[converted] Vehicle definition for ferry crossing...help!

Post by **blue** » 14 Sep 2007, 16:50

Hi, haven't been around the forum for a while, but in need of help today...we have to get over to France for a housesit in November, and are trying to work out the ferry thing, never having taken our bus before.

The problem: we have a T25 van, no side windows, fitted out inside by us with extendable futon bed [not rock and roll, so not a seat], cupboards [recycled wood], and stove. We're not sure if it classes as a camper or a van for the purposes of a ferry booking, and don't want any problems with the booking. I phoned Direct Ferries today to query and was told that if it has windows and a seat then it's a camper, if it has no windows, then it's a van. We were about to put a replacement sliding door on from our old van, which has a sliding window, which would make it a camper [maybe?], and it seems that to book a van we have to phone our booking, not do it online, and it will cost more [!]

So...has anyone had experience of taking a similarly converted van abroad, as to whether it is classed as a camper or a van? Any tips for best ferry company choice would be good too if they're camper friendly. We're leaving from St. Ives Cornwall, heading to near Nice. RAC throws us the Dover Calais route, but not so sure of the best option. Or perhaps we should be looking at the tunnel? Any thoughts folks?

Thanks for reading, and hopefully for helping...
Blue

Post by **geordie skydiver** » 14 Sep 2007, 17:30

Car based transporter.

I always book as a car, VW Carvelle. Never had a problem yet.

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 14 Sep 2007, 20:24

Don't give out too much info!

Noomo took his Westphalia California the last few times and he booked it in as a MPV I believe. Certainly didn't book it in as a motorhome/camper.
No-one took any notice, the loaders didn't seem interested.

Post by **justbuggin** » 15 Sep 2007, 13:53

geordie skydiver wrote:Car based transporter.

Not sure you could legitimately get away with calling it a "car-derived van"

Post by **T'Onion** » 15 Sep 2007, 14:15

we took the high-top camper across via sea France , booked it on as a under 5m long motorhome, just didn't want the hassle at the dock side , and to tell you the true there wasn't much difference in price , that's if you book a month or so in advance

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 15 Sep 2007, 19:08

Well said that man ! You save next to nowt, except the potential hassle at the ferry port, book it as what it is.

Norfolkline require your registration anyway ... that alone will tell them what it is .. at least whatit says on the V5.

As an aside I can't speak highly enough of Norfolkline, when we lost the gearbox this Summer they were SUPERB and had us back on the next ferry, total wait was less than 35 minutes ... superb !!

Ian.

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 15 Sep 2007, 21:47

Ian Hulley wrote:Well said that man ! You save next to nowt, except the potential hassle at the ferry port, book it as it is. Ian.

If it means saving the £30 supplement then I would defo have a go at booking in as a MPV, the only trouble I can see is that the ferry companies already have our details on their files, (we've travelled with all of them) so don't know if I could get away with the 'disguise'.

Post by **T'Onion** » 16 Sep 2007, 07:09

its only £60 return , so not worth trying to take the pi$$

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 16 Sep 2007, 14:12

T'Onion wrote:its only £60 return , so not worth trying to take the pi$$

Is that for a day trip or for 3/4 weeks trip?

Does it include the £30 supplement?

Do you have to take your own oars?

Post by **T'Onion** » 16 Sep 2007, 17:13

30 quid each way on sea france ,we were there for just under 3 weeks ,

Does it include the £30 supplement

supplement for what ?

Do you have to take your own oar ?

I take Chloe everywhere i go ...

Post by **Jackie Hulley** » 16 Sep 2007, 18:44

T'Onion wrote: I take Chloe everywhere i go ...

Now that's gonna hurt !!

Ian (for Jackie)

Post by **Tex Ritter** » 17 Sep 2007, 12:28

T'Onion wrote:30 quid each way on sea france ,we were there for just under 3 weeks ,

Does it include the £30 supplement

supplement for what ? Because they class it as a motorhome!

Do you have to take your own oar ?

I take Chloe everywhere i go ...

Post by **T'Onion** » 17 Sep 2007, 12:30

Because it's classed as a motorhome

none of that with sea-france , unless that was the 30 quid that i paid

[/code]

Post by **jigs** » 19 Sep 2007, 12:58

i always thought the restrictions were all based on hieghts and widths not what your vehicle is? we went euro tunnel quick and easy.

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 19 Sep 2007, 14:04

jigs wrote:we went euro tunnel quick and easy.

Not with LPG it isn't

Ian.