Booking an RV on a ferry: measure the whole rig and declare the propane

A ferry reservation is not a normal parking reservation. The operator is selling a specific amount of vehicle-deck space, and an RV may cross the line into an oversize category because of its length, height, width, rear overhang, roof gear or trailer. Measure the travel-ready rig, declare fuel and propane as the operator requires, and confirm the check-in cutoff for the exact route.

Washington State Ferries says fares for vehicles 22 feet and longer rise with vehicle length and height, including anything being towed. Its vehicle reservations are available only on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes.^[1] Alaska Marine Highway says the reservation must use the connected length from the furthest extensions, and inaccurate space information can cause added charges, standby status or a later sailing.^[2] BC Ferries treats vehicles over 7 feet high or more than 20 feet long as oversized; it also warns that long rear overhangs can be affected by extreme tides at some terminals.^[3]

Measure the travel configuration

Do not use the number printed on a brochure unless it matches the rig as it will arrive at the terminal. Measure from the furthest point in front to the furthest point behind. Include a tow bar, towed car, trailer tongue, bike rack, spare tire carrier, cargo tray, ladder extension or anything else that remains installed for the crossing.

Record height to the tallest fixed item, including an air conditioner, vent cover, antenna in its travel position or roof cargo. Record width with mirrors in the position required for driving. Ask the operator whether mirrors, awnings or slide toppers affect the booked width. A scale ticket may also be needed for an unusually heavy vehicle or a route with vessel-specific limits.

Alaska Marine Highway limits online vehicle bookings to 30 feet and directs customers with longer combinations to a call center or terminal. Its policy also notes that vessels and ports have different restrictions for unusually tall, wide or heavy vehicles.^[2] Call when the booking form cannot describe the rig accurately. Splitting a tow vehicle and trailer into two entries does not make the connected combination shorter.

Make a one-page ferry card

• Overall connected length in feet and inches
• Maximum travel height, including roof equipment
• Width and mirror configuration
• Approximate gross weight and axle count
• License plates for the motorhome, tow vehicle and trailer
• Number and size of portable propane cylinders
• Permanent propane tank, gasoline cans or other declared fuel
• Booking number, route, sailing, terminal and check-in cutoff

Photograph the rig with the measuring points visible. The photo is not a substitute for the operator's measurement, but it helps explain what was included if equipment changes after booking.

Propane rules are operator-specific

Do not assume that an RV installation is exempt from ferry dangerous-goods rules. Washington State Ferries distinguishes permanently installed propane tanks from its allowance for portable cylinders.^[4] Alaska Marine Highway says bottled gas containers must be turned off and sealed by an employee at boarding; it also says passengers may not use an RV for dining or sleeping during the crossing because the vehicle deck is closed to access while underway.^[2]

Before departure, read the operator's current dangerous-goods page and list every cylinder and fuel container. Check whether valves must be closed, whether pilot lights must be off, how cylinders must be secured, and whether staff apply a tag or seal. Do not vent, disconnect or improvise at the terminal. If the written rule is unclear, ask the operator before travel.

Plan for the refrigerator and pets

A shut propane valve can remove one refrigerator power source. Alaska Marine Highway says electrical hookups for vehicle refrigeration units are unavailable.^[2] Decide before check-in whether the refrigerator can safely remain cold on an allowed power source, whether food should move to an ice-filled cooler, or whether perishables should be left behind. Follow the refrigerator and RV manuals rather than assuming a battery mode can support the full crossing and terminal wait.

Vehicle-deck access may be restricted during a sailing. Confirm where people and pets must stay, whether a pet can remain in the RV, when escorted pet visits are allowed, and whether the vehicle deck is open or closed on that vessel. Build the pet plan around the operator's route-specific rule.

Watch the terminal geometry

Low ground clearance and long rear overhangs can drag when a ramp angle changes. BC Ferries warns that extreme tides can affect RVs and other vehicles with extended rear overhangs at certain terminals.^[3] Give the operator the rear-overhang measurement if asked. Follow staff directions on approach angle and loading.

Never deploy leveling jacks, steps, awnings or slides in a terminal queue or on the vehicle deck unless staff explicitly direct it. Keep brake controls, hitch parts and safety chains accessible for inspection.

Recheck 24 hours before sailing

1. Open the official route alert and terminal page.
2. Confirm the sailing, terminal and check-in cutoff.
3. Compare the reservation dimensions with the loaded rig.
4. Declare propane, fuel and other regulated items exactly as instructed.
5. Confirm passenger, pet and vehicle-deck-access rules.
6. Save the operator's phone number and a later-sailing backup.

A ferry can carry an RV that would be awkward to route by road, but only if the booking describes the vehicle the operator will actually load. The safest reservation is boringly accurate.

Sources

1. Washington State Ferries: Commercial and oversized vehicles on ferries
2. Alaska Marine Highway System: Travel policies
3. BC Ferries: Driving onboard
4. Washington State Ferries: What you can bring aboard