| Even with limited
mechanical knowledge, you should have basic tools,
someone else may be able to help even if you can't.
Depending on where you break down there could be no
chance of roadside assist, or simply no phone reception,
particularly if 4WDing. One
time I was out bush with five other 4WD's, and was the
only one with a tool box. One of the vehicles
broke a front CV joint which disabled the vehicle.
It couldn't be easily towed either because the steering was
screwed up. Fortunately I had the right tools and
after an hours work we were back on the road.
What to bring
I use a kit something like
this.
Spanner set covering sizes 8-19mm
1/2" Socket set covering sizes 12
- 21mm
1/2 inch ratchet, breaker bar, and
extension bits
3/8 socket set covering sizes
6-17mm
3/8 ratchet and extension bits
Deep socket for spark plugs on
petrols
Hub nut socket (54mm for most
cruisers)
Adjustable spanner
A few screw drivers, phillips,
flat, large and small
Long nose and flat nose pliers
Cir clip pliers
Alan key set
Vice grips
Stanley knife
Leatherman or Gerber style multi
tool - keep it in the glovebox.
Locktite
Duct tape
Texta
Glue such araldite or contact
cement
Torx bits or other special shape
bits
if your vehicle uses them
Small hammer which should already be
with your tent pegs.
Water dispersant like WD-40
A small hacksaw and file
Rag
Various sized hose clamps
A few random nuts, bolts, and
washers in your vehicles common sizes
Magnet stick (maybe)
Filter remover
Tyre repair kit
Possibly tyre levers
Jack - Make sure it's actually there, and
never get under a car supported only by a jack.
I bring a metric and imperial set
of everything, even though my vehicle is mostly metric
there are the odd imperial sizes. The metrinch
brand socket's can be quite handy as they work with
metric or imperial sizes at the same time, saving space.
They're also great for rounded heads.
I find mid range tools are the
best value. Look for tools made of Chrome Vanadium
steels rather than softer steels. There's usually
not much benefit getting the real expensive stuff, but
keep away from the cheap nasty ones.
The above list is approximately
what you need, you'll need to tailor it for your own
use.
Electrical...
A couple of metres of 15A wire
Fuses, relays common to your
vehicle
PVC tape
Wire cutting pliers
Crimp on connectors and terminals
Multimeter,
Cable ties
Dont forget the service manual.
That's about it.
Rather than a tool box, a tool bag
can be a better space saver.
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