The story so far, we are just on 12 months from getting on the road for what we foresee as permanently, and I am in the process of going through and culling 30 odd years of tool collection. I'm not expert but reasonably handy at fixing things around the house, mind you what lies under the bonnet of a car is white mans magic to me. So with that in mind for those out there with the experience, any suggestions on what tools might be worth taking with us? So far there is a 12volt air pump and tyre repair kit, basic car stuff, cordless drill and basic general tool kit (screwdrivers, hammer, soldering iron, etc) Not sure if a chainsaw is needed or not. The van and car we are getting will be brand new so hopefully won't need too many things for repairs. I should also mention we have never owned or towed a van before, so all advice is welcome!
GerryP said
11:58 AM Mar 27, 2016
Hi Ron,
Good luck with your plans mate, sounds terrific. It appears that you have the majority of items covered, but when you pick up your van, make sure the jack and wheel brace are suitable, then have a practice run. Too often, the small bottle or wind-up jacks won't fit under the suspension if the tyre is flat and I've also heard of wheel braces being wrong, especially if different wheels have been ordered.
A good battery charger and/or a portable solar panel is also a good investment, as is a good set of jumper leads.
Depending on where you travel, remote or mainly inhabited, will also determine the level of spares and tools, as well as recovery gear you may need.
Finally, join a motoring organisation (NRMA, RAA etc...) just to give you that extra bit of security should anything major occur.
Safe travels and good luck with your preparation.
Hey Jim said
12:02 PM Mar 27, 2016
Hi no fixed address,
First up what is the total of tow truck and snail and type.then I will compile me must haves and nots.
Regards Jim
Woody n Sue said
12:05 PM Mar 27, 2016
I love my cordless toys um tools um you know what I mean, Anyway metric set 8 through 19 or 25 there abouts imperial 1/4 through 1 inch and a shifter for anything larger than that, A ring / open spanner that fits your tow ball nut screw driver set, A couple for pliers pointy nose and normal ones got to have a roll of silver duct tape A couple of rags to both stop tools rattling and to wipe things with if you have to use them Some like to take a ladder do a search on this forum for more info on that subject Set of fuses to suit the van and tug An assortment of small screws and nuts n bolts but that might just be me I would also recommend a towing course as you mention that you have never towed before you can search that here on the forum also Others will add to this Woody
-- Edited by Woody n Sue on Sunday 27th of March 2016 12:07:30 PM
Yuglamron said
12:07 PM Mar 27, 2016
A La Mythbusters.
Duct Tape. Also some of that self amalgamating tape. Great for temp hose repairs. Some hose clamps of various sizes that will fit the hoses on your vehicle. Some of that kneadable epoxy that will set in water. Good for temp repairs in Fuel tanks etc.
Various light bulbs that suit your Tug and van.
Most important of all a Towing course if you have not towed before.
Izabarack said
01:01 PM Mar 27, 2016
20 foot of Number 8 fencing wire plus a good pair of fencing pliers has been useful over the years. A couple of decent quality F clamps and small length of angle iron against the draw bar makes a usefull vice.
Cordless drill and cordless angle grinder in my kit have had lots of use. Don't forget a small collection of bolts and nuts and some self drill panel screws. Couple of ring/open enders and a socket set are a must.
Most times you will be helping other people out if you go prepared to take care of yourself.
Iza
No Fixed Address said
01:54 PM Mar 27, 2016
Hi Jim,
The van is a New Age 19' Big Red due to be picked up around October and we plan on buying a Mazda BT50 to tow with.
Hey Jim said
02:01 PM Mar 27, 2016
Ron all of the above,
I love my 18v toy box too. I have the Ryobi toys. Add a few blocks of solid timber as a base plate, plus an extra bottle jack of 6 ton rating. Throw in a spare set of wheel bearings and tub of HT wheel bearing grease. If you don't know how to change a wheel bearing road side, I would learn. I also do my own engine oil and filter changes if you are inclined to do the same. You will need to take the appropriate gear along with you.
If your tug is diesel powered a spare fuel filter in case you get a tank of dirty fuel.It can happen often.
Still if you get stuck, stay with your outfit and help will find you. The Boys and Gals and their toys will have you up and running most of the time.
I will stay with other travellers, till we know they are ok and help is at hand, if I can't.
Jim & Lambie
GerryP said
02:26 PM Mar 27, 2016
No Fixed Address wrote:
Hi Jim,
The van is a New Age 19' Big Red due to be picked up around October and we plan on buying a Mazda BT50 to tow with.
Very Nice...
Plain Truth said
02:49 PM Mar 27, 2016
GerryP wrote:
No Fixed Address wrote:
Hi Jim,
The van is a New Age 19' Big Red due to be picked up around October and we plan on buying a Mazda BT50 to tow with.
Very Nice...
As Gerry said,nice setup.Looks like you are going to some remote free camping,so a small chainsaw would be a must.
Nothing like sitting around a campfire in the middle of nowhere,we wouldn't be without ours.
Moonraker said
04:05 PM Mar 27, 2016
No Fixed Address,
Some good advice above. I would include a socket that will fit the water heater anode and a small multimeter for checking your batteries and 12v stuff.
Not tools but a good selection of water tap fittings for different size water taps and a portable grey water tank for freedom camping when LNT applies.
Happy travels
Bricat70 said
08:30 PM Apr 15, 2016
The only tool we take on our trips these days is our RAA plus card.
-- Edited by Bricat70 on Friday 15th of April 2016 08:31:09 PM
The story so far, we are just on 12 months from getting on the road for what we foresee as permanently, and I am in the process of going through and culling 30 odd years of tool collection. I'm not expert but reasonably handy at fixing things around the house, mind you what lies under the bonnet of a car is white mans magic to me. So with that in mind for those out there with the experience, any suggestions on what tools might be worth taking with us? So far there is a 12volt air pump and tyre repair kit, basic car stuff, cordless drill and basic general tool kit (screwdrivers, hammer, soldering iron, etc) Not sure if a chainsaw is needed or not. The van and car we are getting will be brand new so hopefully won't need too many things for repairs. I should also mention we have never owned or towed a van before, so all advice is welcome!
Hi Ron,
Good luck with your plans mate, sounds terrific. It appears that you have the majority of items covered, but when you pick up your van, make sure the jack and wheel brace are suitable, then have a practice run. Too often, the small bottle or wind-up jacks won't fit under the suspension if the tyre is flat and I've also heard of wheel braces being wrong, especially if different wheels have been ordered.
A good battery charger and/or a portable solar panel is also a good investment, as is a good set of jumper leads.
Depending on where you travel, remote or mainly inhabited, will also determine the level of spares and tools, as well as recovery gear you may need.
Finally, join a motoring organisation (NRMA, RAA etc...) just to give you that extra bit of security should anything major occur.
Safe travels and good luck with your preparation.
Hi no fixed address,
First up what is the total of tow truck and snail and type.then I will compile me must haves and nots.
Regards Jim
I love my cordless toys um tools um you know what I mean,
Anyway metric set 8 through 19 or 25 there abouts
imperial 1/4 through 1 inch and a shifter for anything larger than that,
A ring / open spanner that fits your tow ball nut
screw driver set,
A couple for pliers pointy nose and normal ones
got to have a roll of silver duct tape
A couple of rags to both stop tools rattling and to wipe things with if you have to use them
Some like to take a ladder do a search on this forum for more info on that subject
Set of fuses to suit the van and tug
An assortment of small screws and nuts n bolts but that might just be me
I would also recommend a towing course as you mention that you have never towed before you can search that here on the forum also
Others will add to this
Woody
-- Edited by Woody n Sue on Sunday 27th of March 2016 12:07:30 PM
A La Mythbusters.
Duct Tape. Also some of that self amalgamating tape. Great for temp hose repairs. Some hose clamps of various sizes that will fit the hoses on your vehicle. Some of that kneadable epoxy that will set in water. Good for temp repairs in Fuel tanks etc.
Various light bulbs that suit your Tug and van.
Most important of all a Towing course if you have not towed before.
20 foot of Number 8 fencing wire plus a good pair of fencing pliers has been useful over the years. A couple of decent quality F clamps and small length of angle iron against the draw bar makes a usefull vice.
Cordless drill and cordless angle grinder in my kit have had lots of use. Don't forget a small collection of bolts and nuts and some self drill panel screws. Couple of ring/open enders and a socket set are a must.
Most times you will be helping other people out if you go prepared to take care of yourself.
Iza
Hi Jim,
The van is a New Age 19' Big Red due to be picked up around October and we plan on buying a Mazda BT50 to tow with.
Ron all of the above,
I love my 18v toy box too. I have the Ryobi toys. Add a few blocks of solid timber as a base plate, plus an extra bottle jack of 6 ton rating. Throw in a spare set of wheel bearings and tub of HT wheel bearing grease. If you don't know how to change a wheel bearing road side, I would learn. I also do my own engine oil and filter changes if you are inclined to do the same. You will need to take the appropriate gear along with you.
If your tug is diesel powered a spare fuel filter in case you get a tank of dirty fuel.It can happen often.
Still if you get stuck, stay with your outfit and help will find you. The Boys and Gals and their toys will have you up and running most of the time.
I will stay with other travellers, till we know they are ok and help is at hand, if I can't.
Jim & Lambie
Very Nice...
As Gerry said,nice setup.Looks like you are going to some remote free camping,so a small chainsaw would be a must.
Nothing like sitting around a campfire in the middle of nowhere,we wouldn't be without ours.
Some good advice above. I would include a socket that will fit the water heater anode and a small multimeter for checking your batteries and 12v stuff.
Not tools but a good selection of water tap fittings for different size water taps and a portable grey water tank for freedom camping when LNT applies.
Happy travels
The only tool we take on our trips these days is our RAA plus card.
-- Edited by Bricat70 on Friday 15th of April 2016 08:31:09 PM