Europe first timers (1 Viewer)

[Andyrpm]

We are taking our Adria Twin (Brian) plus two cocker spaniels (Ruby & Stan) over the water for the first time next month travelling through France, Spain and maybe Portugal. Rules regarding the canine crew members are all sorted but we have so many questions on touring abroad with a motorhome that I'm hoping you can assist us with.
Firstly, our van is 5.9 metres plus a bike rack so do we still qualify as under 6 metres for the ferry crossing? Second, apart from the 'Driving in Europe' kit that you have to have for cars, (warning triangle, hi vis jacket, headlight deflectors etc), is there any other legal requirement specifically for a motorhome? I have seen a warning notice on some bike racks for example.
Then there's the gas issue. We have a 13 and 6 litre bottle in the gas locker. Will that last 3-4 weeks? And lastly, I know we have a weight limit but how do we know if we're overweight?
Any help from Europe veterans greatly appreciated.

 

[Camdoon]

Firstly, our van is 5.9 metres plus a bike rack so do we still qualify as under 6 metres for the ferry crossing?

No you have to include the bikes in the length.

Second, apart from the 'Driving in Europe' kit that you have to have for cars, (warning triangle, hi vis jacket, headlight deflectors etc), is there any other legal requirement specifically for a motorhome? I have seen a warning notice on some bike racks for example.

In Spain you need a warning plate on the bike rack.

Then there's the gas issue. We have a 13 and 6 litre bottle in the gas locker. Will that last 3-4 weeks?

How long is a piece of string. Depends on the whether you are using it for heating and temperature you want to maintain. Everyone's use is different.

And lastly, I know we have a weight limit but how do we know if we're overweight?

There are weighing stations for vehicles throughout the country (or as you can read elsewhere many folk do this on a wing and a prayer).

 

[FIDGET]

Hi, I expect they will charge if over the 6mtr overall length ( they do on our local ferries to the Isle of Wight)
As to bike boards at the back,I'm sure they are a legal requirement ,I use the plastic one.
Gas ,you may get by but if it's cold it willbe very tight.
we use during june about 10kg of gas for 3 weeks, but do all our cooking on gas but very little heating.
Weighing the van can be done at any local weigh bridge
I use our local refuse tip , as they weigh vehicles in & out .
Hope this helps
Terry

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[funflair]

Might be worth thinking about investing in a refillable gas system.

Martin

 

[Alistair33]

I some countries, Spain included I think, you need to carry a high viz vest per passenger and they they need to be accessible to you before exiting the vehicle. Also you need two warning triangles... again Spain I think.

Portugal you need to carry I’d at all times

 

[Ivory55]

I know a couple who put their bikes inside for the ferry to get under the 6m length then put them on the rack once off of the ferry.

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[Alistair33]

We have two 16kg bottles and through the warmer months, they lasted 6 - 10 weeks, cooking bathing, so perhaps for 3- 4 will be ok, as previously mentioned, depending on how hot you like it

 

[tonka]

You say next month ie February..
Just be aware that France is as cold as the UK and Central France can be very cold...
Campsites generally wont be open and if you use aires most will have the water turned off.

Lots of advise here from seasoned travellers but you may be best to break down the questions to a couple at a time.
Make a list of things your uncertain of, search the forum first then if no answer ask a few questions.. You'll soon get the info.
If it was me I would head straight down and into Spain. You need to be Valencia and south of there for the better weather.

Safe trip..

 

[Theonlysue]

You might have to put your high viz over your seats. If you have to use them, out them on before you exit the van.
I'm sure I read somewhere they should be visible from outside the van.

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[chaser]

Just a small one the tunnel doesn't charge anymore however long you are, so might bring the fare more in line with ferry

 

[chaser]

We are taking our Adria Twin (Brian) plus two cocker spaniels (Ruby & Stan) over the water for the first time next month travelling through France, Spain and maybe Portugal. Rules regarding the canine crew members are all sorted but we have so many questions on touring abroad with a motorhome that I'm hoping you can assist us with.
Firstly, our van is 5.9 metres plus a bike rack so do we still qualify as under 6 metres for the ferry crossing? Second, apart from the 'Driving in Europe' kit that you have to have for cars, (warning triangle, hi vis jacket, headlight deflectors etc), is there any other legal requirement specifically for a motorhome? I have seen a warning notice on some bike racks for example.
Then there's the gas issue. We have a 13 and 6 litre bottle in the gas locker. Will that last 3-4 weeks? And lastly, I know we have a weight limit but how do we know if we're overweight?
Any help from Europe veterans greatly appreciated.

As to gas we went for five weeks last year with two 6 kg bottles and came back with the second one half full, but obviously that wasn't in February, no need for heaters.

 

[dalspa]

It’s likely to be chilly/cold in the interior of France (and Spain) so some heating is going to be needed, therefore your gas is going to be stretched. We have always taken a Le Cube (6kg) bottle to France, initially as our main bottle and our UK bottle as a reserve. Then when we got a single Gaslow refillable bottle , the Le Cube was taken as a reserve + bbq. Depending on your itinerary, and the weather, you may be struggling in your fourth week. The further south you go, it is likely to be warmer but still chilly/cold (less so on the coast) so heating requirement will be less. Obviously, when travelling during the day, then you would have the van heating on.
Do not be panicked into buying the breatherliser kits on the ferry as they are a rip-off price. As the law stands, I understand, if you have out of date ones then you can be fined (11€?) but if you do not have any then they can’t fine you!
You will be surprised how empty the roads are (compared to here), and how easy the driving is. Lots to see. Enjoy your trip.
David.

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[Alistair33]

Currently Portugal Algarve coast ...... we are using heating in the evenings and mornings, average 8c overnight and high teens during the day

 

[Parrot Face]

Try Camping Javea in Spain. Theres a couple there every year at this time with 3 Cockers. Just enjoy it.

 

[Khizzie]

Brittany ferries booking site asks the length of the van and if you have a cycle rack.you dont need to include the rack in the length of van ..it is added automatical!y when you tick the box .

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[mfw]

I have refillable and this time of year i can use 11kg of gas in under 10 days but i top up every 4 or 5 days when i get fuel

 

[PhilandMena]

You may find these route recommendations helpful.. Safe Travels.

Firstly, routes and route maps for France and Spain. This first link is an award winning database about France. It’s big and with a host of information on best routes to many locations. I have selected the famous N10 route from Calais to Irun which is used by many motorhomes when travelling to Spain. It’s almost Toll free (more on that a little later) and almost all duel carriageway from start to finish with the exception of about 100 K. This route is great for motorhomes small, medium and large. Note: (HGV’s are not allowed on French roads, Sunday’s, so plan your journey over a weekend if possible).

https://about-france.com/tourism/no-tolls-routes.htm

Tolls: We avoid the toll road from Calais to Abbeville and save 12.50 Euros. The non-toll route is quite scenic and fairly straight forward, between Boulogne-sur-Mer and Abbeville. (Total toll cost for a class 2 motorhome. (Calais – Irun €130.0).

At Abbeville, join the A28 and cross the river Sein at Rouen. We take the second exit immediately after crossing the bridge (about 50 m past the first exit at the end of the bridge), swing down and under the bridge you have just crossed and continue on this road and join the A13 motorway until the N154 which takes you down to Evreux. (Note: there are a number of different options for getting through Rouen and no doubt other members will have their own preferences. We find this very straight forward on both outward and return legs). Approaching Tours on the D910 join the A10 toll road at Jct. 19 and exit at Jct. 23. This will take you through the city via the toll road, (about 1.80 euros). At Jct. 23 take the exit lane for Montbazon which returns you to the D910. (Reverse for the return leg). That’s the last toll to pay until you hit the bottom of the A63 after Bordeaux. (€2.80, 3.50 & 2.60. All Class 2)

To save toll fares on the A63 south of Bordeaux please read the route recommendations in the above link. Do not come off the A63 near the bottom as all roads will be heavily congested and it’s worth paying the last few tolls. (Fuel costs approx. €145.70. (Based on 1056 K @10K per Ltr. @€1.38 per ltr. 3.5T motorhome)). This route is also recommended during winter, due to its proximity to the Atlantic ocean, which means little to no problems with ice and or snow, unlike using the A75 to cross the Massif Central. Although the A75 is quickly cleared, it is advisable to have winter tyres fitted and there may be some small delays due to snow ploughs clearing this route.

If heading to the Mediterranean side of Spain, it’s worth taking the N121-A to Pamplona after crossing the Spanish boarder on the A63 at Irun. It’s clearly sign posted (Large white sign) about 300 m after passing through the last toll booth and crossing the river. You will find more details in this link for the N121-A and how to navigate Spain toll free.

https://about-spain.net/travel/no-tolls.htm

If you decide to pay Tolls in order to save time getting to Spain, your best route options are in this link.

https://about-france.com/tourism/routes-to-spain.htm

Should you choose to plan your own routes anywhere in Europe and also establish Toll costs, (or toll free costs) use this link. Under route options, select caravan then select toll roads. Toll costs for a class 2 motorhome will be calculated for the whole journey. You can also choose Non toll routes and other options. This is currently one of the best online free route planers.

https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/

As for stop overs on routes, you can’t go wrong using the App below which is free but I would recommend getting the paid version for about £6.00 which you can then use off line. You will find numerous places to stop along the above route and I have deliberately not made any recommendations so drivers can make their own choices. This app is also brilliant for finding other places too and highly rated by many users.

https://www.campercontact.com/en/content/app

There is another popular app/website that is used which you may also find useful if you’re doing a lot of wilding and looking for free overnight stops. It too is used by many motor homers in Europe. Get the paid version to use off line for around £9.00

https://www.park4night.com/

Finally, probably the best off line maps ‘App’ and used by many. It also includes a sat-nav function which is quite good and can also be used off line. Again many motor homers use this, especially in Morocco.

Broken Link Removed

 

[gus-lopez]

My friend used 6kgs in less than 2 weeks on way here & that was just cooking & fridge as heating/water is diesel. Got the calor refilled here´.
As others have said weather is same as UK/worse at the moment with excessive rain /flooding in the north & snow in south.
Spain down to below Madrid still has snow.

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[Lenny HB]

In France and Spain if you use glasses for driving you need to carry a spare pair. Apart from Brittany Ferries I wouldn't worry about the extra length of the bikes just put down the van length.
As for gas, early and late summer we get through 14kg in 18-20 days.