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Subject Topic: Caravans on Ferries Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonGeoff917
20/8/2015 at 3:58pm
 Location: None Entered
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Hi,

I've never taken a caravan on a ferry before so just a quick question:
Do I leave the caravan attached to the car, and if so do I apply the handbrake on the caravan. Or do I have to wind the legs down.

If it's attached won't that create tension/pressure on the towbar/coupling if the crossing's a bit choppy. But then if unattached, would the caravan be stable if things are a bit rough?

I'm sure I'm just a newbie that's worrying unnecessarily.


Hoping that the crossing will be smooth, but you never know in the Bay of Biscay.




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Personsunshinetours
20/8/2015 at 4:03pm
 Location: sunny south east!
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Firstly stop worrying its easy and fine!

Leave attached and upto you if you apply handbrake - I do but others don't. Certainly no need to wind down legs

Your hitch and tow ball are designed to cope with movement as they experience it on the road all the time

I would personally remove towing mirrors and leave inside the car to prevent damage or theft

Take your time over bumps and just follow others and guidance from the loaders. hold back a little bit when you first get on ferry as they may want you in a different lane to car in front.

Most importnatly enjoy!


Personcheckley1973
20/8/2015 at 10:15pm
 Location: Sheffield
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I always unplug the elec too if overnight ferry. Atc etc will be running off car battery all night otherwise.


PersonLlaniDavis
20/8/2015 at 10:57pm
 Location: Llanidloes Powys
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Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 20/8/2015
I always unplug the elec too if overnight ferry. Atc etc will be running off car battery all night otherwise.


If your ignition is turned off then the ATC, etc, will not be active.


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Personbofs
20/8/2015 at 11:12pm
 Location: Cumbria
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Be sure to note which level you are on and which stairway you use so you can find the car/van again! Also deactivate your alarm.
Otherwise I second the advice from sunshine tours above.
When you get back to the van remember to disengage the handbrake and reconnect the electric cable (we always disconnect it - just in case!).


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Personbellringer18
21/8/2015 at 12:01am
 Location: Pocklington near york
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After 17yrs of using ferries, we just park look car doors and go.


PersonVal A
21/8/2015 at 5:53am
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You are supposed to turn off your gas supply too, whilst on a ferry.

To keep your fridge cold fill all empty spaces with cartons from those multi-packs of orange juice, frozen. You can drink them when they thaw but they will keep everything in your fridge nice and cold.


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PersonSGThomas
21/8/2015 at 7:58am
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We only use the short Channel crossings and like Bellringer,just park the car, look the doors and leave.

On our return,we have always found that the caravan is where we left it.


PersonBerriow
21/8/2015 at 8:40am
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Someone once asked whether it was necessary to put wheel clamps on the caravan when they left it on a ferry, as their insurance said they must whenever it was left unattended


PersonVal A
21/8/2015 at 8:46am
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Quote: Originally posted by Berriow on 21/8/2015
Someone once asked whether it was necessary to put wheel clamps on the caravan when they left it on a ferry, as their insurance said they must whenever it was left unattended


And I've seen people putting a wheel clamp on! I think it's more common than you think.



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