Space saver spare and channel tunnel experience.

[Worcester_spoon]

Hi all

I'm off on a Euro trip end of June. Wanted to take a spare with me rather than just some goo and a pump. Before I search eBay (and pay a small fortune for one), I wondered if someone on here had one I could borrow for a couple of weeks? I'm based North Hampshire, so Berkshire, Surrey, Dorset, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire etc work for collection.

Also, anyone got any Channel Tunnel experience with a 'low' car? Do you inform them in advance, are they accommodating?

Thanks all

Stu

 

[vester86]

you can pick one up in arnheim, the netherlands on the way here...

 

[ronk]

Space saver is ok - but remember if you get a flat you will need space for a big fat dirty wheel and tyre!

 

[Chris_D]

You'll be reet in ur zed. Ive seen lambos roll on and off with no probs.

Vester, what kind of space saver have u got? And tyre? I wouldnt mind getting hold of one for long trips...

 

[Silverzedtom]

Going on the ramp to the upper deck on the tunnel is the only area you could potentially struggle. I can't see it scraping though as I remember it being quite a Steady transition. I haven't been lucky enough to attempt it in my Zed yet, but I followed a lotus Elise on last time I went and didn't hear any scraping or swearing!

Can't offer much help with the space saver as I don't have one. But as above you will find yourself ditching belongings if you have to get a regular wheel in the boot / well... I'd be tempted to chance it and take tyre weld.

Enjoy your trip

 

[vester86]

You'll be reet in ur zed. Ive seen lambos roll on and off with no probs.

Vester, what kind of space saver have u got? And tyre? I wouldnt mind getting hold of one for long trips...

a new one, 17" would look for brand/age but fairly new if i remember correct

used it 1 time last winter when i got a flat tyre to get the car home

 

[ronk]

Can the tyre weld gunk be used in wheels with the TPMS kit?

 

[groovy_hippy]

In my experience the channel tunnel folk tend to put sports cars on the lower deck ... we've been to Le Mans a few times (return of Porsche) and they've all been on the lower deck. All fine, and I'd recommend taking the roof down when you're on it or it gets a bit stuffy

 

[Marius]

Let's see how low it is :roll:

 

[Lance]

I've used the Channel Tunnel a few times in my standard Z4, never had any issues.

Usually travelling with a couple of M3s that are lowered, no issues with them either.

 

[Smartbear]

Hi, over in France now & none of us had clearance issues
Rob

 

[ronk]

Living in the North it's a ship ride to Europe - plenty of fresh air in the North Sea. There are often some steep ramps and those lashing eyes on the car decks worry me but they've been ok.

 

[Marius]

Living in the North it's a ship ride to Europe - plenty of fresh air in the North Sea. There are often some steep ramps and those lashing eyes on the car decks worry me but they've been ok.

no problems if you use Eurotunnel ,it's low car friendly and if you ask they will let you go with the busses to avoid kerbing your wheels .

 

[Kingfisher]

Might I recommend a set of run-flats? ...

 

[Anonymous]

boot rack

 

[mmm-five]

Been on both upper & lower decks of both Eurotunnel and the ferries, and have never had a problem on either, and that's with a lowered Z4MC.

The overhang on our cars is quite small, so it's unlikely to catch anywhere except kerbs.

Two mates on the other hand have to specify 'low clearance' as their front bumpers catch on ramps. One has already damaged his £3k carbon bumper (on an R33) on a ferry after the marshal directed him upstairs despite his low clearance tag - they won't be doing that again as they had to contribute towards a new one and delay the ferry loading whilst he 'remonstrated' with them.

 

[Pro3ltr]

Just done a trip to the ring... standard z4.. lotus elise and superlight caterham... all on the lower deck.. no trouble at all... z is a bit wider than the others so needed to pay attention to the floor sides... but no dramas... on or off.