Good Tool Kit for a Road Trip?

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[NinetyTwoFifty]

You can't go wrong with the new Kobalt.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

What kind of vehicle?

 

[kmkalf]

when i go on trips i bring my craftsman "crash" box the one where they have 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" drives along with their wrench and allen keys. but of course i add pliers and visegrips. Never know what may happen

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Mainly 10,12,14mm sockets and wrenches.

And socket or screwdriver that fits on distributor cap.

With Honda, should be okay. Just do final check-up before leaving.

T-Belt, Belts, Tune-Up, Fluid check, Brakes, Couple spare fuses and AAA

 

[Coach James]

I have trimmed down my travel bag somewhat. I use the same sizes repeatedly for most things so I took out all the other size wrenches which made it noticeablyy lighter. I also carry a 3/8 socket set with metric and standard up to 7/8 plus pliers,screwdrivers etc.

I never really saw a premade kit that would work well for me.

I also make sure I have the number for Geico roadside assistance.

Coach

 

[W650Mike]

Flush the brake fluid and check the age of the tires.

Seriously though…take a cruise through the maintenance schedule of your owner’s manual looking for things such as cam belt, AFT service, coolant flush, etc. Be sure to check your battery – especially if you’re going to be in the oven baked southern states. Tires and batteries are dropping like flies in this 107+ heat.

A fistfull of tools - wrapped in an old bath towel to keep them quiet - is never a bad idea. Just look around the car to see what fasteners may need removing. Pack a cooler with water in case you do have to wait for service.

 

[lauver]

I think the tool recommendations above are spot on, but you need to add some fluids and other items to your kit:

1 Qt motor oil
1 Qt trans fluid,
1/2 Pt power steering fluid
1/2 Pt brake fluid
1 Gal coolent 50/50 mix
1 tire guage (and check your spare before you leave)
1 2D Flash light w/ fresh batteries
1 Set jumper cables
1 Major service before the trip

See the USA and have fun... let us know how the trip worked out.

 

[r6_cannibal]

(and check your spare before you leave)

That's a very good tip, you're putting a lot of pavement under your wheels this trip.

 

[wave180]

+2 on the spare. Also add the following the list: tire inflator, coolant/water, and maybe another spare if possible. With this weather, check/replace your radiator hoses, radiator cap and thermostat.

 

[diesel research]

What is your experience level with roadside emergency repairs? Are you psychologically prepared to handle such a situation?

You can have all the tools and supplies in the world, but w/o the right mind set, they are useless when the ship hits the sand.

How well are you in situations where you do not have the right tool for the job? How about in the shop when something goes wrong? Throw tools, curse excessively, and punch stuff? Only ONCE did throwing a temper tantrum actually solve anything for me.

Car stalled and died in the dark on a gravel road. Attempted to search for problem and maybe repair it. Hours of head scratching. Sun was beginning to peek behind trees. Realized I was on a rarely traveled road and would likely die of starvation in BFE. Gave up, laid face first in middle of road. Got back up, angrily punched the car, and everything turned on.....

Damn loose battery cables!

 

[DaleK]

A REAL jack, and a decent tire wrench or something that will work as a tire wrench.

 

[justafurnaceman]

I like to keep a junk no-brand wrench with me so if I decide to have a tantrum I won't have to throw a decent brand one into the wood line.


Seriously, I've started to get into the habit of repairing my truck and motorcycle using the tools that I have on them. This helps me to know what I need for tools. The manual for the vehicle should give a run down of tools needed for certain repairs to give you an idea too.

 

[smogtech]

i would also go pick up a hose repair kit from the parts store and keep it handy. its a bunch of plastic couplers with hose clamps to match. incase you one of your hoses splits. theres also this black self vulcanzing tape it can work as a band aid to get you to the next stop. also check make a quick check of everything everytime you get gas or stop.

 

[DaleK]

I like to carry an assorted pack of heat shrinks and a lighter with me, but I spend a fair amount of time in corn fields or in the woods where I tend to end up tearing wires for the taillights etc. Wouldn't take up much space though.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

AAA > Road repair is dangerous.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a tool bag that started out as a 40 pc Craftsman set. I added a few things. Then I bought a bag to keep it it. From there I tend to add more as I think of things I might need. I usually use it at the junk yard too, last trip, I realized I might need a hammer. I had to make a quick detour to TSC and I picked up a cheap 20oz ball peen and into the bag it went. I recently added a china adj wrench (crescent)and locking needle nose pliers (vise grip). I'm not a fan of china tools but for a buck a piece, I figured they would be good enough for the truck tool bag.

I think I could almost any decent size repair with what's in the bag. Anything bigger, it needs to go back home and in the garage or a shop.

 

[diesel research]

I like to keep a junk no-brand wrench with me so if I decide to have a tantrum I won't have to throw a decent brand one into the wood line.

That is a great way to ENSURE you will have a tantrum. Nothing like finding out your cheap tool is not up to the task when you need it the most. That's the irony. Many want to use the cheapest junk in the most demanding conditions, while storing their most expensive tools in a climate controlled display case and never using them in demanding situations...

On the other hand, your comment about USING the tools in your tool kit to make regular repairs to your vehicle is the BEST advice anyone has given in this thread. It's like going off to battle with a rifle you are not familiar with, have never used, and have no idea of it's reliability. Real comforting, eh?

Road repair is dangerous.

Tool kits for road use do not necessarily mean literally on the side of the road. As a matter of fact, that is actually quite rare. Instead, it is usually some type of parking lot repair. Maybe you limped into a parking lot or driveway. Maybe the failure happens after you have already stopped at a parking lot. Or maybe you limped over to a someones house, but they may or may not have the proper tools.


Don't forget emergency "body repair" tools. I had a steer tire blow out/tread separation on a suburban I had borrowed. Able to limp into a fast food joint. Jack is missing, lug tools missing, spare tire has a cut sidewall. Found a floor jack buried in the back and random junk to serve as handle. Had someone come over with lug sockets. Even after buying a used tire, still couldn't install it since inner fender was beat up bad enough that it would have cut the new (used) tire even if it would have fit in the wheel well.

 

[kc-steve]

Re: 130 Pc. Tool Kit

I was thinking of the HF 130 Pc. Tool Kit. Seems like it's good deal. There are $25 coupons.

There is also this kit for $35. 105 Pc. Tool Kit

Inflation has already started. That $35 tool kit is now $49, "retails for $65."

I was just looking through this thread to try and piece together a low-cost road emergency tool kit. Thanks for all the ideas guys.

Steve

 

[iroc409]

I basically have this set, with a few additions/deletions:

http://www.mysears.com/Companion-119-pc-Auto-Repair-Tool-Set-reviews?tab=details

I bought it when I had less reliable vehicles. On my Jeep Cherokee I had previously, I ended up doing 3 fuel injectors when I got to my destination (1600 miles one way) with the set.

I've added a few pliers and screw drivers--a cheap Stanley driver set, I think some dollar store pliers (that seemed OK).