What to watch out for first trip oversea
Had a good few long weekends away in UK now since we bought Sprite last year. Now planning France & Holland for July prob by Hull Ferry. Would be interested in knowing what the possible pitfalls may be or any "words of wisdom" that could be shared to consider
before going.
Have already done the following :
alko spare wheel carried removed (spare will be over axle)
invested in small trolley jack (just in case)
motor mover fitted (excellent investment)
michelin maps on order
apologies if there is a list some place else I just can't find it.
Comments
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I should add that we have driven in Europe before but not towing so any tips on what to avoid would be good
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people driving on the wrong side of the road
Admiral
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Don't forget you will probably need a converter for the electric hook up lead. The continental connection is sometimes different to that used in the UK. Ask your local accessory shop for an adapter (a short length of wire to connect on to the end of your usual lead). Also many would say take a reversed polarity lead connector (a short lead with the normal UK lead connectors with the live and neutral wires reversed on one of the plugs).
Also, if you use calor, make sure you go with a full bottle - you won't get a replacement in Europe - they don't stock calor.
David
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CC site books, health and breakdown insurance (Red Pennant or ADAC suggested). Head light beam deflectors. Don't worry too much about caravan spares as they are widely available on the continent but I take some fuses and 'O' rings for the water pump. There
are not really any pitfalls to caravanning on the continent; indeed most of us find their approach much more relaxed than ours! Look at Dianne's 'Joys of European Caravanning' blog for many excellent ideas. Have a great trip.
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AD has remiinded me of an 'incident' when we lived in France. Been there about 3 years at the time when I pulled out of a layby, a couple of seconds later my wife shouted 'you are on the wrong side of the road (or similar!)'
;
and we had a left hand drive car! So yes, be aware as AD said and also on return to UK.0 -
Afternoon all
When I am driving a UK car in France I have a little mantra of "bum in the gutter"
and like other posters, I need to concentrate when I get back to the UK to make sure I am not driving on the wrong side of the road!!There is a check-list
here of what you need to take with you.Hope you have a great time!
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Thanks for the feedback - all noted !
mazvw42 - we were advised to remove it by caravan supplier :
a) because it is difficult to remove the spare wheel if the flat is nearside as it will be lower than normal and they advised not crawling underneath when on jack. The screws can also corrode if not lubricated and therefore seize - not ideal at roadside.
b) it is only accessible from the nearside (in UK) it would be dangerous to access when on opposite side of road (e.g. France) as access would be from the carriageway.
I may be too cautious with this but want to have as stress-free a trip a possible so I'm taking it as a positive tip.
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ACSI camping card is a must for discounted sites in low season, which may end in early July until almost end of August, but so cheap that the cost can be saved in just one night sometimes. Get one soon as they often run out of English copies of the book.
Regards, Roy0 -
CC site books, health and breakdown insurance (Red Pennant or ADAC suggested). Head light beam deflectors. Don't worry too much about caravan spares as they are widely available on the continent but I take some fuses and 'O' rings for the water pump. There
are not really any pitfalls to caravanning on the continent; indeed most of us find their approach much more relaxed than ours! Look at Dianne's 'Joys of European Caravanning' blog for many excellent ideas. Have a great trip.Write your comments here...Link
here for my website. If you have any questions please ask will be glad to help.DianneT
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Warning triangle, high viz. vests, French two pin connector adapter.
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Thank you for the extra info, we are off to Spain for the first time with a caravan so taking the wheel out is worth considering
If over 12m total length you should have the marker boards for Spain (other threads plus on Club list)
Agree with spare tyre and jack actions but breakdown cover (Brittania, ADAC, Safeguard etc or similar is a must - you need some help, especially if on motorway for everyone's safety) plus travel insurance separate products much cheaper than Red Pennant but your choice.
And, I think TWO warning triangles for Spain?:
Cheapest I've found here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330917030500?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Going in April so enjoy as well!
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Go for it! The ferry from Hull to Rotterdam is very good, affording a decent nights sleep so you'll be fresh for onward driving. Get an up to date sat.nav as ours got a little confused getting round Rotterdam and we ended up doing a bit of a detour to
get back on track. Otherwise, we found everything about Holland to be great. We stayed at Delft latterly so we wouldn't be too far from getting back to the ferry and this worked well (it's a fab place for wandering around). The site pitches are little "snug"
but ok. We found the Dutch roads much better to drive on that back at home! Enjoy your trip.0 -
Simple rule when driving in Europe.
Just follow the tail lights of the car in front.
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No real need to worry about the driving initialy. You will be very aware of the need to drive on the right and you are 7nlikely to go wrong. The danger is a bit later when you get used to it. It is then particularly at junctions you can easily drive on the
wrong side of the road.0 -
Somebody told me that you must carry 2? breathaliser kits. Also, speed camera warnings need to be switched off on your satnav or you pay an on the spot fine. Can somebody comment on this please?
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