Case Study: Creating a Durable, SUDS-Compliant Caravan Hardstanding
Customer: Private homeowner
Location: North Lincolnshire, UK
Product Used: GrassGrids Multigrid 481
Background
The customer owned a touring caravan which was stored on a grassed area at the front of his property. Over time, the grass surface became rutted and muddy, especially in wet weather, making it difficult to park and move the caravan without damaging the lawn.
To improve things, he decided to lay gravel over the grassed area, hoping it would provide a firmer surface for manoeuvring. However, the result was far from ideal.
The Problem
Once the area was gravelled, the customer found that manoeuvring the caravan actually became more difficult:
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The caravan wheels sank into the loose gravel, especially when turning.
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The jockey wheel dug in, making it hard to move the caravan by hand or with a motor mover.
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Over time, ruts formed in the gravel, and it migrated, leaving uneven patches and bare spots.
What was intended to be an upgrade had become a constant frustration and a practical problem.
The Solution: Multigrid 481 from GrassGrids
After researching more stable and sustainable ground reinforcement options, the customer chose Multigrid 481 from GrassGrids to create a properly structured hardstanding that would:
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Support the weight of the caravan
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Stop the wheels from sinking
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Maintain an attractive gravel finish
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Remain SUDS-compliant by allowing water to drain naturally rather than run off
Installation Process
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Removal of Existing Gravel
The customer first removed all the loose gravel from the area, setting it aside to be reused later. This ensured the base could be properly prepared and that no unstable layers remained. -
Ground Preparation & Levelling
The underlying soil was then levelled and compacted to create a firm, even base. Any soft spots were addressed to prevent future sinking or movement under load. -
Laying Multigrid 481
Once the base was prepared, the Multigrid 481 panels were laid across the entire hardstanding area. The interlocking design made it straightforward to cover the space, creating a continuous, stable grid structure. -
Refilling with Gravel
After the grids were installed, the previously removed gravel was poured back over the Multigrid 481 and brushed into the cells until they were fully filled and the surface was level.
The Result
The transformation was immediate:
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The caravan no longer sinks or gets stuck when being parked or moved.
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The surface is now totally compact and stable, even under the concentrated load of the caravan wheels and jockey wheel.
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The gravel stays in place within the grid cells, reducing spread, ruts, and ongoing maintenance.
Because Multigrid 481 creates a permeable, reinforced surface, the installation is fully SUDS-compliant, allowing rainwater to drain through to the ground below rather than creating surface water run-off.
Why It’s Better Than Concrete or Slabs
The customer specifically wanted to avoid a solid concrete or slab base, and after using Multigrid 481, he identified several advantages:
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Permeability: Unlike concrete or paving slabs, the Multigrid 481 system with gravel infill allows water to infiltrate naturally.
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Aesthetics: The finished surface looks more natural and blends in better with the garden than a large concrete pad.
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Comfort & Practicality: Walking on the surface is comfortable and stable, and there is much less risk of puddles or algae buildup.
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Flexibility: If the layout ever needs to change, the grids and gravel can be lifted and reused, unlike a permanent concrete base.
Customer Feedback
“Before, the caravan was a struggle to move – the wheels would just dig into the gravel and I’d end up fighting with it every time. Since installing Multigrid 481 and refilling with gravel, the hardstanding feels rock solid. The caravan moves easily, the gravel stays put, and I know it’s compliant with drainage regulations. It’s a much better solution than concrete or slabs.”
Conclusion
By replacing a loose gravel surface with a properly supported, permeable gravel hardstanding using GrassGrids Multigrid 481, the customer achieved a durable, low-maintenance, SUDS-compliant caravan parking area that performs better than traditional solid paving – while still looking smart and fitting in with the rest of the garden.
