Is this madness?

[margaret]

Hi all!
Im just about to head off with my seven year old in my holdsworth villa; planning to go down to Venice and on through Slovenia and by ferry down to Dubrovnik. I plan to be away about two months. Ive taken the most expensive aa breakdown cover as havent yet done a big trip in my van without some sort of mechanical disaster! Just had a new engine following the engine catastrophe on the way back from Cornwall!
Still undeterred planning to leave soon, do I need to be certified and sectioned before I leave? Just getting some last minute nerves! Ive been searching on here and got lots of tips so thanks for all the advice everyone! Honk if you see me- ill be the one broken down or coming back on a relay truck! must be negative now! Margaret

[R0B]

Did the AA agree to repatriate your van.Should you need them to.As a vehicles age can be a factor in this.I would get it in writing if i was you.Hopefully you wont need them anyway..

[Ian Hulley]

Your van needs a very thorough service and inspection by a proffesional, competant T25 specialist or at least an experienced mechanic. You need to carry a few basic spares and the tools to fit them. (do a search on here as they have been listed numerous times) Do you have any mechanical knowledge ?

Also do a search on the breakdown/recovery issues there are out there.

Ian.

E D I T ... particular attention to the wheel bearings, brakes, cooling system (especially the long pipes and engine bay hoses) take a spare water pump and self-amalgamating tape which is used for emergency hose repairs.

[margaret]

Thankyou both for your replies; Yes the cover extends to repatriation although they will not agree a value until such time as it becomes necessary which isnt comforting; but ive taken out the the full breakdown cover. And yes it has been fully serviced by a specialist just these little unforseen events keep occurring! had new water pumpand brake pads recently and fuel and water pipes checked. VW ellite just replaced the engine and tell me not to be so pessimistic! Thankyou anyway Margaret

[Stubfin]

Have a great time Margaret and post some pics !

[Ian Hulley]

Hope you have a great time

Ian

[margaret]

Thankyou for your good wishes! just in a mad rush finishing off at work- sure ill be remembering things I havnt finished all across Europe- still it wil take my mind off my engine! Will try to get some photos posted! thankyou all Margaret

[anaconda]

A big adventure!......enjoy!

[dcfb77]

You'll have a great time. In Solvenia recommend goind to Bled and in Croatia take ferry to Hvar from Split. When in Hvar you can stay at Mala Milna, great place to camp. Drive into Dubronvik is lovely.....

Hard to find VW parts out there so would recommend your van gets a proper going over by a pro.

I'm so jealous........

[rainman]

Yes it's madness, but good madness.

[AngeloEvs]

We caught the ferry at Venice but parking at the port overnight was not allowed and had to park on the Pay and Display Carpark very close to it. It's extremely expensive but the main problem was the mosquitoes as this carpark sits next to open grate sewers and stagnant water (beuatiful views will tempt you to stay as it overlooks the sea. I am not normally bothered but had over 200 bites and Carrie had to go into hospital the following morning due to the severity of the infections. I would suggest you stay at one of the many campsites close to Venice (after you have visited Venice for the day or evening). Enjoy your hols and take some repeelent and a first aid kit though.

[fodtommo]

Such stuff that dreams are made on..

[margaret]

Dear All

Thankyou so much for your advice and cheering words; last day at work and school tomorrow and departure this weekend!!
Got the van back today ( it was having its last service after its engine change and a few other things ) seems to be running well and im assured it should be fine!!!!( famous last words...) Its probably plotting even now when and how its going to break down next.
Really good to have some camp site info as well
Wish me luck

Margaret

[AngeloEvs]

Have a fantastic time, let us all know how it went when you get back (I'm dead jealous here). If you are catching the ferry at Venice, have your camera ready, the sail out is absolutely stunning and the Ferry's are the best I have ever travelled on.

[TravellingChick]

Fantastic, inspirational madness!

Hope you are having a wonderful time and the van is running well for you.

Will look forward to trip report when you get back.

Sarah