Items for driving France/Spain

[John.]

Can somebody clarify as google keeps giving me mixed reports.

Hazard sign 50x50 aluminium or plastic with 3 red stripes ?

Snow chains ?

Think we've got all the bulbs, triangles vests etc sorted but the above two items seem to
change every 5 minutes.

 

[John.]

When and which route are you taking to need snow chains?

Tunnel 26 October then a trip to Manche to visit an old friend.

After that we have absolutely no plans if the weather is ok we're hoping to head with a few stops in between to Biarritz.

Then we're planning to go into Spain either via San Sebastián or Pamplona which is the best route for us to take?

Eventually we want to catch the ferry from Cadiz- Lanzerote then a another ferry
Lanzerote- Fuertventura.

Timescale in France is dependent on the weather but probably looking to cross into Spain mid November.

Think we have to be off Spanish territory before 6 months is up?
So we're planning on leaving on the homeward route from Fuertventura at the end of march.
As we've not used the van abroad we really appreciate any advice offered.

 

[Boringfrog]

I wouldn't worry about spending more than 6 Months in Spain or carrying snow chains going that route at that time of year.

 

[Boringfrog]

I usually take the N121A from Hendaye to Pamplona then to Zaragoza to Sagunto via the free and fast A23.

 

[John.]

I usually take the N121A from Hendaye to Pamplona then to Zaragoza to Sagunto via the free and fast A23.

Is this route easier than going north of Madrid or a more pleasant journey?

I wouldn't worry about spending more than 6 Months in Spain or carrying snow chains going that route at that time of year.

Does 6 month rule not apply due to the fact our trip is spread between 2 calendar years?

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[Madcaravanner]

We tend to travel Zaragoza rather than Madrid but that's only because there is lots of Autovia as opposed to Autopisa but used to use Brittany ferries as a member the discount made it very cost effective compared to driving through France

6 months lucky you I have to go back to my Doctors every 3 months due to all the medication I am on though apparently Scottish folk can leave that chore for 6 months

BUT what about your house insurance can you leave your house empty for that long ??

Snow chains never seen that on any list
the metal reflective signs are only on outfits longer than 12 metres
triangles 2 if you are not towing 3 if you are as told to me by your local friendly Spanish Policeman from Essex two if your trailer breaks down and you have to leave it so there is one triangle front and back - - then you still have one on your tow vehicle IF that breaks down

 

[John.]

Hi Madcaravanner.
Sorry to hear of your health issues let's hope things improve

Thankfully our house is sorted with a family member & family staying there full time.
The 3 triangles make perfect sense.

 

[Bart]

Remember if you wear glasses for driving you need to carry a spare pair in France.

Thanks ill be carrying my spare set anyways
Cheers

 

[Bart]

btw when taking the MH to europe as well as the extra's like hi vis , triangles etc ,, do i need to get a IDP ??
http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/
and if so i take it anyone driving must get one for themselves

 

[Boringfrog]

Is this route easier than going north of Madrid or a more pleasant journey?


Does 6 month rule not apply due to the fact our trip is spread between 2 calendar years?

All depends on how far South you're going. You are supposed to become resident after 6 Months and will need an address? What if you're moving around?

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[John.]

All depends on how far South you're going. You are supposed to become resident after 6 Months and will need an address? What if you're moving around?

Thanks.
We do have an address over in Fuertventura which might be a problem if we over stay.

I or carrying snow chains going that route at that time of year.

This was our thoughts.

But at the moment we're just looking at AA route planner etc.
Only just realised our built in Renault sat nav hasn't got Europe maps on It.

Oh well that's on the list to buy

 

[Boringfrog]

Thanks.
We do have an address over in Fuertventura which might be a problem if we over stay.



This was our thoughts.

But at the moment we're just looking at AA route planner etc.
Only just realised our built in Renault sat nav hasn't got Europe maps on It.

Oh well that's on the list to buy

Any good?
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=131962046958&alt=web

 

[gus-lopez]

btw when taking the MH to europe as well as the extra's like hi vis , triangles etc ,, do i need to get a IDP ??
http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/
and if so i take it anyone driving must get one for themselves

No need for idp.

All depends on how far South you're going. You are supposed to become resident after 6 Months and will need an address? What if you're moving around?

Its after 90 days for a person, whereas the vehicle can be there for 6 months. It is all nonsense

 

[John.]

Thanks for the link

I've just put a bid on a Tom Tom sd card with maps of Europe on pricey little things aren't they.

How would that cd work do you copy it onto a sd card?
Noticed it is 2006 mine is 2014
Sorry if these are dumb questions

 

[Madcaravanner]

btw when taking the MH to europe as well as the extra's like hi vis , triangles etc ,, do i need to get a IDP ??
http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/
and if so i take it anyone driving must get one for themselves

NO
If you have a pink/green paper licence or a Photo ID licence there is no requirement for an IDP anymore

so now as only the AA distribute them it's more for their coffers than anything else as the new photo licence is a Euro licence anyway

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[Madcaravanner]

[QUOTE="Charlie - Minton,

But at the moment we're just looking at AA route planner etc.
Only just realised our built in Renault sat nav hasn't got Europe maps on It.

Oh well that's on the list to buy[/QUOTE]

We had an old Tom Tom but found a new Sat Nav on Ebay at £35 which has free map updates and is on a 7inch Tablet
It's not perfect but you can programme it for height length width and if you have one trailer length and weight it also can be used to play music and as a photo display from a MicroSD card which you would need to add - - our XTrail has built in Sat Nav too (YONKS out of date) but it it leased so I didn't fancy paying each year for a new map at over £150 a time so this was very cost effective

 

[peterc10]

btw when taking the MH to europe as well as the extra's like hi vis , triangles etc ,, do i need to get a IDP ??
http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/
and if so i take it anyone driving must get one for themselves

No

 

[Boringfrog]

No need for idp.


Its after 90 days for a person, whereas the vehicle can be there for 6 months. It is all nonsense

@gus-lopez and how do you provide an address when traveling ?

 

[kitetraveller]

Thanks for pulling that together, helped a lot!

Cheers
A&C

Hi Bart this is what I got together.

A hi vis for each passenger (got the dog one) just in case.

2 triangles for Spain.

Breathalysers optional I believe.

Bulb set (I got the full amount 20)
Probably ott.

Beam deflectors.

GB stickers.

Snow chains (on list) probably buy over there.

Plus I've got all the van paperwork in a pack to take v5,mot,insurance,
Driving license etc.

No expert as we're on our first trip in 2 weeks as well.