Ferries (In reply to Casper)

vaz2121 · 2015-12-27 08:30:39

I contacted DFDS back in Oct and asked what category I could book our van under... explaining that this is really a people carrier IE. a 806, Ulysee, synergy that also comes as a van
It started life a window/combi van that they in get converted into a WAV, My partners disabled and in our case a window/combi van with resting and cooking facilities and such is registered as a motorhome/caravan with roof box for the wheel chair that my partner now needs too meet her requirement.
Essentially takes up no more space than a 806 etc. and not for commercial purposes. .... After a bit of too ing and fro ing during the description of the van I was informed that I could book as a people carrier (car) with roof box (2.35m X 6m iirc) as long as it covered the overall height/length and as we have always booked the flexi ticket both ways and budget at roughly £105.00/£120.00 return as car (£70.00 on a straight return ticket, both time of year/time of sailing dependent)
But was advised, too be on the safe side really should book as a motor caravan in case they decided to check reg docs or peek inside when checking in because it's obviously not a car and is not WAV either and if they wanted to argue the point, In which case roughly an extra £30.00 at least dependent.....
Ironically had we bought any of the converted MPV's the 806, the Kia Sedona or Berlingo we looked at it wouldn't have been a problem as they were still seen as MPV's.

Our van has both a disabled sticker and a LPG sticker and we were asked if we needed disabled access while boarding and also to make sure our camping gas was turned off.

I'd been Driving artics abroad until about ten yrs ago since early eighties and crossed the channel in various sized vehicles for both pleasure and work and.... There are less sea routes than before and things change so..........
If your not sure/to be on the safe side... phone your ferry operator... you most likely won't get the answer you want/expected ...
My rule of thumb and experience is not a guarantee, ........at Dover with DFDS poss My Ferry, p&o but it can change port to port as well
Converted car derived vans (Spaceships advertise their VW Caddy camper vans sail/book as a car) or a combi van so long as it complies with no more than 7/8 seats ( MPV ) can go as a car in appropriate height/length booking .... a larger van IE an LDV or Transit that's been converted to a camper even without a side/door window.... book as a motor home within the right height/length descriptor..... Painting the side panel gloss black to look like darkened glass can help
But always be prepared to show interior and to explain your case when at the ferry gates if necessary .....
Remember your most likely going to be looked at for security reasons anyway even if your in a car.
If any of these vehicles are clearly vans even empty never mind loaded or with the usual fags N booze cruise bounty... be prepared to turn around or pay the relevant commercial rate for that size vehicle.

As my partners father lives in Spain we have effectively sailed twice a year (before June after August) with DFDS Dover / Calais/Dunkirk over the last 4/5 yrs until May 2014 where we've been using Dunkirk only on the return leg as (sorry) it can get quite intimidating running the gauntlet with bike/car...
I thought I was going to have problems this time in Dunkirk but it was the flexi ticket that was being scrutinized as we were two days before our booking date but still within the flex time scale.

DFDS at moment is best suited to us and our style of travel, route, destination and we usually book on line 10/14 days before sailing out (you rarely get as good a price less than 4/5 days before sailing)
Don't rule any others out, LD lines is part of DFDS and Newhaven/Dieppe can be same price as a Dover flexi but fewer sailings so not flexible but does cut a good bit of mileage if your going down that way...
We've done Newcastle/Ijmuiden (Amsterdam) and Hull (P&O)/Zeebrugee Rotterdam in the past but on the Bike, not so cost effective in car/camper ......
Harwich (Stena )/ Hook of Holand is worth a look again dependent on time, fuel saved, where your going coming from etc
Hunt out discount vouchers and back in the day because I had a commercial account at the time I used to get a volume discount (So if you know someone in the trade ?)....
Many moons ago when duty free was still on the go for going to France and I was based in the S. East... I had a frequent travelers card for the chunnel that I used to good effect ..... anyway I was told last year you could use Tesco's double up vouchers to offset the ticket on the chunnel (I can't confirm if this is still the case)

Our prepaid Euro debit cards have only been accepted in maned fuel stations in last couple yrs.
For some reason always refused at pay at pump, Even if it had worked at that pump before ???
It can be a pita especially if your needing to drive through the night or a Sunday to chase a boat.
We've rarely used the péage and not sure how the roof box would viewed on the van as regards this but as the dispatch/scudo etc is under 2m without box I'm lead to believe that tolls are as a car with luck someone may confirm or deny this ....
these things may not affect you but worth knowing in case.

Hope this is useful .... sorry if it's a little long winded

Cheers

Casper · 2015-12-27 18:17:26

Thanks Vaz most helpful. I normally cross at Newcastle but looking to take the dog away with us so i dont want to leave her in the van for 13 hours. We are crossing at Dover/Dunkirk (DFDS) buy may look into tunnel if they get the immigrant problem sorted as could do without the hassle and delays.
Sorry if i missed it but did you get charged extra for the roof box and how much? If they want silly money for the extra height then i will make up a quick release and chuck it in the van before i get on the boat (You can tell im tight)
As yet my van has no windows but i do have back doors with glass yet to fit and looking for N/S side door but may put a small port hole in the other side as that door will get closed and never used again. To keep them happy if they want to look i will have bench seats along the back doors and behind seats and O/S wall. Up the wall will be a fold down bed and storage along the top so with cushions and soft furnishings it will look the part. That side of things i am not fussed about, im more concerned if they ever check the reg with DVLA as it will still be a van. I am most likely being paranoid and never have bother but always better to ask before hand.

You talking about duty free. Another bonus is Dunkirk is not far from a good tobacco shop as the wife still smokes so we get her enough for the year when we go over. Normally we go to Route66 in south Luxembourg but may not have to go down that way. No doubt being an ex trucker you will know the shops but this is the one we are going to try

http://www.realtobacco.be/en/real-tobacco/shop-info

We also used to take the bike over but gave that up as less room for the duty free smile

vaz2121 · 2015-12-28 09:41:05

No I wasn't charged extra as such with DFDS, when on phone to them I said there was a roof box but it still came in under 2.35m overall height category I'd booked which I would still have paid same without box as van is over the 1.84m category I'm sure. I have since lowered the box height and like you I'm prepared to remove it if necessary...... I'm sure it's P&O want to know if you have and how higher or longer the car is with box, bike rack ... LD lines maybe as well can't remember off hand.....
After all these years worrying about trailer heights.... I really should know better and measure the van with and without box

Ive heard of .... but never had or made time to find route 66 even though 18 months ago we returned through Luxembourg to Arlon to get to Bastogne

I was going to say Head for Adinkerke but you've beat me too it now I see your link.
Normally I would've said head out Dunkirk on the old corridor to Adinkerke as as soon as you cross border there's a petrol station, cafe, and round back a wooden shed selling booze/ fags ... But nowadays

As the docks outside Dunkirk and it's easier NOT to go through middle any more So.....
(just off roundabout to your left last one 5th I think ...... just before you reach the M-way.... Pidou wine/beer cash N carry .....A bit like Eastenders at Calais was just not as big)
Anyway
Get off boat head out to A16 /E40 head east look out for J.65 Ghyvelde/Hondschoot (or something it's about 15/no more than 20 mls from Dunkirk) the slip road curves right back on it's self and down to roundabout .... Take first exit it's the one that goes through a (wrinkly tin ?) tunnel under M-way.......head right into and straight through village/town all the way to the far end... crossroads at the canal you need to stop here.... (There's a Carrefour supermarket 100yrd over canal if needs) ..... but turn right this side of canal this is where the old corridor customs offices were/still are (wide road,lots parking bays).... carry on for Adinkerke but about half way along is the old petrol station I mentioned...... It's been tarted up in the last ten yrs Jeess it was rough (was an Eastenders at one time) place seems bigger than I remember, sells booze, fags, chocs.... (L'Auberge)... can't miss it>has TABAC written across roof... this is where we've tended to get our first and last fill of fuel of late ... It has pay at pump but take your card inside first if it's like mine (used to work on p@p here and the carrefour along the road but no more) just remember it closes at 22.00hrs ... there is another station in Adinkerke but Ive always found this one easier in/out and usually cheaper ....Then head into town..... we normally head for real tobacco XL (it's the one with bluesbrothers out side)
If it's your first time in Adinkerke, if you have time walk/drive up N down and check them all out it's good fun checking out the bong's/hubba bubba's etc paraphernalia...... OOOOHHHHH angel
Prices are much of a muchness it's the offers to temp you in (you'll soon get the gist and your fav shop)

There's not nearly as many wine /Tabacco shops as before they used to be dotted all the way along and around the roads and up back streets .... but still lots mostly on main drag beside canal however look up some of the side streets there are still a good few tucked away....... there is now a 22.00hrs/10.00pm curfew as things got rowdy/noisy and local couldn't sleep when it was 24/7

so if you late off the boat ... after 22.00hrs "not shops are open till then" ... Take the road one junction off M-way after Adinkerke not Ghyvelde that would be 2 then.... 10mls from Adinkerke.... 3mls off m-way if that... should be N8 for Ypres it's a/was a truck stop/ cafe/ pub from what I recall....." Tabacco warehouse" it's open 24hrs no fuel as I remember ...
In fact I think it could be in your website link as they seemed to have taken on a few stores around the town........

I/we have friends in Fallingbostal and Arnsberg Germany .... the Arnsberg friends were heading over here for a wee Xmas N new year tour of Scotland ...... On Christmas eve they were turned away at Dunkirk with their camper because the Dog's passport was not up to date or some such problem !!

I must admit I did become a fan of the chunnel not so much at first but when an away day return was between £15 & £20 max my mate and I were going out almost fortnightly and not just to Adinkerke.......cite europe at Calais Coquelles was a favorite especially with the girls.... my partner and stopped in there last year and got lost with all the new sh*8 they've built around it

All this talk's started to give me itchy feet........... Cheers

Casper · 2015-12-28 16:38:26

I was quite happy to go back to Rout66 (Windhof) but as we were so close i thought would may as well try another and save us going so far south. Reason we go over is i have a friend who lives in south Holland (Linne) so we visit him and go to a two day bike rally slightly further north (Gemert) I have never seen so many patch clubs at the same place with no trouble. Next ear will be the sixth year of going to this event and seen one scuffle what was two drinks giving it handbags at dawn type of thing. It was actually quite funny to watch.
Two years ago we decided to add a few days and see more to head down to Cochem for a couple of days. Made the mistake of visiting Trier for a night. What a dump so last year we did Vianden in Luxembourg quick scoot down to Route66 and over to Cochem for a couple of days before heading north for the bike party.
Last year it was sore getting out our sleeping bags in the tents i decided at only 52 i was getting to old to camp so decided on this van build so more comfort. Ill run with it for a couple of years and if we enjoy the van then look into something larger. Its also handy for here as the wife has never been any further north than Oban. Having the dog kind of stopped us going up for the weekend due to B&B restrictions so now we can just go.

BTW. Have i joined this forum just as its about to die off as you seem to be the only other person who posts anything.

vaz2121 · 2015-12-30 10:38:52

I would say windhof is probably cheaper but not just to go specifically 4hrs detour just for fags........Arlon used to be good for diesel back in the day before the M-way was fully connected........... Like wise we're already talking something little larger... only from point of view that smaller vans you tend to spend more time outside and if the weather is really crap like it has been for the last few months......... well in saying that one of the first things we did a week or two after getting van was take a 10 day trip going up east coast, about 5 nights on Orkney, across the top and down the west coast....even had a day on Skye...........It was a bit of a learning curve but got into a rhythm very quickly and discovered the cons on really bad weather days,however we had a great time, only spent one night on a camp site.... only because we wanted the washing machine, tumble dryer facilities..... I wouldn't want to go much bigger ......... lets face it everything is a compromise with cost, fuel consumption, cant get in supermarket car park......... etc

I've got 5 more yrs on you and yes I'm too fat, sore getting, rolling about on the ground in a wee tent... but I'm not giving up my bike, it always was a boys week or W/end away thing............ The vans brilliant for over here.... Initial inspiration was for traveling to her fathers but has opened a whole new W/end spur of the moment thing even if we only drive 50 mls up the road .....we've still to get to her fathers with it yet although we went over to Belgium for the week back in late Oct only because I had to go down to Brighton and thought nearly there anyway, but circumstances brought us back couple days early............... If you haven't been too on Bike or van yet I recommend going over "The Pass of the Cattle" on to the Applecross Peninsular ......... park down the harbour bit or head round the bay and park just off the beach... great for the dog to run about too

The forum is really not that old ....couple years?, but I don't think it's quite gathered the momentum... these vans tend to be vans and not many get converted certainly not over here unlike the VW variety that have acquired a cool mythical like status, so although there's plenty out there, they tend to be looked upon as some form of French Filth and mostly get dogged to death with not a lot of consideration, like Citroen H vans only really became cool at the end of there 35 yr production life I believe because what replaced it was ...So Ordinary/Normal .... So you may be right about the forum...............

Casper · 2015-12-31 19:45:31

So what is your bike? I like my old 80's retro stuff. Just sold my old GPz750A to get the van but may get a Zephyr next time.

I am yet to go to Applecross. Last time i was up that way i went to Plockton as i wanted to see where Hamish Macbeth was filmed smile I did do a pass with hairpins to go there. We had hired a house in Kyle 0f Lochalsh so went over to Sky a lot also. Fantastic area what i know the wife will love.

vaz2121 · 2016-01-01 23:49:50

I like my retro muscle bikes too just like the stuff i had when I was but a kid... On occasion I played with bikes off road ( 87 to 04 had and abused a Honda ATC 200X trike) off N on since I'd got rid of my last road bike (Mortgages, kids, responsibilities) and realized (now divorced) when a few of my mates returned too and bought a bike or tarting up what was in the garage, what I'd been missing. So to ease me back into things after 25 yrs away I got to play with a ER5 and took a shine to the GSX 1400 a mate next-door bought, But got a fright at how much a decent twin shock muscle bike was and what I could get for my budget. I got wind of a fully boxed up ZR7 ready for Touring but was gone before I got there. I then went on the hunt for a gsx750 Inazuma (baby brother to GSX1400)
Before I found one I fell for this little 650 Bandit.
It's been a great wee bike, Actually hitting harder than its size would suggest, especially dragging my fat ar** and all the guff that's put on it.
I was going to on a few occasions trade up to a 1250 Bandit, XJ1300 or something more akin to the mostly touring I do. But we went and bought a RV125 Suzuki (which I love, why are wee bikes and cub 90's and the likes such a laugh ?) instead for my partner as she wanted her own bike to come out on so now I've had it for almost 8 yrs. But then after the guts of a years worth of medication and treatment for my partner a couple of yrs ago It became apparent that I'll have it a bit longer (I am quite attached to it). we got the van as the requirement is needed more for glamping if we are to be able to tour.

To wet you whistle this is looking back down the first part of crossing over the "Pass of the Cattle" (Photo doesn't do it justice)

One of the last Zephyr 1100s with spoke rims "very appealing" .....beggars can't be choosers A decent 1100 would suffice

correct me if I'm wrong but did the ZR7 I mentioned earlier not have the 750 zephyr engine in it?

And as if to redeem ourselves on this forum..........

It occurred to me if I called DFDS again and had the same conversation all over again about shipping the "camper" out Dover-Calais/Dunkirk

Am I likely to get the same advice/answers ?

Just been doing a sort of general ferry price search,........ as you do...... and it seems that " MYFERRYLINK" is no more and its boats have gone to DFDS.............. So it'll be a choice between DFDS and.................. DFDS then after all

cheers.............

Last edited by vaz2121 (2016-01-02 16:39:58)

Casper · 2016-01-03 23:25:14

Must admit i do have a soft spot for the bandit. I do prefer the older MK1. The 600 may be on the cards as i could get the 750 teapot engine cheap enough and slip that in. Europe got the 750 bandit. god knows why we never. If i get the zephyr it would be the 750 as i always fount the 1100 a lardy bus that did not handle to well. TBH i have never seen the need for much larger. How fast do you need to go? I have took 750's over most of Europe with no space or comfort issues. Think the only bike i would get that is larger would be the 900 divvy or something from the BMW GS range as they all make great tourers. The divvy can do 100k in its stride and a good one with luggage can be had for £1500. Yes the zephyr, ZR7 and GPz750 all used the same engine. Only covered and cams differed. The GPz A2-5 had the most power by about 10bhp.

You talking ferry i was expecting to use DFDS. Could be tunnel but swaying to boat. If i dont take the dog then P&O from Hull will be getting my money as i fell the staff on some of the Newcastle crossings are bloody rude and the rack of tip jars on the bar boils my P**s. I feel the ticket is dear enough withought the staff begging. P&O last time i used them had better food and beer.

vaz2121 · 2016-01-04 07:16:39

I've a mate who swears by early bandits mostly B12's though but complains of fuel consumption........ cant have it always..... An 1100 Zephyr is as as close a Z1 / Z900
what I used to wet myself over as a boy... As I said little Bandit does the Biz only complaint is A little buzzy for touring you get used to it, but could do with a few less revs, they actually steer the latest Bandits .......Sorry GSX650F/GSX1250F towards a touring ilk ... I've threatened to see if a different sprocket would work just never got round to it
Mine is a transition model... only produced for two yrs last of the GSXR oil cooled derived engines but sort current styled ish water cooled version.
Next-doors boy ran a 600 teapot.. lad in town a 750 teapot... I think there under rated bikes a bit what the ER5 and ZR7 get when I mention them
I have felt for a long time that a 750 is probably most versatile capacity..... I was considering a GS as a couple of the guys I frequent with have GS/RT's and I'm tempted but bit tractor like for the money....... A friend of 40yrs has a GS it has had a mountain of work done to in over last 5 yrs although he's done half as much mileage again as Ive have but it has made me hesitate/wary ....... He and I have gone to Stafford motorcycle in Oct for last 4 or more yrs and it must be an age thing ..... I've started looking in things like Enfields, Urals with a powered chair, Plastic Maggots !!. Stuff I wouldn't really have payed attention to before..... BTW if you haven't been yet A wee stop over with van to National Motorcycle Museum (same junction as B/ham airport/NEC if I remember) for the day is worth it........

I agree with you but there's many a rude boat per-say crossing channel, luck on the crew really.... did Hull - Zeebugge took car on there once also..... I wouldn't say any less ticket price though to N/castle, what we did with car was take rations in a cool box save pricey cafe but did give ourselves a little treat on return in restaurant.....

Be couple years ago LD lines ran a boat from Poole to Santander/Gijón ..... under £90 one way with bike..... canceled the route before I got to use it and was attractive enough to consider car/camper

Plymouth/Portsmouth - Santander/Bilbao/Gijón ... looked often enough, Was on the freight boat once to go but it broke down in Plymouth harbour and I was kicked off,
anyway didn't fancy that sailing it was stormy in the bay of biscay and I've already got a mortgage never mind a second for a ticket

portsmouth - Caen/Le Harve are good sailings (7/8hrs) but about as dear as Hull boat

Newhaven - Dieppe was last time I was on (4/5hrs)(wasn't yesterday) a bit of a tub and a little as you put it Newcastle ish

If you can get the deal..... go chunnel..... if your getting the weather go boat...... although that goes for little...second week Sept 13 .....19.30 sailing , departed 22.30 .... I think after we fueled up on outskirts of Calais it was all but 3.AM before heading for Rouen

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#1 2015-12-27 08:30:39

Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#2 2015-12-27 18:17:26

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#3 2015-12-28 09:41:05

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#4 2015-12-28 16:38:26

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#5 2015-12-30 10:38:52

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#6 2015-12-31 19:45:31

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#7 2016-01-01 23:49:50

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#8 2016-01-03 23:25:14

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

#9 2016-01-04 07:16:39

Re: Ferries (In reply to Casper)

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