Trip to Alps

[sam_strachan]

Hi all. Been invited to a wedding near Geneva just before Easter and am thinking of taking the Chim. Does anyone have any particular advice around:

 • Car bits I should take (I have 100amp fuses, spare wheel, fan belt, oil, water and bible as standard)
 • Whether it's a clever idea to take the Chim to the alps at that time of year
 • Presumably I'll need to sort insurance out - do I just do this through my normal provider?
 • What do I need to do about headlamps?
 • Any other precautionary measures (it's been well serviced recently by the super chaps at Leven)

Sorry for dumb questions but I've not driven on the wrong side before.

[Big Al.]

Do a search in the Chim forum using "spares" for the last year you'll fins a few threads, here's one

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=215467&f=8&h=0&hw=spares

Headlamp converters? bought a set from halfwits, never bothered to fit them.

Insurance there shouldn't be a problem, give them a bell.

If there's no snow take it, no fun driving under those conditions IMHO

Driving on the right? no probs, make sure your passenger drives with you and lets you know if it's clear to overtake.

Other than that, enjoy!

[Cider Andy]

sam_strachan said:

Hi all. Been invited to a wedding near Geneva just before Easter and am thinking of taking the Chim. Does anyone have any particular advice around: * Car bits I should take (I have 100amp fuses, spare wheel, fan belt, oil, water and bible as standard) * Whether it's a clever idea to take the Chim to the alps at that time of year * Presumably I'll need to sort insurance out - do I just do this through my normal provider? * What do I need to do about headlamps? * Any other precautionary measures (it's been well serviced recently by the super chaps at Leven) Sorry for dumb questions but I've not driven on the wrong side before.

Legal obligations: spare bulb set, warning triangle, GB sticker, insurance certificate, V5C (or V5) registration document. Check your current insurance certificate: you may find it gives you up to 90 days cover in the EU states. If not, ask your insurer for a 'green card'. They're often free, but some insurers charge for them. Headlamps must be fitted with beam deflectors or blockers.

Do a search on here for 'European travel', 'Going Abroad' etc. There's quite a few topics posted containing a mine of useful info. Also search the internet as there's a few sites offering specific travel advice for each country.

[sam_strachan]

Cheers guys - thanks for the pointers.

I'm rather excited about the prospect of a good hoon down there :-)

[mr wilkinson]

Can't give you any advice at all I'm afraid apart from it sounds like a top idea! Having toured the alps on two wheels I would jump at the chance to go back in the Chim! Do it! It'll be awesome!

[SpudMurphy]

Have driven to Italy via Switzerland a few times - should be no prob. Might even do it in my Chim this summer.
You'll need to buy a 'vignette' at the border to allow you to drive on Swiss motorways - lasts one year and costs 40 Swiss Francs I think. Get caught without one, Swiss Police do not have a sense of humour, and it'll cost you a lot more.
I would also recommend getting motoring breakdown insurance eg AA Five Star for the duration of the trip - covers the cost of a trailer home if you're very unlucky.