Ferry Companies - Motorhome Dimensions

[Dogstoat]

I want to book a ferry for a trip next May (2023). This will be my first time taking a Motorhome abroad.

How strictly are the dimension categories applied?

My reason for asking?

I have a Foster & Day Mercedes 2.3d so no company to check official details with.

The gentleman I bought the vehicle off marked the dimensions in the cab as:-

Height: 9ft 10in (118 inches)
Width: 7ft 06in (90 inches)
Length: 19ft 07in (235 inches)

Unfortunately, 3 metres equals 117 inches in terms of height so I am one inch over.

In terms of length, 6 metres equals 234 inches so I appear to be one inch under.

These are tight margins. How strictly are vehicles measured? The jump to 4m category for height and 7m for length increases the cost by a significant degree.

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Tombola]

The height is the main factor for when they load you . Being an inch or three over length wise won't kill you. Plenty folk say 7.5m then don't disclose they have a bike rack etc adding 400mm.

 

[Minxy]

Best bet is to get your tape measure out and do a precise measurement check as you may find that the previous owner was generous with his sizing, also I'd do it in metres rather than inches as that's what the companies go by.

 

[Imala615]

They don't have a standard on length and height lots of alternatives best i think is DFDS and you would come under a small motorhome. Stenna line same as the height is 4m and you would be 6m long. I would go for 3m height and 6m in length and you should get a decent price with those measurements .

 

[teddybear]

Found the highest point on roof then used a level and pole to establish what my height was.
Did once have argument at mouth of mont blanc tunnel because my rubber radio aerial was taller than my stated height.(operator was over ruled by management)
Then once on ferry had length checked . That is all in multiple crossing and different routes

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[Emmit]

118 inches is under 3mtrs.
235 inches is under 6mtrs.

You don't have a problem.

 

[Bailey58]

I have a Roadpro 40 dome on my roof which makes the height 3.04m. I only worry about it when I approch a 3m bridge.

 

[WillH]

If, on boarding the ferry, you experience any damage and you have incorrectly declared your dimensions then there is no comeback. Trust me, I used to reject claims on this basis.

 

[Minxy]

118 inches is under 3mtrs.
235 inches is under 6mtrs.

You don't have a problem.

Yes, assuming the figures of the previous owner are correct which is why I said to check.

 

[Emmit]

Yes, assuming the figures of the previous owner are correct which is why I said to check.

Buy a tyre inflator.

Letting the tyres down will give you an extra inch when they measure the height

In all seriousness, if the figures from the previous owner are 'near enough' then the ferry Co. operatives
who are very experienced in being able to judge, won't be getting their theodolites out.

You can't really measure the height with exactitude but the length can be accurately measured with
a little plum bob, a piece of chalk and a measuring tape.

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[WillH]

You can't really measure the height with exactitude

But a steel beam can.

 

[Littlewheels]

I have a Roadpro 40 dome on my roof which makes the height 3.04m. I only worry about it when I approch a 3m bridge.

Or a French Paege which picks it up and charges you accordingly

 

[Bailey58]

Or a French Paege which picks it up and charges you accordingly

I don't do France.