Out of all the gear we carry , I think we ’ ve used these the most , not just for ourselves but to assist other travellers .
SERVICE EXTENSIONS
You may have been given a basic starter kit with your new van . It will have a 15A 240V extension cable , a drinking water hose and a grey water hose . These will be good but there will be times when they will not be long enough .
Try to carry enough extensions of each to reach a total of 25-30m for both electricity and water . A 15-20m grey water hose should be enough . Also , keep a spare set of hose connections as you ’ re bound to leave a set behind from time to time .
The mobile phone networks don ’ t extend too far outside cities and towns . We strongly recommend you have some form of emergency communications with you , especially if you venture offroad .
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Everyone has a mobile phone and they are fantastic , especially for emergency communications , as long as you ’ re in a mobile phone coverage area . Unless you ’ re driving up and down the eastern seaboard along the major motorways , you will be amazed at how much of the country has no mobile phone service .
A text-based satellite communicator such as a ZOLEO will enable you to keep in contact with family and friends using text-based messaging . It will also allow you to summon the emergency services should the proverbial hit the fan . They are cheap to buy and have very reasonable service plans .
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