Newbie - what to take on a long trip

Torch (wind up type), car bulbs hi viz jackets and triangles are in the car anyway latter three being a legal requirement on most of continent.  Forgot to add; first aid kit and get one of those green tools for realigning 13 pin socket should it get out of line - a few pounds from a dealer;  I have bailed out a few caravanners in my time with mine!  My tool box/spares look a little inadequate compared with some!!

The most important thing to do before you travel is have your tow car serviced by a good garage.

Thanks everyone for your very useful comments.  Luckily we have someone house sitting for us so home insurance all covered (although Direct Line would have actually covered me for a 3 month trip if I'd let them know in advance and it was a one off which is useful to know).

Last trip out the gearbox on the car conked out so we have a new gearbox, clutch and flywheel, service and brakes all done.   

I shall get hubby to put together a tool box.  Is there an easy way (without having to go visit the caravan in storage) to know what fuses I need to take (It's a Bailey Senator Virginia).

Thanks - everyone - good here isn't it :)

You're getting  good  advice  on  here  BUT  dont  forget  something  for  your  "Me  Time"  --  3.5  months  is  a  long  time  to  be  closetted  together  in  a  'van!!    and  what  ever  you  do  or  don't  take  please  please  take  your  Sense  of  Humour  --  that'll  get  you  out  of  lots  of  sticky  situations  !

Please  have  fun  &  tell  us  all  about  it  when  you  return.

Brian

P.S.  Take  lots  of  pictures  --  they  will  remind  you  of  the  tour  in  40  years  time  !! 

Re fuses.  If your Senator is like my Ranger there will be an electrical 'box'  with circuit breakers and electrical test button under the front seat and you will see the fuses there - all conveniently labeled by Mr Bailey!  One of each size should be more than adequate - never had to change a fuse in my caravan.   You may need the sense of humour when putting up an awning!

Great tip about that alignment tool - have ordered one from Amazon today!  I have struggled with the new to me plugs and even my helpful neighbour who is really handy has had trouble! 

I wouldn't pack too much food (although I don't always take my own advice) as it is such fun browsing new areas for local produce.  I have a couple of standbys in case not feeling well like a tin of soup etc.  A pack of favourite frozen veg is good too especially way up at the northern end. 

Have you thought of a medicine chest along with the first aid? 

You're getting  good  advice  on  here  BUT  dont  forget  something  for  your  "Me  Time"  --  3.5  months  is  a  long  time  to  be  closetted  together  in  a  'van!!    and  what  ever  you  do  or  don't  take  please  please  take  your  Sense  of  Humour  --  that'll  get  you  out  of  lots  of  sticky  situations  !

Please  have  fun  &  tell  us  all  about  it  when  you  return.

Brian

 

P.S.  Take  lots  of  pictures  --  they  will  remind  you  of  the  tour  in  40  years  time  !! 

Write your comments here...Nice one ABM  

 ....(which I am told is law in this country anyway but does everyone carry enough?)

Since when? It is in French France, but not in Blighty.

 ......  Is there an easy way (without having to go visit the caravan in storage) to know what fuses I need to take (It's a Bailey Senator Virginia).....

Modern cars' fuses come in 3 sizes (physical not amps), a lot use the standard fuse which is aout 20mm across, though there are quite a few that use mini/micro fuses .... c10mm and you might find maxi fuses under the bonnet 25/30mm across. I'd imagine your caravan uses the middle sized, standard fuse like these though Halfords seem to be the most expensive place to buy anything from these days.

 ....(which I am told is law in this country anyway but does everyone carry enough?)

Since when? It is in French France, but not in Blighty.

Write your comments here...I may wear one tomorrow so SWMBO can keep tabs on me as I check out HMS Victory and Warrior for the umpteenth time. Then around what fleet that are docked.