OK I have spent bunch of time looking through worthless crap threads, looking for trail tools. I am always wheelin about a bizzlion miles from home, and don't want to carry a full shop in my Scout. What are the can't live without tools that you Pirates carry on the trail. I carry axles and drive shafts, I run 1310 joints on my shafts hoping that will be the fuse. I find it is easier to change out the shaft than an axle. I also have a good tire plug kit, on board air, and an onboard welder. What say you what have you guys desperately needed should have packed. OK flame on:eek:

OK I have spent bunch of time looking through worthless crap threads, looking for trail tools. I am always wheelin about a bizzlion miles from home, and don't want to carry a full shop in my Scout. What are the can't live without tools that you Pirates carry on the trail. I carry axles and drive shafts, I run 1310 joints on my shafts hoping that will be the fuse. I find it is easier to change out the shaft than an axle. I also have a good tire plug kit, on board air, and an onboard welder. What say you what have you guys desperately needed should have packed. OK flame on:eek:

orange cones and road flares :flipoff2:

Don't be a dick Chris if I break down on the road, I'll grab my plates rundoft and leave it. Let some other smuck haul it away.

Basic wrench set, basic socket set, spindle nut socket, BFH, couple vice grips, stab tester, wire crimpers, few feet 14g elec wire, few screw drivers, pry bar, water, oil, atf.

Snap ring pliers
Some means to catch and clean spilled fluids
Tubing wrenches

Another thing you can do is use your trail tool box to work on your truck at home. Don't go to your tool kit, unless you are going to damage something. If you can preform the basic tasks you need to make a note of what you didn't have with ya.

Bout the same as Dan + Oil filter, oil, few spare axle shafts, points. BTW welcome back Dan.

DOUCHE BAG. LOL.





:flipoff2:

plug that fits the brake lines, fluids, spare fuel line, spare fuel pump, misc electronics (computer, doohicky on the dizzy, etc), just a few wrenches, 100 mile an hour tape, electric tape, not sure what else off hand...

Fan belt(s)

Welding rod - both 1/16th and 1/8th diameter. Hook a couple of batteries up and weld away. Not the neatest, but really works in a pinch.

Small misc scraps of different bits of steel (angle, flat, round) for the above reason.

"Bolt box". I have a small ammo can full of bolts, washers, nuts, clamps, springs, and anything else I've taken off a vehicle and replaced. I've used that more than anything else I carry.

Zerk fittings. Dang things get knocked off all the time.

Lug lock socket. If you use them on your wheels, don't leave home without it. I've spent hours on a fellow wheeler's rig b/c of that.

I don't carry much more than basic hand tools. Wrench set, socket set. screwdriver with assorted bits. pliers, side cutters, multi meter, wheel bearing nut socket....That's all in the small amo can box up front but I also carry a action packer in the rear with a couple larger items......Bottle jack, spare ECM, hammer, oil-trans fluid-hydo fluid, Tire patch and plug kit, 1 spare 1410 U joint. In the mix is also an assortment of hydo caps n plugs, wire crimp connectors, etc.
Sounds like a lot of crap but it doesn't really take up much space. I would like to add that I don't carry axle shafts but I have a complete front set in the tow rig so it's not too far away.
Bottom line is you can carry as much stuff as you want but there is always something you won't have that could leave you sitting so only carry what's most likely to be an issue. That's why I DON'T carry a spare tire.

all of the above plus left hand drill bits.

all of the above plus left hand drill bits.
Good idea. But you'll need a drill to run it :D

Decent BFH, and I carry a "small" 12" pipe wrench. Works in a pinch for just about any large nut/bolt, or to twist, tweak, grab things. I also have a short piece of pipe as well to use as a cheater.

Enough big sockets to remove lugnuts. Folding 4-way wrench is something I need to add. Handier than sockets. Bottle jack is good, highlift actually doesn't work as often as it used it.

Best $350 the wife has added to the truck is a Dewalt 18v Impact, and a set of impact sockets w/case. They fit nicely in one of the ammo cans beside the kiddos Corbeau in back. Oh and hadn't seen anyone say spare fuses. It got me off the side of Silver Heels trail last year.

I used to be 'That Guy' with everything and a kitchen sink in my Scout. Full toolbox, spare everything, spare tire, fluid, etc... I had a full tool box and 2 ammo cans of 'stuff'.

But as I rebuild everything and upgrade everything I am slowly tossing spares, parts and tools out of the truck. I am shooting for 1 ammo can of tools/stuff...

And no matter what you pack you are going to need something you don't have.

Probably the most important thing is, dont wheel by yourself. You get 3 or 4 guys together, somebody is bound to have the tool or fix you need to get home.

I bought a crescent 144 piece tool kit for the scout it holds just about every hand tool you would need to work on the damn thing plus its only about 2 inches thick fits anywhere. Big Socket for axle nuts, pretty much all the extra parts you guys already listed plus some extra fuel line, and hose. Hi lift jack.

A rubber tipped blow gun comes in handy sometimes :grinpimp:

x2 on the bottle jack. It obviously takes up less room than a high lift and it's safer to lift a rig with it.

After the latest RMIHR trip, my newest addition to the tool box is going to be a boat squeeze bulb for pumping fuel along with a few feet of fuel line. If the electric/mechanical fuel pump goes out out in the boonies miles from nowhere, it'd be nice to limp it back. It hardly takes up any room yet it's priceless when needed. It also makes siphoning gas a lot easier if someone in the group runs out.

-Gary

I bought a crescent 144 piece tool kit for the scout .

It's always the 145th tool that you'll need per Murphy. :mad3:

Oh and hadn't seen anyone say spare fuses. It got me off the side of Silver Heels trail last year.

X2 million.

Easy thing, but also so easy to overlook or forget to re-plenish when you use or give them all out.


Would have (helped) save me from boiling over when I lost my fan fuse Naches last year (well, that and dash lights so I could see that the fan wasn't working and the truck was getting hot :eek:. Hey, what can I say, its a POS and I knew it.... :flipoff2:)

X2 million.

Easy thing, but also so easy to overlook or forget to re-plenish when you use or give them all out.


Would have (helped) save me from boiling over when I lost my fan fuse Naches last year (well, that and dash lights so I could see that the fan wasn't working and the truck was getting hot :eek:. Hey, what can I say, its a POS and I knew it.... :flipoff2:)

IIRC, you also needed a spare driveline... :flipoff2:

IIRC, you also needed a spare driveline... :flipoff2:
Or not to play stupid human tricks on knife-edge rocks.....


Spare tie-rod can come in handy as well :D, or atleast something better than stock :D

Or not to play stupid human tricks on knife-edge rocks.....


Spare tie-rod can come in handy as well :D, or atleast something better than stock :D

I forgot about the tie rod. :shaking:

all of the above plus left hand drill bits.

I carry the left handed welding rods just in case. Actually I just bought a small set and will toss them in the bag as there very small.


You guys are lucky or I'm just unlucky. I think every time out I'm digging in my tools and spares. I carry far more tools than spares weight wise.
I put each type of tool in a small zippered bag so I can find what I need quick.
1 bag just an assortment of wrenches, including stubby and brake line .
1 bag just an assortment of sockets that fit everything.
1 bag with general tools, like pliers, screwdrivers, BFH, c-clamp, impact gun, etc
1 bag of spares. u-joint, nuts and bolts, belts, tire kit, power steering pump rebuild kit, alternator regulator, giblets of steel, water putty, ECM, fuses, center pin for the leafs, hose clamps, and radiator hose repair giblet. i.e exhaust tubing with bead welded around the edge, duct tape.
1 large bag. i.e retired roll away suit case:D Welding supplies, jumper cables, first-aid kit, bug spray, tire gauge, flashlight, toilet paper as you never know where that dollar bill has been:eek: fire stick, extra flashlight batteries and cheap volt meter.

So to answer your question. I'm carrying way to much stuff most of the time, but having broken down a few times it's nice to just pull out the bags and fix your junk vs asking everyone that comes by do you have a 1" deep socket or something like that. The Ham radio addition has come in handy. I had to use it last year to get a tool I did not have.

Spare tie-rod can come in handy as well :D, or atleast something better than stock :D

That is the kind of thing I have been able to throw out as a built and rebuilt.

Just make a beefy enough one the first time and you won't need a spare. :shaking:

Pretty much everything above. Also spare radiator and p/s hoses, spare fuel injector. Two things I've broke and didn't have spares for, steering box and main leaf spring. (Fixed both those issues now) Stuff I leave at camp for just in case, spare front axle shafts, alt, starter, electric fan, two rear driveshafts, (front and rear spare already in the rig), assortment of bolts. All this is extra parts I have, so why not bring them in the tow rig. I always pack a tub of hand wipes. I wheel with jeeps, so I'm always getting greasy fixing them on the trail.

Great info, I have an ongoing argument with Tom Mandera that if you bring tools it will break, I drive my Scouts all over hell with no tools. I am thinking trail rigs don't count.:eek: Bottom line I will be into my trail box repacking it, before I drag my junk over to Washington. Thanks for the input.

I have a craftsman 14.4 volt cordless drill that I lost the charger for so I cut the bottom of the handle off and wired in a set of alligator clips on a 12 foot lead. now I have a drill in the rig and don't have to worry about a dead battery.

Great info, I have an ongoing argument with Tom Mandera that if you bring tools it will break, I drive my Scouts all over hell with no tools. I am thinking trail rigs don't count.:eek: Bottom line I will be into my trail box repacking it, before I drag my junk over to Washington. Thanks for the input.

I had a argument with a local old timer last year who thinks I should carry a spare tire.:shaking: Fact of the matter is I've never been stranded on a trail because I needed a tire but I can give you a list of other parts I've needed. If you go by the logic of what has history told me I need to carry then I would carry about 4 transmissions, 17 steering knuckles, a couple front 60's complete......and no spare tire.
Some of you guys just carry too much stuff.:homer:

I think alot has to do with preventive maintenance and a mindset that it will break. I know Tom carries a spare motor, tranny, and every part on his Travelette along with complete set of shop tools:laughing: I typically don't even have a screw driver. I often tell Tom when IH sold the Scout they did not come with a tool kit to make it home from the show room. I would not advocate this, but I do think preventive maintenance goes a long way.

Edit: How many times you been wheeling with the guy that knows his starter in going out, but is to cheep/lazy to repair it until it fails on the trail. I guess he gets to repair it among friends and gets free help doing it anyway. I know a few folks that keep there junk broken on the trailer until its time to wheel again, then its a mad all nighter to get it repaired for the trip. But that said we love every wheeler and have great stories for the camp fire.

Great info, I have an ongoing argument with Tom Mandera that if you bring tools it will break, I drive my Scouts all over hell with no tools. I am thinking trail rigs don't count.:eek: Bottom line I will be into my trail box repacking it, before I drag my junk over to Washington. Thanks for the input.

You might be right. :homer: I used to carry some extra stuff just in case but have paired down to just what I think might go wrong and others won't have. I drive easier too if I don't have all my junk. Fixing all the known issues before hitting the trail is a good plan too.

http://a.imageshack.us/img841/3715/crownroyal.jpg

No tools required...:flipoff2:

I drive my Scout to and from trails no trailer yet. I am the only one who goes out in a scout so I know no one will have spare parts. I carry extra everything because if I break down I cant just walk into the local store to buy parts. So my parts list is about 3 miles long. I would also hate myself if I broke down and I knew I had the part 2 hours away in my garage. When I buy a trailer the parts list will drop because its only a matter of draggin it out of the woods.

A tube of epoxy putty can be very handy for fixing holes in oil pans, etc.

A tube of epoxy putty can be very handy for fixing holes in oil pans, etc.

Yep got that too. save my ass last year on the Con when my power steering cooler decided to spring a leak. That night I pulled the cooler and found the leak with the air compressor and bucket of water ( had to borrow a rubber tip air nozzle) A bit of carb cleaner to get the oil off and some epoxy putty and I was good to go. JB waterweld says it will cure underwater, but have found it don't stick for chit on wet surfaces. :mad3: better off having a dry surface.

I like the crown royal approach. Just make camp and have a few and you won't care about it.

Question is did you replace the cooler or still running it:eek:

Question is did you replace the cooler or still running it:eek:

It's still running strong, and not even a hint of a leak. I had plans to replace it, but I've been wheeling a bunch since then and no issues. Now with that said and the IH Rubicon trip a month away, you know it's going to start leaking:shaking: I just got everything fixed from the last Rubicon trip in July and will be heading up there next weekend to try it out. Added the mid motor mount.
I don't mind watching people fix there junk on the trail, but hate to work on my own stuff. I want to have a good time, so I go over everything after a major run as it takes its toll.

Maybe this thread will turn into a how to prep thread since you don't carry tools.:flipoff2: I'm sure you have a few tips we could all use.

Do as I say not as I do, up all night before a big run checking over everything I have let go. Hell I crashed a kool Tette because I did not handle a steering/death wobble issue. I try to keep my junk up to speed, but the business and the frame off thing has killed my shop time. Are you going to make it out for the Nacho run?

A tube of epoxy putty can be very handy for fixing holes in oil pans, etc.

Dick.

I was the unfortunate person who had to use this on the trail. I guess I should have paid attention to where I was going. Oh well.

Don't forget the safety glasses to keep the oil from dripping into your eyes while fixing the stupid oil pan that you just punched a hole in. :homer:

Figured I'd add this call me a pussy if you want but mechanics gloves. They come in handy when you blow a line or something under the hood and its so damn hot you can't work on anything with your bare hands.

Figured I'd add this call me a pussy if you want but mechanics gloves. They come in handy when you blow a line or something under the hood and its so damn hot you can't work on anything with your bare hands.

Pussy:flipoff2: I carry two pair. I always take gloves as welding without can suck bare handed. I have some H.F blue mech gloves that hold up great. and leather for welding.
I would love to make the trip up north. But need to getting a decent tow rig as my 1971 original engine pickup is tired. Driving the Scout 900 miles then wheel it and drive 900 miles home could add a week or more to the trip if I break something big. yep pussy!

Oh I started carrying an inverter and cheapie HF grinder with cut off wheels. came in handy on a winter run last year when a buddy tore a big hole in the frame when the shock tower came off.

Bar of dove soap for fixing a gas tank leak, forget it, Scouts have a nice skid plate.

Figured I'd add this call me a pussy if you want but mechanics gloves. They come in handy when you blow a line or something under the hood and its so damn hot you can't work on anything with your bare hands.

Not a bad idea, I always have just used a spare rag or t-shirt I had floating around.

Tools for me right now is way too many, since I'm stuck in an apartment with no garage I've just been keeping them locked up in the scout along with a decent set of spare parts that I know are fail points such as: U-Joints, drive shafts, hoses, belts, I do have a spare radiator in there...but it still has a hole in it from the last trip.
Hell, even my old 1 bbl holley carb is still in there since I switched over to a weber 8 months ago or so.
But once things settle down and I have a garage again, the tool list will drop down to the socket set, wrench set and the fluids/JB Welds.
An onboard welder is something that I've been wanting to do. Guess I'll add it to the list.

Any of you guys ever seen a rig yardsale when it was full of tools and parts like that? You can't really call it a yardsale, more like a block sale.:laughing:

JB weld,duct tape and zipties.
:smokin:

I really have been kicking around the idea of not running a spare. I figure with beadlocks and slime, flats should be a thing of the past, right? RIGHT???

As long as you have a plug kit, on board air, and can stay away from sharp rocks.

Since most don't wheel alone, just get somebody else to carry the a spare tire. ( noting the obvious, like it has to bolt on.)
A bit of planning can go a long way. Like not everyone needs to bring a case of deep sockets. Or not everyone needs to bring a camp stove. Some sharing of these items will go a long way in cutting weight and saving space.
last trip a buddy did all the cooking and brought all the food. I carried all the tools. Not like I did not have some snacks, and I'm sure he had a small tool kit. Who brings an impact? or chainsaw? You only need to get one in the group to carry that stuff.

I really have been kicking around the idea of not running a spare. I figure with beadlocks and slime, flats should be a thing of the past, right? RIGHT???

There's always a risk of getting a flat tire but the odds are small and not generally worth carrying around something as big as a tire.

I really have been kicking around the idea of not running a spare. I figure with beadlocks and slime, flats should be a thing of the past, right? RIGHT???

Since I went to beadlocks (2 years ago?) I haven't had a flat...

And before that since I rebuilt my Scout in 2005 I've used my spare tire once.

If I was going on a multi day trip I'd pack my spare but I don't think I'm going to give it a primo spot in the new build.

There's always a risk of getting a flat tire but the odds are small and not generally worth carrying around something as big as a tire.

I used you as a prime example. I dont think I have ever even heard about you getting a flat, and you wheel A LOT. I naver had one in the 3 hard years I wheeled. All the flats I ever saw were from under inflation. I would prolly keep my spare in the tow rig but I think I'm just gonna put on my 'locks and fill em with slime.

I don't know if I'd bother with slime. I understand the idea, but if you have to work on the tire for whatever reason that stuff is just a mess.


Spare in the tow-rig is a good idea. For most of the wheeling is seems most of use do, if your really get in a pinch and need the spare, a buddy can run down to camp and grab it and bring if back in couple hours or less. Or bailing wire and tire plugs and an air source will get you off the trail.

Might make you day kind of crappy, and shit does happen. But atleast you HAVE something close by. Like Chris said however, a camping/wheeling trip, multi-day thing, load up the spare in the rig.

Yup, tire plugs and air source.:grinpimp:

Only flat I've ever gotten was in my garage. Stacked the scrap steel against the wall and knocked a piece of angle over pulling in. Cut a gash in the sidewall of my 37" MTR. My tires, it seems, are safer in the rocks. :homer:

I don't know if I'd bother with slime. I understand the idea, but if you have to work on the tire for whatever reason that stuff is just a mess.


Spare in the tow-rig is a good idea. For most of the wheeling is seems most of use do, if your really get in a pinch and need the spare, a buddy can run down to camp and grab it and bring if back in couple hours or less. Or bailing wire and tire plugs and an air source will get you off the trail.

Might make you day kind of crappy, and shit does happen. But atleast you HAVE something close by. Like Chris said however, a camping/wheeling trip, multi-day thing, load up the spare in the rig.


We used slime in all the tires on the chase trucks, pre-runners and the race truck itself when I was working for the Pro Truck team. It saved probably 5 to 7 tires per race collectively. It will plug a 1/4" hole. If I gashed the tire and wired it up good, I bet it would work as good as tire plugs till I made it back to the truck. Assuming I had an air source. I dont....yet. But, I wheel with guys that do! Thanks R290!!!

We used slime in all the tires on the chase trucks, pre-runners and the race truck itself when I was working for the Pro Truck team. It saved probably 5 to 7 tires per race collectively. It will plug a 1/4" hole. If I gashed the tire and wired it up good, I bet it would work as good as tire plugs till I made it back to the truck. Assuming I had an air source. I dont....yet. But, I wheel with guys that do! Thanks R290!!!
hmmm.... food for thought.

I run slime all around as well.

The one big puncture I've had, I tire plugged it with 3 plugs and it has been holding for a couple years, I'm guessing thanks to the slime...

And my crapily welded beadlocks have zero leak down over time with the slime in them.

Yep got that too. save my ass last year on the Con when my power steering cooler decided to spring a leak. That night I pulled the cooler and found the leak with the air compressor and bucket of water ( had to borrow a rubber tip air nozzle) A bit of carb cleaner to get the oil off and some epoxy putty and I was good to go. JB waterweld says it will cure underwater, but have found it don't stick for chit on wet surfaces. :mad3: better off having a dry surface.

I like the crown royal approach. Just make camp and have a few and you won't care about it.

Question is did you replace the cooler or still running it:eek:

It's still running strong, and not even a hint of a leak. I had plans to replace it, but I've been wheeling a bunch since then and no issues. Now with that said and the IH Rubicon trip a month away, you know it's going to start leaking:shaking:


And remember, this fix is only temporary... unless it works.
542329
:flipoff2:

I run slime all around as well.

The one big puncture I've had, I tire plugged it with 3 plugs and it has been holding for a couple years, I'm guessing thanks to the slime...

And my crapily welded beadlocks have zero leak down over time with the slime in them.

Slime and tires...Like peanut butter and ladies. Cocain and waffles.:D

I just dont think I can get a 5 gallon bucket of it locally. The drawbacks of living 'out there'...:shaking:

Ugly-didnt you silicone the bejeezus out of your 'locks when you did the initial install?

Ugly-didnt you silicone the bejeezus out of your 'locks when you did the initial install?

Yes - there is some silicon involved. But not a bejeezus load and they still 'leaked down' a little after the initial build and before the slime.

Yes - there is some silicon involved. But not a bejeezus load and they still 'leaked down' a little after the initial build and before the slime.


I don't know of a single race team that DIDN'T use slime. Standard issue for racing I guess. So, I think I'm gonna do as planned. 'Locks, slime, and no spare on the rig.....

Theres a lot of stuff that you can carry with you that doesnt have to go with you on the trail. Usually If you drive your rig there, and pack heavy, you can leave a lot on your buddies trailer. I had three sets of Jeep doors and two spare tires in my pickup once.
Wrenches 1/4 to 3/4, an adjustable, 10 inch Vicegrips, a 10 in pipewrench, Wire strippers, crimpers, linesmens pliers, Pickle fork (doubles as a prybar most times) a hammer. 3/8s wratchet, shallow sockets 3/8-3/4, and a couple extentions, 1/2 wratchet 1/2-7/8 & IIRC 1 5/16 (pinion nut on D44-D300) Air hose and a chuck. Sometimes I carry an impact. I like to carry about 15 ft of 10 or 12 ga wire with me with butt, blade and eyelet connections, and straps/ubolts for drivelines, and a couple ujoints, some misc nuts bolts and washers. Usually theres a rusty bastard file in the bottom of the toolbox too.

This all fits very tightly into one Belt-Fed .50 cal ammo can and one small 30 cal can thats mostly for spare hubs, and air tool parts.

I dont carry a spare tire. Dont even really have one. my swampers leak Im used to airing them up every now and again.

I carry two spares for the trailer though.

I didn't read all these yet but in case someone hasn't said "Bar of Ivory Soap" It works to seal gas tanks radiators etc... scrub it in the hole!