Fantastic video of what to expect, I no longer have the apprehension of what to do to get on a ferry, thank you for taking the time to upload such a good instructional and informative video, I will now try Europe with the MH.
Very informative, thank you. hopefully we will be exploring the west coast of Scotland next year, but after that who knows! I've been on DFDS ferries to Amsterdam for a weekend and really enjoyed it. x
NICE caravan. I have to say it's nice to see someone towing with a vehicle that's actually up to the job. I've seen too many old codgers towing an oversized caravan with an underpowered saloon (1.5 Kia or similar)
I know its a few years since this was done but very informative and yes people are worried about the travel. I have thought about doing a similar video myself having just booked for this year. Once on the roads on the continent you generally find driving is easier and more relaxed than the UK, slip roads and roundabouts entrees are so much bigger.
+Steve Haresign Indeed, Steve. It does need updating. However, I've not taken the caravan on a Dover Ferry since I had the dog, due to the lack of pet-friendly lounges upstairs (like there are on Caledonian MacBrayne, Wightlink, and Britanny Ferries). I now go by Eurotunnel as it is far more dog-friendly. So I hand you the baton... :)
Hi Andrew, we did this trip a few years ago when we took our caravan to France, 1st time it was nerve-wracking but surprisingly simple,the holiday itself ended badly car broke down and we had to be towed firstly to calais then from Dover to Ashford, where we had to leave the caravan and car and through our insurence hired a car to take us home up to Yorkshire,nightmare!!
Like you say Alan - nightmare! Same happened to us in 1979 when heading down to Spain with our 1969 Thomson - broke down in Auxerre but we had to come back in a hired Morris Marina then go as foot passengers on the ferry with our stuff in awning bags. It was pretty grim - but all character building!
Thanks Simon! Yes, the A20 is a mess and the approach to the port has changed beyond recognition now, hasn't it? I hope to do a 2016 version in the summer, but I lament the passing of the MyFerryLink motorbike daytrip for £14.50, now DFDS want £50 for the same thing... :-/
With the carrier from Portsmouth the details are on the Ticket when you recieve it and when you arrive at check in you are given a sticker for the vehicle window, and marshalled to one side prior to loading at the front.
Very informative and some of the caravanners might try to do UK to Denmark Ferry which usually carries Lorries that are registered in Sweden Denmark & Norway the Scandinavian countries.
I’m looking forward to going abroad next year for an adventure but looking to purchase my first van conversion or motorhome, not sure which yet🤔 many months of research to do. I saw a sun living van at the NEC the other week and was quite impressed but I was then suddenly drawn to the Hymer stand and saw the MLT 570 which was gorgeous😍 I then passed out when I saw the price😂 I’ve watched your review of the Sun living van which was very informative and I’ve scribbled on a bit of paper your comments. I saw your video about the Düsseldorf show you visited. Which show would you go to to get the widest view of van conversions, motorhomes etc NEC October (the February one was to small) Stuttgart or Düsseldorf? Many thanks, Nick
Without question Nick, Düsseldorf. It makes the NEC look like a village hall. Otherwise the NEC in shows in both October and February are about the same for Van Conversions - there are more caravans and mohos in October which makes it the bigger show.
Hi Andrew! Love your videos. On the ferry, do you have to leave Dougal in the caravan? I’m concerned about taking a night ferry and having to leave my dog for hours.
If you do require to be near a lift waiting until you are about to embark will be too late as places will have been allocated as they are usually at a premium, do it when you book.
Indeed! Also it is worth mentioning when you check in as well if you need the lift. People requiring the lift are normally marshalled into a separate lane shoreside.
Fantastic video of what to expect, I no longer have the apprehension of what to do to get on a ferry, thank you for taking the time to upload such a good instructional and informative video, I will now try Europe with the MH.
I really enjoy watching your videos. I'm looking forward to the day when I bring home my own Airstream travel trailer.
Thankyou Mr Ditton. Very helpful.
Ty so much for that very well produced and informative taking our first Euro caravan trip early next year ty again
+nova world1 (novaworld1) Thanks! There is an updated (December 2016) version here: th-cam.com/video/74VnHW4gzrs/w-d-xo.html
Very informative, thank you. hopefully we will be exploring the west coast of Scotland next year, but after that who knows! I've been on DFDS ferries to Amsterdam for a weekend and really enjoyed it. x
NICE caravan.
I have to say it's nice to see someone towing with a vehicle that's actually up to the job. I've seen too many old codgers towing an oversized caravan with an underpowered saloon (1.5 Kia or similar)
Excellent video! Thank you!
@moloney62 You're more than welcome, have a great trip!
Crystal clear instructional video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. :o)
I know its a few years since this was done but very informative and yes people are worried about the travel.
I have thought about doing a similar video myself having just booked for this year.
Once on the roads on the continent you generally find driving is easier and more relaxed than the UK, slip roads and roundabouts entrees are so much bigger.
+Steve Haresign Indeed, Steve. It does need updating. However, I've not taken the caravan on a Dover Ferry since I had the dog, due to the lack of pet-friendly lounges upstairs (like there are on Caledonian MacBrayne, Wightlink, and Britanny Ferries). I now go by Eurotunnel as it is far more dog-friendly. So I hand you the baton... :)
Great video, now i know what to expect being a first timer, Thanks
Excellent video. We are new to caravanning and keep wondering if a trip to the South of France may be within our experience!
Hi Andrew, we did this trip a few years ago when we took our caravan to France, 1st time it was nerve-wracking but surprisingly simple,the holiday itself ended badly car broke down and we had to be towed firstly to calais then from Dover to Ashford, where we had to leave the caravan and car and through our insurence hired a car to take us home up to Yorkshire,nightmare!!
Like you say Alan - nightmare! Same happened to us in 1979 when heading down to Spain with our 1969 Thomson - broke down in Auxerre but we had to come back in a hired Morris Marina then go as foot passengers on the ferry with our stuff in awning bags. It was pretty grim - but all character building!
So nicely presented and very informative. The approach road is slightly different, but this is still relevant.
Thanks Simon! Yes, the A20 is a mess and the approach to the port has changed beyond recognition now, hasn't it? I hope to do a 2016 version in the summer, but I lament the passing of the MyFerryLink motorbike daytrip for £14.50, now DFDS want £50 for the same thing... :-/
With the carrier from Portsmouth the details are on the Ticket when you recieve it and when you arrive at check in you are given a sticker for the vehicle window, and marshalled to one side prior to loading at the front.
Thanks for the info!
brilliant !!!
Thanks! As with all things caravanning, it's not so much a case of 'Why?' but 'Why not?'. Enjoy the South of France adventure :)
Remember my 1st solo ferry trip like it was yesterday (Because it was only last year). LOL.
Very informative and some of the caravanners might try to do UK to Denmark Ferry which usually carries Lorries that are registered in Sweden Denmark & Norway the Scandinavian countries.
Very good
I’m looking forward to going abroad next year for an adventure but looking to purchase my first van conversion or motorhome, not sure which yet🤔 many months of research to do. I saw a sun living van at the NEC the other week and was quite impressed but I was then suddenly drawn to the Hymer stand and saw the MLT 570 which was gorgeous😍 I then passed out when I saw the price😂 I’ve watched your review of the Sun living van which was very informative and I’ve scribbled on a bit of paper your comments. I saw your video about the Düsseldorf show you visited. Which show would you go to to get the widest view of van conversions, motorhomes etc NEC October (the February one was to small) Stuttgart or Düsseldorf? Many thanks, Nick
Without question Nick, Düsseldorf. It makes the NEC look like a village hall. Otherwise the NEC in shows in both October and February are about the same for Van Conversions - there are more caravans and mohos in October which makes it the bigger show.
Hi Andrew! Love your videos. On the ferry, do you have to leave Dougal in the caravan? I’m concerned about taking a night ferry and having to leave my dog for hours.
If you do require to be near a lift waiting until you are about to embark will be too late as places will have been allocated as they are usually at a premium, do it when you book.
Indeed! Also it is worth mentioning when you check in as well if you need the lift. People requiring the lift are normally marshalled into a separate lane shoreside.
Do caravaner's need this film. Just get in your car with your van and just GO. If you are not that confidant should you be driving.