long haul trip

dalmationman · Post by **dalmationman** » 01 Feb 2007, 16:26

Hi
It's been decided that "we" are going to Bulgaria this year in the van.

Ummm 21 year old van, loads of miles to travel.
Any suggestions on a spares list from those of you that have done mega trips would be helpful.
ta.

Post by **SplendiferousII** » 01 Feb 2007, 17:22

To be realistic the only thing you need take is AA 5 star recovery cover. At the end of the day, your not going to leave if there is anything at all dodgy with your van in the first place. The obvious, hoses, tools, various nuts and bolts are handy but anything else I'd worry about when things happen. VW parts are available everywhere and those which are not your not very likely to have with you anyway - spare gearbox / engine etc.

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 01 Feb 2007, 21:00

yes, think brand new quality oil/filter, belts(quality), battery, hoses, a brake line kit (cheap these days),spare brake pads etc etc. a good thing to do is take it to a vw dealer for an mot 2 weeks afore ye go, the list they give you will take 2 weeks to fix!!! but at least you`ll know its all safe. oh yes,stick to 56-60mph

Post by **Ivor Brownun** » 01 Feb 2007, 21:24

I wonder if anyone on here knows the most common breakdowns for our vans, obviously take bulbs, fuses, where do you draw the line? alternater , starter moto r? I bet whatever you take you don't use and the bit you will need will be available anyway. Enjoy your trip BTW wouldnt mind doing that 1\myself

dalmationman · Post by **dalmationman** » 01 Feb 2007, 21:57

Maybe we should arrange a "convoy" trip with half a dozen vans

Post by **ginge** » 01 Feb 2007, 23:46

sounds good idea

Post by **T'Onion** » 02 Feb 2007, 09:46

Ivor Brownun wrote:I wonder if anyone on here knows the most common breakdowns for our vans, obviously take bulbs, fuses, where do you draw the line? alternater , starter moto r? I bet whatever you take you don't use and the bit you will need will be available anyway. Enjoy your trip BTW wouldnt mind doing that 1\myself

eleccy problems , corroded wires,joints,terminals

Post by **lloyd** » 02 Feb 2007, 10:52

I'm just getting into wedges, but have taken many 3000+ mile tours in splits and bays. It's 'Nature's Law': 'If you take it with you, you won't need it. If you don't, you will.' How much you carry depends alot on your mechanical ability. I wouldn't carry spare brake parts, starter, alternator, etc. They take up too much space and weight too much.... and are pretty easy to find when needed. Make sure your belts are relatively new, coolant system and brake system are in good nick, engine is sound and tranny is too. Carry plenty of extra oil, some brake fluid and coolant. I had the crankshaft/flywheel seal go once. Got back using a liter/100 miles to limpo in for repairs. You can always use water for coolant to limp back. Have a good check-out of everything before hand.. Most coolant problems... except hoses splitting... will give you advance warning. Check all fluids every day or two, crawl underneath and check all pipes every week, etc. I'm a gauge junky.... temp gauge, oil pressure gauge and volt meter are mandatory for me! Temp and oil usually let you know if engine is changing. Don't ever let temp get high or oil pressure go low. If gauges start showing different reading then normal, start looking for the cause. Volt warns you when alternator isn't right before idiot light will. I carry a good tool kit and volt/ohm meter with speciality tools like 17mm hex, CV joint bolt bit, socket and bar for rear axle nut, etc. Not sure what else is special on wedges.

Remember, this is your home. If you break and need parts, you can live in it until they arrive.

And I like the idea of convoying with at least one other van.