Hello. I have just bought a Fiat Motorhome and I will be going to France in January to hopefully find some snow.
In Winter I understand some roads in France require you to carry snow-chains; should I fix them to the front or the back wheels on my Fiat Motorhome?
I am new to Motorhoming but I understand there are places in France in towns and villages called Aires where you can park for free or very little cost but my friend who has a caravan told me under no circumstances to stop on them as you can be gassed and robbed. I just wondered what others did.
Hi Joe
Welcome to MHF.
Iv never used snow chains,but I would guess you would fit them to your drive wheels
And as for being gassed its a load of rubbish.In saying that I would never over night on motorway aires,but I mostly use aires in towns and have never,ever had a problem.
Thanks for these replies. Ah so just the wheels that the engine turns? I see, I think thats the back. Thanks for that.
No it was the aires in towns and villages that my Caravan friend said were unsafe. He says the crime rate in France is appalling and that you really should always use a Caravan Club approved site and even then you should install some Gas attack prevention alarms and beef up your security. I am starting to think its a bad idea and might just go to Butlins in Filey.
Well you friend has been badly informed.There are lots of scare stories about gas attacks,but we never hear from the victim,only a friend of a friend knows someone who it happened to.
And as for France having appalling crime rate,its no different than anywhere if you dont take care.
We go to France at least three times a year mostly using aires and have never had one problem.
Only thing I would say is if an aire doesnt feel right just move on to another,there are a lot to choose from.
If you do go you will want to go back.France is a country best explored by Motorhome and is the best country in the world to use one!
It would appear your friend is communicating out of something other than his mouth!!
I spent many years touring France with a Motorhome before switching to a caravan earlier this year. We used Aires the majority of the time and never ever had any problems (other than finding them full that is) Gassing is an urban myth, no-one on here has ever been gassed and there are a LOT of members.
France is THE most motorhome friendly country in the world, ignore your friend and get out there, you will LOVE IT!!!
If you have any questions just ask, there is a wealth of knowledge here that's yours for the asking.
Butlins do not allow motorhomes.
snow chains go on the front wheels, as the Fiat is a front wheel drive.
You could go to Scotland if you just want snow.>>
Where is your friend getting his information from as caravaners are not normally allowed to use village/town aires? I suspect it's from dubious second hand sources. The fact is that the majority of motorhomers in Europe use village and town aires if they are available in preference to camp sites. They can't be all wrong. Use village/town aires (but NOT motorway aires) for your trip and enjoy it. If you encounter any trouble I'll gladly eat your snowchains!
Thanks again. I am starting to wonder if my friend is jealous of my motorhome and these Aires but I had better invest in some gas alarms and security just in case. He also told me that its law to have motorhomes fitted at all times with snow chains when in France in the winter. I have checked the manual and it is indeed front wheel drive but to be on the safe side I have ordered a second set for the rear. Belts and braces!
If they are a legal requirement at all times in January do you fit them before you get on the ferry at Dover or is there a place to pull in at Calais to fit them? What do you guys do?
to be honest you're probably going to have more time to put them on at home before you leave on your trip, and also make sure you know how to fit them.
Dont fit your snow chains at Dover as you will not get on the ferry due to the slippery metal of the ferry ramp and deck. There is a big sign as you enter the ferry saying "Strictly no Snow Chains". As you come off the ferry at Calais about a mile down the road on the left is a large newish campsite called Jungle something or other, just pull in there and put them on. Good idea about fitting to all wheels by the way.
Definitely put them on either at home or certainly before you get to Dover because it makes it easier for the ferry-crew to lash the motorhome down as they slide around a lot on ferries - much more than on snow and ice.
Don't bother to book a return ticket - you probably will not be going back to the UK.
Well thats a conflict of opinion then. Funtastic above says they are not allowed on the ferry and he clearly sounds like he knows what he is talking about.
I shall do as he says and pull in to that place near Calais and attach them.
Why do you not think I will be coming back? I only have a week to get to the Alps and back and do some skiing and I have already booked the return Ferry. I see on another thread there is not much snow in the alps so I may also take in the Pyrenees before ambling back to Calais. Do these snow chains rattle a bit?
If you get some of those exterior thermal windscreen covers, I should fit them before you leave home, and just roll down the bits you need to see out of. It'll save a lot of hassle when you stop for the night.
Thanks for all the useful replies. However my Caravan friend has now told me that the maximum speed your allowed to drive with snow chains in France is 20 mph and at that rate by the time I have got to the Alps and Pyrenees I would have to turn around and head back to Calais so what with this and the possibility of being gassed and robbed I have binned the idea. How do people move around France all winter at 20mph?
The other poster was also correct I have found out, Butlins do not allow Motorhomes so I have booked in to the Haven site at Filey. Do you know if there will be any snow there and will there be any entertainment?
Frankly I'm both surprised and disappointed that no one has mentioned the risk for diesel-freeze in winter.. add anti-freeze in equal measures to ensure a smooth journey.
Methinks the honourable member from "Up an Alp" doth protest too much!! :grin2:
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