Great question, you’ll need to assess where you’re going and for how long. We’ll need to break that down into a few different answers. Let’s determine a few things first.
- Are you traveling alone?
- Can you split the tasks and responsibilities with another party?
- How long and how far will you be from any help?
For small trips and local trips we suggest the following items be on board before the journey. See below for our “top ten” lists.
Tools:
- Multi tool (a good one)
Screwdrivers - Standard & Phillips
Crescent adjustable wrenches (large & small)
Pliers - one needle nose and one side cutter
Vise grips
Hammers - (1) ball peen & (1) 4 or 5 lb sledge
Wrenches, standard. & metric
Sockets - standard & metric. & spark plug
Test light, VOM, or OBD scanner
Allen wrenches or Torx
A good Wrench Roll (ORTT #5019) and Tool Roll (ORTT #5020) make it easier to store and find what you need.
Trail supplements:
- Recovery strap
Rescue tape
Duct tape
Zip ties
WD-40, penetrating oil
Bailing wire / metal coat hangers
Rags
Flash light with fresh or extra batteries, bulbs
Super siphon
Electrical tape
Trail tool accessories:
- Jumper cables
Shovel
Tire repair kit (to include valve stem remover, spare valve stem cores, gauge
Gloves - leather and latex
Portable air source
Ax
Hatchet
Saw
Bottle Jack or Hi Lift
Wheel chocks
We suggest you carry these items as a minimum. Remember sharing is OK when multiple parties are involved, but make sure all items are coordinated prior to leaving for your trip.
Although water, food, first aid, fire extinguisher, maps, recovery & survival gear aren’t technically classified as tools, they are extremely important items to carry with you (we would never leave the home with out them).
For harder day trips or longer trips where self reliance is paramount, we suggest the above, plus:
- Breaker bar 24″
Hacksaw with extra blades
Brazing rods
Files, asst
Grease gun
Pliers, C-lip, internal and external
Wire crimpers
Wrench sets, expanded, metric and standard
Extension set
Socket sets, expanded, metric & standard
Thread chasers, square type
Tap & die set
Extractors
Portable drill and bits
Grinder
Welder
Welding rods
Vise
Spare keys
Lug nuts
Tarp
Wire brush
Brake tools
Loctite
JB weld
Tire irons
Hub socket, front
Funnel, Oil filler
Battery terminal cleaner
Inspection mirror
Magnet, telescopic
Small pick set
Safety glasses
Work mat
Pickle fork
Punch set
Chisel set
Paint brush for dirt/dust
Metal coat hangers
Not to be forgotten:
- Specialty tools like a large front axle socket for Jeep Wranglers, a 12 pt. socket for TJ caliper mounting brackets, etc.
- Extra vehicle parts for service. Fan belt, hoses, fuses, spark plugs, filters, u-joints, bearings, asst nuts & bolts, drive shafts, tie rod ends, brake lines, asst electrical connectors, cotter keys, spare oil filler plugs, bulbs and a good spare tire.
- Fluids: engine oil, transmission, differentials, brake, power steering, coolant.
- Attitude: Take the right one with you. Stay cool & calm one if something goes wrong. Have fun and remember the original reason you’re out there.
Remember that vehicle specific tools and parts should be taken into consideration as well as any known issues with that make and model. If a fuel pump in a particular model goes out at 90,000 miles and you have close to that or more, you’ll need think about replacing that part before you go (or consider taking a spare with you and know how to change it on the trail).
Note: This basic list is to be used as a guide and should not be relied upon for life saving.
Again, make sure you have enough fuel, water and food in case of an emergency. Remember to include a safety factor.