Alpine trip - route and tools

[Nick Mace]

My wife and I are planning to drive the Westfield down to Switzerland (Grindelwald) in June and I wondered if anyone had thoughts on a route there from Calais.  We are going to have a couple of overnight stops on the way there so have time to do a more scenic route and it would be good to take in some nice westy friendly roads.  We will have to come back by the fastest route which will be through France so I was thinking of going through Germany on the way there.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, what do the tourers amongst you pack in the way of tools?  I was thinking:

• a couple of adjustable spanners
• screwdrivers
• gaffer tape
• cable ties
• small can of petrol (oil as well perhaps?)
• pliers
• selection of fuses and bulbs
• the usual French requirements (hi vis, triangle, breathalyser etc)
• road side recovery card!

What am I missing??

[CraigHew]

Nick,

I've just read an excellent article about a similar european trip by 4 Westfield owners in this months Total Kitcar magazine.

[Thrustyjust]

Throttle and clutch cable ( if appropriate) fit flat and out the way. Never used oil in a Westie, including the Xflow ( I know thats impossible) so wouldnt bother with that. Small electrical test meter. Got one off ebay for a fiver. ideal for continuity and volts. Jubilee clips and a small led torch. 

Good luck and very interested on how you get on.

[Nick Mace]

Thanks both of you.

[tisme]

Do you carry a spare wheel ?

• If not I'd also take a small can of tyre sealant / inflater.
• Also a few Jubilee clips in different sizes.
• A small reel of thin(ish) galvanised wire (handy reels at B&Q) - brilliant for temporary fixes on all sorts of things

As for routes I can't really advise as I only really know the roads in France - I'd tend to keep to the old main roads (which are usually pretty good condition and often very, very straight !) and avoid the motorways - probably less police speed checks on the non motorway roads (though still keep an eye out for them, especially approaching villages) and hopefully without being negative in any way, I have a natural aversion to motorways in Europe as I think a lot of criminals are more active on them - especially in summer.

But I wish I could convince my wife to do a trip like that - sounds like it'll be a wonderful experience 

[Nick Mace]

2 hours ago, tisme said:

Do you carry a spare wheel ?

• If not I'd also take a small can of tyre sealant / inflater.

Very good point!

[Nick Mace]

Does anyone have a part number for a throttle cable suitable for a 2ltr zetec (black top as supplied new by the factory with the standard ford plenum)?

thanks

[Terryathome]

Possible list for you?

Items
Allen Keys/metric/imperial        
Assorted M6,8,10 nuts and bolts        
Brolley (if you want)        
Cable Ties (assorted)        
Fire Extinguisher        
First Aid Kit        
Fuses large/small        
Gaffa Tape        
Hand wet wipes        
Insulation tape        
Jubilee clips assorted sizes        
Jump Leads        
Knife        
Latex Gloves        
Pliers        
Pressure Gauge        
Rags        
Scissor Jack        
Screwdrivers flat        
Screwdrivers pozi type        
Spanners normal        
Spanners ratchet        
Spare Bulbs (and any specific to your car)        
Spare fan belt        
Spare Throttle Cable/clutch cable?        
Tow Rope        
Torch        
Tyre Inflator        
Tyre pressure gauge        
Tyre puncture repair foam        
Warning Triangle (2 number?)        
WD40        
Wire cutters        
        
Passport (each)        
E111 health card        
Insurance cover (European travel)        
Breathalysers (2off) check dates on any old ones you have        
Hi Vis vests (each)        
Driving license      
Car Insurance Doc includes for European travel        
Car breakdown cover (repatriation)        
V5 document        
Printouts of Ferry tickets and list of accommodation.        
Money (for beer/wine) let your bank know you may use your bank cards abroad     

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

we are off down to the alps in June

First night stopping in Reims (we are going to do the old race track photos)

Then second night in Baden Baden (Germany) at the top of the black forest - lovely place

Then drive route 500 down through Black Forest into Switzerland which is supposed to be epic (if speed was the main thing then I believe a lot of the autobahn to the left of the black forest has no speed limits - please check yourself to make sure)

Beyond that not made my mind up yet

......................

That's a pretty good list above regarding kit to take (although you could travel a lot lighter - take the basic tools and cables/spares etc - if in trouble get breakdown cover to come fit parts) - goes without saying a very thorough check over before you go will massively reduce the likelihood of any issues - if your car has same size tyres from and back you can always strap a spare to the roll bar or fit the spare tyre carrier for the trip

Sensible new road tyres would be a better option that 888's with not much tread left for lots of reasons

Did anyone mention beam adjusters? GB stickers?

Oh and keep the tank topped up - you should be ok in most places but there's no point in getting to the stage where you are starting to sweat a bit (I have worn the t-shirt on this one)

 

 

 

 

 

[Nick Mace]

Route 500 definitely seems to be worth looking at. Thanks 

[Snappy]

I love my satnav abroad as you can put the route in of course!

But the additional info from my garmin is fantastic, get worried about fuel, well a quick press of a few buttons and it will tell you fuel on route etc, saves stopping way to early!

Motorcycle puncture repair kits are awesome just buy a few extra air cylinders to ensure enough air! In an emergency i fixed a my Nissan navara tyre with one!!