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.
Possum3 said
04:33 PM Aug 7, 2021
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.
Whenarewethere said
08:07 PM Aug 7, 2021
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.
Radar said
08:32 PM Aug 7, 2021
Not a tool box.
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
Stretch60 said
09:24 PM Aug 7, 2021
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.
Whenarewethere said
09:29 PM Aug 7, 2021
I forgot the parrot cutters. Been handy a for times with old fencing wire caught under the car.
gdayjr said
09:43 AM Aug 8, 2021
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.
Whenarewethere said
10:02 AM Aug 8, 2021
You really only need the tools so you can limp back to civilization from a remote area.
Give yourself as many options for tyres. That's the number one item, & a lot of peace of mind.
Radar said
11:51 AM Aug 8, 2021
Stretch60 wrote:
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.
rgren2 said
01:39 PM Aug 8, 2021
I now carry a battery powered rattle gun for undoing the wheel nuts and a torque wrench to retorque them.
TheHeaths said
02:17 PM Aug 8, 2021
I would suggest base your toolkit on 2 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
peatop said
03:28 PM Aug 8, 2021
gdayjr wrote:
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
Are We Lost said
03:46 PM Aug 8, 2021
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
Whenarewethere said
03:50 PM Aug 8, 2021
peatop wrote:
I will be keeping my crowbar and shovel
Perturbing!
Mike Harding said
05:45 PM Aug 8, 2021
I carry a 250MHz digital storage oscilloscope (honestly!), does that count? :)
peter67 said
06:51 PM Aug 8, 2021
I just carry plenty of ice cold beer, that way waiting for help to arrive is never a burden.
Phlipper said
04:43 PM Aug 9, 2021
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
oldbloke said
05:04 PM Aug 9, 2021
I just bought a tool kit similar to this.
Also carry a few critical spare parts, tape, fuses, tow rope odds and ends.
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.
Radar said
07:09 PM Aug 9, 2021
Last year after a engine management number come up on my dash, I now carry a scan tool.
It has been a blessing on 2 occasions, cleared the codes and on my way, changed my driving style have not seen the numbers again.
Scan tool about $45, not the best but clears codes and you move on.
bakerama said
09:28 AM Aug 10, 2021
Thank you possum tyre plugs it is.
bakerama said
09:31 AM Aug 10, 2021
Thanks everyone for that I guess the normal tool box stuff and tyre plugs and repairs sound good.
oldbloke said
09:44 AM Aug 10, 2021
bakerama wrote:
Thanks everyone for that I guess the normal tool box stuff and tyre plugs and repairs sound good.
Yep, just try not to go overboard.
I also carry,
1 set bearings and some grease
1 brake magnet
1 Spare gas regulator
Fuses
Cable ties
Tape
Tow rope
Bits and bobs
Phlipper said
04:10 PM Aug 10, 2021
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 ?
Whenarewethere said
05:18 PM Aug 10, 2021
4 x 26AH batteries 1040amps 5 seconds or 360amps for 5 minutes. Also use welding cable for jumper leads.
Dick0 said
06:51 PM Aug 10, 2021
Take what you think you need...store it in the van or the tug according to the weight limits.
After the first trip you will know what not or what to take next time. Trial and error.
Only you will eventually know what to take next time.
tea spoon said
11:01 AM Aug 12, 2021
gaffa tape ......roll of tie wire and at least a carton of beer ...........hahahahaa
oldbloke said
06:26 PM Aug 12, 2021
tea spoon wrote:
gaffa tape ......roll of tie wire and at least a 3 cartons of stout...........hahahahaa
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.
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.
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.
Not a tool box.
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
I forgot the parrot cutters. Been handy a for times with old fencing wire caught under the car.
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.
You really only need the tools so you can limp back to civilization from a remote area.
Give yourself as many options for tyres. That's the number one item, & a lot of peace of mind.
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.
I would suggest base your toolkit on 2 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
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
Perturbing!
I carry a 250MHz digital storage oscilloscope (honestly!), does that count? :)
I just bought a tool kit similar to this.
Also carry a few critical spare parts, tape, fuses, tow rope odds and ends.
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
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.
Last year after a engine management number come up on my dash, I now carry a scan tool.
It has been a blessing on 2 occasions, cleared the codes and on my way, changed my driving style have not seen the numbers again.
Scan tool about $45, not the best but clears codes and you move on.
Thank you possum tyre plugs it is.
Thanks everyone for that I guess the normal tool box stuff and tyre plugs and repairs sound good.
Yep, just try not to go overboard.
I also carry,
1 set bearings and some grease
1 brake magnet
1 Spare gas regulator
Fuses
Cable ties
Tape
Tow rope
Bits and bobs
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 ?
4 x 26AH batteries 1040amps 5 seconds or 360amps for 5 minutes. Also use welding cable for jumper leads.
Take what you think you need...store it in the van or the tug according to the weight limits.
After the first trip you will know what not or what to take next time. Trial and error.
Only you will eventually know what to take next time.
Hi Tea Spoon, I just fixed your post. Lol