Essential tool kit? (Length of piece of string...)

Thanks all for these - very instructive and useful! And while I might not take absolutely everything on everyone's list, (or as has been said, there'll not be room for us as well), JohnM20 I already have bought the spare Whale pump, it was something recommended a while back, and I can see that they'll indeed choose to go when you're miles from anywhere.

Of course the temptation must be to carry a complete spare caravan if you take it to extremes, I can quite see that too!

Meanwhile we wait with bated breath to see if we'll get our promised weekend after all: the front window had de-laminated after a previous owner's inadequate repair which we hadn't spotted, and Eeco in Halifax promised our dealer they'd get it done  by today (he's sent it to to them as part of honouring his warranty, which is decent), but reckoned this morning it would be  the back of next week after all. A couple of firm phone calls to encourage them to honour their promise and it may be done by tomorrow after all. So all these preparations may have to be rammed in very quickly, or we may just end up taking ourselves on an alternative trial run when the van finally gets back to us after a frustrating wait... but at least, with luck, it'll have all the right bits in it!

Thanks again,

Richard

Famous last words ......... never had a water pump problem and I have had just 3 caravans in the last 25 years. If water pump packed up I could manage quite nicely with a 4 litre water container. 

Even I was looking for the same info. Thanks for the helpful replies. 

As people have suggested above, adjustable spanner, pliers and a variety of spanners. I would add CableTies, Duct Tape, some of the electric connection blocks (which are designed for mains wiring in the home, but they are excellent for making emergency/temporary connections too) One of the tiny-cheap-basic multimeters can be a great help too

As no one so far has said it ... I will  ......

If it doesn't move & should move ..... WD40

If it moves & shouldn't move ..... gaffer/duct tape 

Sheer overkill.

A bit of chewing gum to hold things together and a drop of washing-up liquid to lub things.

Although an old farmer told me I should always carry a length of bale twine and a good penknife.

During 30 years of Caravanning I acquired lots of essential tools and accessories. In fact, I had them so long that when I finally sorted through most things were out of date e.g. a water pump (the design and connections changed).

You really dont need any more than you would take in the car. I have found a multimeter useful but if you don't have electrical experience there is no point. A torque wrench is important and you should check wheel nuts after every long journey (your caravan handbook should tell you that).

If you really get stuck you can borrow most things from other caravan owners on site or pop down to the shops.

I haven't liked to admit that with my lack of skills in things electrical there's not a lot of point in my taking a multimeter!

Now, the strong string and good knife bit I can do ... and I have assembled quite a few items from lists given here, and even bought a useful bag to keep them in, so it's not been wasted effort on your part, all you kind contributors!

Many thanks to all.

And I've just thought of one more : a decent working light - forgive me if you've mentioned this, can't spot it on a quick read through. I got a useful bat-wing type rechargeable LED one, and already wouldn't be without it.

ha ha Brilliant.

P.S like the picture of the sentinel in your profile pic. (Looks like the Sentinel from SVO anyways)