One thing I would look at is your ability to change a tyre.Can you manage to undo the wheel nuts without too much problems.
In these days where tyre places wrongly use rattle guns to tighten wheel nuts instead of a torque wrench, and make it damn near impossible to remove them by hand it would be useful to have a tool which makes it possible.
I recently bought a specialist tool from of all places a ship chandlery which makes it very simple to undo tight wheel nuts.
I am not sure without unstowing the thing it's make.If you would like to know the make PM me and I will find out for you.
I would make sure I had a selection of spanners to fit your vehicle both imperial and metric and a decent set of screwdrivers.Two adjustable wrenches small and medium.
A selection of cable ties which have a myriad of uses and a roll of duct tape and a roll of self amalgamating tape which can be used to wrap and repair radiator hoses in an emergency.
Just a few suggestions and I am sure people will add other essentials that they have decided to carry for those unexpected occurrences.
Safe Travels
Trevor
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Wednesday 21st of March 2012 11:29:36 AM
fireheart said
03:55 PM Mar 21, 2012
Not sure if this should be here or in techies corner. Wondering if I could have some suggestions of basic toolbox items. I am not mechanically minded, so bear this in mind. Once I start out and about I will not be venturing of the beaten track too far, however I am also aware that there will be times when little things will need to be done. Any help will be once again gratefully accepted.
Thanks in advance
Sharon.
Lynnie said
04:15 PM Mar 21, 2012
Great idea Sharon. I will be watching this one with interest also. Lyn
Beth54 said
07:12 PM Mar 21, 2012
This is what I have in my toolbox...
A wheel brace, it's sometimes easier to get a whell nut off with a brace.
A few different sized screwdrivers.
A jimmy..don't know what the real name is. I use it for all sorts of things, but in particular for pulling out pegs.
Adjustable wrench.
Multigrips, used for a myriad of things.
As Trevor said, cable ties of all sizes.
Pliers.
Electrical tape can be used for a myriad of things too.
Without going to look in the toolbox, I can't think of any more right now.
I suspect that I may not need some of these, now I have a caravan instead of the little camper trailer. But I'll keep them in the toolbox for awhile anyway.
I've known how to change a tyre for years now...my ex is a mechanic...but I'd have to rely on the kindness of strangers or RACQ these days. The body ain't what it used to be.
golivers travels said
07:15 PM Mar 21, 2012
WD 40 is also very handy
Glenda
Beth54 said
07:19 PM Mar 21, 2012
A can of Silicon spray.
Brother-in-law told me it's better than WD40, but I can't remember the reason.
PeterS said
07:59 PM Mar 21, 2012
All the stuff listed so far is great but add to it spare globes and fuses for the car/van you'd be surprised at how many people never think of these things.
Cruising Granny said
08:07 PM Mar 21, 2012
I carry 2 sets of precision screw drivers - 1 in the van drawer and 1 in the car tool box. They're very handy to repair spectacles and little jobs. A claw hammer and hacksaw, and vice grips. A small socket set and if you have a vehicle with spark plugs, a spark plug socket. A cordless drill with 2 batteries. Gaffer tape as well as electrical tape, and I've bought some safety tape to mark my "spare room" so trucks don't run over me in the night. Some garden snips and an all-purpose scissors. If you park somewhere where plant rubs the van in the night, spare batteries for electrical gadgets eg torches and lights etc.
barina said
09:49 PM Mar 21, 2012
I am sure there will be no room for my clothes or even me...... ......will have to start looking at BIG Campervan........
gillyb said
12:47 AM Mar 22, 2012
Beth54 wrote:
A can of Silicon spray.
Brother-in-law told me it's better than WD40, but I can't remember the reason.
Someone told me that too Beth I think the reason is wd40 is an oil and attracts dirt so can clog rather than free where as silican spray is a silicon powder therefore dirt doesn't stick to it............Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong
I think graphite powder is also handy for freeing up locks etc
Beth54 said
12:49 AM Mar 22, 2012
gillyb wrote:
Beth54 wrote:
A can of Silicon spray.
Brother-in-law told me it's better than WD40, but I can't remember the reason.
Someone told me that too Beth I think the reason is wd40 is an oil and attracts dirt so can clog rather than free where as silican spray is a silicon powder therefore dirt doesn't stick to it............Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong
I think graphite powder is also handy for freeing up locks etc
I think you may be right Gilly.
jimricho said
02:05 AM Mar 22, 2012
Araldite and WD40..... If it moves but shouldn't, use Araldite. If it doesn't move but should, use WD40!
HeadnHome said
04:04 AM Mar 22, 2012
All of the above plus a good pair of heavy duty gloves, when changing tyre or working on anything up north, everything gets very hot!!
gst said
07:24 AM Mar 22, 2012
A 3" length of pipe that will fit over your tyre lever this helps to undo the nuts on your wheels.
jimricho said
02:12 PM Mar 22, 2012
Pipe and gloves both very good suggestions, consider leather (gardening) gloves for handling anything hot. Also disposable gloves
I use Inox in lieu of WD40
Christine's (Cruising Granny) suggestion of the garden snips (secateurs) is very useful. (as are Christine's other suggestions too)
ozi2 said
04:00 PM Mar 22, 2012
Hi Fireheart,
all the comments to date re tools, cables, lubricant sprays, etc are good cheap items to carry. I would add rolls of good quality gaffer tape, knead it for repairing leaks in radiators etc, a roll of rescue tape (google and see just how many uses it has besides the vehicle!) top up oil/coolant.
Also a steel plate or heavy duty piece of timber for placing your car jack on when on side of road (soft ground etc)
Multi sided wheel brace that covers different size wheel nuts if towing. (I had tyre company back off torque on nuts as I couldnt get them off )
cheers,
ozi2
fireheart said
04:24 PM Mar 22, 2012
Wow, thanks everyone, I certainly have a list of bits and bobs to acquire. I am loving this, my knowledge of all sorts of things is expanding into areas I never thought I would have to know about. I love the fact that at 57 I am still growing my mind. Wish the body would stop though, lol.
Sharon.
golivers travels said
05:35 PM Mar 22, 2012
Beth54 wrote:
A can of Silicon spray.
Brother-in-law told me it's better than WD40, but I can't remember the reason.
____________________________________________________
thanks for that advice, will get some for the tool kit.
Elle on Wheels said
04:37 AM Mar 23, 2012
100 mile an hour tape good pliers liquid tubeless tyre repair stuff spanners, wrenches, multigrips drill hammer led torch battery starter 1500w with air compressor - cheap off ebay tyre changing stuff, jack etc which is normally separate. wire and cable ties, wd40 or silicon sikiflex I'm just pulling my toolbox together now.
Beth54 said
04:54 AM Mar 23, 2012
I use the silicone spray all the time on the pool safetly gate. It gets quite sticky at times, so I give it a spray and it lasts for quite a while before I have to do it again.
Firefly said
05:56 AM Mar 23, 2012
Matches or a gas lighter of sorts. Great for your campfire.
Another thing that in invaluable is a bag of rags. At the Reject Shop they sell $5 bags and they are great for every thing in the van. Dirty jobs under the van and basic dusting etc, I think they are a micro fibre fabric.
jonathan said
02:21 PM Mar 23, 2012
I now carry a small plastics glue .. (similar to super-glue) .. There might be some small items that are plastic or pvc based that you wish to glue back together again .. I recently broke one of the plastic hinges that support the small freezer door on my 3 way dometic fridge and was able to glue it back together with a few other small pieces added to the top and sides to support it .. all working as good as new so far ..
That amazing glue is Selleys Plastics Glue .. it has 2 dispensers .. a "PRIMER" which is dabbed across both gluing surfaces .. and the "ADHESIVE" which is only applied to one of the surfaces before joining together. It bonds very quickly once joined .. 3 - 5 secs .. keep fingers clear eh !
I must add that I have no professional links with the manufacturer .. I do use the product because it works for me ..
Jon
jimricho said
02:44 PM Mar 23, 2012
Another item is a ladder, usually a step ladder but the size and type depends on what sort of rig one has and storage space issues.
Jim
PS: Re "Rescue" tape, I was conned recently by a smooth talking sales type at a recent show into buying some of this. I've tried it out and quite frankly I don't think it's near as good as the self amalgamating tape (which is all "rescue" tape is) available at electrical stores.
Loki said
07:46 PM Mar 23, 2012
Hi Fireheart, Good to see you accepting new challenges while you are young! What tools to carry is determined partly by your own skills in what you can handle (I carry a sewing machine as I find it handy!), what you need as determined by your rig (fuses, special tools etc.) and what you think will be necessary, best determined by a few smaller trips - after my first few trips I unloaded half my tools.
Besides most of the above (I need to follow up silicon spray & Selleys Plastic glue), I carry a small multi-bit screwdriver & adjustable spanner in the glove box, where they are handy, a multimeter, a gas solder iron and some assorted electrical bits (connectors, wire, shrink tubing). I also carry one of the off the shelf tool kits in a plastic carry case that has an assortment of tools - spanners, sockets, allen keys, needle nose pliers, wire cutters & a screwdriver with interchangeable heads: This is very convenient, not very big and amazingly handy. A small pruning saw is handy if you cut your own firewood. I manage to fit all my tools quite happily in a HiAce pop-top and find space management skills are as essential as knowing what to take (I really really would like a Tardis for my shoes, however, they don't seem to fit anywhere). One good thing to bear in mind is that while something may need to be fixed, you may be able to get by for a while if need be, or if you do get stuck, there are plenty of people willing to help.
Happy travels, Anton
RALPHRALPH said
08:08 PM Mar 23, 2012
electrial ties /super glue from sam warehouse and silcone fix a lot off small things when your on the road
Elle on Wheels said
08:37 PM Mar 23, 2012
Oh yes, tape measure matches spare batteries assorted screws, drill bits, clips rope string okky straps all gets a bit much really.
fireheart said
10:56 PM Mar 23, 2012
Goodness, it Elle I agree with you, it is all a bit much and at times overwhelming, still be to be safe than sorry. I must admit when I start reading the caravan and camping books and all the stuff they reckon you need to head to free camp, I begin to wonder if I am going to be biting off more than I can chew. Still have to sell the house first and then I can really start to narrow the the stuff that I might really need. I have certainly made a good list from the postings on here though. Now just to get the realestate agent to start being a little more positive and then I will be fine. Still that is another story.
Sharon.
Beth54 said
02:30 AM Mar 24, 2012
fireheart wrote:
Goodness, it Elle I agree with you, it is all a bit much and at times overwhelming, still be to be safe than sorry. I must admit when I start reading the caravan and camping books and all the stuff they reckon you need to head to free camp, I begin to wonder if I am going to be biting off more than I can chew. Still have to sell the house first and then I can really start to narrow the the stuff that I might really need. I have certainly made a good list from the postings on here though. Now just to get the realestate agent to start being a little more positive and then I will be fine. Still that is another story.
Sharon.
Or find another agent Sharon.
Cruising Granny said
02:34 AM Mar 24, 2012
Free camping is about self-sufficiency. If you've been camping before you will recall what you needed, not what you wanted. Some people take a lot of handyman/woman stuff for "justin" - just in case they need it. Most time they don't. If you rig is your full time home you must realise what you'll need to be camping without power and running water laid on. There may be times when you'll need to pull into a caravan park for practical purposes, unless you're going to become a hermit hippy. So it all comes down to NEED vs WANT. Essential vs preferable.
Dougwe said
02:56 AM Mar 24, 2012
Oil, coolant, radiator hoses, drive belts for the tug.
Hi Sharon,
One thing I would look at is your ability to change a tyre.Can you manage to undo the wheel nuts without too much problems.
In these days where tyre places wrongly use rattle guns to tighten wheel nuts instead of a torque wrench, and make it damn near impossible to remove them by hand it would be useful to have a tool which makes it possible.
I recently bought a specialist tool from of all places a ship chandlery which makes it very simple to undo tight wheel nuts.
I am not sure without unstowing the thing it's make.If you would like to know the make PM me and I will find out for you.
I would make sure I had a selection of spanners to fit your vehicle both imperial and metric and a decent set of screwdrivers.Two adjustable wrenches small and medium.
A selection of cable ties which have a myriad of uses and a roll of duct tape and a roll of self amalgamating tape which can be used to wrap and repair radiator hoses in an emergency.
Just a few suggestions and I am sure people will add other essentials that they have decided to carry for those unexpected occurrences.
Safe Travels
Trevor
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Wednesday 21st of March 2012 11:29:36 AM
Not sure if this should be here or in techies corner. Wondering if I could have some suggestions of basic toolbox items. I am not mechanically minded, so bear this in mind. Once I start out and about I will not be venturing of the beaten track too far, however I am also aware that there will be times when little things will need to be done. Any help will be once again gratefully accepted.
Thanks in advance
Sharon.
I will be watching this one with interest also.
Lyn
This is what I have in my toolbox...
A wheel brace, it's sometimes easier to get a whell nut off with a brace.
A few different sized screwdrivers.
A jimmy..don't know what the real name is. I use it for all sorts of things, but in particular for pulling out pegs.
Adjustable wrench.
Multigrips, used for a myriad of things.
As Trevor said, cable ties of all sizes.
Pliers.
Electrical tape can be used for a myriad of things too.
Without going to look in the toolbox, I can't think of any more right now.
I suspect that I may not need some of these, now I have a caravan instead of the little camper trailer. But I'll keep them in the toolbox for awhile anyway.
I've known how to change a tyre for years now...my ex is a mechanic...but I'd have to rely on the kindness of strangers or RACQ these days. The body ain't what it used to be.
A can of Silicon spray.
Brother-in-law told me it's better than WD40, but I can't remember the reason.
All the stuff listed so far is great but add to it spare globes and fuses for the car/van you'd be surprised at how many people never think of these things.
They're very handy to repair spectacles and little jobs.
A claw hammer and hacksaw, and vice grips. A small socket set and if you have a vehicle with spark plugs, a spark plug socket.
A cordless drill with 2 batteries. Gaffer tape as well as electrical tape, and I've bought some safety tape to mark my "spare room" so trucks don't run over me in the night.
Some garden snips and an all-purpose scissors. If you park somewhere where plant rubs the van in the night, spare batteries for electrical gadgets eg torches and lights etc.
Someone told me that too Beth I think the reason is wd40 is an oil and attracts dirt so can clog rather than free where as silican spray is a silicon powder therefore dirt doesn't stick to it............Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong
I think graphite powder is also handy for freeing up locks etc
I think you may be right Gilly.
Araldite and WD40..... If it moves but shouldn't, use Araldite. If it doesn't move but should, use WD40!
I use Inox in lieu of WD40
Christine's (Cruising Granny) suggestion of the garden snips (secateurs) is very useful. (as are Christine's other suggestions too)
Hi Fireheart,
all the comments to date re tools, cables, lubricant sprays, etc are good cheap items to carry. I would add rolls of good quality gaffer tape, knead it for repairing leaks in radiators etc, a roll of rescue tape (google and see just how many uses it has besides the vehicle!) top up oil/coolant.
Also a steel plate or heavy duty piece of timber for placing your car jack on when on side of road (soft ground etc)
Multi sided wheel brace that covers different size wheel nuts if towing. (I had tyre company back off torque on nuts as I couldnt get them off )
cheers,
ozi2
Sharon.
good pliers
liquid tubeless tyre repair stuff
spanners, wrenches, multigrips
drill
hammer
led torch
battery starter 1500w with air compressor - cheap off ebay
tyre changing stuff, jack etc which is normally separate.
wire and cable ties, wd40 or silicon
sikiflex
I'm just pulling my toolbox together now.
I use the silicone spray all the time on the pool safetly gate. It gets quite sticky at times, so I give it a spray and it lasts for quite a while before I have to do it again.
Matches or a gas lighter of sorts. Great for your campfire.
Another thing that in invaluable is a bag of rags. At the Reject Shop they sell $5 bags and they are great for every thing in the van. Dirty jobs under the van and basic dusting etc, I think they are a micro fibre fabric.
I now carry a small plastics glue .. (similar to super-glue) .. There might be some small items that are plastic or pvc based that you wish to glue back together again .. I recently broke one of the plastic hinges that support the small freezer door on my 3 way dometic fridge and was able to glue it back together with a few other small pieces added to the top and sides to support it .. all working as good as new so far ..
That amazing glue is Selleys Plastics Glue .. it has 2 dispensers .. a "PRIMER" which is dabbed across both gluing surfaces .. and the "ADHESIVE" which is only applied to one of the surfaces before joining together. It bonds very quickly once joined .. 3 - 5 secs .. keep fingers clear eh !
I must add that I have no professional links with the manufacturer .. I do use the product because it works for me ..
Jon
Jim
PS: Re "Rescue" tape, I was conned recently by a smooth talking sales type at a recent show into buying some of this. I've tried it out and quite frankly I don't think it's near as good as the self amalgamating tape (which is all "rescue" tape is) available at electrical stores.
Good to see you accepting new challenges while you are young! What tools to carry is determined partly by your own skills in what you can handle (I carry a sewing machine as I find it handy!), what you need as determined by your rig (fuses, special tools etc.) and what you think will be necessary, best determined by a few smaller trips - after my first few trips I unloaded half my tools.
Besides most of the above (I need to follow up silicon spray & Selleys Plastic glue), I carry a small multi-bit screwdriver & adjustable spanner in the glove box, where they are handy, a multimeter, a gas solder iron and some assorted electrical bits (connectors, wire, shrink tubing). I also carry one of the off the shelf tool kits in a plastic carry case that has an assortment of tools - spanners, sockets, allen keys, needle nose pliers, wire cutters & a screwdriver with interchangeable heads: This is very convenient, not very big and amazingly handy. A small pruning saw is handy if you cut your own firewood. I manage to fit all my tools quite happily in a HiAce pop-top and find space management skills are as essential as knowing what to take (I really really would like a Tardis for my shoes, however, they don't seem to fit anywhere). One good thing to bear in mind is that while something may need to be fixed, you may be able to get by for a while if need be, or if you do get stuck, there are plenty of people willing to help.
Happy travels,
Anton
electrial ties /super glue from sam warehouse and silcone fix a lot off small things when your on the road
matches
spare batteries
assorted screws, drill bits, clips
rope
string
okky straps
all gets a bit much really.
Now just to get the realestate agent to start being a little more positive and then I will be fine. Still that is another story.
Sharon.
Or find another agent Sharon.
Some people take a lot of handyman/woman stuff for "justin" - just in case they need it. Most time they don't.
If you rig is your full time home you must realise what you'll need to be camping without power and running water laid on.
There may be times when you'll need to pull into a caravan park for practical purposes, unless you're going to become a hermit hippy.
So it all comes down to NEED vs WANT. Essential vs preferable.