General Driving long distance Doblo

[Drive 41]

Hello everyone, I am planning to drive my doblo 13.00 multijet throught Italy and France and back. Anyone have suggestions on what i should be aware of ...?
I will be fitting new rims and tyres since they get good beatings on our roads here, The van has 23k on the clock and although it's 2004 model. i try my best to keep it in good shape..
I also have a problem with the head lights that it has gone a bit opaque but i found a suggestion in this forum and will try it soon..
THe coloum swith needs also to be changed unless someone knows how to modify it.. it will be my third switch i will change..
Thanks all

 

[ivantate]

Shouldnt be any problems, there are plenty of 1300 Doblo cargos out there being thrashed all day long.

Maybe have a full service, ceck all the fluids before setting off, make sure no brakes are binding and dont push to hard on the hills and there wont be a problem.

 

[Ulpian]

I had a Belgian one overtake me on the M25 once, and he was doing 90 easily. I reckon the long journey will do it good.

Always give it a good long idle before switching off the hot engine.

 

[Drive 41]

thanks. will do that and more.
Thanks for the tip before switching a hot engine... i do not do it here.. the longest straight road we have here is 3mile long the rest are all village roads.. any idea on the best tyres to fit... i think i feel safer in new rims and tyres.... is it wise to keep with the factory recommendations?

 

[Ulpian]

I can't even remember what my tyres are now, but they are cheaper than the factory fit ones, that's for sure. As long as they are correctly sized and speed rated I'd not worry.

Make sure you have the tyres fitted a few weeks before setting off and the balance and alignment correctly set.

 

[Drive 41]

ye. i will fit the new tyres some weeks before and take it for alignment... my plan is to go in May so i still have a serious planning to do .... I have driven abroad in hired cars but never in mine.... my doblo is without a radio so i will be fitting that to. i am planning to purchase a navagator gps .. any suggestions..?

 

[Ulpian]

I've got a TomTom, which is right most of the time. Garmins are supposed to be good too.