Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: TheBoy on 01 May 2014, 20:58:17

Title: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 01 May 2014, 20:58:17
Regulars will know I've done this a fair bit, but laws have changed since I last went, plus I've been LPG'd since I last took my own car there.

Breathalysers, its seems these are now compulsory, but no fine can be given for not having one/two? For the sake of a fiver, I'll get one anyway.

LPG pumps, are adapters required? Any linky?

LPG locations, and links for LPG locations, and what LPG is called over there - don't wan't to be forcing gasoil into the LPG tank ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: zirk on 01 May 2014, 21:13:58
Gasoline, close, its called GPL or Autogas.   ;)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 01 May 2014, 21:23:41
You'll need one of those cuppy sort of adapter fitting thingies to fill up with GPL.  :y

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LPG-Autogas-Fill-Adaptor-Trio-Italian-Dish-Acme-Bayonet-Filler-adapter-/191155378295?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c81bf9877

It's the one in the middle for France and just screws into your existing filler.  :y
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 01 May 2014, 21:27:18
I would carry more than one breathalyser thing per driver... Say ten. You need one to use plus a spare, so makes sense to carry a few... Don't forget Bulbs, hi viz jackets for every one in the car, triangle or two, car documents including V5/insurance/mot - leave copies at home :y
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 May 2014, 21:29:39
I think, if pulled over, you need to exit the car with a hi-vis jacket on, or get fined frog marched to a cashpoint by the gendarmes to get their beer money.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tidla on 01 May 2014, 22:02:48
Unless your going within the next week I wouldn't bother with the question just yet..

They change their mind more times than the missus.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tunnie on 01 May 2014, 22:11:05
Fatty. I've got the lpg adpators and some disposable breathalysers you can have  :y
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tunnie on 01 May 2014, 22:11:41
Oh. Should be back briefly Saturday evening. :)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 01 May 2014, 22:14:29
I believe that the French 'rozzers' used to be very relaxed about speeding in France. :y :y

Not so much now, I think. :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 01 May 2014, 22:28:09
If UKIP win the Euro-elections Le Rosbif will be confined to their cold, wet and miserable little island, so your question might be redundant.  :D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: aaronjb on 02 May 2014, 08:38:57
I think, if pulled over, you need to exit the car with a hi-vis jacket on, or get fined frog marched to a cashpoint by the riot van full of armed gendarmes to get their beer money.

You missed a bit .. based on the experiences of a friend of mine.

Although that might have just been because he was being a naughty boy around Le Mans time, of course!
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: biggriffin on 02 May 2014, 15:43:56
The breathalyzer law in France has been postponed till October,but it is still advisable to carry two with you,some gendarmes might push it.
 Take a complete replacement bulb set, a first aid kit, don't know if cars need a fire extinguisher, a hi-viz per occupant, and copys of all your documents, V5,mot,insurance, copys are fine.

seat belt at all times €100 fine.
As for gas, alot of the hype marche sell it,normally cheaper than the brands. Eg Carrafour,Auchin.
If this is about your upcoming Normandy invasion, i think there's a gas pump on the parc Europe, A16 towards bollyonge,near the tunnel.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Kevin Wood on 02 May 2014, 16:26:51
I think, if pulled over, you need to exit the car with a hi-vis jacket on, or get fined frog marched to a cashpoint by the riot van full of armed gendarmes to get their beer money.

You missed a bit .. based on the experiences of a friend of mine.

Although that might have just been because he was being a naughty boy around Le Mans time, of course!

Naughty at Le Mans? :o

Oh, no. not me, monsieur. ::)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: aaronjb on 02 May 2014, 16:29:58
I think, if pulled over, you need to exit the car with a hi-vis jacket on, or get fined frog marched to a cashpoint by the riot van full of armed gendarmes to get their beer money.

You missed a bit .. based on the experiences of a friend of mine.

Although that might have just been because he was being a naughty boy around Le Mans time, of course!

Naughty at Le Mans? :o

Oh, no. not me, monsieur. ::)

Three of them were going .. awfully quickly. Luckily the Gendarmes only had two bikes so one of them got away with it ;D

Oddly enough, two years on, one who got caught was still getting letters in French demanding his €750 fine be paid - the one they marched him to the cashpoint to pay on the spot that he'd already paid. Hmmmm. Nice bonus, eh!
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 09:53:44
Yup, got the:
Hi-vis girlie blouses (1 per occupant, kept in cars cabin (strictly, only driver's needs to be)).
2 triangles (1 to be kept in cabin)
Bulb/Fuse kits, excluding HID bulb (as its dealer change only, hence doesn't count (and why the likes of Audi say all bulbs are dealer only). Might take an old HID anyway.
First Aid kit. Might have to remove the use-by date ::)
GB magnetic on its way (melted the last)
Beam deflectors not required if I take TBE, due to the beam adjusters fitted to HIDs
Docs are on the list of things to take. Still need to order greencard once I decide which car.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 09:54:16
Oh. Should be back briefly Saturday evening. :)
Bugger, I was in Londonium yesterday evening :(
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 09:57:46
As for gas, alot of the hype marche sell it,normally cheaper than the brands. Eg Carrafour,Auchin.

If this is about your upcoming Normandy invasion, i think there's a gas pump on the parc Europe, A16 towards bollyonge,near the tunnel.
Ta.

Not going anywhere near the tunnie as they are a bunch of lying retards. Or anywhere near Calais, as it smells ;D

Ferry is Portsmouth to Caen :).  Suspect plenty of hypermarkets around Caen and Bayeux.  Might need to brush up a bit on my French, and get looking on the hypermarket websites to see which ones do it :y
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 09:59:32
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tunnie on 04 May 2014, 10:27:34
Oh. Should be back briefly Saturday evening. :)
Bugger, I was in Londonium yesterday evening :(

Balls I completely forgot. I could have posted them through your door. Are you going by Surrey/Osterley area soon?
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: chrisgixer on 04 May 2014, 10:32:54
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D


No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 04 May 2014, 10:33:58

Beam deflectors not required if I take TBE, due to the beam adjusters fitted to HIDs


I think I'd stick them on anyway to avoid the attention of Le Rozzers.  ;)  They can see at a glance that all is well and avoids a long protracted explanation in schoolboy french....   ::)  ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 10:35:23
Oh. Should be back briefly Saturday evening. :)
Bugger, I was in Londonium yesterday evening :(

Balls I completely forgot. I could have posted them through your door. Are you going by Surrey/Osterley area soon?
Don't believe so, unless you're getting off your lazy arse and going to Wycombe meet tomorrow...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 10:38:23
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D

No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Reckon its worth bumping the rear up a tad tomorrow, to counter any luggauge weight? I have some spacers.

It was more the front that concerned me, as that was what got stuck in Sheffield. The Omega has such a large overhang at the front, the nose can wedge at the bottom of down ramps.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 10:39:40
Anyone else going to the land of garlic, this site looks good for LPG locations :)

http://stations.gpl.online.fr

The maps don't work through Google Translate, so work it out in French, even with my rusty, broken French, I can wing it.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: chrisgixer on 04 May 2014, 10:44:10
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D

No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Reckon its worth bumping the rear up a tad tomorrow, to counter any luggauge weight? I have some spacers.

It was more the front that concerned me, as that was what got stuck in Sheffield. The Omega has such a large overhang at the front, the nose can wedge at the bottom of down ramps.

You'd be better re fitting self levellers if taking passengers with luggage. I thought you planned to change the rear springs anyway...?

Taking ridges or dips at an angle helps...?
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 04 May 2014, 10:50:19
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D

No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Reckon its worth bumping the rear up a tad tomorrow, to counter any luggauge weight? I have some spacers.

It was more the front that concerned me, as that was what got stuck in Sheffield. The Omega has such a large overhang at the front, the nose can wedge at the bottom of down ramps.

Surely it would be better if the rear was lower down, keeping the front up a tad  :-\
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 11:04:15
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D

No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Reckon its worth bumping the rear up a tad tomorrow, to counter any luggauge weight? I have some spacers.

It was more the front that concerned me, as that was what got stuck in Sheffield. The Omega has such a large overhang at the front, the nose can wedge at the bottom of down ramps.

Surely it would be better if the rear was lower down, keeping the front up a tad  :-\
With any weight in boot, esp with tank of gas as well, the arse is a bit low.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 May 2014, 11:10:24
Chris beat me to it re the self levelling ;D

As for the back end, it's another positive use for a towbar ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 11:16:10
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D

No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Reckon its worth bumping the rear up a tad tomorrow, to counter any luggauge weight? I have some spacers.

It was more the front that concerned me, as that was what got stuck in Sheffield. The Omega has such a large overhang at the front, the nose can wedge at the bottom of down ramps.

You'd be better re fitting self levellers if taking passengers with luggage. I thought you planned to change the rear springs anyway...?

Taking ridges or dips at an angle helps...?
Its the ferry ramps that I'm concerned with.

I wanted to try spacers on Irmscher springs to see if it works for me...   (irresptive if I take TBE or Battlebus to France)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 May 2014, 11:37:46
Re the first aid kit, I'm still using the one supplied with my first Vectra in 2006 ;D

Legally I am not allowed to use it, and it's still wrapped, so any date is arguably irrelevant on both counts. My licencing chappie could certainly teach the Gendarmes a thing or two about extortion and pedantry, and if it's good enough for him... ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: aaronjb on 04 May 2014, 11:47:46
Not going anywhere near the tunnie as they are a bunch of lying retards. Or anywhere near Calais, as it smells ;D

Poor ol' tunnie, what did he do to deserve this slur against his good name? ;) ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: chrisgixer on 04 May 2014, 11:54:00
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D

No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Reckon its worth bumping the rear up a tad tomorrow, to counter any luggauge weight? I have some spacers.

It was more the front that concerned me, as that was what got stuck in Sheffield. The Omega has such a large overhang at the front, the nose can wedge at the bottom of down ramps.

You'd be better re fitting self levellers if taking passengers with luggage. I thought you planned to change the rear springs anyway...?

Taking ridges or dips at an angle helps...?
Its the ferry ramps that I'm concerned with.

I wanted to try spacers on Irmscher springs to see if it works for me...   (irresptive if I take TBE or Battlebus to France)

As you said, its a bodge. But can do.

Re ramps, I guess it depends on the tide, and how loaded the ferry is when you board, re the boats, er, ride height (? ;D ), compared to the dock and hence the angle of the ramp.

I guess a better safe than sorry approach is best. You know the back end isn't working anyway from what I gather...?
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 12:33:28
Not going anywhere near the tunnie as they are a bunch of lying retards. Or anywhere near Calais, as it smells ;D

Poor ol' tunnie, what did he do to deserve this slur against his good name? ;) ;D
Oppps ;D

Sorry tunster, you know I meant tunnel ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 12:37:43
Has anyone taken a lowered, Irmscher'd Omega on a ferry? Any issues?

Slight concern following the time a year or 2 ago when I got it stuck in a multi-storey in Sheffield on the final down ramp ::)

Chav! ;D

No problems on the ferry, even with the now removed super chav Irmscher rear springs on. Obviously some caution is required though, and our ferry may not be the same as your ferry.
Reckon its worth bumping the rear up a tad tomorrow, to counter any luggauge weight? I have some spacers.

It was more the front that concerned me, as that was what got stuck in Sheffield. The Omega has such a large overhang at the front, the nose can wedge at the bottom of down ramps.

You'd be better re fitting self levellers if taking passengers with luggage. I thought you planned to change the rear springs anyway...?

Taking ridges or dips at an angle helps...?
Its the ferry ramps that I'm concerned with.

I wanted to try spacers on Irmscher springs to see if it works for me...   (irresptive if I take TBE or Battlebus to France)

As you said, its a bodge. But can do.

Re ramps, I guess it depends on the tide, and how loaded the ferry is when you board, re the boats, er, ride height (? ;D ), compared to the dock and hence the angle of the ramp.

I guess a better safe than sorry approach is best. You know the back end isn't working anyway from what I gather...?
I'm wondering if my "problems" may be shock related, as one side intermittently sits lower than t'other.  I guess an easy test is to swap shocks side to side.

I'm convinced there is something amiss, I am not getting the rear end grip I'm expecting. I have same brand/width tyres on the back of the other car, and that has pretty reasonable rear grip. I don't think its purely ride height or spring strength.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: chrisgixer on 04 May 2014, 12:55:50
B4 are cheap enough. Re your general use.


As for the trip.
....its transit van territory this. Add a big load to a vehicle that handles well/ok and it becomes under sprung and sags. Alter the suspension to suit the load, no problem. Until the load is removed and its over spring, looses grip, and gives a choppy ride. Just like a transit.
Given yours is low already (this is due to springs alone) it WILL struggle with extra load.

Hence self levelling shocks. (not the springs on Elites which are way too soft for a TB )

I did ask Pedders if they where prepared to experiment with air bags in the springs on omega, but they wouldn't pay the import costs, even though we had 30 sets of bushes on order from Aus. ::)


Mine is ok with lsc springs. But I have no need to transport 4 adults with luggage any meaningful distance. If I did, self levelling shocks would go back on. ....and I'd have to fix the, now seized, pump.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 13:10:19
To clarify, France will be 2 adults and luggauge. OK, whilst over there, might be a few shortish trips with 2 adults, no luggauge, and to get there, I may be carrying some of my mates stuff, as he can't get much on his Morgan.

This isn't like Yorkshire, when I had 4 adults with full luaggauge, and a fair trip to get there. This is a blat down to Portsmouth, boat, and about 30 mins the other side.  Also, and this is where I'll lose Gixer, none of this trip will involve hell-for-leather driving, due to others in the convoy.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: chrisgixer on 04 May 2014, 13:11:37
Aye?
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 13:19:01
My self levelling shocks blew their load all over the driveway...  ...I was nearby when it happened, I heard the (small, muffled) pop, followed by a hiss (like an aerosol that's almost empty), followed by the sound of running water.

Took me ages to find what had made the noise, until I saw the oil under the shock (which was just dripping at that point).

The Irmscher stuff went on at that point, so never replaced levellers.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 May 2014, 14:01:51
Were the shocks currently fitted new at point of fitting, or simply new to you, presumed good :-\
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 18:00:17
Were the shocks currently fitted new at point of fitting, or simply new to you, presumed good :-\
New to me...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 May 2014, 18:49:04
Were the shocks currently fitted new at point of fitting, or simply new to you, presumed good :-\
New to me...
Therein may well lie your problem...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 04 May 2014, 19:02:03
Q for tech2 persons...

If you have self leveling......can you tell tech2 to jack it up to highest point?

Not that you have self leveling, TB, from what i gather from the thread...but im curious....

Just i remember when i had the Merc Viano, there were buttons in the boot space for jacking up and lowering the suspension.....
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tunnie on 04 May 2014, 19:20:16
Oh. Should be back briefly Saturday evening. :)
Bugger, I was in Londonium yesterday evening :(

Balls I completely forgot. I could have posted them through your door. Are you going by Surrey/Osterley area soon?
Don't believe so, unless you're getting off your lazy arse and going to Wycombe meet tomorrow...

Nope :)

Brave going on a ferry, with the chav, upper decks on ramp last time I used a ferry were very steep.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 19:57:26
Q for tech2 persons...

If you have self leveling......can you tell tech2 to jack it up to highest point?

Not that you have self leveling, TB, from what i gather from the thread...but im curious....

Just i remember when i had the Merc Viano, there were buttons in the boot space for jacking up and lowering the suspension.....
No
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 04 May 2014, 19:59:07
Q for tech2 persons...

If you have self leveling......can you tell tech2 to jack it up to highest point?

Not that you have self leveling, TB, from what i gather from the thread...but im curious....

Just i remember when i had the Merc Viano, there were buttons in the boot space for jacking up and lowering the suspension.....
No
It does have a manual overide, but it's neither practical or advised if the car is to be moved ::)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 04 May 2014, 20:03:10
For the ferry, its not the rear that worrys me...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 04 May 2014, 20:21:56
Q for tech2 persons...

If you have self leveling......can you tell tech2 to jack it up to highest point?

Not that you have self leveling, TB, from what i gather from the thread...but im curious....

Just i remember when i had the Merc Viano, there were buttons in the boot space for jacking up and lowering the suspension.....
No
It does have a manual overide, but it's neither practical or advised if the car is to be moved ::)

In the Merc i had to press the button in the boot to lower the suspension to lowest point....in term 1 carpark otherwise the roof rails on it used to scrape on the ceiling of the carpark  ::)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: chrisgixer on 04 May 2014, 20:26:19
For the ferry, its not the rear that worrys me...

We can have a measure tomorrow, again, as mine was ok.

But what to do if it's deemed too low?  Is there a minimum height specified on their web site?

Only option is to raise the ride height with mv6 springs. And that's not likely
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Entwood on 06 May 2014, 17:10:11
Late to this as been away .. but this site is very useful ... its in french but you can use it very logically, and its pretty accurate IME. I have used it to note locations before departing UK, the prices won't change that much, although you could always use roaming internet to check I suppose..

http://www.prix-carburants.gouv.fr/

Another one is

http://stations.gpl.online.fr/appli/index.php

that one can be used in english .. top right click the flag :)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 10:21:49
Anyone know of cheap breakdown cover for France, car (whichever one I take) is older than 10yrs.

Can't remember who I used last time...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 10:24:55
Found it, ignore me
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 10:26:57
£24.75 for 8-12 days, as long as car less than 15yrs old...

...so the Silver Bullet will have to stay at home this time  :'(


So, Battlebus or TBE....  ....hmmm, decisions decisions...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 10:35:20
And for anyone else going to euroland who do not have breakdown cover via other means,

http://www.vehicle-rescue.com/european-breakdown-benefits.php


I wouldn't risk not having it, having had the infamous breakdown just outside Dijon 9 years ago. Oh how I laughed. NOT ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 12 May 2014, 10:46:23
Apparently, if I keep my car serviced to Mercedes standards I have 27 years Europe wide breakdown cover :o
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 11:00:18
Apparently, if I keep my car serviced to Mercedes standards I have 27 years Europe wide breakdown cover :o
I guess that translates to Mercedes Dealer servicing only...  ...a way to persuade people to use dealers, now that warranty cannot be impacted by using other garages  :-X

Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 12 May 2014, 11:04:18
That was my take on it, but there are a couple of good, factory standard independents here abouts, long established with cast iron reputations and upto date Mercedes diagnostic kit...

Will need to read the small print, but I think it only needs to go in to Mercedes for an annual once over :-\ perhaps Mr Beanz will confirm...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 11:06:16
That was my take on it, but there are a couple of good, factory standard independents here abouts, long established with cast iron reputations and upto date Mercedes diagnostic kit...

Will need to read the small print, but I think it only needs to go in to Mercedes for an annual once over :-\ perhaps Mr Beanz will confirm...
I had to read that 2 or 3 times before I realised it didn't say Mr Benz ;D

I was wondering why the head honcho of Mercedes would be on OOF  :-[
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Andy B on 12 May 2014, 11:15:39
That was my take on it, but there are a couple of good, factory standard independents here abouts, long established with cast iron reputations and upto date Mercedes diagnostic kit...

Will need to read the small print, but I think it only needs to go in to Mercedes for an annual once over :-\ perhaps Mr Beanz will confirm...

I doubt very much that my car will see the inside of a MB dealership for servicing  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Steve B on 12 May 2014, 11:32:10
Im off to the land of the french(Reims) on saturday for a week but not on la ferry,Going the quicker root.(under)And im taking this beast in my armory  ;D ;D ;D ;D

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/70807181/boat.JPG)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 11:36:03
Whilst I used to be an advocate of the tunnel, I now hope it floods. Run by a bunch of cheese eating surrender monkeys, who are also lying bastards.

Hence, ferry. Hence option to use LPG car :)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 12 May 2014, 11:37:41
What, pray tell, is that :o
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tunnie on 12 May 2014, 11:42:26
£24.75 for 8-12 days, as long as car less than 15yrs old...

...so the Silver Bullet will have to stay at home this time  :'(


So, Battlebus or TBE....  ....hmmm, decisions decisions...

TBE.

Just don't ask to be put on the upper deck  ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Varche on 12 May 2014, 13:41:50
Im off to the land of the french(Reims) on saturday for a week but not on la ferry,Going the quicker root.(under)And im taking this beast in my armory  ;D ;D ;D ;D

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/70807181/boat.JPG)

What is that Bigtimecube? I think I once saw you on Abbey Park Lake ;D ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Nick W on 12 May 2014, 14:11:51
Whilst I used to be an advocate of the tunnel, I now hope it floods. Run by a bunch of cheese eating surrender monkeys, who are also lying bastards.

Hence, ferry. Hence option to use LPG car :)

Every time I book a crossing, I check the prices. When we went in March, return with P&O was £81, and the tunnel was £163. That's been typical for the last 6 years. Spending twice as much to 'save' 45 minutes seems like a particularly poor deal to me.

Answering some of your original question, buy the alcohol testers from a supermarket when you get there; mine were less than 5Euros.  Not the French are at all bothered about having them, and the law is unlikely to survive much longer.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Steve B on 12 May 2014, 14:54:01
Im off to the land of the french(Reims) on saturday for a week but not on la ferry,Going the quicker root.(under)And im taking this beast in my armory  ;D ;D ;D ;D

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/70807181/boat.JPG)

What is that Bigtimecube? I think I once saw you on Abbey Park Lake ;D ;D
AFAIK There is only one of these in this world that can do what this boat does  :y
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 19:41:28
Whilst I used to be an advocate of the tunnel, I now hope it floods. Run by a bunch of cheese eating surrender monkeys, who are also lying bastards.

Hence, ferry. Hence option to use LPG car :)

Every time I book a crossing, I check the prices. When we went in March, return with P&O was £81, and the tunnel was £163. That's been typical for the last 6 years. Spending twice as much to 'save' 45 minutes seems like a particularly poor deal to me.

Answering some of your original question, buy the alcohol testers from a supermarket when you get there; mine were less than 5Euros.  Not the French are at all bothered about having them, and the law is unlikely to survive much longer.
I reckon you save more than 45mins on tunnel, as the load/unload is quicker, so its not just journey time.  Shame Seacat finished, as that was reasonably rapid.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 12 May 2014, 19:41:56
Oh, and tunnie gave me some alcohol testers, so OK there :y
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: SIR Philbutt on 12 May 2014, 21:24:53
I have been using DFDS since Speedferries went, last year was £70 return, year before I was lucky and caught a deal £40

Calais or Dunkirk for the same price

This year looking at £90 (depart fri night return sun morn 3 weeks later) but holding out for when they drop the price just as the schedule becomes full, might save £20 which is a good few miles on GPL
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Nick W on 12 May 2014, 21:38:40


Every time I book a crossing, I check the prices. When we went in March, return with P&O was £81, and the tunnel was £163. That's been typical for the last 6 years. Spending twice as much to 'save' 45 minutes seems like a particularly poor deal to me.


I reckon you save more than 45mins on tunnel, as the load/unload is quicker, so its not just journey time.  Shame Seacat finished, as that was reasonably rapid.

Both Folkestone and Dover are an easy 40 minutes for me, so I have no problem arriving at the quayside whilst loading is already underway. As for the slightly longer crossing, I reckon that's actually time gained; as you can't have a meal, couple of coffees and a piss just before you disembark on the train!
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Andy B on 12 May 2014, 22:07:56
....
 as you can't have a meal, couple of coffees and a piss just before you disembark on the train!

You can if you use the facilities on your caravan  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Nick W on 12 May 2014, 22:12:03
....
 as you can't have a meal, couple of coffees and a piss just before you disembark on the train!

You can if you use the facilities on your caravan  ;) ;)


You're weird :o
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Andy B on 12 May 2014, 22:14:19
....
 as you can't have a meal, couple of coffees and a piss just before you disembark on the train!

You can if you use the facilities on your caravan  ;) ;)


You're weird :o

We've used the Chunnel while towing the caravan to French France a few times ....... embark ......... eat ..... disembark
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tunnie on 12 May 2014, 22:45:54
I prefer the boat, get to to the back of the ship, wave Dover off. Get a bit of sea air, then inside for a greasy breakie and by the time that is all done you are in France.

Nice and fresh for the next leg.

Done the train, it's like being in the tube in the car. Not very nice, not that much quicker really. Less of a break and generally far more expensive each time I've looked to go. 
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: 05omegav6 on 13 May 2014, 06:28:22
The boat always feels like the start of a holiday IMHO...

Never managed to catch the one I'm booked on though... Always ends up being the earlier one ::) ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Kevin Wood on 13 May 2014, 08:56:04
....
 as you can't have a meal, couple of coffees and a piss just before you disembark on the train!

You can if you use the facilities on your caravan  ;) ;)


You're weird :o

We've used the Chunnel while towing the caravan to French France a few times ....... embark ......... eat ..... disembark

So, I can't even take my car containing an LPG tank on the train, but you're sitting in your burger van, on the train, cooking yourself dinner using it? (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26795734/Smilies/crazy.gif)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Andy B on 13 May 2014, 09:03:27
....
 as you can't have a meal, couple of coffees and a piss just before you disembark on the train!

You can if you use the facilities on your caravan  ;) ;)


You're weird :o

We've used the Chunnel while towing the caravan to French France a few times ....... embark ......... eat ..... disembark

So, I can't even take my car containing an LPG tank on the train, but you're sitting in your burger van, on the train, cooking yourself dinner using it? (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26795734/Smilies/crazy.gif)
Who said we used the gas? ???  ;)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Kevin Wood on 13 May 2014, 10:45:01
....
 as you can't have a meal, couple of coffees and a piss just before you disembark on the train!

You can if you use the facilities on your caravan  ;) ;)


You're weird :o

We've used the Chunnel while towing the caravan to French France a few times ....... embark ......... eat ..... disembark

So, I can't even take my car containing an LPG tank on the train, but you're sitting in your burger van, on the train, cooking yourself dinner using it? (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26795734/Smilies/crazy.gif)
Who said we used the gas? ???  ;)
Not cold Beanz, surely? :o
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 13 May 2014, 10:55:36
It always amazes me that you cant take an LPG car through the tunnel but you can take a caravan with gas bottles....
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Andy B on 13 May 2014, 11:11:39
It always amazes me that you cant take an LPG car through the tunnel but you can take a caravan with gas bottles....

True ...... I thnk the reasoning is that a caravan's calor bottles have a valve that you can phyically turn to off  :-\  :-\
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: tunnie on 13 May 2014, 11:14:37
It always amazes me that you cant take an LPG car through the tunnel but you can take a caravan with gas bottles....

True ...... I thnk the reasoning is that a caravan's calor bottles have a valve that you can phyically turn to off  :-\  :-\

Excuse I heard is that it was insurance and the type of fuel a vehicle uses, rather than the LPG/bottle element.  :-\
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Kevin Wood on 13 May 2014, 11:30:36
It always amazes me that you cant take an LPG car through the tunnel but you can take a caravan with gas bottles....

True ...... I thnk the reasoning is that a caravan's calor bottles have a valve that you can phyically turn to off  :-\  :-\

Excuse I heard is that it was insurance and the type of fuel a vehicle uses, rather than the LPG/bottle element.  :-\

But it's the same fuel as a caravan cooker uses - exactly. And an LPG car does have a shut off valve. It's operated by the ignition key. ;D

No, I'm sure it was some 'elf and safety pen-pusher who doesn't know the first thing about the subject. He probably phoned UKLPG for advice and another pen pusher there would have told him that he'd better check for certificates at the entrance to the train because if a DIY conversion got on the train it would be akin to carrying "a bomb".

Of course, caravan LPG installations never leak. ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 13 May 2014, 11:56:29
But it's the same fuel as a caravan cooker uses - exactly. And an LPG car does have a shut off valve. It's operated by the ignition key. ;D

No, I'm sure it was some 'elf and safety pen-pusher who doesn't know the first thing about the subject. He probably phoned UKLPG for advice and another pen pusher there would have told him that he'd better check for certificates at the entrance to the train because if a DIY conversion got on the train it would be akin to carrying "a bomb".

Of course, caravan LPG installations never leak. ;D

And neither do gas bottles.....do they The Boy !  ;D ;D ;D ;D :y :y
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Kevin Wood on 13 May 2014, 12:34:28
But it's the same fuel as a caravan cooker uses - exactly. And an LPG car does have a shut off valve. It's operated by the ignition key. ;D

No, I'm sure it was some 'elf and safety pen-pusher who doesn't know the first thing about the subject. He probably phoned UKLPG for advice and another pen pusher there would have told him that he'd better check for certificates at the entrance to the train because if a DIY conversion got on the train it would be akin to carrying "a bomb".

Of course, caravan LPG installations never leak. ;D

And neither do gas bottles.....do they The Boy !  ;D ;D ;D ;D :y :y

Quite. :-X  ::)

We know bricks don't contain them that well. Even unobtainable ones. Given the choice between a flimsy train doing 160k's and the iron hull of a cross channel ferry barely moving, I know where I'll be taking my chances. ;D
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 13 May 2014, 18:21:43
It always amazes me that you cant take an LPG car through the tunnel but you can take a caravan with gas bottles....
Run by cheese eating surrender monkeys, 'nuf said. Idiots.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 13 May 2014, 18:23:14
I prefer the boat, get to to the back of the ship, wave Dover off. Get a bit of sea air, then inside for a greasy breakie and by the time that is all done you are in France.

Nice and fresh for the next leg.

Done the train, it's like being in the tube in the car. Not very nice, not that much quicker really. Less of a break and generally far more expensive each time I've looked to go.
The ferry is about 6hrs, plus loading/unloading. Plenty of time for breakie, a tactical chunder and a kip. Driving and tunnel is always faster...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 13 May 2014, 18:27:20
And neither do gas bottles.....do they The Boy !  ;D ;D ;D ;D :y :y
That's an instant ban  >:(
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 13 May 2014, 18:29:36
The bugger has messed about so I can't ban him
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 13 May 2014, 18:36:43
Sussed it

<evil cackle>
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Entwood on 13 May 2014, 19:19:24
The reason you can't take an LPG car on the tunnel, but you can take a caravan with LPG bottles on is quite simple... or so I have been told ......  :)

When the chunnel was simply a concept all sorts of "risk assessments" had to be compiled covering differing fuels/volumes/types of vehicle/number of passengers etc etc etc

Quite simply, no "risk assessment" for LPG powered vehicles was carried out, as they simply were not considered - probably due to very low numbers of such at the time - but caravans with LPG cylinders were considered so a "risk assessment" was done.

The licence to operate the chunnel is based on adherence to the factors and procedures laid out in those assessments. So no "risk assessment" equals no licence to carry.

The obvious question is "why not simply do a risk assessment now" .. the answer is cost, both the cost of actually doing the assessment and also the cost of then implementing any additional factors it identifies....... for the number of LPG powered vehicles that might wish to use the chunnel, the costs far outweigh the commercial viability.

That's my understanding of the situation anyway ...  :)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Nick W on 13 May 2014, 19:33:18

The ferry is about 6hrs, plus loading/unloading. Plenty of time for breakie, a tactical chunder and a kip. Driving and tunnel is always faster...

Weren't we talking about Dover/Calais? That's normally 70minutes, and often less. The longest ferry crossing I've been on was about 100minutes, and it was the roughest I've ever seen the Channel.

As said, I count the time taken for breakfast as a time saving; it means I don't need to stop until I've got well past Le Mans.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: TheBoy on 13 May 2014, 21:08:28

The ferry is about 6hrs, plus loading/unloading. Plenty of time for breakie, a tactical chunder and a kip. Driving and tunnel is always faster...

Weren't we talking about Dover/Calais? That's normally 70minutes, and often less. The longest ferry crossing I've been on was about 100minutes, and it was the roughest I've ever seen the Channel.

As said, I count the time taken for breakfast as a time saving; it means I don't need to stop until I've got well past Le Mans.
I never said Dover-Calais ;)

Ages since I've got a Dover-Calais ferry, but I've never had one managed it in the claimed 75mins (unlike Seacat, that always was about the 45mins).

I once sailed Dover-Calais on The Herald of Free Enterprise...
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Andy B on 13 May 2014, 21:09:00
The reason you can't take an LPG car on the tunnel, but you can take a caravan with LPG bottles on is quite simple... or so I have been told ......  :)

When the chunnel was simply a concept all sorts of "risk assessments" had to be compiled covering differing fuels/volumes/types of vehicle/number of passengers etc etc etc

Quite simply, no "risk assessment" for LPG powered vehicles was carried out, as they simply were not considered - probably due to very low numbers of such at the time - but caravans with LPG cylinders were considered so a "risk assessment" was done.

The licence to operate the chunnel is based on adherence to the factors and procedures laid out in those assessments. So no "risk assessment" equals no licence to carry.

The obvious question is "why not simply do a risk assessment now" .. the answer is cost, both the cost of actually doing the assessment and also the cost of then implementing any additional factors it identifies....... for the number of LPG powered vehicles that might wish to use the chunnel, the costs far outweigh the commercial viability.

That's my understanding of the situation anyway ...  :)

but ..... if you remember, caravans weren't initially allowed on the Chunnel  ;)
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Entwood on 13 May 2014, 21:24:00
.......

but ..... if you remember, caravans weren't initially allowed on the Chunnel  ;)

Perhaps .. but AFAIK that had nowt to do with LPG as a vehicle fuel .... this is something I found ..

Quote
.....LPG vehicles have never been banned on safety grounds. The tunnel was first opened for petrol and diesel vehicles and originally permission was not sought for alternatively fuelled vehicles. At the time there were under 3500 LPG vehicles on British roads, but now there are over 100,000 and with France has experiencing a similar rate of growth, an application has been made to the operators for a change in the carriage regulations to allow LPG powered vehicles."

2 Dec 2002 Hansard

Mr. David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to review the ban on the use of vehicles which use LPG fuel from the Channel Tunnel. [83519]
Reply was
Mr. Jamieson: Eurotunnel's original applications for operating certificates excluded the carriage of LPG and dual-fuelled vehicles. It is for the company to come forward with proposals to extend the range of its services to include these vehicles; Eurotunnel has been keeping its policy under review. If the company does seek to extend the scope of its services to include these vehicles, it will first need the agreement of the Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission, acting on the advice of the independent binational Channel Tunnel Safety Authority, to its proposals.
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Entwood on 13 May 2014, 21:31:13
As a matter of interest .. this discussion has taken place previously ....

http://oldsite.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1201210159/0



some 6 years ago and nowt has changed !!!
Title: Re: Driving in France
Post by: Steve B on 13 May 2014, 23:44:53
As a matter of interest .. this discussion has taken place previously ....

http://oldsite.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1201210159/0



some 6 years ago and nowt has changed !!!
Do the french still not like us  :-\ :-\