance

Any reputable transport company will carry goods-in-transit (GIT) insurance. However, check:

• The cover limit — is it sufficient for the full replacement value of your caravan? A GIT policy with a £50,000 limit is no good if your caravan is worth £80,000
• The excess — what is the deductible in the event of a claim?
• Exclusions — does it cover all risks, or only named perils (fire, theft, collision)? Some policies exclude wind damage, which is relevant for a wide load

Options for transit cover

If there is a gap between the transport company’s GIT cover and your caravan’s value, you have two options:

1. Add transit cover to your existing static caravan policy — contact your insurer and ask for a temporary transit extension. Some specialist static caravan insurers offer this as a standard add-on
2. Take out a separate transit insurance policy — available from specialist brokers for one-off moves. Typically costs £50–£150 depending on the caravan’s value and the distance

Do not leave this until the last minute. Arrange cover at least a week before the move date.

Step 7: Transport Day — What to Expect

On the day of the move, the transport company will handle the heavy work. Here is what happens:

Loading

1. The low-loader reverses alongside or in front of your caravan
2. The caravan is winched or rolled onto the low-loader bed. Static caravans are not lifted by crane for loading — they are slid horizontally onto the truck bed using the caravan’s wheels and chassis
3. The caravan is positioned on the truck and secured with heavy-duty ratchet straps. The transport company will typically use 8–12 straps for a standard unit
4. Marker boards, flags, and any required lighting are fitted

Loading typically takes 30–60 minutes if site access is straightforward. If the caravan needs to be manoeuvred around tight spaces, it can take longer.

In transit

• The loaded vehicle travels at a maximum of 40 mph on motorways and 30 mph on A-roads (abnormal load speed limits)
• For 12ft-wide loads, escort vehicles travel 50–100 metres ahead and behind, warning oncoming traffic and controlling road junctions
• The journey will follow the pre-planned, police-notified route. Do not expect the driver to take shortcuts or respond to sat-nav suggestions
• Rest breaks are mandatory under driver hours regulations. A long journey (200+ miles) will include at least one scheduled stop

As a rough guide, expect a journey speed of 20–30 miles per hour average once you account for speed limits, urban sections, and junctions. A 100-mile move takes roughly 4–5 hours of driving time.

If you need a crane

If the destination pitch cannot be reached by the low-loader — for example, the access road is too narrow, or the pitch is behind other caravans — you will need a crane to lift the caravan from the truck to the pitch. Crane hire for a static caravan move typically costs £1,500–£2,000 and must be booked separately in advance.

Not all pitches require a crane. If the low-loader can reverse close to the pitch, the caravan is rolled or winched directly into position. Your transport company will advise during the quoting stage whether a crane is likely to be needed.

Step 8: Re-site and Reconnect at the New Location

Once the caravan reaches the new pitch, the final stage is positioning and reconnection.

Positioning and levelling

• The caravan is positioned on the pitch using the low-loader or crane
• Axle stands or support blocks are placed under the chassis at the manufacturer’s specified points
• The caravan is levelled using adjustable legs or packers. It must be level both side-to-side and front-to-back for doors and windows to function correctly and to prevent water pooling on the roof
• Ground anchors or tie-down straps are fitted to secure the caravan against high winds. This is a requirement on most licensed parks under BS 3632 standards

Utility reconnection

• Gas — reconnect the gas bottle or mains supply, fit a new regulator if required, and test all gas appliances. This should be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer who will issue a safety certificate
• Electricity — connect to the site’s hookup point or mains supply. An electrician should verify the connection, test the consumer unit, and check all circuits
• Water — connect to the site’s water supply, fill the system, and check for leaks at all joints. Run all taps and flush the hot water cylinder before use
• Drainage — connect waste water and sewage outlets to the site’s drainage system

Utility reconnection typically takes half a day to a full day and costs £200–£500 depending on whether the park provides this service or you need to arrange independent tradespeople.

Final checks

• Walk through the caravan and check for any transit damage — cracked windows, shifted furniture, water ingress
• Test all gas appliances, electrical sockets, and water outlets
• Check the roof for any damage or displaced seals
• If you find any damage, photograph it immediately and notify both the transport company and your insurer before accepting the delivery

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Static Caravan?

The total cost of moving a static caravan depends on distance, caravan size, and the complexity of the route and access at both ends. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Cost Component	Typical Range	Notes
Transport (10ft wide, local move)	£1,000–£2,000	Under 50 miles, straightforward access
Transport (10ft wide, long distance)	£2,000–£3,500	100–300 miles
Transport (12ft wide, any distance)	£2,500–£5,000+	Add ~20% vs 10ft for escort vehicles and permits
Twin unit transport	£3,000–£7,000+	Two separate loads plus reassembly
Utility disconnection	£100–£250	Gas, electric, water, drainage
Utility reconnection	£200–£500	Includes Gas Safe certificate for gas
Crane hire (if needed)	£1,500–£2,000	Only if low-loader cannot reach pitch
Siting fee (new park)	£500–£2,000	Charged by the destination park for bring-ons
Transit insurance	£50–£150	If not covered by existing policy or transport company’s GIT
Pre-move condition survey	£100–£200	Optional but recommended for older units
Site restoration (old pitch)	£0–£1,000	Removing decking, skirting, hardstanding

Total realistic budget: If you are wondering how much to move static caravan in total, expect £1,500–£5,000 for a single-unit move, or £4,000–£10,000+ for a twin unit with crane and full reconnection. The cost to move static caravan varies widely, so always get itemised quotes.

The transport itself is rarely the most expensive part. Siting fees, crane hire, and utility work often add 50–100% on top of the headline transport quote. Always ask what is included in the price and what is extra.

Timeline: How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Most people underestimate how long a static caravan move takes. Here is a realistic timeline from decision to settled:

Stage	Typical Duration	Key Actions
Planning and permissions	1–2 weeks	Confirm permissions at both sites, check caravan eligibility
Getting quotes	1–2 weeks	Contact transport companies, compare quotes, book
Permits and route planning	2–4 weeks	Police notifications, highway authority approvals (handled by transport company)
Preparation	2–3 days	Disconnect utilities, remove belongings, prepare site
Transport day	1 day	Loading, transport, unloading
Re-siting and reconnection	1–2 days	Levelling, anchoring, utility connections, testing

Total: 4–8 weeks from start to finish. During peak season (spring and summer), when transport companies are busiest, lead times for booking can stretch to 6–8 weeks alone. If you have a fixed deadline — for example, the end of your park licence — start the process at least 10 weeks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move a static caravan myself?

No. Static caravans cannot be towed like touring caravans. They are too heavy, too wide, and not designed for towing. Moving one requires a low-loader truck, specialist securing equipment, and usually police-notified wide-load permits. Attempting a DIY move risks structural damage to the caravan, road traffic offences, injuries, and voiding your insurance. Always use a specialist static caravan transport company.

What is the difference between moving and re-siting?

Moving means transporting the caravan from one location to another on public roads. Re-siting (or “siting”) means positioning the caravan on its new pitch, levelling it, and connecting it to utilities. Some transport companies offer both as a combined service. Others only handle the road transport, leaving you to arrange siting separately.

Can I move a static caravan in winter?

Yes, but with caveats. Winter moves carry additional risks: wet or icy roads slow journey times, frozen ground can make site access difficult, and shorter daylight hours may restrict permitted travel times for abnormal loads. If you must move in winter, ensure the water system is fully drained before transport to prevent freeze damage.

What if my static caravan is too old to move?

If the destination park’s age limit rules out your caravan, or the structure is in poor condition, you have three alternatives:

• Part-exchange with a dealer — trade your old caravan for credit towards a newer model
• Sell privately on sites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, or specialist platforms
• Scrapping — for caravans with no resale value, specialist companies will dismantle and dispose of the unit. This costs £500–£1,500 depending on size and asbestos content (older caravans may contain asbestos panels)

Do I need to be present on moving day?

It is strongly recommended. You should be at the pickup site to hand over keys and confirm the caravan’s condition, and at the destination to verify positioning and check for transit damage before the transport company leaves. If you cannot attend, appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf and make sure they have authority to sign off on the delivery.

How much to move a static caravan per mile?

Per-mile rates vary by company and caravan size. As a rough guide, expect £2.50–£5.00 per mile for a 10ft-wide caravan, with a minimum charge of £250–£500. For 12ft-wide units, add roughly 20% for escort vehicles and additional permit costs. The per-mile rate decreases for longer distances because fixed costs (loading, permits) are spread over more miles.

Is there a “how much to move a static caravan calculator”?

There is no universally accurate calculator because costs depend on too many variables — caravan size, route complexity, access conditions, and whether you need crane hire or not. Online calculators can give rough estimates, but the most reliable way to find out how much to move a static caravan is to request quotes from multiple transport companies with your exact details. Platforms like TransportQuoteCompare let you post your job once and receive competing quotes from verified transporters.