What spares to carry on a long trip?

[Truant]

Hi There,
I am getting my van ready for an extended trip away over the summer and was wondering what spares people thought I should carry? I am going around Europe and into Eastern Europe so must admit I am a bit unsure how readily available parts will be!
Any advice would be appreciated!
Cheers

[helen&tony]

Hi
Depending on where in Eastern Europe, I would (and did) carry 2 spares (wheels)...there are repair shops (Vulcanizators) in Romania and Bulgaria, as the roads can be very bad when touring round the villages, but a sensible look through most touring publications will help with what to carry. In addition, we always carry an axe, a folding shovel, a small butane soldering iron, and odd lengths of wire...plus tape and string...everything else is listed in all the publications
Major parts in Eastern Europe are only a 'phone call and credit card away...easy!...nobody is likely to carry large stocks of parts, but are often able to bodge something , and even MAKE parts
Cheers
Helen

[haydn callow]

1 meter length of quality Flexihose.....this will cover you for the 4 main hoses.

[You've Been Bongod]

floresent jacket
spare wheel
bulb kit
oil
antifreeze mix
warning triange
tow rope

[A Green Goddess]

Major parts in Eastern Europe are only a 'phone call and credit card away...easy!...nobody is likely to carry large stocks of parts, but are often able to bodge something , and even MAKE parts
Cheers
Helen

Absolutely and many members have had spares posted out to them in Europe when needed. Make sure the spare wheel is not the skinny and enjoy the trip.

[Bob]

All the above, plus I like to have a trolley jack, and a piece of 3/4" ply, say 2' x 18" to support the jack on soft ground.

This bit of wood comes in useful for all sorts.

Work gloves and latex gloves, disposable overalls from Poundland, good for protecting you clothes if you have to do something grubby, and cheap enough to give to someone who gets soaked/filthy.

[David Edwards]

Hmm all of the above, plus a can of instant tyre repair for emergency use and maybe an invisibilty cloak for germany,lol, if I am right bongos aint allowed there.

[mister munkey]

No one yet has mentioned the most important items to have as an emergency reserve yet.

[mikeonb4c]

Have a search on here as this one has been discussed before.

How old is the Bongo, what mileage and how well do you know it (reliabilitywise)? Have you got a low coolant alarm installed (I'd install one if not). I'd be a bit tempted (cash permitting) to carry a few of the mechanical parts that might go (water pump, alternator, starter motor repair parts, fan belts) as they are not bulky and may prevent an enforced wait while parts are shipped. For the rest, fettle the old girl well before leaving (new wiper blades, spare bulbs etc.)

[missfixit70]

Here you go, previous thread on a similar vein - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... es#p220657 - I'd say make sure everything has been replaced & serviced that could be doubtful & make sure you've got a copy or access to the factsheets, especially bleeding.

[missfixit70]

No one yet has mentioned the most important items to have as an emergency reserve yet.

Oh yes
Pot noodles just outside Worms



Pot noodles in the Alps

[ebygum32]

A set of fan/Aircon belts, i keep em with me in this country with any vehicle i have as i travel all over at various times of the day or night so you can always change it and get back on the road,

basic tool kit and multimeter,

spare wing mirror mirror( can be used for various tasks, from the obvious to signaling for help to shaving or checking underside of vehicle if you cannot see)

Torch/portable radio and spare batteries,

Whistle for attracting attention and compass

Plenty of water for drinking and topping the bongo up incase of leak

[dandywarhol]

Hi
Depending on where in Eastern Europe, I would (and did) carry 2 spares (wheels)...there are repair shops (Vulcanizators) in Romania and Bulgaria, as the roads can be very bad when touring round the villages, but a sensible look through most touring publications will help with what to carry. In addition, we always carry an axe, a folding shovel, a small butane soldering iron, and odd lengths of wire...plus tape and string...everything else is listed in all the publications
Major parts in Eastern Europe are only a 'phone call and credit card away...easy!...nobody is likely to carry large stocks of parts, but are often able to bodge something , and even MAKE parts
Cheers
Helen

Haha.............when travelling in Romania a few years back I was amused to see a pile of glass from broken bottle - around 150 metres from a tyre repair shop

Cynical? moi?

[dunslair]

And a bl@@dy great trailer to carry it all in or even better put the family in the trailer and carry the precious emergency cargo in the van

[Ron Miel]

Hmm all of the above, plus a can of instant tyre repair for emergency use and maybe an invisibilty cloak for germany,lol, if I am right bongos aint allowed there.

Instead of Tyreweld, or whatever, why not install this stuff http://www.puncturesafe.co.uk/flashintro.html for greater peace of mind? Got it in our Bongo, and Nissan Note, and no wheel balance problems - unlike previously used Seal-a-Wheel. Cost £90 installed by their local rep for four 215/70/15's on the Bongo. We've no spare, due to LPG tank where it used to hang, and Tyreweld was OK here, once National Tyres contracted to clean it out and repair, if/when it leaves a tyre repairable. No other tyre dealers around here will do so, though, and there's no guarantee anybody will where you're going. National Tyres also recommend Puncturesafe:

"Many of our customers use their vehicles abroad and have avoided serious problems by using PunctureSafe. It is a fantastic product." Stewart Hoyle, National Tyres and Autocare.