First European trip in new (to us) Tamora - Any advice?

[Sevenman]

I am looking for some advice before we take our TVR on its first big trip.

Having bought our Tamora from TrackVRoad at the end of October last year, we are planning a big road trip in May down to the Alps / Italian lakes and back through France. Duration up to 3 weeks, so we can take our time and have some relaxed days.

We have done plenty of driving in France / Germany before, but only in 'sensible' cars and not as far down as Italy.

The Tamora should be good to go. In the last week it has had new rad and hoses, new brake pads, throttle bodies balanced (all at TVR Power) and will soon be getting new Toyo T1-Sports all round. The last 12k service was 1700 miles ago (total mileage only 15k).

In my bag of goodies in the boot I have extra oil, water, 125A fuse, general fuses, cable ties, gaffa tape, the Anderson connector jump leads, tyre sealant, fire extinguisher (maybe that should come into the cabin...), tyre pump, tyre pressure gauge, Graham Varley's manual, and a few other bits and pieces.

I am used to all the usual things needed for continental driving, noting the new requirement for a disposable breathalyser.

Spare bulbs will be carried - but I can't see myself changing the front bulbs on the side of the road. I guess this is garage job for the fronts (or at least use their lift).

What do people do about headlamp beam deflectors? The Tamora headlights don't look like they have an obvious way of using them? I have been known to forget to use them on shorter trips, but the TVR might attract more attention.

Not that I will need them, but I have assembled a set of links to TVR garages on the continent here. Any comments or additions to this?

Thanks in advance for any advice

[blueg33]

I would add a spare throttle cable to your list

[phillpot]

Sevenman said:

What do people do about headlamp beam deflectors? The Tamora headlights don't look like they have an obvious way of using them? )

No help but was quite amusing watching drivers trying to work out where to stick beam deflectors on various TVR's (with various headlamp types) while waiting for the ferry on our way to Le Mans couple of years ago

[scotty_d]

Looks like you have most of the bit's you will ever need. A little socket set and a multi meter are handy and break down cover and away you go. Check your levels every day and Enjoy.

As for head lights i never bothered when i took the TVR through Europe will you really be driving in the Evening??? I think i did once in 3000 miles. Did not bother with a GB badge either just had my SCO plates on like the rest of Europe do.

Edited by scotty_d on Thursday 12th April 10:13

[Sevenman]

Good points. I have a multimeter and full European breakdown cover.

For throttle cables - do I want the repair kit like this from Clever Trevor?

[Getsis]

I do nothing with the lights, been going to and from europe for the past 6 years with no trouble.

Take 2 bottle of tyre repair, spare 100 amp fuses, new throttle cable not the repair kit, Spare key, photo copy of log book plus the usual break down triangle, high vis jacket and bulb kit.

[madbadger]

You can stick a random bit of insulating tape on the left of the headlight fairings to show willing.

It is unlikely that the border guards will know where they are supposed to go on a Tamora either.

When are you heading down? We are doing a similar trip also in May.

[Diamond blue]

Getsis said:

I do nothing with the lights, been going to and from europe for the past 6 years with no trouble.

Take 2 bottle of tyre repair, spare 100 amp fuses, new throttle cable not the repair kit, Spare key, photo copy of log book plus the usual break down triangle, high vis jacket and bulb kit.

Technically, a photo copy of the V5 is not good enough according to French motoring law. They require a load of things that you wont really need though.
Should have, (deep breath)

V5,
Insurance certificate,
High Vis vest ( 1 per car and visible from outside the car)
GB sticker or euro plate
Spare bulb set
triangle
Tool kit (!)
Breath tester kit (That's a new one)
Delectors for headlights
The number plates should be attached with screws not just tape

But to be honest,i wouldn't worry about your lights, the spare bulb kit or the number plate requirements.

I would ensure I always had at least 90 euros cash available in the car too.
And if it's France buy yourself the Michelin map of the country, don't just rely on Google maps or your sat nav.

[Sevenman]

Thanks for the further advice

Getsis said:

new throttle cable not the repair kit

So this full throttle cable from TVR Power (£48) is better than the repair kit from Clever Trevor (£15.60)?

madbadger said:

You can stick a random bit of insulating tape on the left of the headlight fairings to show willing.

When are you heading down? We are doing a similar trip also in May.

Good plan - I can show willing, rather than something that actually works properly.

We plan to depart on the 12th May, use the tunnel to cross, then work our way down east of France (Germany, Switzerland).

Then spend some time in the Alps, Italian lakes, travel West and visit Monaco, then back up stopping in Geneva (I want to visit CERN) and return via Calais.

Diamond blue said:

And if it's France buy yourself the Michelin map of the country, don't just rely on Google maps or your sat nav.

Sat nav - never used it I think I have the 2011 map from last year's trip. I use Google maps to help with routes, but always have the big Michelin map to work from, and my wife is a good map reader

[madbadger]

Sevenman said:

madbadger said:

You can stick a random bit of insulating tape on the left of the headlight fairings to show willing.

When are you heading down? We are doing a similar trip also in May.

Good plan - I can show willing, rather than something that actually works properly.

We plan to depart on the 12th May, use the tunnel to cross, then work our way down east of France (Germany, Switzerland).

Then spend some time in the Alps, Italian lakes, travel West and visit Monaco, then back up stopping in Geneva (I want to visit CERN) and return via Calais.

We'll keep an eye out for you. We're travelling Newcastle - Holland landing on the 11th then will work down through Germany and Switzerland then onto Rome and back up for the Mille Miglia. Will probably be there at a similar time for the German Swiss bit.

[nawarne]

Most of the bases seem to have been covered.

I believe the breathalyser requirement, although coming into force on July 1st, will not attract a full fine until November (I believe).

Regarding the headlights, I put some black tape on the evening before I crossed - so that the 'upward' sweep of the light pattern, when shone on my garage doors was removed i.e. the lights shone straight ahead on dip and main. IMO, I think it is a discourtesy not to do something. I believe it is a requirement to have dipped lights on in rain/reduced vis. in other European countries as well as UK. At least you'll avoid flashing from oncoming cars in this instance.
Nick

[Getsis]

So this full throttle cable from TVR Power (£48) is better than the repair kit from Clever Trevor (£15.60)?

Yes

These "repair" kits are exactly that, not meant for long use so always carry the proper item especially when outside the UK.

[Getsis]

Diamond blue said:

Technically, a photo copy of the V5 is not good enough according to French motoring law.

I have had this argument with the police, I told them to have the original in the car in the UK would infringe my insurance if the car was stolen. All was ok after that.

[Sevenman]

Getsis said:

These "repair" kits are exactly that, not meant for long use so always carry the proper item especially when outside the UK.

Noted. No idea how tricky it is to fit. If I buy one then it will always be there if needed and doesn't have a shelf-life.

Getsis said:

I have had this argument with the police, I told them to have the original in the car in the UK would infringe my insurance if the car was stolen. All was ok after that.

Good point. I would never carry the original in the UK. When traveling I have taken the original, but as part of a pack that never gets left in the car. Copies remain at home and in the car.

Edited by Sevenman on Thursday 12th April 14:58

[EvoOlli]

I would say your list of german garages is not up to date...

You should have the following addresses on your list:

ACS-Pro in 61267 Neu Anspach, it's in the south / west of Germany, THE big spare parts dealer here, can help you further under all circumstances (www.acs-pro.de)

and

Bornemann Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH in 38104 Braunschweig, it's in the north / east of Germany

[Sevenman]

EvoOlli said:

I would say your list of german garages is not up to date...

You should have the following addresses on your list:

Not up to date? I only wrote it yesterday...

But thanks for the extra garages, I have added them to the list - link here

If anybody else has European TVR garages I have missed, please let me know and I will add them.

[JonathanT]

Diamond blue said:

Should have, (deep breath)

<some stuff>

I would ensure I always had at least 90 euros cash available in the car too.
And if it's France buy yourself the Michelin map of the country, don't just rely on Google maps or your sat nav.

and a first aid kit

The 90 euros cash is a good idea having needed to make "a contribution" to the gendarmerie a few years back. Also take note that apparently devices that report speed camera locations are now outlawed, see: http://www.garmin.com/uk/extras-camera-alerts/#fra...

[shep1001]

Fuses in the car. Don't put them in the boot because the cig lighter fuse if it blows is also shared by the boot lock! Fuse box diagram would also help.

[Sevenman]

It is a substantial set of 'must take' supplies. Hopefully I will have space for some clothes as well...

At least the Tamora has a decent boot. I want to pack as lightly as possible (and get my wife to do the same) so we can get the roof stowed without too much hassle.

People who manage big road trips in a Caterfield or Elise must be very good at travelling light.

[julianc]

Sevenman said:

What do people do about headlamp beam deflectors?

A few strips of black electrical tape across the headlight covers. They don't work, but show willing. To do the job properly is a PITA.

Has worked for me on many trips to Europe.