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Trans European Winter Journey Prep
http://www.x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=17575		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  okenobi [ Sun Nov 04, 2012 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Would like to ask once again to tap the collective wisdom here. I've got 3 days off and I'd like to basically nail the rest of my requirements so that I'm ready to leave as soon as my job implodes.

For those who don't yet know, I'm driving to Italy (Piemonte) for the winter, then who knows where afterwards (to include Austria, Germany and probably Denmark).
So far I have:
CAR
1) Winter tyres
2) 11 months ticket and full 40k service
3) New windscreen and wiper blades
4) Tyre tread depth and pressure guages
5) Foot pump
6) Two blankets
7) Spare water
8) 3D LED Mag alongside my EDC flashlights.
7) French breathalysers
I need:
1) Triangle
2) Two hivis
3) First Aid kit (thinking about getting something more general purpose than just what the normal car ones come with....?)
4) Maybe a fire extinguisher
5) Thinking of chancing it without chains due to cost and I doubt I'll be in a situation where they'll be mandatory when I already have very decent, very expensive snow tyres.

What am I missing?
Author:  Zippy [ Sun Nov 04, 2012 4:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Folding shovel and a bag of sand? Might also be worth investing in a little gas stove, kettle and some basic hot drink making equipment. Thinking about driving in Montana and Wyoming in the winter, might also be worth buying a couple of those little shiny blankets because they're amazingly good value for their size and cost.
Author:  pcernie [ Sun Nov 04, 2012 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Mobile phone - cost, coverage for where you'll be?
Author:  AlunD [ Sun Nov 04, 2012 4:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
pcernie wrote:
Mobile phone - cost, coverage for where you'll be?

cigar lighter charger for phone.
Author:  tombolt [ Sun Nov 04, 2012 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Apparently they sometimes check for chains and won't let you up the mountain without them, but I've never seen it happen. Maybe they do occasional spot checks.
Author:  okenobi [ Sun Nov 04, 2012 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Shovel's a good call, coz I can use that on mountain as well. Sand is too much, as I have to be careful with what I take, due to weight and space.

Usually with phones I buy a cheap/throwaway Nokia in situ. But I have a 12v charger for my phone and full European coverage for cheap texts and phone calls should work in an emergency.

I'm also looking at a battery charger pack and inverter. Maybe a solar trickle charger?
Author:  TheFrenchun [ Sun Nov 04, 2012 8:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
change the window cleaning fluid to the -40 one if not done already.
My dad has a spray of defrosting product with him in winter (take it OUT of the car at night)
you'll want an array of scrapers too.
several plug adapters
Author:  big_D [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 5:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
tombolt wrote:
Apparently they sometimes check for chains and won't let you up the mountain without them, but I've never seen it happen. Maybe they do occasional spot checks.

If you are in Germany and you enter an area which needs chains and you don't have them and you get stuck, you can end up with a hefty fine for causing an obstruction - because it was totally avoidable, if you had been prepared or had avoided the area, if you have chains on and still get stuck, no fine...

Spare bulb set? Also, do your lights go straight ahead or do they light to the left? In which case, you will need to adjust them or put those bits of tape on the lights, in order not to blind oncoming traffic.

I agree with Frenchun, you need good scrapers. I tend to avoid the spray, it can leave the screen greasy and can rot the rubbers.
Author:  Spreadie [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 9:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Bulb kit.
Space blankets.
You don't need a 25KG bag of sand and, if weight is a problem, try a small bag of lightweight cat litter.
Author:  TheFrenchun [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
The spray we use on the locks, not on the windshield :)
depending on your car I might advise a battery jumping pack. You plug them to the main, then hook them on your battery for the extra oopmh when trying to start the car. Had to use one every day in Montreal in winter.
Author:  Amnesia10 [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 12:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
okenobi wrote:
Shovel's a good call, coz I can use that on mountain as well. Sand is too much, as I have to be careful with what I take, due to weight and space.

Usually with phones I buy a cheap/throwaway Nokia in situ. But I have a 12v charger for my phone and full European coverage for cheap texts and phone calls should work in an emergency.

I'm also looking at a battery charger pack and inverter. Maybe a solar trickle charger?

I would opt to get the phone opened and buy a local PAYG sim.

You might need yellow headlight filters for driving through France.
Author:  rustybucket [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Get chains.

Seriously.

okenobi wrote:
1) Winter tyres...

...5) I already have very decent, very expensive snow tyres.

No you don't - you have winter tyres.

They're not even close to the same thing

=========================

Other things:

  1. The Hi-vis vests MUST be in the passenger cabin and accessible from the driver's seat.
  2. Spare bulbs
  3. Headlight kit
  4. One of those foldaway metallic emergency blanket things - they cost almost nothing, weigh cock-all and are better than textiles for on the ground
  5. I'd have a car first-aid kit and a small personal one to carry on my belt - assuming you leave the car at some point ;)
  6. Shoe spikes
  7. Plastic seat-covers
  8. Wind-up torch
Author:  okenobi [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Phone is unlocked already. I don't buy locked ones.

There's no mention of yellow filters from the AA. Stickers are on the list.

I'm not worried about ice on the glass, more snow really. Ice is more of a British problem in my experience and I have really good rain repellant on all the glass which should minimise the issue.

And just coz my tyres aren't studded Hakkas or the like, doesn't mean they won't cope without chains in all but the worst conditions. A lot of the Italians in my village of choice still run summers.
Author:  cloaked_wolf [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Trans European Winter Journey Prep
Which rain repellant do you use?
Author:  tombolt [ Mon Nov 05, 2012 3:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Trans European Winter Journey Prep
I believe auto socks are now approved for use in areas with chains, check out their website.
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