It also works good for dummies. I travel alone and have used it many times. Funny part is I have only used it twice for my rigs. Mostly straitening other rigs bent parts.
Trail tools—prepared versus overkill
- Thread starter AndyG
- Start date
Atlas 46 Yorktown tool roll. 3/8" socket set standard & meyric up to 1", 36mm socket, tire repair kit.
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Andy, I read your first post and will use that as a basis for what I would recommend. I am no expert, but I have not been stranded either. I travel solo 100 to 1, so my list is bigger than "usual". But for you, I would say a good radio, cell phone and a AAA card would be a good start. A sat comm is useful if you get out beyond cell service.
Tools, Go compact. Garage sale American made tools make great trail tools. Beyond the general, a pipe wrench can double as a big wrench. It can cover 1" and up to 2" if it the right size. Irwin has a new style pipe wrench style that is fast and compact. I carry a ball peen and a 3lb hammer. 4lb might be better but 3 has been enough for me on the trail. Bolt cutters do much more than cut bolts. they can size flat stock, etc. I carry a 14" pair of rigid cutters. I had a pair of HF cutters, but they would bend to easy on max cuts. A tire plug kit with fresh plugs is a good idea, they are cheap enough. A small compact tarp for laying on or working on has been a "comfort" tool for me many times.
As I get older (and more tech is introduced) I find I would rather pull a trigger than twist my arm. My finger still works OK. A cordless tool set has been nice to have along. Ya, they take up room, but I break stuff. Just my opinion, not a recommended carry item(s).
I am a ATC fanboy. I use a lot of their tool storage solutions. The bags are REALLY tough and can handle the ride and still be soft sided.
Oh, not sure if you need cooking "tools", but I carry just about as much for that as regular fix it tools LOL
This folds flat and fits in the BBQ pack, we tested/broke in the grill last weekend in Calico
I also carry a shovel and a MAX, mostly for the fires I start. My fire permit says I have to have a shovel and water (oh ya, I carry lots of water)
Tools, Go compact. Garage sale American made tools make great trail tools. Beyond the general, a pipe wrench can double as a big wrench. It can cover 1" and up to 2" if it the right size. Irwin has a new style pipe wrench style that is fast and compact. I carry a ball peen and a 3lb hammer. 4lb might be better but 3 has been enough for me on the trail. Bolt cutters do much more than cut bolts. they can size flat stock, etc. I carry a 14" pair of rigid cutters. I had a pair of HF cutters, but they would bend to easy on max cuts. A tire plug kit with fresh plugs is a good idea, they are cheap enough. A small compact tarp for laying on or working on has been a "comfort" tool for me many times.
As I get older (and more tech is introduced) I find I would rather pull a trigger than twist my arm. My finger still works OK. A cordless tool set has been nice to have along. Ya, they take up room, but I break stuff. Just my opinion, not a recommended carry item(s).
I am a ATC fanboy. I use a lot of their tool storage solutions. The bags are REALLY tough and can handle the ride and still be soft sided.
Oh, not sure if you need cooking "tools", but I carry just about as much for that as regular fix it tools LOL
This folds flat and fits in the BBQ pack, we tested/broke in the grill last weekend in Calico
I also carry a shovel and a MAX, mostly for the fires I start. My fire permit says I have to have a shovel and water (oh ya, I carry lots of water)
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Everything other than the Chainsaw, chair and bag of cloths are in a Rubbermaid bin. I do have an Lj.
Tarp sits under the bin, bottom of the bin is fluids and 3-ton floor jack that fits nicely overtop the bottle then my bags just fit on top of all that but still within the bin. Bin has a strap around it and over the top to keep it secure. Bag of cloths and chair are just normally behind behind the driver seat.
Next to the bin, I can fit a cooler nicely. I plan to upgrade to a fridge next summer.
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I like the bin because when I store my jeep outside I can take the bin in the house to avoid any theft. But things like my tire kit tend to work themselves to the bottom and I hate digging for it. I'll take a picture of it lately.
I have something very similar to this (looks like they added those tiny screwdrivers since I bought mine):
The bottom drawer comes empty so I added a set of needle nose and channel locks, vice grips, diagonal cutters, a BFH, a 21mm wrench for LCA bolts, a hub nut socket and a pinion nut socket, crows feet for jam nuts, and some other odds and ends like JB weld, duct tape, electrical tape, zip ties, bailing wire, electrical wire, crimpers, and crimp connectors, etc. It was majorly convenient to have on my last trip and I actually ended up loaning tools to the other guys several times as well as doing some stuff to my own rig. A ball joint problem is probably the only thing I wouldn't be somewhat well-prepared for but I don't often wheel in the kind of territory that kills a ball joint on the trail.
It's my go-to toolset when working on the Jeep even in my garage so every time I find a new TJ-specific tool that isn't already in the box, I just re-home it to the bottom drawer or to the open spot in the top shelf.
The bottom drawer comes empty so I added a set of needle nose and channel locks, vice grips, diagonal cutters, a BFH, a 21mm wrench for LCA bolts, a hub nut socket and a pinion nut socket, crows feet for jam nuts, and some other odds and ends like JB weld, duct tape, electrical tape, zip ties, bailing wire, electrical wire, crimpers, and crimp connectors, etc. It was majorly convenient to have on my last trip and I actually ended up loaning tools to the other guys several times as well as doing some stuff to my own rig. A ball joint problem is probably the only thing I wouldn't be somewhat well-prepared for but I don't often wheel in the kind of territory that kills a ball joint on the trail.
It's my go-to toolset when working on the Jeep even in my garage so every time I find a new TJ-specific tool that isn't already in the box, I just re-home it to the bottom drawer or to the open spot in the top shelf.
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Not just toilet paper, but the toilet too. Everything fits behind the rear seat except for the first aid kit, tire tool bag and recovery bag that reside in reach behind the driver seat.
I thought about that or something similar, a lot of guys I know carry a gas chain saw even... but I wanted something light, reliable, and that I didn't have to worry about charging or gassing up so now I carry this hand saw. I used it to cut through a roughly 12" tree trunk the other day, took maybe 2 minutes. It will cut a 4-6" tree limb in 30 seconds usually.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084GSY5KY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I'm still looking at electric chain saws without getting much closer to buying because the loggers I often wheel with usually have their gas powered chain saws out and the job half done before I can even get out of my jeep.
I have some overlanding friends who sing the praises of the Silky KATANABOY saw from Japan.
I have some overlanding friends who sing the praises of the Silky KATANABOY saw from Japan.
In the spring/early summer there is almost always someone in our group with a chainsaw. More thsn one when we plan on trail clearing. I don't but am never without a good bowsaw. Axes are best used camping and exposed mounting to impress kids at the mall.
I always feel like I overpack, which is odd since I'm typically a minimalist for personal and business travel as well as most camping trips...
There are many trails here that offer no way around and when you're 6+ miles deep, people tend to get angry if you're blocking them and can potentially cause some dangerous backing out/turning around situations. The last thing I want is for someone to be in a significantly dangerous situation because I was unable to do modest repair work to get me off the trail. Obviously, there are going to be instances where no tool can get you off the trail (busted axle housing, cracked t-case, etc.). On the flip side, I'd rather have a modest sized tool box capable of lending a helping hand and getting someone back on (or off) the trail so that I can continue my day.
I carry a fairly well-stocked socket set with both 1/4" and 3/8" sockets and a modest sized 3/8" breaker bar. I also carry the magic 1/2"-12pt for hub bearings and a 36mm for hub/shaft nut. I used to carry a bigger breaker bar, but stopped since there hasn't been anything I couldn't get loose with my 18v Ridgid 1/2" Octane Impact. This is great for changing tires (so I also no longer carry a 4-way) and doing quick repairs. I also bring my matching flashlight, Sawzall with two 6" carbide blades, 2 extra 4.0 mAh batteries and a set of impact sockets (metric and SAE). It sounds bulky but it all tucks nicely inside the Ridgid fabric tool bag and sits behind the driver seat for easy access. I also carry an assortment of small parts - hose clamps, zip ties, bailing wire, mechanic's "loop" (that metal roll with all the holes in it), small electrical multimeter, and a some assortment of jumper wires and terminals. For fluids, I only carry power steering (1 qt), pure water (1-gallon - good for many things), brake fluid (1 pint), and 3 quarts of motor oil. In a pinch, motor oil can be anything you need it to be (except maybe ATF but I have a manual for the time being), so I don't get too caught up on trying to cover the full gaumet of automotive fluids. I also carry my old engine belt and fan clutch (both were in good condition when replaced). Of all the failures I've seen on the trails,
I have a Hi-Lift but rarely use it to do anything and often keep it at home. I have a good old fashioned bottle jack for tires and for getting crinkled sheetmetal out of the way. On tight trails, I will bring it since it can be helpful moving large trees/rocks that may have fallen onto the trail. I also carry a small piece of plywood for a base, a decent sized spill kit, some hand wipes, paper towels, 4-5 1-gallon zip lock bags (handy for draining fluids into if needed), and 2-3 large (50-gallon) contractor garbage bags (I often try to "clean up" a trail or staging area with my son when practical).
All my gear fits inside a Stanley tool box (with wheels) or my tote. These two things, plus my smaller-sized Yeti-knockoff, Viair 400P, recovery gear bag, and 18V stuff all fit nicely in the back of the TJ with the seat removed.
There are many trails here that offer no way around and when you're 6+ miles deep, people tend to get angry if you're blocking them and can potentially cause some dangerous backing out/turning around situations. The last thing I want is for someone to be in a significantly dangerous situation because I was unable to do modest repair work to get me off the trail. Obviously, there are going to be instances where no tool can get you off the trail (busted axle housing, cracked t-case, etc.). On the flip side, I'd rather have a modest sized tool box capable of lending a helping hand and getting someone back on (or off) the trail so that I can continue my day.
I carry a fairly well-stocked socket set with both 1/4" and 3/8" sockets and a modest sized 3/8" breaker bar. I also carry the magic 1/2"-12pt for hub bearings and a 36mm for hub/shaft nut. I used to carry a bigger breaker bar, but stopped since there hasn't been anything I couldn't get loose with my 18v Ridgid 1/2" Octane Impact. This is great for changing tires (so I also no longer carry a 4-way) and doing quick repairs. I also bring my matching flashlight, Sawzall with two 6" carbide blades, 2 extra 4.0 mAh batteries and a set of impact sockets (metric and SAE). It sounds bulky but it all tucks nicely inside the Ridgid fabric tool bag and sits behind the driver seat for easy access. I also carry an assortment of small parts - hose clamps, zip ties, bailing wire, mechanic's "loop" (that metal roll with all the holes in it), small electrical multimeter, and a some assortment of jumper wires and terminals. For fluids, I only carry power steering (1 qt), pure water (1-gallon - good for many things), brake fluid (1 pint), and 3 quarts of motor oil. In a pinch, motor oil can be anything you need it to be (except maybe ATF but I have a manual for the time being), so I don't get too caught up on trying to cover the full gaumet of automotive fluids. I also carry my old engine belt and fan clutch (both were in good condition when replaced). Of all the failures I've seen on the trails,
I have a Hi-Lift but rarely use it to do anything and often keep it at home. I have a good old fashioned bottle jack for tires and for getting crinkled sheetmetal out of the way. On tight trails, I will bring it since it can be helpful moving large trees/rocks that may have fallen onto the trail. I also carry a small piece of plywood for a base, a decent sized spill kit, some hand wipes, paper towels, 4-5 1-gallon zip lock bags (handy for draining fluids into if needed), and 2-3 large (50-gallon) contractor garbage bags (I often try to "clean up" a trail or staging area with my son when practical).
All my gear fits inside a Stanley tool box (with wheels) or my tote. These two things, plus my smaller-sized Yeti-knockoff, Viair 400P, recovery gear bag, and 18V stuff all fit nicely in the back of the TJ with the seat removed.
my overlanding diet consists mostly of beef jerky, cheese, sausage and crackers, with an occasional cheeseburger or hot dog. I can usually make it to night 3 before any toilet paper is needed but when I do finally need it, I need a LOT.
Oh yea, reminds me of the older folks lunch prep when I was younger and getting into wheelin. Foil wrapped hot dogs and hamburgers in the stowed away in the engine compartment. By time lunch hits, you've got a hot meal ready to go.
The Jeep engineers took it even further with one of their JT concepts.
When it comes to U-joints, I'm firmly in the BFH and sockets camp.
Same here - presses and clamps are good at bending ears and damaging yoke ends. There hasn't been a single u-joint that a BFH didn't take care of!