Low cars and ferry crossings

[Conaero]

psgcarey said:

Have you looked at the ramps that racing teams use to get up on scales?

Good call, ill check them out. Either way I feel some modification in the man shed will be required!

[Kev_Mk3]

I would avoid DFDS as (this is hard to explain) if you get put up top on the ferry the angle you go up onto the deck is very sharp. On P&O its a lot more gradual so less chance of damaging the under side of the car.

I got stuck in my old civic (not a super car I know) it wasn't that low really on dfds where as P&O not a issue at all.

Tunnel will be fine also.


Just my input

[fatboy18]

Shout goes out to Brittany Ferries, Portsmouth dock side is pot holed and undulating, go very slowly pre boarding, however the ferry loading is good, the staff have always taken care of me, I can't even get my foot under my car in the middle its that low!
The Guys on the French side are good at unloading you too.

P&O Dover don't give a dam if you bottom out.

[James_B]

I don’t see that anyone’s mentioned it yet, but if you are worried, do not go on straight. Come on at a steep angle and you increase your approach angle significantly.

[jakesmith]

James_B said:

I don’t see that anyone’s mentioned it yet, but if you are worried, do not go on straight. Come on at a steep angle and you increase your approach angle significantly.

I have to do this in my local Waitrose in the GT!

[Kyodo]

Kev_Mk3 said:

I would avoid DFDS as (this is hard to explain) if you get put up top on the ferry the angle you go up onto the deck is very sharp. On P&O its a lot more gradual so less chance of damaging the under side of the car.

Agreed on this BUT...

When you book with DFDS you can specify a low clearance vehicle. They'll put you on the truck deck which is much, much better. We took a lowered Modena, approaching any transitions at a bit of an angle and had no problems.

[fatboy18]

Yes you use ALL the ramp, stopping other traffic and go across the ramp at a 45% degree angle, if the ferry staff are worth their salt, they will assist you, the ramp guy can also play around with the height angle if needed. I have seen F40s Loaded and unloaded very carefully with Brittany Ferries. I have also used DFDS no problem and as said they will put you on the Lorry deck, not the upper car decks. P&0 on my return from Le mans put all the Lambos and myself on the lorry lower deck at France. Going out they made me use the upper deck and going up the ramp did not do my clutch any good whatsoever. (but I did not ground out).

[Kev_Mk3]

Kyodo said:

Agreed on this BUT...

When you book with DFDS you can specify a low clearance vehicle. They'll put you on the truck deck which is much, much better. We took a lowered Modena, approaching any transitions at a bit of an angle and had no problems.

Ahh didn't know that as it wasn't a option when I did it, Have checked and can see it is now!

[Kyodo]

Other than the actual ramp from shore to ship, it avoids all steep ramps and narrow tunnels. That would've been a nightmare for us.