I have a real problem with overpreparedness. If I let my subconscious decide what to keep in my car, I'd be carrying torque wrenches and brake spring pliers. So before I get too carried away with what tools to keep in the car, I'm curious what you guys have.
What's in your car kit?
- Thread starter dwasifar
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Flash and Flare
Well-known member
My traveling box is a Hazet 190 Cantilever.
It's packed full of your basic maintenance and mechanical tools in SAE and Metric
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It's packed full of your basic maintenance and mechanical tools in SAE and Metric
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Dave455
Well-known member
Depends on the vehicle. I have one that is newer / low mileage so pretty reliable, and I don’t carry much. Just a small bag with a couple of screwdrivers and wrenches, and a couple of small parts (bulbs etc).
Below is what I carry in my older vehicle, or if I’m heading out to do a small job. It looks like a lot, but all packs in to two ammo boxes. I don’t actually like the ammo boxes, they are the wrong shape (not long enough and too deep) but they are watertight and inexpensive.
I’ve swapped a few bits since this picture. I’ve dropped the SAE wrenches, but added hex and torx bits in 3/8 drive. A vehicle kit is never finished, you are always adding or dropping items. This forum is really good for ideas though. If I was making this up again I’d probably just include a long handle 3/8 ratchet and omit the breaker bar.
As important as the tools are some simple spares and materials. I carry things like electrical wire, connectors, locking wire, hose, hose clips, nuts and bolts and various tapes etc etc. I find I can do a lot with a little, but usually need something more than just tools.
I have another, bigger “road box” that I can grab if I’m going to do a bigger job. Much like Flash and Flare above it’s a cantilever box, and I’m using it a lot at the moment. It’s too big and heavy to leave in a vehicle permanently though.
Below is what I carry in my older vehicle, or if I’m heading out to do a small job. It looks like a lot, but all packs in to two ammo boxes. I don’t actually like the ammo boxes, they are the wrong shape (not long enough and too deep) but they are watertight and inexpensive.
I’ve swapped a few bits since this picture. I’ve dropped the SAE wrenches, but added hex and torx bits in 3/8 drive. A vehicle kit is never finished, you are always adding or dropping items. This forum is really good for ideas though. If I was making this up again I’d probably just include a long handle 3/8 ratchet and omit the breaker bar.
As important as the tools are some simple spares and materials. I carry things like electrical wire, connectors, locking wire, hose, hose clips, nuts and bolts and various tapes etc etc. I find I can do a lot with a little, but usually need something more than just tools.
I have another, bigger “road box” that I can grab if I’m going to do a bigger job. Much like Flash and Flare above it’s a cantilever box, and I’m using it a lot at the moment. It’s too big and heavy to leave in a vehicle permanently though.
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Iron Beaver
Well-known member
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- May 3, 2020
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Metric sockets and combination wrenches. A spare alternator and a spare ignitor.
jonesg
Well-known member
car jack, spare wheel.
RTM
Well-known member
Leather man type tool, and a credit card when I am in town. Traveling I will add in a metric socket set, couple of pliers and screwdrivers, wrench set.
Gunfixr
Well-known member
Not a lot these days, a jack, 4 way, jumper cables. A flashlight.
I always have a Leatherman type tool on my person.
Back in the mudding days, a lot.
A full size floor jack (44" tires limits your jack options).
Found a surplus medical field box, metal, watertight, it's somewhere between 24" and 30" long, about 16" to 18" deep, and about 6" tall. It was almost too heavy to carry. Full sets of inch and metric wrenches, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive ratchets with sockets in inch and metric, shallow and deep well, extensions, adjustable wrenches, various pliers and screwdrivers, pry bars, etc.
When I was dating my now wife, they lived on the outer Banks NC, and I blew the trans front main seal driving her dad around on the beach. Got it back to their house, the following day, pulled the transfer case and trans, changed it, and put it all back together, in about 5hrs, by myself, with what was in the truck. In their driveway. I think that included going over to the next town to get the seal.
I always have a Leatherman type tool on my person.
Back in the mudding days, a lot.
A full size floor jack (44" tires limits your jack options).
Found a surplus medical field box, metal, watertight, it's somewhere between 24" and 30" long, about 16" to 18" deep, and about 6" tall. It was almost too heavy to carry. Full sets of inch and metric wrenches, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive ratchets with sockets in inch and metric, shallow and deep well, extensions, adjustable wrenches, various pliers and screwdrivers, pry bars, etc.
When I was dating my now wife, they lived on the outer Banks NC, and I blew the trans front main seal driving her dad around on the beach. Got it back to their house, the following day, pulled the transfer case and trans, changed it, and put it all back together, in about 5hrs, by myself, with what was in the truck. In their driveway. I think that included going over to the next town to get the seal.
Coach James
Well-known member
I carry a lot less than I did years ago. Each vehicle has a tool roll with needle nose, diagonal cutters and channellocks, #2 Phillips and 3/8 slotted, needle nose vise grips, utility knife, zip ties, 6 or 8 inch adjustable, 1/4 inch socket set metric and SAE, small roll of Guerilla tape, small coil of wire.
I also carry a breaker bar and sockets to remove lug nuts. Toss in a jump pack when we travel. Also, a multi tool in each glove box.
That's all I can remember. I have used the tools more often to fix something not auto related than fixing the car. Beyond changing a battery, light bulb, flat tire or something equally simple, I'll have it towed.
Coach
I also carry a breaker bar and sockets to remove lug nuts. Toss in a jump pack when we travel. Also, a multi tool in each glove box.
That's all I can remember. I have used the tools more often to fix something not auto related than fixing the car. Beyond changing a battery, light bulb, flat tire or something equally simple, I'll have it towed.
Coach
jabberwoki
Well-known member
Gunfixr
Well-known member
That's pretty cool.
PapasDaLife
Well-known member
Very cool. May get one for the side x side. Only downside I could see is that it operates much like a roadside flare, not anything like a regular extinguisher that everyone is accustomed to seeing, handling & using.
So if you weren't able to operate it yourself, or incapable of getting to it, or instruct someone how to operate it, you run the risk of a the situation turning more dangerous simply because of the lack of knowledge.
But then again, there are no guarantees in life & not every situation is textbook.
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My dated iphone 6...
When I go on a trip (often dragging a boat), then I've bring just about everything but the kitchen sink. Cause you never know...
A number of years back my water pump locked up on my Mercury Sable wagon up in Podunk, Northern Wisconsin. The tow truck driver was decent enough to stop at a parts store for a pump and coolant. Spent the rest of the evening wrestling with the pump as mosquitos ate me alive. What fun!
When I go on a trip (often dragging a boat), then I've bring just about everything but the kitchen sink. Cause you never know...
A number of years back my water pump locked up on my Mercury Sable wagon up in Podunk, Northern Wisconsin. The tow truck driver was decent enough to stop at a parts store for a pump and coolant. Spent the rest of the evening wrestling with the pump as mosquitos ate me alive. What fun!
PhantomEB
Well-known member
My car is just a DD that’s soon to not have to go much farther than the 20 min tops drive to work and the occasional weekend trips to the folks.
The one ton F1fitty will have my no longer packed well tool bag along with a full socket set as I will use it more for the workhorse duties of loaded up with the truck camper, and a toy out back. Tool bag is fully equipped with tire plug kit and I plan an under seat air compressor.
Both the GF and I are fully loaded with the AMA RV plus card so even if I break down with the trailer and either the bronco or the quad, AMA is to send out two trucks or one that’s capable of pulling it all back.
The one ton F1fitty will have my no longer packed well tool bag along with a full socket set as I will use it more for the workhorse duties of loaded up with the truck camper, and a toy out back. Tool bag is fully equipped with tire plug kit and I plan an under seat air compressor.
Both the GF and I are fully loaded with the AMA RV plus card so even if I break down with the trailer and either the bronco or the quad, AMA is to send out two trucks or one that’s capable of pulling it all back.
oldschoolcraft
Well-known member
I keep too much stuff in my Honda Civic. I keep meaning to pare down but anytime I think about it, I can’t make a decision and just keep it all there.
2 3/4 ton trolley jack
4-way lug wrench
Jumper cables
Lithium jump starter
12v air compressor
Hacksaw
Large channel locks
Not much else in the realm of “tools” other than a multi-tool.
Then some parts:
Spare fuses
Spare bulbs
Zip ties - a few
Hose clamp - one
Bunji cords - two
Duct tape
Small roll of wire (forget the gauge but common car thickness maybe 18ga)
Doesn’t even sound like a lot but add in a full size spare tire, a small duffel bag with a change of clothes, a small backpack with water and survival items (get home bag), a wool blanket, 2.5 to 5 gallons of water in a military water can depending on the season.
And my trunk is 1/3 to 1/2 full at all times.
I’ve thought about shitcanning the full size jack for a smaller scissor jack. Downsizing to 1 gallon of emergency water. Remove jumper cables and 12v compressor. That will cut down on stuff by about half in terms of volume.
The goal would be if I had a house with a garage, I could keep the stuff I just mentioned removing in a single pelican case, and leave it in my garage and load it into my car if I was going to be going on a road trip. But since I live in apartment and the pelican case I keep the stuff in doesn’t have wheels (briefcase style), it’s an enormous hassle to carry this case through the parking lot and upstairs, it weighs maybe 60 to 70 pounds I think. Mostly the jack and the case itself is heavy.
The idea being for in-town driving, the full size spare plus scissors jack and 1 gallon of water would be sufficient (las Vegas area) as long as I keep my spare tire inflated properly. No need for the large 12v compressor. I got an m12 inflator recently which makes maintaining my tire pressure a breeze.
2 3/4 ton trolley jack
4-way lug wrench
Jumper cables
Lithium jump starter
12v air compressor
Hacksaw
Large channel locks
Not much else in the realm of “tools” other than a multi-tool.
Then some parts:
Spare fuses
Spare bulbs
Zip ties - a few
Hose clamp - one
Bunji cords - two
Duct tape
Small roll of wire (forget the gauge but common car thickness maybe 18ga)
Doesn’t even sound like a lot but add in a full size spare tire, a small duffel bag with a change of clothes, a small backpack with water and survival items (get home bag), a wool blanket, 2.5 to 5 gallons of water in a military water can depending on the season.
And my trunk is 1/3 to 1/2 full at all times.
I’ve thought about shitcanning the full size jack for a smaller scissor jack. Downsizing to 1 gallon of emergency water. Remove jumper cables and 12v compressor. That will cut down on stuff by about half in terms of volume.
The goal would be if I had a house with a garage, I could keep the stuff I just mentioned removing in a single pelican case, and leave it in my garage and load it into my car if I was going to be going on a road trip. But since I live in apartment and the pelican case I keep the stuff in doesn’t have wheels (briefcase style), it’s an enormous hassle to carry this case through the parking lot and upstairs, it weighs maybe 60 to 70 pounds I think. Mostly the jack and the case itself is heavy.
The idea being for in-town driving, the full size spare plus scissors jack and 1 gallon of water would be sufficient (las Vegas area) as long as I keep my spare tire inflated properly. No need for the large 12v compressor. I got an m12 inflator recently which makes maintaining my tire pressure a breeze.
Credit card and roadside assistance.
A few EDC items (knife, flashlight, etc.) in every car but that's about it. An extendible 1/2" HF ratchet and flip socket set makes tire changes a bit easier. 50ga drum liner takes up no space and is uber usefull.
A few EDC items (knife, flashlight, etc.) in every car but that's about it. An extendible 1/2" HF ratchet and flip socket set makes tire changes a bit easier. 50ga drum liner takes up no space and is uber usefull.
varies with age & reliability of the vehicle - I have several
Least is in the new Hybrid SUV, which gets lug wrench, extra tire fix gel, jumper cables, screwdrivers, knife, flashlight...
ALL VEHICLES have extra water, food, sleeping bag, foam pad, First Aid kit - some have a small tent
Least is in the new Hybrid SUV, which gets lug wrench, extra tire fix gel, jumper cables, screwdrivers, knife, flashlight...
ALL VEHICLES have extra water, food, sleeping bag, foam pad, First Aid kit - some have a small tent
justanengineer
Well-known member
I replace vehicles ~250k and don’t buy POS vehicles that need much more than LOF and fuel to do that, so other than the OBD dongle for datalogging and the stock jack and tire iron, I don’t carry tools.
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Rarified27
Well-known member
A thread like this frequently appears here and as time goes on, you'll realize what you don't need. The ability to fix things on the side of the road isn't what it was and in a lot of cases, you need a way to get a replacement part, so you're calling for help anyway. Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and get towed, so AAA is worth it.
Radio Flyer
Well-known member
Seems like i fix more "other items" with my car kit.
Bikes
house/garage doors
Mowers
garden hoses
Bikes
house/garage doors
Mowers
garden hoses
Dave455
Well-known member
Following the thread with interest, and good to hear different experiences.
I think though, that as GJ’ers, we’re probably more “tuned in” to what’s going on with our vehicles than most folks, and we’re probably better at preventative maintenance.
Either due to that, or luck, I’ve had to do relatively little to my own vehicles by the roadside, other than change a couple of bulbs. It’s a different story when I think of family and friends though.
Coolant problems seem to be a recurring issue, and I’ve sorted out a couple of those (split coolant hose and failed radiator). In both cases I was able to make a repair by the road side. Failures to start while away from home are also an issue. I’ve dealt with a battery not holding charge, a failed alternator, and a sticky starter. Again, all were sortable in a couple of minutes with basic tools and equipment, but I really needed those basics.
Interestingly, in the case of the failed battery, a friend had tried jump starting without success. He was using £2.99 jump leads (god knows what they were made of) and they simply couldn’t pass the current needed. My own leads (weighing about 4 times as much) started it instantly.
So, while I know many folks tend to think they only need cheap stuff to carry for occasional use, it does all need to work!
I also concur with Radio Flyer above. My “car kit” is not just for fixing breakdowns, but often for dealing with unplanned things I need to work on away from home, and it’s contents reflect that!
I think though, that as GJ’ers, we’re probably more “tuned in” to what’s going on with our vehicles than most folks, and we’re probably better at preventative maintenance.
Either due to that, or luck, I’ve had to do relatively little to my own vehicles by the roadside, other than change a couple of bulbs. It’s a different story when I think of family and friends though.
Coolant problems seem to be a recurring issue, and I’ve sorted out a couple of those (split coolant hose and failed radiator). In both cases I was able to make a repair by the road side. Failures to start while away from home are also an issue. I’ve dealt with a battery not holding charge, a failed alternator, and a sticky starter. Again, all were sortable in a couple of minutes with basic tools and equipment, but I really needed those basics.
Interestingly, in the case of the failed battery, a friend had tried jump starting without success. He was using £2.99 jump leads (god knows what they were made of) and they simply couldn’t pass the current needed. My own leads (weighing about 4 times as much) started it instantly.
So, while I know many folks tend to think they only need cheap stuff to carry for occasional use, it does all need to work!
I also concur with Radio Flyer above. My “car kit” is not just for fixing breakdowns, but often for dealing with unplanned things I need to work on away from home, and it’s contents reflect that!
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I've said it before and this is just my opinion... Here is my issue with carrying anything more than it takes to mount a spare tire... How much can you actually do on the side of the road, on a modern vehicle, without carrying spare parts?
Experience gained from working as a professional mechanic in shops, and every time I've been hard down, I needed parts and a tow truck. Dead fuel pump, leaking thermostat housing, malfunctioning relay, clogged cats, etc, etc...
Experience gained from working as a professional mechanic in shops, and every time I've been hard down, I needed parts and a tow truck. Dead fuel pump, leaking thermostat housing, malfunctioning relay, clogged cats, etc, etc...
Gunfixr
Well-known member
Well, I did the trans front main seal 100+ miles from home, not on the side of the road, no. Still needed a part, but I got a ride to get it.
Took apart a manual 4wd front hub that was stuck disengaged, while the truck was buried in a mudhole, in the middle of the night. Got that fixed.
Used to do some back to back pulling, about a week later, every time, i'd need to replace the rear u-joint, needles flattened, pressed into the yoke. Had a custom built hand press, and i've done that in a parking lot.
Pulled a starter, disassembled it, cleaned the brushes and commutator, got it fixed. In a parking lot, at night, in a downpour so hard the whole lot was at least an inch deep in water.
All with the tools in the truck. It's been a long time ago now, as I no longer drive a truck I beat the hell out of. So, I no longer carry that much tooling.
Took apart a manual 4wd front hub that was stuck disengaged, while the truck was buried in a mudhole, in the middle of the night. Got that fixed.
Used to do some back to back pulling, about a week later, every time, i'd need to replace the rear u-joint, needles flattened, pressed into the yoke. Had a custom built hand press, and i've done that in a parking lot.
Pulled a starter, disassembled it, cleaned the brushes and commutator, got it fixed. In a parking lot, at night, in a downpour so hard the whole lot was at least an inch deep in water.
All with the tools in the truck. It's been a long time ago now, as I no longer drive a truck I beat the hell out of. So, I no longer carry that much tooling.
RonnieMac
Member
I am part of a British car club. We enjoy longer club trips (pre-Covid) that include seven or eight vehicles on the road for several days.
My own vehicle, an MGB, is in good nick. When I am on a shorter or solo trip, I have two small kits I carry to overcome unexpected problems - ignition, fuses, electrical jumpers, small wrenches and screwdrivers. I want to be able to change out the points and condensor on the road.
When we go on a longer club trip with more vehicles, I load up on a larger stock of parts and tools. I carry an extra fuel pump, water pump, front wheel bearings, brake hoses, more sockets and wrenches, multimeter, etc. The idea is to carry parts that would take several days to arrive from a British parts supplier to a small town on our route.
My own vehicle, an MGB, is in good nick. When I am on a shorter or solo trip, I have two small kits I carry to overcome unexpected problems - ignition, fuses, electrical jumpers, small wrenches and screwdrivers. I want to be able to change out the points and condensor on the road.
When we go on a longer club trip with more vehicles, I load up on a larger stock of parts and tools. I carry an extra fuel pump, water pump, front wheel bearings, brake hoses, more sockets and wrenches, multimeter, etc. The idea is to carry parts that would take several days to arrive from a British parts supplier to a small town on our route.
milwaukeephil
Well-known member
I agree with this statement. I've never been broken down and able to fix the problem without parts. The only exception to that is that I keep a full electrical kit, with butane soldering iron, solder, heat shrink, spare wire, etc. for fixing trailer wiring.
However, I carry a big loaded tool bag so that I always have tools where I am so that I can fix non-car things. I have a lot of hobbies and always seem to be fixing stuff like ATVs and my pontoon boat on the road.
jrbpit1
Well-known member
Funny this thread has popped up I was going to ask the same thing. I’m going on a road trip next week and I’ve put a road box together for just in case. I think really it was an excuse for me to buy more tools. Trip will be in a relatively low mileage Toyota 4Runner, so this is prolly way overkill.
I bought a 20” Kennedy tool box to put everything in and it’s pretty sweet. So far This is what I have I it:
Knife
metric wrenches, 8mm through 21mm
SAE wrenches 1/4 through 15/16.
Adjustable wrench
2 3/8 drive ratchets one Craftsman and 1 flex head SK
1 ratchet rebuild kit
3/8 drive extensions
3/8 drive universal
8mm - 19mm standard and deep sockets
1/4- 1” SAE sockets standards - no deep
3/8 drive Torx bits
3/8 drive adapter for impact driver
1/2” drive 19, 21, & 22mm thin wall impact sockets
18” 1/2 drive breaker bar
3” 1/2 drive extension
1 pair of vise grips
Small pry bar
16oz ball peen hammer
Pliers(channel locks, 8” pliers, needle nose)
Wire cutters
Allen wrenches standard and metric
Screw drivers multiple size Phillips and flat tip
Wire strippers
Electrical tape
Zip ties
Spare fuses, connectors, small roll of 18gauge wire.
Gloves
Flashlight
I may throw a punch in it.
Let me know if there is something else I should throw in there. I highly recommend the Wright breaker bar, it’s almost a work of art.
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I bought a 20” Kennedy tool box to put everything in and it’s pretty sweet. So far This is what I have I it:
Knife
metric wrenches, 8mm through 21mm
SAE wrenches 1/4 through 15/16.
Adjustable wrench
2 3/8 drive ratchets one Craftsman and 1 flex head SK
1 ratchet rebuild kit
3/8 drive extensions
3/8 drive universal
8mm - 19mm standard and deep sockets
1/4- 1” SAE sockets standards - no deep
3/8 drive Torx bits
3/8 drive adapter for impact driver
1/2” drive 19, 21, & 22mm thin wall impact sockets
18” 1/2 drive breaker bar
3” 1/2 drive extension
1 pair of vise grips
Small pry bar
16oz ball peen hammer
Pliers(channel locks, 8” pliers, needle nose)
Wire cutters
Allen wrenches standard and metric
Screw drivers multiple size Phillips and flat tip
Wire strippers
Electrical tape
Zip ties
Spare fuses, connectors, small roll of 18gauge wire.
Gloves
Flashlight
I may throw a punch in it.
Let me know if there is something else I should throw in there. I highly recommend the Wright breaker bar, it’s almost a work of art.
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engineer2
Well-known member
Daily drivers are Hondas so a 10 mm wrench and a Phillips screwdriver will cover most anything. I also keep one of those cheap 2-way LED flashlights in all the cars.
I don't carry anything around town, but for trips, I have a small tool bag I carry. I have not used it on my own vehicle in a number of years, but I've fixed lots of bikes and other stuff. Did a starter on the RV in camping spot next to us a couple years ago (Ford 5.4 or 6.8, dead easy), which may have kept the guy's wife from killing him over not having gotten RV towing coverage.
four.cycle
Well-known member
jrbpit1 said:
If you are driving a Toyota, why would you need SAE wrenches or sockets?
I am carrying:
Craftsman metric sockets (1/2" drive, shallow, 12-point) 10mm - 19mm
Craftsman metric combination wrenches 8-19mm
Tekton 19mm deep-well 6-point socket (for the lug nuts)
Martin 1/2" drive 18-inch breaker bar
Chinese linemans pliers I bought somewhere for $1.00
lug wrench
"Leatherman" multi-tool
Enderes reversible screwdriver (standard/phillips)
"Buck" folding knife I found in a river somewhere
Cheapie imitation "Swiss Army Knife"
Waterproof elastic-waist pants (that fit over anything)
Cheap nylon windbreaker jacket ($12.00 at a thrift store)
disposable nitrile gloves
heavy leather work gloves
rope
fire starter
airline "overnight kit" containing toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, hairbrush
spare serpentine belt
2-3 quarts oil
light bulbs (* which reminds me I need to pick up a #168 bulb that I just replaced last Wednesday.)
box of large heavy black plastic trash bags
Oddly, the tools that seem to get the most use are the Chinese pliers, the "Leatherman" tool, the screwdriver, and the Chinese Swiss Army knife.
I chose the "Martin" breaker because (a) it was dirt cheap on Ebay and (2) no pawnbroker would pay more than $2 dollars for it.
Kscardsfan
Well-known member
My M18 impact rides under the backseat with a set of sockets on a locking mag rail. There’s a set of channel locks, needle nose with wire cutter and a crescent wrench in the in floor box. I don’t want to attempt major repairs on the side of the road, I want to get home.
Dave455
Well-known member
That looks like a pretty comprehensive kit.
Unless you have a specific need for them, for a trailer or something, I’d probably ditch the SAE too.
I probably would add a couple of punches though, if the rest of my kit was that comprehensive. I’d probably add a non marring dead blow hammer too.
I might also, in this day and age, think about adding a small 1/4” drive set. Maybe something with a bit holder and a selection of bits. Modern vehicles tend to chuck all sorts of fasteners at you and nothing is easy to access.
I would add a few bits to the “sundries” selection -
Some wire wool and emery paper. Just a little in a ziplock bag.
Some oil or grease. Again, not much. Maybe a little refillable oiler or a bit of grease in an old boot polish tin.
Super Glue. I’ve made “temporary” repairs with this that have held up for years!
Some fuel hose, maybe a couple of yards, plus hose clips to suit.
Wire - not just for electrical repairs but for wiring things together. Stainless locking wire is great, any will do.
Maybe some hose repair tape, and hose clips to suit your coolant hoses, but on a newish vehicle you shouldn’t need these.
Maybe spares of any belts.
A few loose nut’s bolts and screws in the sizes your vehicle uses. If you do end up working on rough ground, a dropped nut can turn into a lost nut. Spend a little extra and get a decent grade.
And however many cable ties / zip ties you think you need - double the quantity...!
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Parrothead
Well-known member
The above plus, 6 in 1 screwdriver, tire pressure gauge, hose clamp. Anything else, I’m not messing with it.
jrbpit1
Well-known member
I’ve debated carrying the SAE stuff just because of the weight, but I figured I may be able to help someone else that has SAE stuff. Maybe for a lawnmower repair.
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ScottsGT
Well-known member
Just moved out into the middle of nowhere. 45 miles one way to work. Car is a 2015 Mustang GT with a spare tire. Any fix will not happen on the side of the road other than a flat. I did buy the optional spare tire and jack. The two tools I carry is my iphone 6s and I just bought 2 Milwaukee M12 inflators for for our cars. Fortunately for me, there is a Ford dealership half way home.
You can get away with not carrying much back East, but in the western US a lot of places don't have cell coverage, but do have hot deserts with no water. And that includes the paved roads. You go off on your own, and you're on your own.
Sounds about the same as my "road" bag. I find that I really dont use it to repair the vehicle, but more to work on stuff at the weekend house, inlaws house, and whoever I come across that needs help. The thing I dislike most is finding a place to keep it thats not in the way of something or somebody. Been thinking about some kind of box out under the hood, or breaking it down into some smaller packs that would fit under the seat.