The UK certainly has a lot to offer motorhome travellers – but despite this, it’s only a fraction of what is available to anyone who ventures across the Channel into continental Europe.
Travelling in Europe by motorhome is a fantastic experience. Whatever you like seeing and doing and wherever you want to stay, it’s great! Of course, to get you and your motorhome into Europe, you need to take a ferry (or the train) across the channel.
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Booking your motorhome onto a ferry and travelling by ferry is generally simplicity itself – as long as you do it right. The main area where problems can arise is if you do not specify the correct dimensions for your motorhome or campervan when making your ferry reservation.
These are the measurements you will need in order to make a ferry booking for your motorhome:
Overall length
This is essential and must include towbars, bike racks and any other fixtures that affect the length of your vehicle.
If you underestimate your length, you will be charged a per-metre surcharge when checking in at the ferry port.
Overall height
It’s always important to know the overall height of your motorhome and you will probably need it when booking a ferry.
Make sure you include the height of any roof racks, roof boxes, satellite dishes, etc. that are on the roof of your motorhome.
Overall width
Knowing your width is generally less important as it is fairly standard on vans and motorhomes, so the ferry companies know what to expect. However, it is useful to know, especially with coachbuilt motorhomes where the body is much wider than the cab.
Trailers
If towing a trailer behind your motorhome, you should know the total combination length – i.e. the total length of your motorhome and trailer with the trailer hitched up in running order.
If your trailer is higher than your motorhome, you will also need to know the height of your trailer and will need to use this as your overall height when making your booking.
