Van over hang

[Jamwitt]

when boarding ferries is it a big problem with a over hang I’m thinking of bottoming out !

 

[Landy Andy]

You could fit semi air and compressor. I can raise the back of mine by over 4” using it.

 

[DavidG58]

I would say the bigger the ferry the less the problem, but the smaller the ferry the more they care and will look out for you and help, particularly Scottish island ferries

Then there is always the tunnel if you are crossing the channel

 

[Jamwitt]

You could fit semi air and compressor. I can raise the back of mine by over 4” using it.

Whats the cost of the compressor and who did you get to fit it
Thanks mark

 

[Landy Andy]

I bought the Glide rite system. I chose them as they have an approved system, just in case MOT laws tighten like Europe, it’s fitted to emergency vehicles, so must be ok, and has the best gauges, that done look like they’ve come out of a boat from the 60’s. Cost was £500 ish from memory.

I fitted the kit myself and was an easy install and took less than an easy day.

It raises the back quite a lot and we travel light. Vehicle wasn’t on its spring assisters, I just wanted to be able to lift my bum when required.

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[Steve N Tracy]

Unless you have changed the van since Newbury you have a 202 you don't have a overhang lol, but if your worried a old trick from our caravaning days approach the ramp at a slight angle so the wheels don't go on and off the same time it helps a bit.

 

[MichaelT]

When we were tuggers we went over to Corsica and the loaders on the ferry got us to drive up and out at 45 degrees so we did not bottom out, not always an option but it should help if possible.

 

[Korgrocker]

If you have a look at the Claonaig to Lochranza slipway (in Scotland - Kintyre to Arran), you'll see the groove I dug in it with my tow bar last summer

 

[PepnKook]

Got a Bailey 75-2, heard loads of people (non-owners?) saying that we would have issues, we'll bottom out on ferries, trains, campsites, roads etc etc, but so far have driven across forest trails in Scotland, fields in Warrington, festival campsites, adverse cambers (not least my drive) and so far so good. Bailey says lowest point is 150mm (yep, 15 cm) for our waste pipe, but so far so good. I think that most roads/obstacles you encounter in day to day travels will not present an issue, but maybe if you're traversing rutted fields or boarding landing craft, take a Hummer.

 

[ambulancekidd]

I bought the Glide rite system. I chose them as they have an approved system, just in case MOT laws tighten like Europe, it’s fitted to emergency vehicles

Quite right Andy, in my last 10yrs as a paramedic, all of our vehicles had Glide Rite & it was abused in ways it was never designed for but, it wore that abuse with ease.
All of the Sprinters & VW Transporters/Crafters had air suspension, so the first time I drove an ordinary Sprinter I was shocked at the difference, the ride was very poor without the Glide Rite.

Robert.

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[Barclaybasher]

The only problem I've ever had was in a car. It was so loaded it was on to its stops. Getting off the ferry was impossible the crew had to raise the loading ramp with a forklift so I could drive on then lowered it back down - they thought ot was funny anyway.....

 

[Jamwitt]

Unless you have changed the van since Newbury you have a 202 you don't have a overhang lol, but if your worried a old trick from our caravaning days approach the ramp at a slight angle so the wheels don't go on and off the same time it helps a bit.

Hi Steve changing van julie’s can’t get up to the drop down bed and the bathroom is is difficult to step up to and tight to move in

 

[Mr Beaumont]

I bottomed out on a small ferry up the West coast of Scotland last year, thankfully the towbar took the brunt of it

 

[two]

I don't think it's much of a problem on sea ferries. They deal with so many motorhomes and don't want delays.
The ones to be wary of are the small rivers ferries, where space is short and you might come down a steep bank to meet it. The operator may not have anyone to watch your approach and may not be used to transporting such vehicles either.
A few blocks of wood can lift your rear wheel (and tail end) up to avoid a crunch). You'll need someone to move them along as yo go over.

 

[tonyidle]

Reverse on?

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[SteveRallye]

I had an Elddis 185 at 7,5 approx and always thought the overhang was too much although the towbar took the brunt on ferries with no visible detriment. It seems to be one size fits all, the overhang on the some models like the Autocuise and new Swift and Bessacers appear more as they are approaching 8 mtrs. our current van is similar to the Elddis. I do wonder why they do not place the rear wheels a couple of feet further back it would give a better payload spread,especially on the rear axle. Had air suspension on a PVC but only for an SVTEC weight upgrade.