Advice to take a converted coach to Spain.

[thegreatescape]

Hi, I’m new to this site and not sure if you can help. We have a converted coach with is 13.5 metres long (includes a ramp for motorbike at the back. We want to head to summer Spain in January and wondering the best way to go. I’ve checked prices with Brittany ferries and they vary depending on going to France or Spain. Has anyone else done this journey and which did you find best (two days in a ferry in rough seas doesn’t feel appealing ) Many thanks in advance

 

[DerryW]

Welcome. It won’t be long before someone comes along with the correct advice. There’s quite a few Funster that do that on a regular basis, the only difference is they call their coaches Morelo’s

 

[68c]

Welcome. Wow, that is what I call a motorhome, makes my 6.2metre one look like a tent. I am sure more useful advice will be along soon.

 

[bobandjanie]

I think you will struggle finding free parking and campsites in Spain are not known for catering for 13.5m motorhomes, we live here and don't bother using our camper in the winter because it's heaving good luck. Bob.

 

[Carpmart]

I’m not sure if you can access this as a non member, but look for Tonkas western route to Spain in the resources section.

It’s basically get across the channel and past or through Rouen if you are allowed (size) then head Evreaux, Dreux, Chartres, Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, cross the border at Irun, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Turrel… then branch off to go to whatever part of South East Spain you fancy!

WRT your conversion, have you anymore details. Always fancied doing one of these myself.

Have you managed to get it Class 4, so registered as a Motor Caravan conversion? If not, how often does it need testing as a PSV vehicle? I bet that limits your Europe touring time? Does the Smart car winch in the back on ramps up and over the engine?

Please post some more pictures of the conversion…

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[DerryW]

Welcome. It won’t be long before someone comes along with the correct advice. There’s quite a few Funster that do that on a regular basis, the only difference is they call their coaches Morelo’s

Not being nosey(well yes I am really) are you based in West Suffolk, the reason I ask is there are a couple not far from me that are doing the same. A very modern coach base vehicle.

 

[tacr2man]

Will be class 4 test as would not comply with psv test requirements

 

[Emmit]

If you came through France to Spain via Perpignan, I am aware of one Aire that can VERY EASILY accommodate your outfit.
Night 4 Camping car, Ste Marie la mer, Pyrenees Orientals, France. It's close to the North/South motorway to Spain and easy to get to. The site can be found on Search for Sites.
Current price is €7.50. Per NT sans EHU

 

[Bessy765]

There is a campsite near chalus 87230 that is open all year and has pull through that can take your size, a lot of French aires will have the water urned off and a lot in villages have a 3.5 ton limit.

 

[Carpmart]

There is a campsite near chalus 87230 that is open all year and has pull through that can take your size, a lot of French aires will have the water urned off and a lot in villages have a 3.5 ton limit.

I ignore those 3.5T limits unless it’s specifically including Camping Cars or related to a bridge.

We do run at around 7T and I felt a little guilty the other day as we did our usual, 3.5T doesn’t apply to camping cars when we arrived at a loverly Roman bridge. We fitted across fine and the weight limit is 10.5T for buses, but we definitely got some hard stares from the tourists…

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MichaelT]

Not many Spanish sites will take you on standard pitches but some do have XL ones, we struggled with a 7.5m van, the access roads are especially narrow.

Lots of beaches you'd be OK, Vera playa and Villaricos for 2.

Playa Quitapellejos

Details for Playa Quitapellejos a Off site parking Vera, Almería, Spain, 04617

www.searchforsites.co.uk

Chiringuito La Balsica

Details for Chiringuito La Balsica a Off site parking Villaricos, Almería, Andalucía, Spain, 04616

www.searchforsites.co.uk

 

[Bessy765]

I ignore those 3.5T limits unless it’s specifically including Camping Cars or related to a bridge.

I felt a little guilty the other day as we did our usual, 3.5T doesn’t apply to camping cars when we arrived at a loverly Roman bridge. We fitted across fine and the weight limit is 10.5T for buses, but we definitely got some hard stares from the tourists…

You may get away but a coach ??

 

[GAVLAD]

The municipal site at Issoire (camping du Maas) could accommodate that size for a stop off and is about 500metres from junction 12 of A75 for a stop off. That said at that time of year you’d have to consider winter tyres for A75 plus you’d need to check its open in January

 

[Sidders]

I met this guy at one of the ‘Camping Car Park App’ Aires in France - he had come from Spain

 

[Yorick]

Love the conversion. What's a typical MPG?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Carpmart]

I met this guy at one of the ‘Camping Car Park App’ Aires in France - he had come from Spain



View attachment 952279

Yeah but he’s tiny compared to the coach!

 

[LostInSpace]

I suppose the choice of route depends on whether you like driving or sailing. (like any other motorhome)

But, do not worry about the ferry. They all have good stabilisers now and a good choice of food.

 

[funflair]

Welcome. It won’t be long before someone comes along with the correct advice. There’s quite a few Funster that do that on a regular basis, the only difference is they call their coaches Morelo’s

No that is a coach our Morelo is just a little van

 

[DerryW]

We had the pleasure of parking next to. German registered Morelo Empire Liner at Honfleur a couple of weeks ago. Talk about luxury on wheels.

Made our 7.4 coach built look inadequate.

It was funny, mid morning the next day the female of the couple was giving the male a real good hair cut, I said to him he looked 20 years younger. Never got a response.

 

[Emmit]

If you came through France to Spain via Perpignan, I am aware of one Aire that can VERY EASILY accommodate your outfit.
Night 4 Camping car, Ste Marie la mer, Pyrenees Orientals, France. It's close to the North/South motorway to Spain and easy to get to. The site can be found on Search for Sites.
Current price is €7.50. Per NT sans EHU

Thought I'd take a photo this morning to set your mind at rest as to the space at Ste Marie-sur-mer.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[NigelNovice]

If you join the Caravan and Motorhome club they do some good deal on discounting ferry crossings, saved me £180 on the Isle of Wight ferry 2 years on the trot, worth the £60ish membership, not used the sites apart from the odd CL

 

[cyberyacht]

If over 60 you can phone to make a booking and get 'wrinklies rate' on Newhaven to Dieppe crossing.

 

[Carpmart]

Seems thegreatescape have escaped…

Don’t get why people post a question then don’t get involved even with some simple acknowledgement…?