Hi we are just about to become Grey Nomads and seek advice on what we should have in terms of a tool box. We have a Nissan Navara 4WD ute with a full canopy towing a Jayco Discovery single axel caravan. Any advice would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Tyre plugs and first aid kit are the only must haves. Being a member of a motoring association is recommended.
There is no use taking a mechanic's shop with you all the time.
Basic spanner set, screwdriver, multigrips, pliers are not over the top.
WD40 and Gaffer tape always handy.
I would take a fire-pit and bbq tools.
Otherwise take what you need for any situation you are likely to encounter depending on where you are intending going (each trip). Only carry recovery gear and tirfor winch if going remote.
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Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
TPMS to avoid destroyed tyres in the first place, tyre repair kit & an actual working compressor, enough air hose, spare pressure gauge, pointy nose pliers to put screws out of tyres, spanners, sockets, screwdrivers, knee pad, builders gloves, hi vis vest, tape, cable ties, hose clamp, tow rope, tow extension, wire, a few screws & bolts, plenty of fuses (I have given a number of people fuse in the outback, it's ridiculous), fuse removal tool, head lamp, fire extinguisher/s (bash them once a month to free up settling powder), jumper leads, multimeter or better still a DC clampmeter, spare headlight globes, adhesive Velcro, ground sheet or sheet of plastic, first aid kit, tick freeze spray.
A few of the things we hide around our car as we don't tow & we still have plenty of room to sleep in it.
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Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!
50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
I carry my trusty tool roll, spanners up to 22metric, multi grips, small/large stiltson, all round handy bit of gear, about 4 screwdrivers, large shifter. My best mate a set 3/8 long sockets to 19mm, set of alan keys, small ball hammer, side cutters.
But my caravan box has a few extra things in it, soldering iron etc, quik clamps, wood chisel, glue, tape, screws, electrical bits. This is the go to box really, spare o rings, fuses.
Just this trip I given this box a work out trying to get our diesel heater to work needed some elect fittings, a bit of soldering, a screw, zip tires, wd40 all good.
Now what did I fix for that bloke the other day. That what it was, a screw in his tyre, slipped a plug in and he was on his way. And a silly en suite door come a drift, a couple of screws, happy chappie.
About 24kgs in all.
-- Edited by Radar on Saturday 7th of August 2021 08:35:41 PM
Like Radar I carry a bag that weighs about 30kg, it goes in the back of the ute. My must have are those tools required to change out a wheel bearing. One of the very few things that will stop forward momentum.
Like Radar I carry a bag that weighs about 30kg, it goes in the back of the ute. My must have are those tools required to change out a wheel bearing. One of the very few things that will stop forward momentum.
Stretch, you are on the money there.
Tools to change a tyre, air compressor, gear to mend a tyre.
Wheel bearing repair.
Hand saw, an axe which has multi purpose, like hitting things.
Firstly, limit it to tools you can competently use. That is, if you are like me, and limited in what you are capable of, it is little use in carrying anything beyond basic tools.
Secondly, what storage and weight allowance room do you have. If limited, I would suggest there are more important things than every tool in your shed. Work out what you can spare weight wise, and fit your kit to that.
I carry basic hand tools, a small rechargeable drill, an air compressor, limited spare bits and pieces for interior and small exterior van repairs (certainly not major structural items) and belts, hoses and globes for the Cruiser. Beyond that 2 spares for van and Cruiser if going remote along dirt roads, but little else as we dont have room and I dont have skills to use.
The best thing you can do is service and maintain your van and tow vehicle to limit chances of issues.
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Sunday 8th of August 2021 02:18:07 PM
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Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
One of the hardest decisions i will have to make next year when i hit the road full time, is what to leave out, not what to take.
I have a pretty comprehensive tool kit, and just about every piece of equipment a handyman can own.
I will be towing with an Iveco van, so i will certainly have the room and the payload to carry it all, but i doubt i will ever need most of it.
Going to be hard to leave all my excess stuff with the kids.
I have tools for multiple trades from my working career, not to mention all the tools to do those weekend jobs lol Since returning from my decision making trip in April it's been what do I keep? my decision is simple everything must go accept my screw gun kit and day to day tools as described by others, my son gets thousands of dollars of tools while one of my daughters gets some that she wants and some of my household items, I will be keeping my crowbar and shovel and debating about one of the post hole diggers but pretty sure with a crowbar and shovel it wont be needed, been sorting my house and sheds into different piles, opp shop, waste, recycle and e-waste, most supersizing not a lot of waste. it's actually not that hard once you make the decision but it does hurt! lol
The original post said "about to become grey nomads", suggesting lengthy periods away. It depends on whether you choose to do jobs yourself or pay someone.
I like to take more than the minimum. Apart from roadside repairs to get you moving again, there are many things that may need repair while you are away. Having tools to do these yourself rather than being reliant on getting someone else may save days as well as dollars. If you arrive at some town on a Friday, it's unlikley they will work on your rig before Monday .... if you are lucky.
For a trip of more than a week or two, I carry:
Mechanical 3/8 drive socket set. It's strong enough for most jobs. 1/2 drive socket bar with selected large sockets Combination spanner set Hex key set Wheelbrace Screwdriver set, plus mini size ones Adjustable wrenches Hammer, multigrips, various pliers, cutting tools, files
Other Puncture kit, tyre pump Sealant with applicator Cordless drill, drill and driver bits, grinding, sanding & wire wheels Electrical kit with multimeter, soldering iron, crimper, wire, fuses, terminals, etc. Worklights, rags, groundsheet Handsaw, hacksaw, clamps Screws, nuts and bolts A few vehicle and van spares Spare oils, cleaners, glues, tape, etc.
There are probably more, but that is what comes to mind. I weighed them once and it was about 50kg without the oil, etc.
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Sunday 8th of August 2021 03:46:48 PM
Nobody has mentioned jumper leads or a tow/snatch strap and it's amazing what can be done with a small roll of handy wire, pliers and duct tape in an emergency
Nobody has mentioned jumper leads or a tow/snatch strap and it's amazing what can be done with a small roll of handy wire, pliers and duct tape in an emergency
Whilst I do carry jumper leads,I also have a Noco Genius Booster,which is super-light and works brilliantly as a remote power source,as well as starting the car without the need for another vehicle or battery.Also started my excavatot,bulldozer,and various trucks.Holds charge forever too.Highly recommended.Cheers.
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 9th of August 2021 05:27:47 PM
-- Edited by yobarr on Tuesday 10th of August 2021 05:05:01 PM
Ignorance is bliss. Been travelling mostly remote for last 10yrs.
Been to Birdsville, but that was by no means the worst road. 300k's through Adavale from Blackall to Quilpie was worse. The 45ks out to the mine near Quilpie over wet and dry creek beds and bulldust a foot deep was also interesting driving. There was even a 45 degree (or seemed like it) climb on an angle with passenger side down up rocks. Did that twice a year most years.
In all that time and some 100,000ks never had a flat or anything else. Did pick up a star picket at one stage hidden in the bulldust and some fencing wire. Was able to just pull them out from underneath. I do carry a couple of screwdrivers, multigrips, wirecutters, hammer and a couple of spanners. Never needed them really. Touch wood. Anything more sophisticated is not much good to me because I am totally useless with tools. NRMA roadside assist are my trusty mechanics. Never used them either. and people would generally call me a worry wort?
I like to think I am pretty resouceful and a bit of a girl guide. Be prepared. If I get into trouble out there the cops know where I am and when I will be back. I also have a landline out there. I would never go out by myself and I always have three months food and water for a two week stay.
So, I have no idea why I have been so blessed.
Perhaps, just perhaps it may have something to do with the vehicle I drive. Small SWB Ford Transit van 5.2mtrs long. with Light truck tyres, rather than 4x4 tyres fitted to most utes and RV's.
a gutsy little vehicle fully self contained with all the luxuries and my guardian angel Molly. 2kg Chihuahua with attitude always ready to yell out "roo!, roo! "go Faster" and "danger.!!! danger!!!" "snake, snake," Going to miss that one. One in a million.
Suggest, if you are perhaps overweight you might look at the extraneous tools and equipment and ask yourself what you might be able to do without. Different story perhaps if you are a skilled tradesman and can help idiots like me.
I have a similar mini jump starter, paid about $300.00 for it. Went to use it once and not enough power to start a 2.5 litre diesel with a flat battery ?
