Touring with the Chim in France
Discussion
Intend to take the TIV to France in July for our summer break. As a newbie, I'd be grateful for some advice on touring overseas in general and some help with the following:
1. Has anyone experienced any ground clearance problems getting on/ off ferries? Would the Shuttle be better?
2. Spares - what should I take?
3. Boot space/ fitting a boot-rack; am intending to remove the spare and take a couple of cans of Tyre Weld and an electric tyre pump - but my wife is nervous that we might not have enough room (took the x-type to Italy last year - acres of space). She was wondering if I could fit a boot-rack. I'm a bit nervous of that - damage etc - Any views from you guys?
(PS- am having the car serviced well before we go and have European Breakdown cover)
1. Has anyone experienced any ground clearance problems getting on/ off ferries? Would the Shuttle be better?
2. Spares - what should I take?
3. Boot space/ fitting a boot-rack; am intending to remove the spare and take a couple of cans of Tyre Weld and an electric tyre pump - but my wife is nervous that we might not have enough room (took the x-type to Italy last year - acres of space). She was wondering if I could fit a boot-rack. I'm a bit nervous of that - damage etc - Any views from you guys?
(PS- am having the car serviced well before we go and have European Breakdown cover)
Simon,
Go with shuttle -- its quicker and more driving pleasuer -- no problem with clearance there or ferries (have done both) -- as for a boot rack -- exactly how much stuff are you taking?
and how slowly will you drive ?
Have been away for long periods myself quite a few times and the boot is ample - just put the panel in before you pack!
Good luck and travel light.
Go with shuttle -- its quicker and more driving pleasuer -- no problem with clearance there or ferries (have done both) -- as for a boot rack -- exactly how much stuff are you taking?
and how slowly will you drive ? Have been away for long periods myself quite a few times and the boot is ample - just put the panel in before you pack!
Good luck and travel light.
The boot is definitely big enough for as much luggage as you might need - we've had body boards, the roof, bags for 2 weeks, blankets, beer and other assorted French delicacies and the boot still had space for more - they're like a tardis (without the bloke with a scarf).
Spares - get breakdown insurance. Spare 100A fuse (alternator to battery), cable ties, WD 40, windowlene window wipes (similar to Wet Ones), tyreweld, window wipes (to clear the bugs from the windscreen after high speed sorties - really useful). I still recommend taking the spare - finding a replacement tyre in France on a weekend? Er C'est pas possible Monsieur!
>> Edited by Trefor on Saturday 22 May 08:46
Spares - get breakdown insurance. Spare 100A fuse (alternator to battery), cable ties, WD 40, windowlene window wipes (similar to Wet Ones), tyreweld, window wipes (to clear the bugs from the windscreen after high speed sorties - really useful). I still recommend taking the spare - finding a replacement tyre in France on a weekend? Er C'est pas possible Monsieur!
>> Edited by Trefor on Saturday 22 May 08:46
Just back from 2500 miles around Europe, great fun. A couple of little things,
Boot did not open from button under dash. The Bible was in the boot as were all the tools…… Make sure you how to access before you go. (Luckily I knew how to access the boot & it was just a bad connection).
Thanks to the Jag XK8 on French plates who let me know of the speed trap I was entering, as it would have been Very expensive. Several flashes from headlights of an oncoming car may be a warning of a speed trap.
Enjoy.
Boot did not open from button under dash. The Bible was in the boot as were all the tools…… Make sure you how to access before you go. (Luckily I knew how to access the boot & it was just a bad connection).
Thanks to the Jag XK8 on French plates who let me know of the speed trap I was entering, as it would have been Very expensive. Several flashes from headlights of an oncoming car may be a warning of a speed trap.
Enjoy.
As an alternative to AA or RAC European Cover, I would consider joining the French Automobile Club d'Oest. (ACO). I found this to be much cheaper for 12 months membership than the RAC quoted for a fortnights cover when I took the Tiv to France in 1992. Membership entitles you other benefits and I recouped most of the membership cost in discounts for Le Mans tickets. I had to call them out when my car broke down in Dunkirk. they were very prompt and very professional. The only downside was that while the call centre staff spsoke excelleent english, the roadside operatives didn't. Checkout their website for further info.
Done both the ferry thing and the shuttle thing, had no problems getting on or off anything.
I never exceed the speed limits in France, that would be wrong. I pressume that Kph and Mph are very similar, I go by Mph, anyway, there has to be a little give and take in this world
Each time I go away I take yet another new spare/tool, never needed any of them. I always take the spacesaver, the shaving foam is perfect for shaving but not much cop when you destroy a tyre at speed.
Final point - BOOT RACK
, you are joking?
Ivan
I never exceed the speed limits in France, that would be wrong. I pressume that Kph and Mph are very similar, I go by Mph, anyway, there has to be a little give and take in this world
Each time I go away I take yet another new spare/tool, never needed any of them. I always take the spacesaver, the shaving foam is perfect for shaving but not much cop when you destroy a tyre at speed.
Final point - BOOT RACK
, you are joking? Ivan
Drove to Rome, then Zurich and back in April.
Took RAC Euro cover, WD40, spare fan belt, tyre weld, air pump, pressure gauge, spare bulbs and fuses, torch, tow rope, basic tool kit, super glue(!), warning triangle (compulsory), first aid kit, duck tape, jump leads, V5, blanket, fire extinguisher and still had loads of room for 2 people's luggage.
A little over 2650 mile round trip, and the car didn't miss a beat. That included 2 of us taking it in turns to drive non stop to Rome in 24 hours.
Took RAC Euro cover, WD40, spare fan belt, tyre weld, air pump, pressure gauge, spare bulbs and fuses, torch, tow rope, basic tool kit, super glue(!), warning triangle (compulsory), first aid kit, duck tape, jump leads, V5, blanket, fire extinguisher and still had loads of room for 2 people's luggage.
A little over 2650 mile round trip, and the car didn't miss a beat. That included 2 of us taking it in turns to drive non stop to Rome in 24 hours.
Ribol said:
I never exceed the speed limits in France, that would be wrong. I pressume that Kph and Mph are very similar, I go by Mph, anyway, there has to be a little give and take in this world
too right mate. Well the KPH is hard to see on my dials and since they dont let me use my road angel to tell my speed accurately I have to go by what I can see. So MPH it is - especially that toll bridge on the way out of le havre.... 90 kph indeed.
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