First time on a ferry

Coach Man replied on 10/04/2023 16:36

Posted on 10/04/2023 16:36

We are taking our caravan to France for the first time on Sunday next week using the Newhaven Dieppe crossing. The caravan is a single axle Coachman and it strikes me that it might be a good idea to put the corner steadies down on the van once parked on the ferry to stabilise it for the crossing. Does anyone have any advice/experience of doing this? It is a good idea or a really stupid one in practice? Comments either way welcomed. 

commeyras replied on 10/04/2023 18:31

Posted on 10/04/2023 18:31

Like AD; handbrake on, disconnect electrics and alarm off.  Just remember to plug in electrics and brake off when you get back to your car!  A couple of other points to remember; you will not be allowed back on the vehicle deck until you arrive at Dieppe and remember to make a note of which stairwell you need to take to get back to your car!!  I have never lowered steadies nor have I every seen it done, let the suspension do its thing if the sea is choppy.  You will be guided to a parking slot by the crew so all you need to do is follow their directions.  Enjoy your trip.

Coach Man replied on 12/04/2023 14:32

Posted on 12/04/2023 14:32

Folks

Thanks for all your advice. I agree with the idea that if I put the steadies down there is a risk I will forget them! But will apply handbrake & disconnect electrics. Looking forward to our French adventure 😀 

Wherenext replied on 12/04/2023 15:16

Posted on 12/04/2023 14:32 by Coach Man

Folks

Thanks for all your advice. I agree with the idea that if I put the steadies down there is a risk I will forget them! But will apply handbrake & disconnect electrics. Looking forward to our French adventure 😀 

Posted on 12/04/2023 15:16

In that case leave a post-it note on your dashboard or steering wheel as a reminder, just in case that forgetful memory gets in the way.smile

Lukeledge replied on 12/04/2023 21:04

Posted on 12/04/2023 21:04

What is the reasoning behind disconnecting the towing electrics on a ferry? Is this suggested by the ferry operators?

eribaMotters replied on 12/04/2023 21:26

Posted on 12/04/2023 21:26

Once attached to the car it can have an effect on the cars alarm system. If it wobbles then the cars alarm can be activated.

When you return to your car you can usually hear a number of alarms going off.

 

Colin

EmilysDad replied on 12/04/2023 21:35

Posted on 12/04/2023 21:04 by Lukeledge

What is the reasoning behind disconnecting the towing electrics on a ferry? Is this suggested by the ferry operators?

Posted on 12/04/2023 21:35

some people worry about coming back to a flat car battery if left plugged in

iansoady replied on 13/04/2023 09:53

Posted on 13/04/2023 09:53

The caravan should be isolated when the engine isn't running but I still disconnect. It's only a matter of minutes.

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replied on 13/04/2023 11:24

Posted on 13/04/2023 11:24

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