Community Forums

TXBart · 01-19-2020, 11:31 AM

Does anyone have any tips or tricks for riding the ferry in their coach + toad?

We’re considering a trip to Gulf Waters in a couple weeks with nights before and after in Walburg and Brenham. Any park recommendations in either of those towns?

rfsod48 · 01-19-2020, 11:40 AM

They are well versed in handling MH as they transport several a day. Just follow the workers directions. Several parks on the island, be sure to rinse off your MH and toad every few days to remove sea fog crust. Check for rust also.

greysailor · 01-19-2020, 04:04 PM

My experience has been to watch out for two things using this ferry crossing...Extremely low or high tides change the geometry of the loading ramps (have a spotter if your rig is a tail-dragger), and don't let the kid directing traffic talk you into a last minute lane change for the first ferry to arrive. Better to sit in your lane and wait for next ferry than to execute a sharp turn and kiss one of the many signs that may not be clearly visible in your mirrors....They have no idea how much room a 40+ foot DP needs to change lanes at the last minute! 1

FCOKC · 01-19-2020, 04:22 PM

We've never used the ferry but we always stay at On The Beach RV park.
On the Beach RV Park | When you visit the coast why not stay on the beach.
Very close to the water, clean and convenient.

docj · 01-19-2020, 04:27 PM

When all is said and done, the ferry rarely saves any time. We live in the area and hardly ever bother with the ferry unless we don't care about being unexpectedly delayed. Sometimes things go very smoothly and sometimes they don't. Driving the to Port Aransas via the causeway adds quite a few miles but it can often be a better bet with respect to time. JMO.

Ann n Gene · 01-19-2020, 05:15 PM

Wait times are much less than they used to be with the bigger ferries now in the majority but can still be over 30 minutes at times.

TXBart · 01-19-2020, 05:45 PM

Our plan enroute is to visit Walburg, TX and the Blue Bell Plant in Brenham, coming or going. Where we stay to do that will determine our route. I think I may prefer to drive a few extra miles and miss the ferry.

Ann n Gene · 01-19-2020, 05:49 PM

I would take the longer route. I cross it f often with my towed and they transport a lot of coaches, but mine will never be one of them. All JMHO

oneknight · 01-21-2020, 09:00 AM

We used the ferry both coming and going.
It was a low traffic time of year, so no problem with waiting.
We heard about the tide thing, so checked beforehand and adjusted our leaving time to avoid that problem.
We drove the toad separately to avoid any length problem.

When prepared, it was a quick, easy, and fun experience.
Note the ferry ride is only about a hundred yards across the channel.

scottandanna · 01-21-2020, 03:40 PM

You will LOVE Gulf Waters. Great place.

Ferries are not a problem. They get TONS of RVs and trailers, and know how to pack them on.

TXBart · 01-21-2020, 08:31 PM

Thanks for all the responses.

We’ve been to Gulf Waters a couple times and love it. The only issue is it’s about 115 miles farther from home than we want to drive in one day, hence the stops at Warburg and Brenham. We used to RON at Pecan Park Riverside in San Marcos but it has become very run down.