What are the ESSENTIALS we must have driving in France in our campervan?

eskbanker

phatbear said:

eskbanker said:

phatbear said:

all the info you need is readily availble, and correct on google.

Google is obviously just a search engine via which to access a range of sites (some of which will naturally be more authoritative and up to date than others), plus an AI overview (without citations and inherently dynamic) - are you asserting that you believe the latter to have been accurate when you happened to view it?

i believe searching google for basic information such as this is more likely to be accurate than the advice of some randoms on a forum, which has been evidenced by me highlighting that the information that had been provided was incorrect.

For ref i followed up the info with several sites to ensure the info was correct however im not sure how many sites which satiate your need for due dillgence regarding the information i shared.

Yes, it's definitely unwise to rely on information shared by random anonymous forum posters, so locating verifiable authoritative data is generally advisable, but while it's valid to highlight errors, my point is that it's largely futile to then say that "all the info you need is readily availble, and correct on Google" without citing exactly which information accessible via Google you're asserting to be correct!

Dizzycap

Tucosalamanca said:

Copies of documents (v5, mot, insurance), hi-vis jackets for all passengers, spare bulb set, rear cycle warning board if carrying bikes. At least two cards to pay for things and a small amount of cash.
Glasses for driving if needed.

Crit-air sticker might be useful depending on where you're travelling through France.

All of the above if you wish to remain safe while traveling, plus 2 warning tirangles - Front & Back and the obvious torch including spare batteries, fully charged jump lead power pack in case of a flat battery, spare tyre & jack, oil etc. Be prepared for any eventuality and always think dusk / night time problem possibilities. Enjoy your trip & be safe 

phatbear

eskbanker said:

phatbear said:

eskbanker said:

phatbear said:

all the info you need is readily availble, and correct on google.

Google is obviously just a search engine via which to access a range of sites (some of which will naturally be more authoritative and up to date than others), plus an AI overview (without citations and inherently dynamic) - are you asserting that you believe the latter to have been accurate when you happened to view it?

i believe searching google for basic information such as this is more likely to be accurate than the advice of some randoms on a forum, which has been evidenced by me highlighting that the information that had been provided was incorrect.

For ref i followed up the info with several sites to ensure the info was correct however im not sure how many sites which satiate your need for due dillgence regarding the information i shared.

Yes, it's definitely unwise to rely on information shared by random anonymous forum posters, so locating verifiable authoritative data is generally advisable, but while it's valid to highlight errors, my point is that it's largely futile to then say that "all the info you need is readily availble, and correct on Google" without citing exactly which information accessible via Google you're asserting to be correct!

i humbly apologise for not being as clear as i could have been.

I wasnt aware that i was required to list citations or produce a bibliography regarding the exact the location of the information i was able to ascertain after following several links provided by google. One could argue the OP could have done some further reading themselves but i understand that providing full information about the exact origins of the information would have been prefereable, oddly, i had noted that you have not asked the previously incorrect posters to provide evidence of the source of their information.

I admit having read several links to ensure that the initial information was correct, and thus putting me in a position to highlight the information previoulsy provided was incorrect, i merely made statements to that effect, alas ignoring yours, and possibly others, thirst for specific evidence that i had not just felt the need to just spew forth incorrect information which could have lead to the OP wasting time and money ordering items, which according to google and the previously mentioned non specified link, were not required.

i have taken your feedback on board and for future ref i will provide verified links to all information i provide to prevent any future issues, and hopefully you will do the same whenever you post on here too!

eskbanker

Perhaps it's just me who doesn't see 'the answers are on the internet' as being a particularly helpful response, but there doesn't seem to be any value in flogging this dead horse even further!

phatbear

eskbanker said:

Perhaps it's just me who doesn't see 'the answers are on the internet' as being a particularly helpful response, but there doesn't seem to be any value in flogging this dead horse even further!

And yet ironically if someone asks a question on here and someone answers them isnt that "an answer on the internet"

FrankFalcon

Hi all

Thank you for your brilliant input. You have definitely helped us. We’re off have taken on board all the comments and have acted accordingly. 

We’re off now to ask (in another thread) about recommendations on the specific route we should take. 

Cheers all. 

Nebulous2

Assuming your motorhome is RHD, then checking the manual, or with the manufacturer, to work out what you need to do with the headlights is sensible. Beam deflectors are dated, don't really fit modern headlights and would be a last resort. 

My van simply has two adjusting screws under the bonnet, one for each headlamp, that you turn a quarter turn, and that's it fixed. You need to remember to switch back on returning home. Some vans have a switch in the cabin. 

You also need to be aware of the regulations regarding carrying food. Anecdotally none of my acquaintances have been checked / stopped, but it is certainly a risk you need to be aware of. It would be annoying having to dump a whole lot of food you had bought for your trip. 

Coming back has generally been okay, but there are temporary restrictions on importing foodstuffs in place at the moment because of a foot and mouth outbreak. Again you want to keep on the right side of that.