Top tips for preparing your motorhome for travel overseas

When travelling overseas with your motorhome or campervan, we recommend taking the following items with you, where possible, to ensure your holiday is as stress-free as possible.

Spare Parts

Water Pump

It is not unusual to experience issues with your water pump whilst away. Given their simple set up, they are susceptible to electrical faults as well as the usual blockages and bends. Whilst most countries will have motorhome and campervan supply shops dotted around, they are usually few and far between. Additionally, they do not often stock the same brands that are found in the UK. Taking a spare will avoid any sourcing difficulties and will mean you have a pump you know should work.

Spare tyre

Like many other parts, tyres for larger British outfits are not quite as simple to source overseas as they are in the UK. Taking a spare tyre will mean that you are back on the road in no time. If a full-size replacement is not a feasible option to take with you, taking a spacesaver tyre will at least facilitate speedy roadside recovery whilst we help to source your full replacement. Please also check the condition of all tyres before you leave home to ensure you’re travelling long distances as safely as possible.

Personal Items (to keep with you at all times - not locked in the outfit)

• Passports
• Driving licence
• Credit Card (necessary for hire cars)
• Original V5 (both for border control and for any repatriation needs)
• EHIC/GHIC cards or certificates for European public health institutions
• Spare motorhome/campervan keys

Additional Tips

Mirrors

Each year, the Emergency Services team handles numerous cases of accidental damage to motorhome and campervan wing mirrors, often caused by narrow roads, tight parking spaces or slight misjudgements while driving. To help prevent these incidents, we strongly advise members to carefully research your route in advance, ensuring roads are suitable for the size of your vehicle. Where possible, it’s also wise to carry spare mirrors, as sourcing replacements - especially for right-hand drive vehicles - can be challenging in many European countries.

What3Words

If you have access to a smartphone, we advise that you download the app What3Words. This app is already used by the emergency services and breakdown assistance providers across the UK and it’s very simple to use. It has divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words.

What3words addresses are as accurate as GPS coordinates, which will allow the Red Pennant Emergency Services team to locate you easily should you require assistance.

Green Cards

Occasionally, your vehicle insurance may still need to provide you with an International Insurance Certificate or a ‘green card’ in order for your motorhome or campervan to remain insured whilst overseas. This is not as common in recent years, but is still a requirement with certain insurers.

If you are unsure, check with your insurance company before your trip to ensure that you have everything you need. If a green card is necessary and you do not have one in place, this can create a difficult obstacle when it comes to repatriation.

Leased motorhomes/campervans

If you are leasing a motorhome or campervan and travelling overseas, you will need to make sure you have a VE103B with you. Should the vehicle need repair or repatriation, this form will be essential in making sure you avoid unnecessary delays or obstacles.

 

Published May 2025