You are travelling in your converted van, camper or motorhome when it suddenly happens: a tyre blows out, the engine refuses to start, or the water tank starts leaking. In an emergency, the right equipment can genuinely save your holiday.

At VanSite you will find out which emergency tools are essential in vanlife and what to do in a crisis.

Unsplash Image by Sebastian Huxley |

Roadside assistance in vanlife: 6 emergency tools

Your little home on wheels just passed its MOT. Full of excitement, you pack the camping gear for the next trip, so what could possibly go wrong? Even though your van or camper was recently checked over for maintenance, servicing and inspection, a breakdown or even an accident can happen at any time.

For emergencies, you should always keep the following tools in your van:

1. High-visibility vest - for every emergency

In Germany, a high-visibility vest is mandatory in every vehicle to protect your personal safety and ensure visibility on the road in case of an accident or breakdown. You should have it with you when travelling abroad too. Keep it close to your driver's seat so it's within easy reach in an emergency.

2. Tow rope - when nothing else works

Whether you built your own van or bought a ready-made motorhome, if your vehicle breaks down and refuses to start, you need a tow rope. When buying one, make sure the rope is rated for the weight of your mobile home.

3. Folding ramp - if you get stuck

It has probably happened to every camper at some point: the ground is muddy or sandy, and even though you pull away carefully, a tyre suddenly spins. When one or more tyres lose traction, you are stuck without outside help.

That is exactly why a folding ramp belongs in your camper emergency kit. Just place it under the tyre so you can ease your way forward.

4. Emergency hammer - your way out

Apart from buses, most car drivers do not carry this tool. In vanlife it should be a must, because in an emergency such as a road accident or fire, you can smash a window and escape from the vehicle.

5. Puncture repair kit - if a tyre blows

A flat tyre can quickly end your trip if you have no puncture repair kit in your van. If one of your camper's tyres suddenly blows, you often have no choice but to call the ADAC or another breakdown service.

If you have a puncture repair kit in your luggage, you may be able to fix the tyre yourself. The included sealant works on punctures up to six millimetres deep.

6. Fire extinguisher - when fire breaks out

Not just converted vans but most motorhomes have a gas stove, which naturally raises the fire risk, especially if you forget to turn off the hob for a moment or something in the camper catches fire. For exactly this kind of emergency, you should always carry a small car fire extinguisher on your travels.

7. Duct tape - if something starts leaking

Duct tape, also known as gaffer tape, is a true lifesaver in a pinch. This high-quality, versatile tape is water-resistant, so you can quickly seal a leaking water tank, for example.

With these seven tools, you are now well prepared for a van or camper breakdown and have a solution for almost every problem. If you do have an accident on your travels, follow the steps below.

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Accident with the van: 6 steps in an emergency

A camper breakdown is one thing, but an accident can also mean personal injury. To be ready for the worst in vanlife, you should know exactly which steps to take in a dangerous situation.

In the event of an accident or serious breakdown, follow these six steps:

• Step 1 - Switch on hazard lights: First pull over to the right shoulder or a marked lay-by. Switch on your hazard lights and then exit from the right, the side away from traffic.

• Step 2 - Put on high-visibility vest: Put on your high-visibility vest immediately so that other road users can see you from a distance.

• Step 3 - Set up warning triangle: To secure the accident or breakdown site, set up a warning triangle. On German motorways it must be placed 150 to a maximum of 400 metres back, on country roads 100 metres, and in built-up areas 50 metres.

• Step 4 - Help the injured: If there are personal injuries and you are uninjured yourself, you are legally required to provide first aid to the injured. For this reason you should at least know how to put someone in the recovery position and how to calm those affected.

• Step 5 - Move to safety: Then get yourself to safety. On motorways, climb behind the crash barrier or at least move far enough away from the road and the accident scene.

• Step 6 - Call emergency services: Now call emergency services or the rescue service on 112. If only vehicle damage has occurred, a call to the police on 110 is enough.

Tip: Before travelling abroad, make sure you know the required safety standards and note down important emergency phone numbers, such as the local police and fire brigade..

Now you know which emergency supplies you should always keep in your van. If you break down in your camper and it's temporarily uninhabitable, you can build a makeshift shelter in the nearby forest!