Motorhome travelling is a wonderful way to see the UK or Europe, as you can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and comfort of having your own home on wheels. However, motorhome travelling also comes with some risks and challenges, such as breakdowns, accidents, thefts, or weather hazards. Therefore, it is important to be prepared for any emergencies that may occur on the road or at your destination. Here are the top 10 emergency items for motorhome travelling in and outside of the UK or Europe and why you need them.
1. First-aid kit
A first-aid kit is a collection of items that can help you treat minor injuries, wounds, or illnesses in your motorhome or outside. A first-aid kit is essential for motorhome travelling as it can save you time, money, and pain in case of an emergency. A first-aid kit can also prevent infections, complications, or further damage to your health. Some of the items you should have in your first-aid kit are:
- Bandages, gauze, tape, and scissors
- Antiseptic wipes, cream, and spray
- Painkillers, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine tablets
- Thermometer, tweezers, and safety pins
- Plasters, blister pads, and wound dressings
- Eye drops, ear drops, and nasal spray
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and after-bite cream
You should check the expiry dates of your first-aid items regularly and replace them as needed. You should also keep your first-aid kit in a cool, dry, and accessible place in your motorhome.
2. Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a device that can help you put out small fires in your motorhome or outside. A fire extinguisher is vital for motorhome travelling as it can protect you from fire hazards that may occur in your motorhome appliances, electrical systems, gas bottles, or cooking equipment. A fire extinguisher can also prevent fire from spreading to other parts of your motorhome or nearby vehicles. Some of the features you should look for in a fire extinguisher are:
- The right type for your motorhome: There are different types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires. For motorhomes, you should have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher that can deal with Class A (solid materials), Class B (liquids), Class C (gases), and Class F (cooking oils) fires.
- The right size for your motorhome: The size of the fire extinguisher determines how long it can last and how far it can reach. For motorhomes, you should have a fire extinguisher that has at least 2 kg of powder or foam.
- The right location for your motorhome: You should have at least one fire extinguisher in your motorhome and place it near the exit door or the driver’s seat. You should also have another fire extinguisher outside your motorhome and place it near the gas locker or the engine compartment.
You should check the pressure gauge of your fire extinguisher regularly and replace it if it is low or expired. You should also learn how to use your fire extinguisher properly and safely.
3. Warning triangle
A warning triangle is a device that can help you alert other road users of your presence or situation in case of a breakdown or an accident. A warning triangle is crucial for motorhome travelling as it can increase your visibility and safety on the road. A warning triangle can also prevent collisions or further damage to your motorhome or other vehicles. Some of the characteristics you should consider in a warning triangle are:
- The right shape and colour for your destination: There are different shapes and colours of warning triangles for different countries in Europe. For example, in France and Spain, you need a red triangular warning triangle with a white border. In Germany and Italy, you need a yellow triangular warning triangle with a red border.
- The right number and position for your situation: You should have at least one warning triangle in your motorhome and place it at least 50 metres behind your motorhome on the same side of the road. If you are on a dual carriageway or a motorway, you should have two warning triangles and place one on each side of the road at least 100 metres behind your motorhome.
- The right time and duration for your use: You should use your warning triangle as soon as possible after stopping your motorhome on the road. You should also remove your warning triangle as soon as possible after resuming your journey.
You should check the condition of your warning triangle regularly and replace it if it is damaged or faded. You should also follow the local laws and regulations regarding the use of warning triangles in the countries you visit.
4. Torch
A torch is a device that can help you see or be seen in the dark in your motorhome or outside. A torch is important for motorhome travelling as it can help you with various tasks, such as checking your motorhome systems, finding your way, or signalling for help. A torch can also provide you with light and comfort in case of a power outage or a breakdown. Some of the factors you should think about in a torch are:
- The right type and power for your needs: There are different types and powers of torches for different purposes. For motorhomes, you should have a LED torch that has a high brightness, long battery life, and low energy consumption. You should also have a rechargeable torch that can be charged by USB, solar, or dynamo.
- The right size and weight for your convenience: The size and weight of the torch determine how easy it is to carry and use. For motorhomes, you should have a compact and lightweight torch that can fit in your pocket, bag, or glove box. You should also have a hands-free torch that can be attached to your head, body, or motorhome.
- The right features and functions for your situation: You should have a torch that has some useful features and functions, such as a zoom function, a strobe function, a SOS function, or a magnet function. These features and functions can help you adjust the beam, attract attention, send distress signals, or attach the torch to metal surfaces.
You should check the battery level of your torch regularly and recharge it or replace it as needed. You should also keep your torch in a handy and reachable place in your motorhome.
5. Spare tyre and tyre repair kit
A spare tyre and a tyre repair kit are items that can help you fix or replace a flat or damaged tyre in your motorhome or outside. A spare tyre and a tyre repair kit are essential for motorhome travelling as they can save you from being stranded on the road or waiting for roadside assistance. A spare tyre and a tyre repair kit can also prevent accidents or injuries caused by driving with a faulty tyre. Some of the items you should have in your spare tyre and tyre repair kit are:
- A spare tyre that matches the size, type, and pressure of your motorhome tyres
- A jack that can lift the weight of your motorhome
- A wheel wrench that can loosen and tighten the wheel nuts of your motorhome
- A tyre pressure gauge that can measure the pressure of your motorhome tyres
- A tyre inflator that can inflate your motorhome tyres with air or gas
- A tyre sealant that can seal small punctures or leaks in your motorhome tyres
- A tyre plug kit that can plug larger holes or cuts in your motorhome tyres
You should check the condition and pressure of your spare tyre and tyre repair kit regularly and replace them if they are worn or damaged. You should also learn how to use your spare tyre and tyre repair kit correctly and safely.
6. Breakdown cover
Breakdown cover is a service that can help you with roadside assistance or recovery in case of a breakdown or an accident in your motorhome or outside. Breakdown cover is vital for motorhome travelling as it can provide you with professional help, advice, or support in an emergency. Breakdown cover can also cover the costs of repairs, towing, accommodation, or alternative transport in some cases. Some of the aspects you should check in your breakdown cover are:
- The right level and scope for your trip: There are different levels and scopes of breakdown cover for different needs and budgets. For motorhomes, you should have a comprehensive breakdown cover that covers you for both mechanical and non-mechanical faults, such as flat batteries, lost keys, or fuel problems. You should also have a European breakdown cover that covers you for all the countries you want to visit in Europe.
- The right provider and policy for your motorhome: There are different providers and policies of breakdown cover for different vehicles and customers. For motorhomes, you should choose a provider and a policy that specialise in motorhomes and understand their specific needs and challenges. You should also choose a provider and a policy that have good reviews, ratings, and reputation.
- The right documents and contact details for your use: You should have all the documents and contact details related to your breakdown cover with you at all times. You should have your breakdown cover certificate that shows your name, policy number, expiry date, and level of cover. You should also have the emergency phone number of your breakdown cover provider that you can call 24/7.
You should check the validity and terms of your breakdown cover regularly and renew it or update it as needed. You should also follow the instructions and procedures of your breakdown cover provider in case of an emergency.
7. Emergency phone
An emergency phone is an item that can help you communicate with others in case of an emergency. An emergency phone is important for motorhome travelling as it can help you call for help.
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