Answers to some frequently asked questions

frequently asked questions

Do you provide instructions with the vehicles?

Absolutely!

Each vehicle comes with a concise but detailed Vehicle Guide, which gives step-by-step instructions for using all of the main items of equipment and driving our vehicles.  We also provide a full briefing when we deliver the vehicle to you, which generally takes about 20 minutes.

Where are you located, and can you deliver the vehicles to Edinburgh or Edinburgh airport?

We are located in Peebles, about 30km South of Edinburgh.  We can be reached by taxi from central Edinburgh or the airport for about £70, which takes about 40 minutes.

There is a possibility that we can deliver and / or collect the vehicle to you / from you in central Edinburgh or at Edinburgh airport.  For this service we charge £150 for central Edinburgh and £180 for Edinburgh airport (each way).  However, we cannot guarantee to be able to provide this service, and we can only confirm if we can once staffing levels and commitments to other clients are known.

Is this an off-roading experience?

It is not. Driving away from public highways – almost all of which are sealed roads – can only be done with landowner’s permission.

Do you allow dogs?

Yes, we do.  Please note though that it’s mandatory to hire the Dog Package, and that dogs aren’t allowed in the tents.  Also, dogs can only travel with a maximum of 2 people, since the dog ‘hammock’ renders the rear seats unusable for other purposes.  

Please also refer to the Outdoor Access Code for guidance with respect to the responsible handling of dogs in Scotland’s wilderness.

How many people can the vehicles accommodate?

The vehicles can legally seat five people, but due to the limits of the tents and the amount of included equipment, the maximum group size is 4 people.

Do you hire roof tents for fitting to other peoples’ vehicles?

We don’t.  The time and effort of fitting a roof tent, plus limitations of insurance, mean this is something we cannot accommodate.

Would a single large 4-person tent or the twin 2-person tents be more suitable for a family?

If you have young children who may need tended to at night, we would generally recommend the single large tent.  But if older and prone to squabbling, we’d recommend the twin 2-person tents!  The twin 2-person tents are separate units, and access to each tent is only possible by using the separate ladders provided (it isn’t possible to go from tent to tent on the roof).

For more information on our tents please see Equipment.
How long does the tent take to set up?

Opening the roof tent/s takes 5 minutes or less, and closing takes roughly the same amount of time.  You can leave your bedding inside when closing, liberating space in the luggage area.

For more information on our tents please see Equipment.
How far can you travel on a full tank of fuel?

A full tank of fuel provides a range of around 450 miles (both Defender and Hilux).  In Scotland’s far North and on the isles, we generally recommend filling up if you see a fuel station and you have less than a third of a tank.  The fuel consumption of the vehicles (combined urban / extra urban) is about 25 mpg.  At current prices, filling the fuel tank costs roughly £90.  

All of our vehicles run on diesel.

Is the mileage limited?

There is no mileage limit.

Are the vehicles manual (stick shift) or automatic?

All of our vehicles have manual (stick shift) gearboxes.

For more information on our vehicles, please see Vehicles.

What about toilet facilities?

The standard kit includes both a portable toilet and a foldable shovel.  We leave it to the client’s discretion which they use!  We also recommend that clients follow the advice in the Outdoor Access Code with respect to this.

For more information on our euqipment please see Equipment.

How does the equipment fare in high winds?

We’ve tested our equipment in strong winds and can proudly claim they can withstand a bit of a battering.  The tents in particular are very heavy duty.  We do however urge our clients to be sensible: if a hurricane is forecast, maybe check into a hotel!  The awnings are also strong once erected and firmly tethered to the ground, albeit the Foxwing awning can be vulnerable during set up in strong winds if precautions aren’t followed.  They are however generally repairable should the worst happen!

For more information on our equipment please see Equipment.

What happens if there is lightning?

As with any tent, for safety we have to recommend leaving it and getting into the car.  We also recommend removing the bottom section of the metal ladders to the roof tent(s) so that the only thing connecting the vehicle with the ground are the tyres.

What are the earliest and latest possible collection / return times?

Collection and return can be arranged for any time between 09:00 and 18:00, 7 days a week.

Do we need to bring our own bedding / towels?

No, we provide this as part of our standard equipment.  All you should need to pack are your clothes and toiletries: we provide the rest.

For more information on what’s included please see Equipment.
How do you calculate the hire charge?

The hire charge will depend upon the time of year and the duration of your hire.

We calculate according to the times that you opt to collect and return the vehicle.  So, for example, if you collect at 09:00 on the 1st of the month and return at 16:00 on the 6th of the month, that would equate to 5.3 days.  The basic hire charge would then be 5.3 times the hire rate.

Please see the Rates page for details.

How much luggage can we bring?

It depends on how many you are:  family of four will need to be a bit more ‘efficient’ with their packing than a honeymooning couple!  But with 4 adults travelling, there is space in the luggage area for four large hold-all type bags.  We don’t recommend bringing hard-shelled suitcase type luggage.

For more information on space, please see Vehicles.

What are the age restrictions for drivers?

Our insurers require that drivers of our vehicles are no younger than 23 years old, and no older than 75 years old: they will consider making exceptions for people outside this range, but it will require specific approval, and it’s entirely at their discretion whether or not to grant it.  An additional premium may also be applicable if approved.

Which driving licences do you accept?

Our insurers will readily accept most UK, EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand driving licences without prior referral.  Other nationalities of licence may also be used, but will generally require our insurers approval first.  International licences are also acceptable.  In all cases, drivers must have held their licence for at least 2 years.

Can we take the vehicles out to the Scottish islands?

Absolutely, and we thoroughly recommend that you do.  A benefit of our vehicles over motorhomes is that they qualify for cheaper ferry charges: they are typically the same rate as a standard car.

Can we take the vehicles beyond Scotland?

You are welcome to use our vehicles throughout the mainland UK and the Scottish isles, though if leaving Scotland for England / Wales, we’d ask that you inform us of your intention to do so first.  We do not permit the vehicles to be taken overseas.  Overseas in this context includes Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland.

What category do the vehicles fall into for ferry bookings?

Our vehicles are generally charged at the same rate as normal cars on ferries.

Can we smoke in the vehicle?

Smoking is not permitted in the vehicles or within the roof tents or closed awnings.

Is it possible to carry canoes and bikes on the vehicle?

Bikes yes, canoes no (unless of the inflatable type).  For bikes, we offer a bike rack as an optional extra which will accommodate up to 4 cycles.  Unfortunately we’ve yet to figure out a way of strapping a canoe to our vehicles given the (lack of) space available on the roof rack.  Our insurance prohibits our vehicles from towing trailers, so a canoe trailer isn’t an option. However, we can recommend various canoe hire outfits throughout the country.

For more information on what’s included please see Equipment.

Can you store luggage for us while away?

Unless you are both collecting and returning the vehicle at our base, we cannot store luggage for you.  

Do you do gift vouchers?

We do!  They are available in denominations of £50.

Please get in touch to purchase.

See our full Vehicle Guide here

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