Spares Parts, Tools and Pre-Journey Checklist

Spares Parts, Tools and Journey Checklist

Here is a guide to spare parts and a Pre-Journey Checklist to perform before setting off in your bus.

General Items

1. Mobile Phone & 12v Charger
2. AA / RAC Breakdown cover & Card
3. Electric Hook up cable (EHU)
4. Warning Triangle
5. Fuel container (I never carry one, too big)
6. First Aid Kit (always have one!)
7. Fire Extinguisher (I have two)
8. CO alarm
9. Emergency dry / canned food

Spare Parts

1. Fan Belt / Alternator Belt
2. Spare Bulbs
3. HT Leads Set
4. Distributor Cap
5. Rotor Arm
6. Spark Plugs x4
7. Oil & Coolant (Water-cooled)
8. Rocker Head Gasket (Air-cooled)
9. Clutch Cable
10. Fuses (5,10,15,20,30A)
11. Grease (Multi purpose / WD40)
12. Wire (Red & Black)
13. Terminal Blocks
14. Automotive Crimps (Red,Blue, Yellow Spade & Ring)
15. Metric Nuts & Bolts (Selection but M4,M6,M8,M10 typical)
16. Jubilee clips (1 large, 2 medium, 3 small)
17. Rubber Hose (Fuel line 8,10mm diameter) Small lengths

Tools

1. Metric Socket set (6-21mm) (10/13/15/17/19mm at least)
2. Spanner Set (6-21mm) (10/13/15/17/19mm at least)
3. Screw Driver (Cross & Slotted) or Driver set
4. Mole Grips
5. Adjustable spanner (Large)
6. Pliers & Side cutters
7. Small Flat screwdriver (terminal Blocks)
8. Handheld Fault code reader (VAG Compatible)
9. Multi Meter (simple small Voltage, Resistance)
10. Wire stripper / Crimp tool
11. Electrical / Gaffer Tape
12. Ty-wraps
13. Metric Feeler Gauges (Air-cooled)
14. Torch / Inspection lamp (Rechargeable)
15. Jumper Leads OR Battery Starter Pack
16. Foot pump or compressor
17. Jack & Wheel Brace
18. Swiss Army Penknife
19. Wire brush or sandpaper
20. Disposable gloves (hate having dirty hands!)
21. Overalls (for when you breakdown in your work clothes)

Pre-Journey Checks

1. Tire pressures & Tread
2. Bulb Check
3. Windscreen washer level & Wipers
4. Oil & Coolant level
5. Brake Fluid level
6. Check for any leaks on ground
7. Gas bottle level 
8. Drinking Water level 
9. Leisure Battery charge
10. Battery Starter pack charge
11. Torch / Inspection Lamp charge
12. General Items
13. Spare Parts
14. Tools

This is not an exhaustive list BUT it will cover most minor issues / breakdowns. 

I carry much more than this mostly in tools as I maintain my own bus and its easier to have the tools available.