Experience of Caravans on Eurotunnel

EdQ
EdQ Forum Participant Posts: 8
edited February 2016 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

Has anyone experience of difficulties or otherwise of boarding the Shuttle with a 7.25 mtr caravan, and also any problems booking Eurotunnel with Tesco Vouchers. Sorry but I've always used ferries and find The Shuttle a bit of a challenge.

Comments

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004 ✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #2

    You shouldn't have any problems, after all much longer vehicles such as coaches and HGV's use the tunnel.  There is a long lead in ramp into the carriage and once you're in you just continue to drive slowly until advised to stop.

  • EdQ
    EdQ Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited February 2016 #3

    THanks, sounds easy enough, do you sit in the car or can you move around in the train?

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2016 #4
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • EdQ
    EdQ Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited February 2016 #5

    That,s good information, what about using Tesco Vouchers, has anyone done this?

  • Dave
    Dave Forum Participant Posts: 141
    First Comment
    edited February 2016 #6

    Booked our crossing yesterday with a tesco voucher no problem at all. We've done this ever since the vouchers came out and we cross every year towing a 7.55m caravan. There is plenty of room to swing into the carriage. As you drive through the train I would
    suggest not entering the next carriage unless there is enough room for you to get completely in. You don't want to have to reverse because you are over a joint between carriages.  You stay in the car and I've been known to take a short nap on the way over.

    Dave

  • EdQ
    EdQ Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited February 2016 #7

    Thanks Dave, you've convinced me to take the plunge and try the Shuttle, it's got to be quicker than the ferry!

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #8

    I have a 7.25 caravan and have used tunnel with Tesco Vouchers a number of tmes.  Just to endorse what has already been said - go for it.  Dave right about not entering next carriage until you are sure you can fit - my nephew did not and had to reverse 15m
    or so (the carelessness of youth!)

  • Dave
    Dave Forum Participant Posts: 141
    First Comment
    edited February 2016 #9

    Fastest we've done it with eurotunnel was 53 minutes from leaving the M20 to pulling onto the motorway at Calais. Check in is automated with number plate recognition. Sometimes if space is available we've been on an earlier crossing so gain even more time.
    Enjoy.

    Dave

  • EdQ
    EdQ Forum Participant Posts: 8
    edited February 2016 #10

    All good info, do you know if you can book Eurotunnel through the Caravan Club and still pay with Tesco Vouchers or do you have to book through Eurotunnel direct?

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2016 #11

    The tunnel is so much easier than the ferry for a caravan. No ramp and no squeezing between other vehicles to get off the car deck. You even have time to go into your caravan and have a sandwich! The ferries lost their appeal for us when large school parties,
    slot machines etc. took over. If not using vouchers then the ferry is much cheaper of course.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,831 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #12

    All good info, do you know if you can book Eurotunnel through the Caravan Club and still pay with Tesco Vouchers or do you have to book through Eurotunnel direct?

    You have to go to the Tesco Clubcard website and follow the instructions there.  

  • paulgill
    paulgill Forum Participant Posts: 41
    edited February 2016 #13

    Did it last year. First time abroad 7.8 metre van. Dead easy loved it.

  • Dave
    Dave Forum Participant Posts: 141
    First Comment
    edited February 2016 #14

    All good info, do you know if you can book Eurotunnel through the Caravan Club and still pay with Tesco Vouchers or do you have to book through Eurotunnel direct?

    When you get your tesco voucher it comes with a set of instructions on how to book. There is a telephone number for booking direct with eurotunne. You cannot use the voucher with the club.

    Dave

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2016 #15

    Dead easy,  just follow instructions on Tesco site.

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #16

    The Eurotunnel with the caravan is easy.  Just take your time and don't be too eager to keep up with the vehicle in front as you drive through the train.  Before you enter a mother carriage, make sure there is enough room to get your car and caravan in before
    driving forward.  There is a useful video on youtube somewhere.  If I find it I'll post it up.

    David 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2016 #17

    As Hitchglitch says, we sit in our caravan, have a buttie & a drink while we cross. By the time you've eaten, you're just about there. Happy

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #18

    Try looking at this video: https://youtu.be/nI8f0joYH5U

    It's presented by Andrew Ditton (from the CC).  Hope you find it useful.  I know Keithand Margaret from on here have also put a video on youtube.  It I find it, I'll share it too.

    David 

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,697 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #19

    I've just found Keith's video
    https://youtu.be/rzW5TQtZ8EA.

    I know he has also done a video on the process you have to go through if you have a dog - on the way back.  On the way into France there are no problems, but more checks ae made on the way back.

    David 

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2016 #20

    Regarding following the vehicle in front and not 'bridging' two carriages, keep a little distance and near the stop point there will be a Eurotunnel employee walking towards you and will direct your stop, tell you to engage gear or park and apply handbrake.

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