Travelling abroad in your mini

[sprintmini]

Hi all
With the MtoM 2009 approaching fast im well into making my checks to ensure my GT is fit for the journey.
I have decided to fit a roof rack and maybe stick my spare wheels (im taking two) up there,which will enable me to fill the boot with my tool kit and spares,although im mindful of the risk of increased fuel consumption
Now the question, what do you take with you on a road trip?
I have the usual plugs,belts,tools, water,oil etc etc but is there anything I should be taking and stuff I will never need?

I have a smal list here:
Spare tyres
Car jack
Fuel can
Water and antifreeze for radiator.
Engine oil
Haynes manual
Windscreen fluid
Pump
Screwdrivers
Socket set
Spanners
Stanley knife
Pliers
Cable ties
Feeler gauges
spark plugs
Small pot of grease
Rag s
Spare fan belt
Overalls

I have stuff like starter motors and alternators but I think I can get away without a starter if it goes and the alternator I could find at most motor factors.
Any ideas or comments appreciated.

Regards
Dermot.

[DaveC]

It sounds like you have most things covered. What about AA cover just in case?

[sprintmini]

Oh yeah I will be taking out AA cover as well if only to get me back to the ferry on time.

[keith]

last two times i did the MTM all i needed was a cash top-up on the laser card!

how about a run-flat aerosol, a fan-belt, two plug and some tools? you can always get a bottle of water in any shop!
oph and little tin of stop-leak or rad-weld might be handy.

think small, think mini!

[BlackSe7en]

Don't forget to drop into ASDA on the way over and get your 10 pairs of whites socks for £2.00 (its what we do going to IMMs, it saves on the washing and the Mini gets lighter each day.).

[kerryminigringo]

Ignore that last post,white socks are SSOOOOOOOO eighties.Even Billy does not wear white socks when he has his Jesus sandals on.

[Billy]

Ignore that last post,white socks are SSOOOOOOOO eighties.Even Billy does not wear white socks when he has his Jesus sandals on.

Actually I buy white ones and dye them different colours!

[just_st3v3n]

at last years mtm there was an on call breakdown service arranged for us and they tagged along on the mtm in a landrover with (i presume) most of the basic stuff to fix a broke down mini... they got of lightly though as all cars made it to the finish, one min wouldnt start at start of mtm but they got it going and then at the end of the run when everyone was heading for home one of the minis wheel bearings was on its way out but i think he made it home no bother...
if i was you id just get the car serviced a week or two before coming over (in case they fook up sumn) and bring most of those bits with you that you already mentioned...
its a nice oul spin anyway for you

steven

[Billy]

Yep, we do provide breakdown service on MTM. Here's Andy and Simon who were our breakdown crew on last year's event.



Billy

[sprintmini]

Cheers for the tips lads.
Yeah I think I will take the list of stuff I have and take it as it comes.
As for servicing Im doing that next week.

[woody]

" landrover with (i presume) most of the basic stuff to fix a broke down mini"
Presume away
Don't forget a map.

[macker]

one or two things i might add,

Head/manifold gaskets,
Bulbs,
Electrical tape,
Duck tape (nothing does temporary fix like duck tape and cable ties )

i will also be bringing a puncture repair kit, just incase

[mustard]

just an idea but i dont think anyone suggested jump leads... always handy...

[beadles]

Looking at the growing list it might be smaller and easier to tow a spare car behind you

[sprintmini]

looks like im going to need a bigger roof rack,trailer and boot!!

[Tony Cooney]

Just noticed this post now.

I always have the following in my Mini boot regardless of how far I'm traveling:

- my tool box
- trolley jack (tucked in under rear seat)
- oil
- coolant mixture
- brake fluid
- Can of WD40
- small can of petrol & a funnel
- spare bulbs/fuses
- fan belt
- foot pump
- spare wheel
- jump leads
- torch
- breakdown triangle
- hi viz vest
- small pack of disposble latex gloves
- old rags

It's amazing how much you can fit compactly into the car without compromising on space.

I'll be adding the following to my list over the next few days in preparation for MTM and IMM:

- Head Gasket kit
- Coil
- Condensor
- Rotor Arm

Other than that there isn't really much else that you would really need to have with you.

I'm also in the AA so thats a good back up to have if all else fails (hopefully it wont!)


Tony

[Billy]

Tony,

The AA won't be able to find you on some of the roads the MTM will be taking you on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Billy

[Tony Cooney]

Ok so Billy,

I'll just add some bread,milk and rashers to my list of supplies so!!

Tony

[wzd345]

You might need a dozen fresh eggs also!

Boys, dont forget to leave some space in the car for wife/passenger.

Enjoy![quote="Coonos Cab"]Ok so Billy,

I'll just add some bread,milk and rashers to my list of supplies so!!

[b]Tony[/b][/quote]