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I am in the process of researching motorhomes having had tents, folding camper, Toyota caravanette and currently a caravan.

I have never taken any of the above abroad but will very soon hopefully have the time and think that a motorhome would be the way forward.

What is the magic(in the words of some) of being able to stay under 6 metres in length and under 3500kg plate weight? How much difference would it make to me when going continental.

Thanks for the reply. I am aware of the licence restrictions which don't affect either of us as tests were passed more years ago than I dare think about.

I seem to remember reading something somewhere about certain countries treating you as an HGV if you were over 3500kgs which made a big difference on things like toll roads and restricted access to other places and roads.

As far as length goes is it worth making getting a van under 6 metres a priority for the differences in ferry prices of which I have not got a clue. I have seen adverts from manufacturers stating "AND ALL THIS IN UNDER 6 METRES".

It looks as if I have been reading some out of date stuff and listening to some dealers that should have been put out to grass. So I will not pay much more attention to the length of the motorhome as long as we both feel comfotable controlling it.

That however still leaves the weight problem under 3500 or not, what are the pros and cons?

Thanks in advance folks even if my wife always says that I research things to death.

If you are planning on using the Aires in France it is unusual for the bays to be able to accommodate more than a 7m vehicle.

This then begs the question if one has a tag axle/twin rear wheeler - should you occupy two bays (in length)

I have noticed, and it is also pointed out in the book "All the Aires-France by Vicarious Publications" that it is unusual for a Continental van to be more than 7m in length.

As "Blongs" pointed out, the rules were changed in 1997. If you took your test prior to that date then you should be able to drive a vehicle over 3.5T and not exceeding 7.5T. This will keep you well within the limit for everything except some of the very large American or German vehicles

Hi Ken

Cant really help you but if its ok on here to suggest another website try motorhomefun you will get loads of info from the guys on there.

Gerry

Going onwhat else I have found out it seems that it would not make so much difference on the ferries to worry about lengthwise.

As far as the weight goes I think I was getting confused between weight and having a tag axle. I think having a tag axle causes problems on some toll roads in some countries where you are treated as an HGV.

Thanks for the input folks.

We changed up from a motorhome just under 6 metres last year to 6.3 metres.  So far it hasn't been a problem and the advantage of extra living space far outweighs the disadvantage of higher ferry fares.  You can find out by going through the process of booking ferries online on various routes, entering various lengths and see what the quotes come out at.  Being under 7 metres, we can still go on Brittany Ferries fast service, but only just, with the bikes on the back.  I think you'll find that going over 3500 k weight would restrict you in other ways as well as going on ferries.  In most countries there are different motoring regulations for vehicles over 3500 K.