Help me fill my Overland Travel tool kit.

[taylorRichie]

Hey guys,

I figured you would know better than me on what to pack for tools when Overland or Car Camping.

I purchased this:
Toolbox


and these:

Organizers


and one similar to this organizer


What would be a good wish list? What would be an absolute requirement in your opinion?

I may only use the tools on simple family camping outings, but I'd like to know I'm prepared should I decide to do anything more vehicle dependent and off the beaten path.

BTW, I got everything for $15, from a local picker, didn't realize they were so spendy till I got home and researched.

Thanks!

Richie

 

[taylorRichie]

Found this from a thread in 2006:

1 set 8mm to 24mm combo wrenches
1 set 8mm to 18mm ratcheting combo wrenches
1 extra 22/24mm wrench
1 set 8mm to 22mm 3/8” sockets
1 14” 3/8 ratchet
1 4” 3/8 ratchet
3 different pair of snap ring pliers
1 pair wire stripper/crimpers
1 1/2 breaker bar with extendable handle ( for big leverage )
1 small pair channel locks
1 large pair channel locks
1 small crescent wrench
1 large crescent wrench
1 utility knife
1 large pair of curve jaw vise grips
1 medium pair regular vise grips
1 small pair vise grips
1 large ball peen hammer
1 large torque wrench
1 4-way lug wrench
1 crow bar
1 deep 6-point 13/16 socket for lugs
1 54mm socket
various socket adapters and swivels
1 set of SAE sockets (in case I need to help out a domestic vehicle)
large c-clamp
tyre-pliers and tire spoon
set of files
1 small claw grabber retrieval tools

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Found this from a thread in 2006:

.................

That's a good start, especially if your rig uses all metric tools.

Some, like mine, have a mixture of MM and SAE, so I carry both.

Also, find out what specific tools you may need for your vehicle.

Newer Jeeps require a 36MM (or 32MM?) socket for the nut on the front axle shafts.

I keep that, and two 12 point 13MM sockets (one in 1/2" drive, one in 3/8'' drive) together on a large reusable zip tie.

They are needed to remove the front unit bearing and stub shaft of the axle. Handy when you need to replace an axle joint or entire shaft.


The basics will get you out of most situations, but it's always good to have any oddball stuff that your rig may require. At least tool wise.

 

[mudbutt]

One large hammer......

If you can't fix it with that, you've got an electrical problem...

 

[Metcalf]

Honestly, don't go overkill. Its FAR too easy to overdo it. Weight hurts....performance, weight balance, load capacity, storage space, etc.

What vehicle are you driving and what are the common mechanical issues you could have to solve?

 

[taylorRichie]

Honestly, don't go overkill. Its FAR too easy to overdo it. Weight hurts....performance, weight balance, load capacity, storage space, etc.

What vehicle are you driving and what are the common mechanical issues you could have to solve?

The toolkit will be used for multiple vehicles.

Current vehicle: Isuzu Vehicross

Common issues: I'll need to do more research. A lot of busted tie rods, but I have HD tie rods so don't anticipate that as being an issue. The 3.5 has it's issues (oil burning primarily) but seems to be a pretty solid platform.

Second vehicle has yet to be purchased.

In the running:
Discovery, Discovery II, LR3, Land Cruiser 80, 100, GX470

Really just waiting on the right vehicle to come up... Could be a disco I for $2,000 or could be a GX470 for $15K really depends on how I feel about that particular deal at that particular time

I also want my kit to help out others. During the winter I'm constantly pulling people out of ditches, or helping out with various cold weather related issues. When I start doing more overland I'd like to be able to help people out there as well.

I would rather get a limited amount of heirloom quality tools, than the entire Harbor Freight catalog.

Thanks all!

 

[kpredator]

tools

hello
I agree with metcalf about the wieght,alot of the vehicle breakdowns i have seen ,helped were due to just hauling to much gear.
i carry a basic tool kit.what i do have is a great plug,air compressor set up for tire repair.as that is our most common problem.2 spares
also replaced,radiator hoses,belts with new and keep the spares,which i know will fit.also most other common breakdown is fuel filters ,have spares and change
often.always carry spare fuses.always have extra air filter too.
just my 2 cents
kevin

 

[taylorRichie]

Good information, keep it coming...

I plan to order a new Tire Repair kit based off the Overland Journal kit review.

I'm realizing the most important thing is learning how to use these tools... I have very limited knowledge of tire repair. I don't know how to break or set a bead. Plenty to learn.

I'm assuming the Fuel Filter issue is more related to remote or 3rd world fuel? I did replace mine about 2,000 miles ago. Is there an interval you'd recommend for replacement? Cheap and light enough to keep spares on hand.

Not sure why I didn't think about belts, but I'll definitely get a spare serpentine.

What fluids do you guys keep with you?

 

[taylorRichie]

Another list I found, pretty minimalistic.

A Pelican (1600?) case. ($50 Craigslist)
Bucket Boss tool roll (<$15, Amazon.com)
Bucket Boss wrench roll (<$15, Amazon.com)
bag of 3/8, 1/4 ratchet drives/extensions (already had)
box of assorted Phillips/flat/Torx bits (already had)
bars of 1/2 impact and 3/8,1/4 sockets (already had)
bag with airchuck, blowgun, inflaters etc. (~$40, Lowes, etc.)
1/4" 25' air hose (~$20, Lowes)

50 Cal.ammo box ($5, Army surplus in Lynnwood)
Ingersoll Rand 1/2" impact, 3/8" ratchet ($?, Lowes)
bag of deep impact sockets (already had)
ARB Speedy Seal tire patch kit ($45, Expedition Exchange)

10lb aluminum CO2 tank ($30 Craigslist for steel, $0 Teq Welding in Auburn, exchanged empty steel tank for aluminum)
150 psi fixed pressure regulator ($53, Outback Air)
various fittings/quick-disconnects/etc ($40, various)

 

[Ray Hyland]

I like your comment about getting heritage quality tools rather than the harbour freight catalogue.

That said, since you currently have an Izuzu, start with a good set of metric wrenches, some good vice grips, a medium brass mallet, a set of good screwdrivers, some good needlenose pliers and side cutters, and some electrical stuff. That's probably going to cost you a few hundred bucks. The craftsmen stuff from Sears is good value. Not crazily expensive but still good enough to pass on to your kids.

Eventually you would get a set of sockets, then repeat with non-metric wrenches and sockets, and whatever special tools your car takes (torx, etc).

Or, you could take a shortcut and just buy a full mechanic's set, something like this
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-273-...p-00983087000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5
and then add in whatever special tools your car requires. It may seem like cheating, but it will give you a set of decent tools, that are easy to organize in your box since they are all from the same kit, and can handle most roadside repairs.

You should probably also invest in a multimeter, and learn how to use it, and depending on the year of your car a code reader would be useful.

 

[Ray Hyland]

I'm assuming the Fuel Filter issue is more related to remote or 3rd world fuel? I did replace mine about 2,000 miles ago. Is there an interval you'd recommend for replacement? Cheap and light enough to keep spares on hand.

Actually you can get a batch of dirty fuel anywhere, and like you say, a spare fuel filter is easy to carry around.

 

[taylorRichie]

Thanks Ray!

I have a garage full of craftsman... haven't taken the blue point/snap on/matco jump just yet. Not convinced they'll provide any further benefit to me.

I've got a nice Greenline Multimeter for the garage and home, have a cheaper multimeter that I plan to keep in the car. I also have a Kiwi Wifi OBD-II reader, and a few different iphone apps that work quite well.

I ordered several of these: http://shop.weldtab.com/category.sc?categoryId=12 For my overland box. I've read some good reviews.

I think I'll end up swiping my garage tools when I need them for now, and hopefully 'black friday' will give me the opportunity to get a good Mechanic's Set like you linked.

Does anyone have a recommendation for keeping electrical components terminals and wiring organized? I've traditionally used tackle box style plastic organizers, but I'm wondering if there is something that will take up less space. Plastic boxes seem to store mostly air. Maybe cordura/canvas bags or something?

This has been a great thread for me... Perhaps elementary for most.

 

[Ray Hyland]

Little zip lock bags work great for keeping small stuff organized.

 

[taylorRichie]

Little zip lock bags work great for keeping small stuff organized.

Ahh!! good thinking, I'll have to ask my drug dealer where he gets them. :sombrero:

 

[TangoBlue]

Not looking to generate a debate but I wouldn't be too quick to rule out HF-quality tools for a vehicle-borne tool kit. Keep in mind I have tools for home and tools that stay in the vehicle at the ready.

Sure, Snap-On, Craftsman, or MATCO's are great tools but if you've been on top of things before you hit the trail the likelihood of needing to pull out your repair kit should be minimal.

That's why I carry a tool kit made up of almost exclusively HF tools.
- These tools see infrequent use therefore aren't subjected to the rigors of constant use.
- If the truck gets stolen - the replacement cost burden is less.
- If I loan a tool on the trail and it doesn't get returned - see above.
- If a tool is lost on the trail - see above.

In the end, it's all about how much risk you're ready to assume. Some of my kit includes really good gear, but the majority I consider "consumable-quality" HF and a little easier on the pocket-book should it require replacement.