My wife and I are planing to cross this great land from west to east about May next year. I am wondering what tools and spares I might need to have on this journy east. Also can anybody tell what direction the prevailing will be going at this time of year. Will we be going into a continual head wind or will we have a tail wind.
Can't help on tools and spares apart from wheel brace, good spare tyres, jack (suitable for car and van, and probably a few screwdrivers and spanners / shifters.
Try the link below for wind maps for anytime of the year.
Just finishing our round oz trip. What we should have taken, along with our spanners, screwdrivers is- multimeter, 12 volt soldering iron and solder, heaps of crimp connectors, crimping tool, nylon rope (doubles as clothes line), low oil bucket to change the oil (then return old oil into container for correct disposal).
Just some of my thoughts.
__________________
Be nice... if I wanted my school teacher here I would have invited him...
A Total Care membership with the RAC is a GREAT insurance policy. The RACV were wonderful when we had some trouble with our old Coromal van (couldn't to the job myself) coming down the west coast last year. People tell me I take too many tools but I'm an ex mechanic and can't help myself. Have helped out many, many people on our travels. Out there someone will always lend a hand if you need help, so realistically, a few tools, and as mentioned, some electrical gear would be good, and the essential car stuff like hoses and belts would be good. The wheel bearings are a great idea. Even if you weren't able to do the job yourself, someone will help. A keen eye, and feeling temps of wheel hubs etc. may prevent a serious mishap. Have fun!
Over the years I have gradually reduced the number of spares that I take.
Rather than take spare hoses & belts, I change them before I go.
I try to choose good quality tool options where they have multiple uses ..
eg. Multi tools for knife saw screwdrivers pliers cutters et al.
Adjustable spanners (good ones) rather than spanner sets.
A beaut socket that has needles to fit most sized nuts.
Multi grips
Tommy axe that can be used as a hammer
Mid sized phillips & blade screwdriver .. I have a good one with interchangeable blades carried in the handle
I also take a range of tapes like 'Tommy Tape'. Plumbers tape, Electricians tape, Cloth repair tape, as well as a selection of adhesives like supa glue, contact cement, PVC glue, no more gaps & caulking compound (small tubes).
Ropes & twine plus a few electrical things like multi meter & wire scraps.
I have a small container of screws , nails, small nuts & bolts etc. of various sizes
-- Edited by Cupie on Saturday 30th of July 2016 10:16:55 AM
Normal tool box. (ex mechanic) slimmed down a bit.
Genny/grinder/drill. Inverter welder. Bread maker. fishing gear.
And a goodly supply of Single Malt to suit.
Everything else is superfluous.. (To me)
missus think's different
I normally do a full service/change of everything. and stick old belts etc in bag in tray.
Filters. spare 1 ltr fluids for everything. 5l for Coolant and engine.
Solder kit with bits and crimping tools, Trolley jack. 40a Charger built into tray.
Spare waterpipe snap couplings plus length of pipe and handful of Jubilee clips.
Everything I take, apart from Genny. fits int a steel tool box at front of tub
It may sound a lot but not much actual space taken.
Most important item.
Gold (50 yr) RACQ full membership.And good insurance co.
I'm too old nowadays. Tools mainly habit.
But if needed they there to be used on whatever. By somebody.
This is as nebulous as how long is a piece of string?
As an ex electrician and teacher I had every tool imaginable for my first trip. Now, I just have very good insurance and roadside assist (RAA), a set of sockets/spanners (metric and AF) silastic, screwdrivers, 6 tonne bottle jack, 12 volt compressor, fluke multimeter and my trusty Milwaukee power tools. Thats all I will ever need, if I need more than that I call roadside assist.
Cheers and good luck in your choices.
__________________
Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
