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.

 

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.

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.

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

Araldite and WD40..... If it moves but shouldn't, use Araldite. If it doesn't move but should, use WD40!

A 3" length of pipe that will fit over your tyre lever this helps to undo the nuts on your wheels.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Oh yes, tape measure
matches
spare batteries
assorted screws, drill bits, clips
rope
string
okky straps
all gets a bit much really.

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.