Ferry Ramps...

[mjc]

Morning All!

When I take delivery of my brand spanking new T350 in a few weeks, one of the first adventures for it is going to be a trip on a ferry! I'm a bit concerned about how the low front end is going to cope with the ramps though...!! Can anyone who has taken a 350 or tamora on a ferry let me know how they got on or whether they had any problems??

[maddog[uk]]

I saw a thread saying someone stuggled with P & O at portsmouth as there are huge ramps to get over. On another thread someone said the same thing about irish ferries too. From what I understand you need to insist you go on the lower deck as well. We were having the same discussions at home too buecause our first big trip was meant to be a wedding in france and we wanted to take the Tamora. Alas it has been delayed so instead its the good old faithful renaul clio!

regards

Simon

[mjc]

Thanks Simon,

Perhaps I should give the fery company a ring nearr the time and see what they suggest, but I'll bear in mind your comment about being on the lower deck...

What is the ground clearance btw - I guessed about 100mm??

[wrinkly]

(Most) ferry companies have boards to help load low ground clearance cars, but sometimes you have to request these (and sometimes you won't get them, either!) As a regular traveller over to France, I use Eurotunnel whenever possible, it's quick, very easy, no waiting at either end, but is pricey (although I do have a home owner's abroad membership which cuts the cost considerably.)

[maddog[uk]]

For a tamora its 95mm. I have a detailed drawing with all the approach angles from TVR for a Tamora as I live on a strangely cambered road with an even stranger garage and drive, so they drew me something! Alas I have no idea of the differences between a T350 and a Tamora but I will send it to you anway.


thanks

Simon

[maddog[uk]]

Do you need boards for Eurotunnel then because when we had a TT thats the route we always went, less hassle and worth the expense. This time for us as the wedding is near Caen it was not really feasible to put on 700 miles going via eurotunnel. Alas the cars not ready so it would not have mattered!

[mjc]

Eurotunnel is not really an option - I'm going to Norway!! (bit of a long drive!) (Maddog yhm)

[NCE 61]

maddoguk said:

Do you need boards for Eurotunnel

No but always go on the lower level as it can be a bit difficult going onto the upper level in a TVR. Better still go into the carrages for vehicles over 1.85 meters then there is load of room width ways as well

Nick

[Mrs Fish]

Ditto above - you will be fine on the lower level. We took ours to Italy via ferry and transport train last year and we had no problems. Just make sure you take it really slow and you should be fine

[mjc]

Than you Mrs Fish!

[daftlad]

Portsmouth - Bilbao Ferry, upper level and lower, no problem in T350.

[MJW]

Took my then new Tamora to Le Mans using Britany ferries last year. Although being guided on / off (and special plates being laid to help ground clearance) watch out as you drop onto the car deck over the 'lip'. The 'nice man' forgot the chain down points which protrude from the deck. Result.... £250.00 front spoiler damage. Tried to claim from Britany ferries when I returned to UK...... No claim allowed as I had not completed a damage report form on board the ferry!!!!! Be careful

[rammy]

T350 day is fast approaching for me and reading some of these posts has made me wonder.
Speed humps (best taken diagonally apparently)
then Ferry ramps
What about multi-storey (spirally) car parks. Any things to avoid/any particularly nasty ones?
AND has anybody had hassles with the turning circle/lock of the 350...somebody has told me you can replace the lower wishbones/radius arms??? and get improved lock.Is it better than a Tuscan as standard.
I know I have gone off thread but...I'm getting myself prepared.