I had a fabulous time driving to Venice, but travelling through so many countries (six including England) brought its own hassles. Each country appears to require certain items to be carried in your motorhome, by law, and they are not all the same. So, I had a fairly lengthy shopping list to go through before I left home.
I always consider that Halfords offers a good range of well-priced automotive kit, so that was where I went to get my bits and pieces. If you are planning a trip abroad in the near future, here is a guide to help you identify what you need to take.
• Headlamp beam deflectors and GB sticker (£8.49) You are required to fit beam deflectors to your lights when driving on the Continent, but it's amazing how many vehicles you see without them. They are really easy to fit, so there is no excuse not to. You will also need a GB sticker if your motorhome doesn't have one of the new, EU plates.
• Warning triangle (£11.99)
By law, you are required to carry a warning triangle in most EU countries, and it must be used in the event of a breakdown (see 'Driving in France', below). In Spain, you must carry two.
• High-visibility vests (£4.99) These must be carried, and worn in the event of a breakdown, in most EU countries. Make sure you carry one for each passenger. This has just become law in France (see 'Driving in France', below).
• First-aid kit (£19.99)
A decent first aid kit is
a sensible item to carry at all times and is required by law
in most countries. A good kit (such as the large-sized one from Halfords) will contain an emergency blanket as well as dressings and bandages.
• Garmin Nüvi 250 sat-nav system (£114.99) Obviously not a legal requirement but it does save you a lot of bother. I'm a huge fan of this excellent Garmin unit (pictured, below)
– not only is it intuitive to use, but it's well priced, and has full European street-level mapping so there's no having to change cards each time you cross a country border.
• Multi-purpose fire extinguisher (£15)
You should also ensure that your motorhome has a fire extinguisher onboard (such as the 984 model from Pyramid Products) both for your own safety and that of others:
the EU 'Good Samaritan Law' requires that you stop and provide assistance if you encounter an accident, as long as it is safe to do so. (See our product test of fire extinguishers on page 155.)
• Other items Spare headlight bulbs, and a spare pair of glasses (if you require them for driving) are also mandatory
in many countries so it's worth getting both now, and carrying them in your vehicle at all times, just in case. We also took snow chains because we were driving in Austria – if there is snow on the ground, you are required to use them.
• It's also a good idea to take the following (although not mandatory, they could prove to be a lifesaver): an in-vehicle mobile charger, tow rope, tool kit, fuel can,
a blanket and jump leads.
It's wise to take a road map, too, just in case your sat-nav unit gives up the ghost.
• And don't forget… your documentation, including your passport. Make sure
that you have your vehicle's registration certificate (V5C) and insurance certificate (check that you are covered
for trips abroad), and MoT test certificate. I wish you happy Euro travelling!
• You can buy the Halfords products mentioned above, online from the website at www.halfords.com – you can choose either home delivery
or collect-in-store services –
or by visiting one of Halfords' 430 stores nationwide.
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