taking trips - what tools?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 18
taking trips - what tools?
This summer I plan on taking some trips around the state to take in events and such. I was in the garage today looking over what I have and trying to set something up that I would be able to take along in the car.
What I'm wondering is: What are some "essentials" that I should have along? I'd like to be prepared if I should have to do some minor repairs while I'm on the road.
What I'm thinking of so far: jumper cables, tow rope, oil, antifreeze, fuses, 2 1/4 ton floor jack (I refuse to use the cars' bumper jack), wrenches (metric/standard), socket set (metric/standard), screwdrivers, pliers, extra bulbs (tail lights, turn signals) . . .
That's all I can think of at the moment. I may have missed one or two. I have one of those Rubbermaid toolboxes and that fits the floor jack and some tools. I have a small tote that I plan to put the other stuff in. What I'm hoping to do is have it set so that I can just toss things from the car to the truck, depending on which one I'm going to use. The Grand Marquis will be used for most trips.
All info is appreciated. Thanks.
What I'm wondering is: What are some "essentials" that I should have along? I'd like to be prepared if I should have to do some minor repairs while I'm on the road.
What I'm thinking of so far: jumper cables, tow rope, oil, antifreeze, fuses, 2 1/4 ton floor jack (I refuse to use the cars' bumper jack), wrenches (metric/standard), socket set (metric/standard), screwdrivers, pliers, extra bulbs (tail lights, turn signals) . . .
That's all I can think of at the moment. I may have missed one or two. I have one of those Rubbermaid toolboxes and that fits the floor jack and some tools. I have a small tote that I plan to put the other stuff in. What I'm hoping to do is have it set so that I can just toss things from the car to the truck, depending on which one I'm going to use. The Grand Marquis will be used for most trips.
All info is appreciated. Thanks.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 845
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield Ca.
It sounds like you got it covered.
A few things I would suggest is, a cell phone if you haven't one already. If you have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere and you can't fix it, you'll need to call for help.
Second, an auto club membership. Mine offeres free towing, maps, trip planing, deals on hotels and motels, restaurants, etc. A good thing to have on long trips, or short ones.
Third, a choice you may or may not wish to consider, depending on how you feel about this issue. When ever I travel for an overnight stay somewhere, I carry a handgun for personal protection. It's just another tool for a very different purpose. If you have a CCW it makes it easier. If not, be sure to obey the laws concerning transporting, carrying, possession of a handgun in your state or what ever state your traveling through. You don't want to get caught, even by accident breaking any laws on this.
A few things I would suggest is, a cell phone if you haven't one already. If you have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere and you can't fix it, you'll need to call for help.
Second, an auto club membership. Mine offeres free towing, maps, trip planing, deals on hotels and motels, restaurants, etc. A good thing to have on long trips, or short ones.
Third, a choice you may or may not wish to consider, depending on how you feel about this issue. When ever I travel for an overnight stay somewhere, I carry a handgun for personal protection. It's just another tool for a very different purpose. If you have a CCW it makes it easier. If not, be sure to obey the laws concerning transporting, carrying, possession of a handgun in your state or what ever state your traveling through. You don't want to get caught, even by accident breaking any laws on this.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
I meticulously maintain my rides so I don't worry much about a breakdown. I do carry a screwdriver, pliers, flashlight, can of fix-a-flat, a rag, spare key is hidden somewhere, major credit card, my cell phone, and yes, my Glock. If I take my car that has an automatic, I will also carry jumper cables.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Re: taking trips - what tools?
Originally posted by 88grandmarquis
What I'm thinking of so far: jumper cables, tow rope, oil, antifreeze, fuses, 2 1/4 ton floor jack (I refuse to use the cars' bumper jack), wrenches (metric/standard), socket set (metric/standard), screwdrivers, pliers, extra bulbs (tail lights, turn signals) . . .
All info is appreciated. Thanks.
What I'm thinking of so far: jumper cables, tow rope, oil, antifreeze, fuses, 2 1/4 ton floor jack (I refuse to use the cars' bumper jack), wrenches (metric/standard), socket set (metric/standard), screwdrivers, pliers, extra bulbs (tail lights, turn signals) . . .
All info is appreciated. Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
My toolbox goes with me. All of my Factory Service Manuals do. Oil, coolant, power steering, etc.
Flashlight.
Air tank.
Spare gas can. maybe.
Flashlight.
Air tank.
Spare gas can. maybe.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
I also keep the old serpentine belt in the trunk. I have a 60 pound toolbox that goes everywhere with me but that is for other reasons too. Don't forget a test light, torx screwdrivers ( at least a T-15 for most light bulb changes). I also have the back mat from an old ltd wagon which has come in handy on several occasions when you need to kneel or lay on the ground. I also never go anywhere without my fluke meter but that is more for other reasons too. Don't forget a good tire iron and make sure your hubcap key is present and accounted for. My tire shop is pretty good about making sure they put it in my hand for return to it's kept location, not all shops do and many of those keys have been forgotten. I like to carry my own tire guage. The ones on the hose at gas stations are not usually accurate and the more common air vending machines don't even have those. If you are traveling in winter always have your insulated coveralls, gloves and blankets.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
The only thing I would add to your list is a can of fix a flat, it saved my butt when a friend needed to put a spare on, but his lugnuts were rusted and corroded on. this is pretty common if you have aluminum wheels. I never thought that stuff would come in handy, I never thought the stuff worked.
wow dennis, I noticed all those guys that don't post here anymore.
wow dennis, I noticed all those guys that don't post here anymore.
Last edited by Mattsbox99; Feb 10, 2004 at 02:49 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Funny this comes up- this last Sunday the family and I returned from Columbus Ohio, about 250 miles.
Even though we managed to dodge the sniper bullets on the beltway, later the power steering lost the power on the highway and then the alternator light came on.
This stretch of highway doesn't have much on it (I-69 below I-94) and being Sunday didn't help.
With my spidy senses, I correctly figured the serpentine belt was shot decided against the truck stop at the close exit in a attempt to go the extra 14 miles to where civilization existed- thinking there might be a Autozone/Pepboys up ahead.
Luckily, it all worked out.
Bought one serpentine belt, one idler pulley (actual cause of failure) and one cheap set of wrenches for $50 at Autozone.
Not having to get towed and wait for someone else to fix it- priceless.
My lessons- I've been getting away from carrying tools on trips, but I need to rethink.
And
If you buy common cars and trucks, you can always find parts.
And
Carry a SAE cresent wrench for older american cars and trucks.
Even though we managed to dodge the sniper bullets on the beltway, later the power steering lost the power on the highway and then the alternator light came on.
This stretch of highway doesn't have much on it (I-69 below I-94) and being Sunday didn't help.
With my spidy senses, I correctly figured the serpentine belt was shot decided against the truck stop at the close exit in a attempt to go the extra 14 miles to where civilization existed- thinking there might be a Autozone/Pepboys up ahead.
Luckily, it all worked out.
Bought one serpentine belt, one idler pulley (actual cause of failure) and one cheap set of wrenches for $50 at Autozone.
Not having to get towed and wait for someone else to fix it- priceless.
My lessons- I've been getting away from carrying tools on trips, but I need to rethink.
And
If you buy common cars and trucks, you can always find parts.
And
Carry a SAE cresent wrench for older american cars and trucks.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: LAX, most of the time :)
Old Jeeper's "rule of thumb". Figure out what you might break (that you are capable of fixing), bring tools for that.
Otherwise, it's a neverending spiral. I've seen folks on the road (trail) with enough tools to build a car - but not the one tool they need to fix what's broke.
My $.02
Jeff
Otherwise, it's a neverending spiral. I've seen folks on the road (trail) with enough tools to build a car - but not the one tool they need to fix what's broke.
My $.02
Jeff