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nickp

Member Since: 17 May 2012
Location: Surrey
Posts: 19

2003 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

Eurotunnel - car size issues Defender

Hi all, came across a very frustrating issue with Eurotunnel this week.

Booked transport about 5 months ago to travel to France via the tunnel, booked it when I had 110se 2020, so the original engined car, 240bhp and 2 litre.

I have had various warranty issues in the last year and changed to the newer 3litre 250bhp 110hse about a month ago.

Obviously had to inform eurotunnel of the changes but when I did they said the car was larger ( size ) !! And that I would have to pay any extra £200 as they class it as an L4 not L3. They say that it’s the DVLA that gives them this information.

I have spoken to JLR and they say there is no change to the vehicle dimensions at all, looking at vehicle comparison sites, I can see a possible 5mm difference in width but does this really make any difference as height and length are exactly the same !! Especially as some cars have the ladder and side box on which makes a huge difference.

Has anyone had this situation or aware of it. I am bloody furious and have a formal compliant in against eurotunnel.

Cheers

Nick P

7th Feb 2024 11:23am

Bluest

Member Since: 23 Apr 2016
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 3997

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black

I fear you are in a no-win "computer says no" situation". Do Eurotunnel publish the dimensions that apply to their pricing? If they do, you could measure your own vehicle and make an argument based on that. Failing that, your only option really is to write a complaint with the threat to take your business elsewhere. 2007 110 TDCi Station Wagon XS

7th Feb 2024 12:27pm

Moo

Member Since: 01 Oct 2021
Location: Bath
Posts: 1035

I've used the Chunnel three times in the past twelve months. D250 SE 110 no issues whatsoever.

What does your V5 say? Eiger Grey MY23 D250 SE with bits. Known as Noddy.

7th Feb 2024 1:29pm

nickp

Member Since: 17 May 2012
Location: Surrey
Posts: 19

Indeed but my problem is moving from 2020 car to 2023 car, which eurotunnel / dvla state are different cars / larger cars.

7th Feb 2024 1:51pm

Chicken Drumstick

Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 543

Can you view this size class anywhere? Have you spoken with the DVLA?

7th Feb 2024 2:02pm

XplusYplusZ

Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 415

Reading over on pistonheads, the 'L' refers to vehicle length, not width. So L4 is a longer vehicle class than L3.

With that in mind, here's what I suspect...

If you google a defender dims:
In 2020, the max dimensions of "A" defender is 4758mm
In 2023, the max dimensions of "A" defender is 5098mm (I assume this refers to the def130)

5098mm is handily just over the 5 metre mark, and 5 metres would probably make sense as a good cut-off point from one length category to another..

I think you're being diddled by a lazy algorithm. And I would also spare a thought for 90 drivers, who are likely also being charged for 130 dimensions.

[UPDATE: DFDS ferries have a 5m cut-off, and looking at some VW camper forums about the tunnel and they are also quoting a 5m length cut-off as the point at which prices go up]

Maybe try giving them a call with this hypothesis. I am sure they need to publish charging practices somewhere, and you're being incorrectly charged according to the wrong dimensions of your vehicle.

7th Feb 2024 3:50pm

nickp

Member Since: 17 May 2012
Location: Surrey
Posts: 19

Hi, I have finally managed to speak to customer services at euro tunnel and they are willing to investigate. They are saying they go off advice from DVLA ( I am now in contact with them as well )

But eurotunnel have no immediate size charts for the various vehicle classes, which I found hilarious. They have passed it to team to look into, sadly I have now had to pay another £200 on top of the original flexiplus figure just so I can travel on Friday !

Wonder how many other people and cars are being affected. I have even said I would remove the spare wheel and what would they do then, thank god I don’t have ladder, side box, or spare wheel cover 🤣🤣

Cheers for everyone’s input 👍[/i]

7th Feb 2024 4:16pm

XplusYplusZ

Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 415

Glad they're investigating - It does look like the problem is with the DVLA database - eurotunnel are just end users of the DVLA data.

But I can easily imagine the DVLA database struggles to cope with JLR's baffling naming conventions.

7th Feb 2024 4:34pm

XplusYplusZ

Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 415

The DVLA advised me that the manufacturer needs to provide them with updated information..
I fear this could get very messy.

7th Feb 2024 5:00pm

LR Nuts

Member Since: 10 Aug 2022
Location: UK
Posts: 832

I once took a Land Rover through the channel tunnel. When booking in, the French lady, in the UK booth, asked for paperwork, which I gave her. She replied your vehicle is 'hire' car. NO, No, it is owned by myself, I showed here the V5 which I carried.
No she said again 'hire' car !!
She pointed to the Roof Top tent, she said again 'hire' car.

Doh !!! she actually said 'higher' car.

7th Feb 2024 6:29pm

johncorrisgrey

Member Since: 17 Apr 2023
Location: south yorkshire
Posts: 4

you have me worried now, we have a trip booked in august with a disco 4 and caravan for £548 but may have a new 110 XS by then

Landrover when you build a vehicle quote length as

110 4,758 (Without spare wheel) | 5,018 (With spare wheel)

130 5,099 (Without spare wheel) | 5,358 (With spare wheel)

the 110 does not appear to have changed in dimensions from 2020 to present

I may have to bite the bullet this year but will be back on the ferrry next

John

7th Feb 2024 11:14pm

Moo

Member Since: 01 Oct 2021
Location: Bath
Posts: 1035

Can you not cancel and rebook if there is an issue? Eiger Grey MY23 D250 SE with bits. Known as Noddy.

7th Feb 2024 11:16pm

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2550

I wasn’t aware that Eurotunnel differentiated on the length of a car. They charge extra for trailers/bike carriers etc. but the only differentiating factor when you book a car on is the height - with Defenders falling into the taller category.

7th Feb 2024 11:22pm

johncorrisgrey

Member Since: 17 Apr 2023
Location: south yorkshire
Posts: 4

Don't think so, can amend vehicles dates etc but no refunds, booked through Caravan Club gonna speak to them tomorrow. Already running into insurance issues, canceling order is looming large on horizon

John

7th Feb 2024 11:26pm

nickp

Member Since: 17 May 2012
Location: Surrey
Posts: 19

Update

I have spoken to the DVLA who have said there is no difference between the two vehicles, 2020 model is same dimensions as the new model.

I have been told that Eurotunnel team are coming back to me before Friday, so will let everyone know how I get on.

Thanks for all the replies and advice, hugely appreciated.

Cheers

Nick P

8th Feb 2024 12:37am

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