Trailers on Ferries.

[Kernow]

Just wonder if anyone has had any experience of bikes and trailers on ferries. We are going from Plymouth to Santander and return next May with the Fat Boy and trailer. We've used a variety of routes in the past, some with excellent crew and tie downs, some awful. Never taken a trailer before and just wondering if there is any advice about securing it. I've got a tie down for the bike but I'm wondering if it is better to keep the bike and trailer attached or to separate and secure separately. Any advice would be appreciated.

[kevin bolden]

Went across the channel with a couple on a bike with trailer, and with the bike securely strapped down the trailer was left hitched. I think its a case of 'if the bike aint gonna move then the trailer wont' Also with the bike in gear again its less likely to move unless the trailer has a handbrake that is.

[spindrifter]

Been on Brittany ferries lots. Great company, they will help you tie your bike down no problem. They just use tie downs and wedges. Enjoy and relax.

[Trevor]

Never had a problem with a trailer with P&O to Spain, tied the bike down as usual and the trailer was left attached to the bike.

I did come across this though on the BMF website, I knew about the weights but not about the night time ban. Never had a problem with Spanish Police, but perhaps they did not know either?

Technically if a trailer is legal in the UK it can be used in any other EU country even if trailers are not road legal in that country. Riders who want to tow trailers across Spain can do so, there are limitations though.
Motorcycles may tow trailers or sidecars only if they do not exceed 50% of the weight of the towing vehicle. Trailers can only be used during daylight and in conditions that guarantee good visibility. The speed of the motorcycle must not exceed 90% of the posted speed limit, and trailers may not in any circumstances be used to transport people.


And I noticed a couple of weeks ago that if you take a car to Spain you now need two emergency triangles, not sure about a bike and trailer, probably worth taking two just in case.

[grbrown]

Originally Posted by Trevor

And I noticed a couple of weeks ago that if you take a car to Spain you now need two emergency triangles, not sure about a bike and trailer, probably worth taking two just in case.

Better still check with the AA or UK Government website about travel to foreign destinations! Let's not start urban myths.....

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by grbrown

Better still check with the AA or UK Government website about travel to foreign destinations! Let's not start urban myths.....

Not an urban myth as such, there was a bloody great sign on an LD Lines ferry advising travellers that were going to Spain that this was now a requirement. That was on the 18th November 2011.

The ferry went from Portsmouth to Le Havre and I was only going to France, so it did not affect me.

From the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website

Take care when driving, as customs are very different from those in the UK. You must also carry two red warning triangles, a reflective jacket for every occupant of the car, a spare wheel, spare light bulbs, tools, and a spare set of glasses (if you need them to drive).

From the AA

It is compulsory for foreign registered vehicles to carry one warning triangle but two are recommended. If you have an accident or breakdown and cannot produce two triangles you may be fined by local officials


No idea when it came into force though, i thought the EU was supposed to harmonise everything?

[Urrell]

Driving Abroad | Advice And Tips For Driving Abroad

[BaZa®]

This is worth a read as well Ian posted by Big John.
In the touring section.

http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...ras-spain.html

[Kernow]

I've read an awful lot about touring abroad, and I have ridden in Spain France Belgium and Holland, but nearly all the info. I've seen relates to Cars and not bikes. I saw the piece about new Spanish Radar, but towing a trailer and with Penny on the pillion, I don't intend to be driving at Mach One. As far as the warning Triangles and Hi-Vis, it appears that it only refers to cars. Still I've got till May to do a bit more.

[mucka]

Never had any probs with the wing and trailor on any crossings i`ve done
bike gets strapped down and chocked, left in gear trailor cant move.