Tips for first continental roadtrip
Discussion
We are taking our Supersport R SV onto the continent for the first time in June, spending a week going to and from Northern Italy. Haven't managed to even get away for a weekend yet so it will be a brave new world for us, and thought I would ask you people to share your experiences to try and avoid any obvious (once you have been there and done it!) pitfalls.
So, what advice would you give a newbie for touring in one of these excellent little cars to get the most out of the trip?
So, what advice would you give a newbie for touring in one of these excellent little cars to get the most out of the trip?
I travel to Bruxelles a few times a year in my Caterham, hardly 'that' far, I'd love to continue south..maybe this year.
Ok, a few tips, m sure others will have more.
Tools. A basic kit, fuses, adjustable spanners. Spark plugs, screwdriver to get into pedal box. Spare accelerator cable. ( I carry a cycle gear cable replacement kit too). I also carry spare relays. Metal cable ties, plastic cable ties, bits of wire, gaffertape. JB weld (metal repair glue), gasket goo. Spare 500ml of oil. Bulbs. I stuff most of this under the bonnet in a tool tube.
Inside and accessible, two hi.viz vests, first aid pouch, torch. (Softbits tunnel bag for docs, tickets, paege ticket, coins etc...
I use a bike lock on my spare wheel.
Softbits boot bag so on the ferry I can carry a bag on with a change of clothing.
I use a half hood, but use the full hood tube so I can stuff some more bits in it.
EHIC card. (Medical)
Good breakdown cover, check they cover age of vehicle. I use German ADAC, it's available to U.K. Residents.
I take photographs of tickets, passport, licence, insurance and email it to myself, in case I lose them.
A good working credit and debit card. Some petrol stations only work with cards at the pump.
Maps. Check your data plan or download maps to phone to save data or use standalone Sat Nav.
I'm sure there a few more bits. And I'm sure some people travel with less.
Ok, a few tips, m sure others will have more.
Tools. A basic kit, fuses, adjustable spanners. Spark plugs, screwdriver to get into pedal box. Spare accelerator cable. ( I carry a cycle gear cable replacement kit too). I also carry spare relays. Metal cable ties, plastic cable ties, bits of wire, gaffertape. JB weld (metal repair glue), gasket goo. Spare 500ml of oil. Bulbs. I stuff most of this under the bonnet in a tool tube.
Inside and accessible, two hi.viz vests, first aid pouch, torch. (Softbits tunnel bag for docs, tickets, paege ticket, coins etc...
I use a bike lock on my spare wheel.
Softbits boot bag so on the ferry I can carry a bag on with a change of clothing.
I use a half hood, but use the full hood tube so I can stuff some more bits in it.
EHIC card. (Medical)
Good breakdown cover, check they cover age of vehicle. I use German ADAC, it's available to U.K. Residents.
I take photographs of tickets, passport, licence, insurance and email it to myself, in case I lose them.
A good working credit and debit card. Some petrol stations only work with cards at the pump.
Maps. Check your data plan or download maps to phone to save data or use standalone Sat Nav.
I'm sure there a few more bits. And I'm sure some people travel with less.
Stridey has covered pretty much everything!
I would say the long nose cover from soft bits is excellent as it covers the whole nose rather than just the cabin and keeps the water out of the bonnet flutes.
You might want to consider a small fishing net on a pole for toll booths since you probably won't be able to reach the person in the booth. It's a bit embarrassing having to undo a harness and make everyone wait while you do it back up!
The tools are very useful, make sure you have screwdrivers short enough to get the nose off it you need to. I had to take out nose off in Scotland as the radiator fan had stopped working because the cable had some water residue on it. Once it was cleaned everything was fine, but you need a small screwdriver to get to the screws. Take some paper towels too in case you need to clean up any leaks.
We spent 10 days in Scotland using the boot bag (the Thundersport version). You need to make sure you pack things in waterproof bags as the boot bags themselves aren't lined.
I would say the long nose cover from soft bits is excellent as it covers the whole nose rather than just the cabin and keeps the water out of the bonnet flutes.
You might want to consider a small fishing net on a pole for toll booths since you probably won't be able to reach the person in the booth. It's a bit embarrassing having to undo a harness and make everyone wait while you do it back up!
The tools are very useful, make sure you have screwdrivers short enough to get the nose off it you need to. I had to take out nose off in Scotland as the radiator fan had stopped working because the cable had some water residue on it. Once it was cleaned everything was fine, but you need a small screwdriver to get to the screws. Take some paper towels too in case you need to clean up any leaks.
We spent 10 days in Scotland using the boot bag (the Thundersport version). You need to make sure you pack things in waterproof bags as the boot bags themselves aren't lined.
European Breakdown recovery, some sort of cover/tonneau and some tire weld thats about it.
Edit
Oh and anything compulsory for France like Hi-Vis vests, bulbs and so on.
Edit
Oh and anything compulsory for France like Hi-Vis vests, bulbs and so on.
framerateuk said:
You might want to consider a small fishing net on a pole for toll booths since you probably won't be able to reach the person in the booth. It's a bit embarrassing having to undo a harness and make everyone wait while you do it back up!
I'd be less embarrassed about getting out than swinging around a fishing net with money in it to be honest.Edited by justleanitupabit on Wednesday 5th April 12:11
Having done several of these trips, if you have space I'd really recommend carrying a spare 5L of petrol with you. If you are doing some Alpine routes that are off the beaten track, it might well save the day if you are caught short. Also, if you're not carrying a spare wheel don't forget a can of tyre weld!
Talking from experience, particularly in France, the Gendarme can often be lurking around the corner and seem to take an immediate interest in Caterhams. If you are caught speeding they will confiscate your license and ban you from driving on French roads for a couple of months. I now carry a spare license with me (that's in date but void) to give to the Gendarme and then carry on the journey with my genuine license without the threat of being locked up for driving without a license. Dodgy I know and please take a view on this yourself, but if you're travelling solo or with someone who can't drive the car, it means you'll be able to complete your journey through France and into Italy!
Talking from experience, particularly in France, the Gendarme can often be lurking around the corner and seem to take an immediate interest in Caterhams. If you are caught speeding they will confiscate your license and ban you from driving on French roads for a couple of months. I now carry a spare license with me (that's in date but void) to give to the Gendarme and then carry on the journey with my genuine license without the threat of being locked up for driving without a license. Dodgy I know and please take a view on this yourself, but if you're travelling solo or with someone who can't drive the car, it means you'll be able to complete your journey through France and into Italy!
We (Le BOG Club) do a lot of long European trips.
You can see videos on the www.7-dna.com forum.
(See: http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... and follow each video for 2015 - 216 is still being edited, but some are here too - http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... ...)
Basically, we take bugger all.
Just the basics, such as credit cards, spare pants...
As they say, just do it, and have fun!
You can see videos on the www.7-dna.com forum.
(See: http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... and follow each video for 2015 - 216 is still being edited, but some are here too - http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... ...)
Basically, we take bugger all.
Just the basics, such as credit cards, spare pants...
As they say, just do it, and have fun!
James P said:
For French autoroutes you can get a Sanef tag that avoids the problems paying road tolls. These are available to U.K. residents but do not work in Italy. I'm told that Italian tags can only be linked to an Italian bank account and are only issued to Italian addresses.
you can rent the Italian ones for the duration of your trip from https://www.tolltickets.com
Eugene7 said:
We (Le BOG Club) do a lot of long European trips.
You can see videos on the www.7-dna.com forum.
(See: http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... and follow each video for 2015 - 216 is still being edited, but some are here too - http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... ...)
Basically, we take bugger all.
Just the basics, such as credit cards, spare pants...
As they say, just do it, and have fun!
but we do have Uncle Albert too...! You can see videos on the www.7-dna.com forum.
(See: http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... and follow each video for 2015 - 216 is still being edited, but some are here too - http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre... ...)
Basically, we take bugger all.
Just the basics, such as credit cards, spare pants...
As they say, just do it, and have fun!
The only extra stuff I take with me is a little compressor and a plug kit for the tires. Mind you, the only three times I had to use that kit was on a Subaru Forester on my driveway... 
You don't really need the jerry can. The SV tank is large enough. You don't need more than you would take with you in any other car.
Have fun!
You don't really need the jerry can. The SV tank is large enough. You don't need more than you would take with you in any other car.
Have fun!
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff