Ferry companies , gas appliances in self-build MH and windows

[oldtech]

This relates to my early topic of left hand drive vans / motorhomes.
As I mentioned earlier , I'm new to this site and to forums in general
so I'm not sure if this is the right place to start this thread ....
... sorry if I've got it wrong !

I am uncertain about ferry companies and their attitudes towards motorhomes
and converted vans ( self-build ).

There were many interesting and helpful replies to my earlier post and some of
them raised more questions which I hope someone may be able to help with.

It seems like the ferry companies have their own ideas as to what is a van and
what is a motorhome.

A few years ago , an old friend with many , many years experience of living in a
van was told by a ferry company ( I won't name them here ! ) that he couldn't
board the ferry which he was booked on to because he had booked as MH while they
considered his transit to be a commercial vehicle.
He opened the back to show them that it had a bed etc ( also side and rear windows )
and they spotted a free standing camping stove connected to a gas bottle and regulator.
They then told him that he needed to show a gas safety certificate , or some such thing.

He pointed out to them that he had been travelling on their ferries for many years and never
had a problem before and that they should check their records to confirm this.
Eventually they let him board but it was touch and go ! .
He may have been forced to either abandon the journey , throw away the gas cooker or pay
the much higher rate for commercial vehicles.

Has anyone had similar experiences ?
Can somebody shed any light on this issue ?

I am going to do my own conversion to make a "stealth camper" and don't want to find myself
in the same situation.

On a similar topic , how do additional windows in the van affect ferry companies ?

I have been told that adding extra windows , even if done by a specialist firm , can cause major
headaches with insurance as it is then considered to be a "modified vehicle ".

Any tips / ideas ?

Many thanks in advance for any help !

Oldtech

 

[mark61]

Firstly, I wouldn't worry about the ferry companies.
Have a look for yourself through any of the online booking sites. Put in dimensions etc, and then get prices for both MH and commercials. Sometimes there is a difference, sometimes not, in fact Euro tunnel seem to charge more for MH's.
Funny enough, I just booked on ferry for June. MH 6m long 3m high was cheaper then a mates car, lol. ( hopefully will be a MH by then, still a van at moment)
I've booked up ferries using my reg, then turned up in a hire van ( car broke down). Let them know as long as possible before of change of vehicle. Never been a problem.

Recently put windows in my van, just phoned insurance and told them, didn't even have to pay an admin fee, and I've had 3 letters confirming the addition of windows, and I'm still on a commercial insurance, even though I've started to convert it. Insurance company are happy with that until conversion is complete. It may never be completed. LOL.

 

[Firefox]

If the bottle is turned off I don't see what the difference is between that situation and carrying a loose bottle of propane or butane. Logically, you'd only need a certificate if you were intending to use the system on the ferry! But I guess they could insist the bottle is secured and inside a leak proof, fireproof compartment, with dropouts in the floor. If it isn't you're putting yourself at risk, to a small extent anyway.

 

[fishy & Nina]

I seem to remember somewhere that any gas cylinders should be in a gas locker, even spares, otherwise you insurance may be invalid - don't take this as gospel, but do check.

On ferries, or the Channel Tunnel all they normally do is ask you if your gas is turned off.

 

[Sparks]

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