It’s too easy to stuff your storage space with all manner of clever gadgets, most of which you’ll never use! Help is at hand, as Peter Rosenthal outlines the must-have kit to pack
Getting the most out of your holiday is really important and it pays to be able to carry kit that can get you out of a fix and enhance the time spent in your leisure vehicle. With ever-increasing pressures on payload, however, you do need to select what to carry with care. Filling the storage areas with items that you will never need or use is a waste of money and space.
That’s where we come in, to help you sift through the numerous products out there and focus on the key kit you need. So what would we pack?
SOCKET SET
Before you skip straight to the next section, muttering “that’s what motorhome dealers are for”, it’s worth bearing in mind that when things go awry, you might not be close to a dealer or technician.
Many campsites are in delightfully remote parts of the country, which are wonderful to tramp about in, but not exactly bristling with such urban conveniences as a motorhome dealer around every corner.
Worse still, if it’s late on a Sunday, they’re highly unlikely to be open.
While breakdown organisations can always help, waiting times can be long. A friend of mine was recently quoted a seven-hour wait for a repair vehicle – and she was a priority call, being a solo woman with a small child. People with their own accommodation are unlikely to be a priority.
So there are going to be times when it pays to be able to roll up your sleeves and get some dirt under your nails, to save yourself a tediously long wait.
Being truly self-sufficient means you need to be capable of fixing basic problems. These might range from damaged habitation latches to some simple engine bay fixes.
Bahco’s S330 socket set could almost have been designed specifically for automotive use, and it’s supplied in a blow-moulded case with sturdy latches. Inside, you’ll find a selection of flat-head, Phillips and hex bits (3-8mm), 10-22mm sockets (only 21mm is omitted), various extension bars, a universal joint, a 3/8 socket driver and a screwdriver with a ¼-inch adaptor end. Screwfix sells the kit for £45, or you can find it for £35 plus postage online. It’s a compact size and ideal for stashing in your motorhome.
If you have a more modern vehicle with lots of Torx (or star fixings – named after their shape), you might also want to add a Torx bit set, or even b
