Recommended onboard spares and tools (1 Viewer)

[BetoLC]

I am trying to figure out what spares and tools I should be carrying onboard. Obviously there is no single answer and it depends on many things like age of vehicle and usage.

From trawling through blog postings etc the consensus seems to be that “over time you’ll figure it out” but I was hoping the hive-mind here might help fast forward through some early mistakes of too little or too much...

Some context and one of my biggest questions: I’m not that practically skilled in auto repair. I have a background in engineering but all maths and helicopters which isn’t going to help change a busted CV joint. If the amount I can fix myself is limited, should I carry less?

Some of the bloggers i have read and personalities i have met carry a staggering amount of stuff (welding kit?) but also seem to be 1) Jeep owners and 2) have 200k miles on their trucks

However, it’s possible that a friendly stranger might not have a tool or a local repair shop no access to a part I need exchanged etc.

Truck is a late-model 200 series, icons, skid plates and sliders. I usually wheel with my kids so getting home (or just back to civilization) is the biggest priority even if that makes the ultimate repair pricier. Nobody in our group has great mechanic skills unfortunately.

I am always trying to eliminate unnecessary weight (without being foolish) as it seems that the heavier the truck, the more likely I am to break something...

any thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[ckkone]

On the East Coast? Cell phone, charger, tire repair kit, air compressor, some blankets, a little water and snacks. Call for help and have supplies to keep kids comfy till it arrives.

 

[KLF]

I daily carry too much stuff, some of which I have needed, but never on my own trucks.

Tire plug kit
Compressor
Safety flares (I prefer the newer LEDs ones that take CR123a batteries)
Cross-type lug wrench
Hand cleaner (the wipes in the tubs don't freeze and explode)
Blue shop towels
Nitrile gloves
Torque wrenches
Blanket
Fire extinguisher (as big as you can, they are never big enough)
Cheap multi-meter, try to get at least 10A current capacity
Spare fuses
Remove all those stupid wheel locks, put regular lug nuts on
Lithium jump pack, fully charged

Make sure your spare tire can easily go up and down. Stopped to help a guy a year ago with a blowout on his Suburban and the spare winch was totally frozen solid, it was a PAIN to get it down.

 

[Sandroad]

This list in the link below of parts and tools and relevant discussion is in the 200 forum FAQs. You might start with that thread and consider what your mechanical skills are for what parts to carry. Then make sure you have the tools for those parts. @KLF has a good basic list above, except he forgot the first aid kit.

What Tools and Parts to Carry on the Trail

forum.ih8mud.com

IMHO, there are 3 things you should always have, whether or not you’re in range of a cell tower. Good prep to prevent problems. A companion (and if way off road a companion in a second vehicle). A cool head to keep from making a problem worse.

 

[tominboise]

This list in the link below of parts and tools and relevant discussion is in the 200 forum FAQs. You might start with that thread and consider what your mechanical skills are for what parts to carry. Then make sure you have the tools for those parts. @KLF has a good basic list above, except he forgot the first aid kit.

What Tools and Parts to Carry on the Trail

forum.ih8mud.com

IMHO, there are 3 things you should always have, whether or not you’re in range of a cell tower. Good prep to prevent problems. A companion (and if way off road a companion in a second vehicle). A cool head to keep from making a problem worse.

Beyond this - water, food, blanket, some way to make a fire.....

 

[99Cruiser]

In addition to the normal tools KLF listed above, I carry different types of tape to repair radiator hoses or patch radiator, code reader, a Gatorade bottle full of coolant, pocket knife, extra ammo, leather gloves, and a used serpentine belt.

 

[grinchy]

Suspension bolts and nuts

 

[liv2bike]

In addition to tools and spares...and depending on your latitude and time of year:

Maxtraxx
Shovel
Recovery straps/hardware
Gloves - leather, nitrile and a pair for cold temps if climate dictates
Paper towels
Toilet paper (it’s inevitable)
Spare contacts if you wear them
Fully stocked and unexpired medical/first aid kit
More than one way to build a fire
Saw/ax/hatchet
Backpacking stove and fuel
Flashlights/headlamps
Extra Batteries for flashlights/headlamps

Just some stuff off the top of my head.

Again depending on your climate and time of year, necessities will change. Here in Idaho in the winter I’m carrying multiple wool blankets, emergency blankets, deep winter gloves, pair of Sorels or my Zamberlan insulated winter boots. There’s more to it but if you want to be prepared...Scout motto applies.