steanson

OK< I searched and read for hours on end, and although SOME have touched on this, the replies have seemed to wander off into "the kitchen sink" type answers, so let me pose it THIS way:
If you had to assemble a tool kit, for HIGHWAY roadtrips, what size wrenches would you choose if you had a 14 slot wrench roll? When I had the mustang, I soon learned which size wrenches were the most common, and my kit consisted of (I've forgotten, but for example) 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4....and a couple 10mm 12mm. Same with the sockets, and I could get by with a 3/8 drive ratchet, except a giant 1/2" breaker bar with a two large sockets for lug nuts and serpentine tensioner pulley.
Everyone seems to suggest a Snap On tool chest full of every tool imaginable, but what I want is a kit with the bare necessities. I've also added:
-duct tape
-electrical tape
-utility cutter
-pliers (needle, lineman)
-crescents (large and medium)
-screw drivers
Anyone familiar with "road repairs" have suggestions on wrench/socket sizes? Silly question, but is everything metric (believe it or not, Fords have a nice mixture of both, and not ALL foreign cars are strictly metric!)??
Looking forward to hearing from those of you who are "in the know"...thanks in advance!

CC_yota

I have yet to run into standard sizes with any of our Yotas, my Dodge was a different story, and 10, 12, 14, and 17 seem to be the most common. I have to carry a full tool box for school so I am very rarely missing a tool but you should be fine with 3/8's sockets, a few 1/2" thrown in the mix, plus everything else you mentioned.

UCDBunsen

I also carry a set of allen wrenches and a small kit of extra bolts, nuts and washers. Having some extra hardware on hand has saved me more than a couple of times.

scuba

Exactly what you said, but i would forget about the standard, from my experience i wouldn't waste my space with the standard.
8,10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18,20,22,24.
I guess that leaves you with 2 of your choice left over.
Your list and some extra hardware like UCD said would be ok.
If you don't already have a tow-strap, i would look into it as just a precaution.

89silverpu

A couple more things to add:

zip ties (hold stuff from falling off the truck such as wiring if it comes loose)
WD-40
rubber mallet incase you have to "reshape" something so it will fit again

and x3 on the spare bolts

CJM

I have found that you will need a variety of tools, extensions and ratchets to work on any modern car.

Most used on out trucks would be 10,12 and 14mm. I carry in my road box for work the following:
Small prybar
1/4 drive deep and shallows from 5-13mm as well as standards.
3/8 drive shallow up to 19mm and 3/4"
1/4 ratchet
3/8 ratchet
1/4 3, and 8" extension
3/8 6" and 3" extension
3/8 breaker
1/2 breaker
SAE and Metric combination wrenches, up to 19mm and SAE equivilents
Channel locks
Vise grip
Needle nose and slip joint pliers
16oz ball peen hammer
larger deep sockets for big stuff, 19mm and on up
SAE and Metric allens
Torx bits
And alot of other junk..

Those tools will help ya, but dont expect to be able to replace alot of stuff just b/c of the angles and clearances involved. But with that set I have managed to do a heck of alot of roadside work.

drillin001

i kinda surprised no one mentioned a tire plug kit

CJM

That was the Etc i mentioned lol..

Whatever you do, DO NOT USE fix a flat!!! It ruins the tire and rim!

HAVOC

jumper cables, a couple tools: 10, 12, 14MM, small hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, tire plug kit and one of these:

Almost forgot, my AAA card and cash money!!

porkchop

In addition to many of the tools listed, I carry a Leatherman and a Maglight flashlight - always. I also carry spare bulbs.

shancerlelby

jumper cables are a must i'd say. lots of electrical gremlins come out after afew water crossings and someones junk runs out of juice

Roadtripr

I just tested that exact model of compressor yesterday before a one week roadtrip

Skrillah

Its def worth holding on to a 19 as well, there are a few of these on our trucks.

Extra nuts/bolts are a good idea...I'll have to add that to my 4runner tool box.

camp1

I have a small tool box I take with me that has all my recovery gear for when I'm planning to do some off roading. I have another tool box full of duct tape, black tape, tire repair plugs, spare spark plugs, spare belts, spare fluids, wrenches, hammer,ax, pliers, screw drivers, sockets all metric, spare radiator cap, wire, bolts, screws, nails.

scuba

Fluids is another thing i forgot, i always carry a gallon of water and like 2 quarts of oil

312necro213

extra batteries for that flashlight.
Cause it just sucks when these things don't break down that often, so when you finally need the flashlight its dead

j-man

occasionally ill bring my mother in law - that way if u get stuck - make HER walk for help...

Quattro15

What should you look for in an air compressor?

Any brand/model recommendations??

WEINERDOGBONE

iTrader: (1)

I carry a cell phone, spare tire and jack, and a credit card. I'm not being cute but I can't imagine carrying all that stuff for a highway trip. I also carry a firearm.

It seems to me that, if a part failed, you'd have to have transportation to buy a replacement. I'd call a tow truck before I worked on mine beside the highway. It's just not safe.

apalmer1

in my toolbox:

TOOLS
-air compressor
-another smaller air compressor
-hatchet
-rubber mallot
-8lb sledge
-metric socket set (6mm-19mm 12pt)
-standard socket set of equivalent
-2 1/4" drive rachets
-2 3/8" drive rachets
-1/2" drive rachet
-box full of misc extensions and 1/2" drive
-4 way lug wrench
-2 small bottle jacks
-1 small floor jack
-BFS (big ___ screwdriver)
-3 sizes flat screwdrivers
-3 sizes fillups
-needle nose pliers
-wire strippers
-channel locks
-2 adjustable wrenches
-prybar
-jumper cables
-multimeter
-soldering gun+solder
-misc wire

MISC
-air matress
-flat repair kit
-shovel
-D-rings
-tire chains
-20' tow strap
-10' tow rope
-chain
-medical kit
-balls and hitch

some of that stuff is actually under the back seat compartment in the cab but you get the idea... had to use damn near all of it on 3rivers trail last night