Seeing so many of you are travelling in Europe and not having towed before, how easy is to tow and park on the ferries. It is something that I would like to do but not sure if it's and easy task and wonder if it would be best to get experience towing first or if it is easy.

It's fairly straightforward, but it's only natural that you get a bit nervous the first time. Most important is to take it steadily and allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front, especially going up the ramp.

There's always a ramp, but how steep it is depends on the state of the tide and which deck you're going on. Basically, you follow the vehicle in front ( the queue will just be for caravans and motorhomes) up the ramp and on board. Once you arrive on the deck, there is a guy who directs you towards your parking space, and when you get there another deckhand will help you to edge forward the final couple of feet.

I usually engage first gear as well as the handbrake, and put the caravan brake on too. Then it's off for to the passenger deck for a meal and a snooze.

Once you've boarded a couple of times, you're entitled to use the swagger of the frequent traveller!!

Keith

I take it you hav'nt been chained down then? We have quite a few times either from Dover to Calais or vice versa, and I've also experienced it from Stranraer to Larne

We came home once from Germany and spent 5.5 hrs crossing Calais to Dover as it was a bit lumpy, we got outside Dover harbour and the Ships Driver said "I'm just going to switch of the stabiliser as we enter the confines of Dover harbour" and he must have flicked a switch as people were moving really quickly upwards, sideways and back down those with trays of food had to go back around for "freebies" as the first lot was either on the floor or the walls. We had waves crashing over the top of the cafe, which was located to the front and very high up.

We also used to use the Hovercraft regularly which was brilliant, noisy but fun

Quote: Aaron Calder wrote in post #5

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Why not use the Tunnel? You drive straight into a railway carriage and 35 minutes after departure you are in France.

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Like Keith above states leave a good gap between the car in front on the ramp. The car in front might be a Touran like ours - light at the front end and struggling for grip.

Thanks for the replies, I was asking as I haven't yet got an Eriba but was considering going to holland in 2015 and buying there, having a holiday and then bringing it back. However being new to towing I was wondering if it was a bit daunting as I haven't driven in Europe for 20 years and the last time I cycled there and left the car in harwich. I thought to combine the purchase with an adventure plus make a little saving and have more choice.

Thanks all, I am having a little confidence from the reports, so will go for it when the right one comes up in the spring time and look forward to my little holdiay. I di do a caravan club towing at the NEC and although worried before getting in the driving seat and found it a dawdle when going out on the roads around the NEC.

I'd rather drive or tow on Continental roads than anywhere in the UK ! So don't worry about it, just take care ! Ferry loading/unloading shouldn't present any difficulty, just don't rush and do as instructed by the loading staff

Four-five years ago we saw a couple going Portsmouth-Caen obviously newbies and not afraid to show it! In the back window was a 2ft square red and white 'L' sign and a HUGE one taped to the front of their Touran!

They obviously attracted lots of interest and assistance from the docking crew, and we waited to see them turned and parked, to applause from the crew. Very heartening, I wish I had had the guts to do it the first time I 'ferried', I was in a muck sweat from the moment I joined the queue....

Doug

It's a snug fit at times! Except for Eribas, of course ;) On board Brittany Ferries 'Normandie' en-route to Caen. Always lots of ferry staff to wave you into position and on Brittany Ferries as soon as you pull the handbrake on, a helpful female will appear to hand you a card with deck number and stairway letter. On longer crossings, make sure you lock the car in a way that disables the motion sensor, otherwise the crew will be serenaded by the alarm :0

Also, as KeithDM has done - "FOLD IN YOUR MIRRORS -especially with the extensions on ! Space is tight with passengers pushing past !