Little Things

[OrangeStreak]

It always feels good to help someone else when they're in need...Nice job Chris!

I always have a tool bag with my bottle jack, gloves and assorted tools. I also carry a tire plug kit, air compressor and a jump starter because the heat here can kill your battery in an instant. I have a whole other bag of recovery gear that I bring along when off road too.

You forgot to mention the "snacks"... ? ? ?

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[Fitzmotor]

I had to call roadside assistance once on a 03 Explorer I had, got a flat, and the moron who last put the wheels on with the big ass air gun torqued them so tight, the lug wrench rounded, even the roadside guy could barely remove them, broke his breaker bar, he had to fire up the compressor and even then his gun struggled.

I now back off 1-2 lug nuts to double check the torque on a couple of wheels, that's only if I'm not there to watch them get properly torqued.

 

[nevada.tracy]

Today there was a middle-aged man that limped his 2016 F-150 in behind my guardhouse with a flat tire. I asked if he was going to change it or if he was calling someone to come get it, and he said he'd change it. It was soon clear he had no clue, and was unprepared to do anything like that. No blanket to lay on, never had his jack and tools out of the packet, and did not know how to work his equipment at all--literally. He DID have a spare ratchet and deep-well socket that he was trying to use for the lug nuts, but the socket was the wrong size and there was just no way that ratchet would bring enough leverage to loosen the lugs even if the socket had been the right size. In his frustration with it all he started to call someone to just come get the truck. I helped him with all that (lent him a blanket to lie on, showed him the right direction the rod goes in to lower the spare, and how to put the tools together to jack the truck up) in between cars entering the community and gave him directions to the nearest @Discount Tire for help pumping up the spare (it was immediately evident it was low). He got the tire changed finally and eased off in the direction of the tire store. I was uncomfortable "supervising" so much, but the poor gent needed it and was grateful afterword (I think).

All that to say this:

It's really important that we do know a little bit about the basics of our vehicles, and that maybe we have some small things laid by so that we can use them in an emergency--whatever that may look like to any of us at any time. Simple things could mean a great deal to us in a stressful time. Blankets to lie on, or rest our knees on, a couple bottles of water, taking the time to look at and even try the tools given to us in the truck could make the difference between handling something ourselves and having to spend hard-earned $$ on a tow or something like that.

Anyway...I am sure some of you have really good "emergency" kits you've fashioned together based on your years of experience (the hard way). Maybe you could share here what a decent compact "kit" might look like for the pavement princes and princesses and mall-crawlers among us, as well as those of us that use our trucks as trucks doing truck stuff. I know I would like to see what you all think is important so that I can adjust what I and my wife carry in our vehicles.

Blessings,
Chris

You are a good guy!!!

 

[Joeiconic]

And for a lot of folks it’s just as important to know that you can’t do that stuff and carry AAA.

 

[Wytchdctr]

My kids have all learned how to change tires. Why.. because I don't always feel like doing the rotation myself and it ummmm... helps educate them. Yes, that is it.....

They also know the basics of everything else. Not going to force them to be gear heads but they will know enough to not get stuck over something stupid or ripped off.

My oldest daughter made me proud a few weeks ago. Some shit head shop tried to sell her boyfriend an alternator. She checked the voltage; it was good but the battery cable was trash. Got that sorted - no more charging issues. 20 dollars vs 200 or whatever an alt costs after core charge for an accord.

 

[NurseNeil]

Guilty confession , this is my first truck. Any good videos on how to tow someone with recovery gear or a bundle to buy.. thanks Ford Family

 

[Cabose-1]

Well, i carrya set of gloves, the good mechanix brand, small craftsman tool box behind the seat with a hillbilly wrench set, ropes, ratchet straps, and bunjies in the bed in a cheap plastic tool box( hasnt been stolen yet?) wool blanket, gen y hitch, tow strap, tire plug kit, old tshirt, ruger sr9 with hydra shok rounds, gerber knife with seat belt and window smashing tool, streamkight rechargeable flashlight with spare battery, collapsible milk crate, toilet paper, candy, phone chargers, 2x6s when i go off road or to the deer lease, and air pump when off road or deer lease, 2x4s when on road trips, ( wood for stupid factory jack) and thats about it

 

[9zero1790]

Guilty confession , this is my first truck. Any good videos on how to tow someone with recovery gear or a bundle to buy.. thanks Ford Family

hi neil no shame in it being the first truck, think of it as a victory! trucks can be used so many ways cars cant. lots of fun to be had. here is a check list of sorts. some of it may not apply to you but i encourage being over prepared vs. needing and not having. as far as recovery and gear number one rule always take time to think it out, be safe. do not place trust in any part of the equation gear wise, stuff will break at the most dangerous moment. always make sure people are in the clear if something breaks or decides to recoil or fly apart etc. lots of stress can really put some force on a strap rope or chain. my favorite recovery item is a full size sturdy shovel. i always try to figure out a way to get moving without having to do tows or pulls. a few minutes with a shovel can change the traction situation enough in many cases where one can hop in and drive out. a basic understanding of simple machines really help such as pulleys, levers, etc. check out these links
https://www.offroadchecklist.com/ http://www.lastgreatroadtrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/us-army-vehicle-recovery-manual.pdf

the gear for recovery and towing is not cheap but good stuff lasts for a lot of use. poor quality will let you down when you are counting on it. some stuff thats affordable isnt bad. i have some stuff from harbor freight that works great but in general i stick to brands that are well respected like ARB, Warn, Rugged Ridge, Ramsey and many others. I bet some of the sponsors of r5g sell many of the things and may hook you up with a discount.

 

[9zero1790]

I was glad to have the chance to remove the original spare and install the one that came with the upgraded tires to learn the process on the Ranger. Changed a lot of tires when I was a kid. Also, have a breaker bar & impact sockets, portable compressor, jumper cables, a blanket, flashlights and air pressure guage in case I'm caught out isolated somewhere. Check air pressure in the spare frequently. I would call roadside assistance 1st (and watch them very carefully to prevent mess ups) unless I was stuck in an isolated area and then I could change it myself

i have that same breaker bar in my truck for the same reason! great minds as they say...
for the harbor freight price it was go. used it a few times and it works and is sturdy. it fits really well under the rear seat between the bins, once the seat is in normal position it holds firm enough the breaker bar stays put.

 

[bk23103]

I keep thist:

Amazon.com: KENDO 35-Pieces 1/4’’ Dr. Ratchet Socket Wrench Set - Professional CRV SAE & Metric Sockets + Bits with 72 Tooth Reversible Quick Release Wrench, Extension Bars & Adapter - Premium Carry Case Included : Tools & Home Improvement

And this:

Real Simple All You Need 6-in-1 Hammer and Screwdriver Set | Includes Phillips Head Screwdriver, Flat head Screwdriver and Nail Puller | Ultimate Home Improvement Multi Tool | Gold - - Amazon.com

Under my rear seat, along with gloves, a micro jump box, tow strap, bungies, a box of ammo, and a portable air compressor.

 

[Discount Tire]

Way to go Chris. There is nothing better than helping someone in my opinion. I have always looked at it as paying it forward for the time I was in a pickle and need help.

I am an over packer and carry lots of tools including tow straps and 1/2 inch torques impacts especially in my side by side. I carry them in case I, or someone I come by needs help. There have been many good suggestions on what to carry that I agree with, one thing I carry in my diesel truck is a jump starter called Micro-Start XP-10. It is thin and will jump a diesel with 2 battery's. I also carry a smaller one in my side by side.

I have had the pleasure of helping dozens of people over my life and have some very interesting stories. When we pass someone on the side of the road (especially on dirt) my wife says, as I am looking over their vehicle, you might as well pull over because you are going to turn around anyway.

Thank you for earning some credits.

 

[OrangeStreak]

i have that same breaker bar in my truck for the same reason! great minds as they say...
for the harbor freight price it was go. used it a few times and it works and is sturdy. it fits really well under the rear seat between the bins, once the seat is in normal position it holds firm enough the breaker bar stays put.

Haven't used the breaker bar yet but glad to hear that it is strong and works well! Have their impact sockets for the lugs and the Gorilla locks. I keep mine in the storage compartment with the jack under the rear seat of my SCab

 

[OrangeStreak]

Well, i carrya set of gloves, the good mechanix brand, small craftsman tool box behind the seat with a hillbilly wrench set, ropes, ratchet straps, and bunjies in the bed in a cheap plastic tool box( hasnt been stolen yet?) wool blanket, gen y hitch, tow strap, tire plug kit, old tshirt, ruger sr9 with hydra shok rounds, gerber knife with seat belt and window smashing tool, streamkight rechargeable flashlight with spare battery, collapsible milk crate, toilet paper, candy, phone chargers, 2x6s when i go off road or to the deer lease, and air pump when off road or deer lease, 2x4s when on road trips, ( wood for stupid factory jack) and thats about it

Don't forget the "Snack Box!"

 

[Peragrin]

I always carry jumper cables. I have never needed them to jump mine, but I have jumped several vehicles over the years. Very few people carry them anymore or have any idea how to change a flat.

The last car I actually jumped. (maybe 5 years ago helping a guy out just like most here) It caught on fire and smoked poured out of his engine bay. (melted his voltage regulator right down).

I stopped helping people jump vehicles and have been leary since. with so many electronics in today's cars such a voltage fluctuation could cause massive issue.

a jump pack is much safer alternative.

Also you have to read the manual on jump to jump from locations. they have moved around a lot.

 

[rang19ca]

I try to be helpful if the opportunity comes up. With 44 years turning wrenches, I realize many people struggle with things that I think are simple.

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