In-a- Pinch, Must Haves

[IdaH.O.Train]

Because this is my first diesel, I am trying to put together an emergency kit with spare and replacement parts, in addition to standard tools and things like duck tape and zip ties, to keep in the truck in case (God forbid) of mechanical or other malfunctions. I will be limited to basically the space under the rear seat, at this point, so, what are the must haves for such a kit?



Dan

 

[LSMITH]

At least one fuel filter, two is a better idea. Some de-icer un-gell juice. Add a basic set of hand tools with an emphasis on channel locks, vise grips, adjustable wrenches (crescent hammer ) and other multi use tools and you should be in good shape. The others will pipe up with some good suggestions too. Hope this helps.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I carry extra oil, oil filters, fuel filters, a new serpentine belt, coolant, distilled water, zip ties, duct tape, tools, jack stands, 6 ton bottle jack, jumper cables, and other stuff. I don't like the idea of getting stranded. I bought the serpentine belt before my big towing trip to CA last summer. I thought that was one thing that could strand me if it went bad - might have to wait for it to be ordered depending on where I was. Never had a break down yet, though.

 

[LSMITH]

You must have remote controls to drive that thing while sitting on the hood Dave!! That is a load of stuff!

 

[Joe G.]

Minimum emergency kit is belt and fuel filter. These things will make you walk if you need them and don't have them. Of course, if you have the room there are a LOT of things you should take. Especially fluids; ATF, oil, and coolant. There is a type of tape designed for temporary repair of radiator or heater hoses. This stuff WORKS! I didn't walk because I had a roll of it once.



Dave, will all that stuff fit under the back seat? My son laughs at me because I take enuff tools to build me another truck (according to him) but I don't think all of it will fit under the back seat.

 

[Fireman Dave]

LOL@Howard! I keep that stuff in the box.



Joe - is that tape called duct tape?

 

[Bob Wagner]

fuel filter requires

1 1/8" spocket to reduce the chance of breaking the lid



{thanks to Vaughn MacKenzie} for the tip

 

[Joe G.]

Duct tape will not work to fix a radiator hose. This stuff is thin and has a woven net like reinforcement. It's kind of stretchy and REALLY sticks. I fixed mine in the dark with a little flash light in my teeth.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I also carry a big blanket in the winter as well as some candy bars in case of being stranded in the cold.

 

[illflem]

Sleeping bag and a cell phone

 

[IdaH.O.Train]

Thanks

Thank you all who responded. It looks like I will end up with a truck box to carry what is important, and then some. Now I have to gain the knowledge and experience to handle some of these unexpected repairs.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I carry the 1-1/8 socket like Bob mentioned, which is a gottahavit for fuel filter changeouts on 2000-up trucks. I also carry a 17mm hex bit for the transmission fluid, and even a 19mm crow's foot for those emergency injector swapouts . I carry oil and a fuel filter and other miscellaneous items as well.



Vaughn

 

[klenger]

Tow the 5er everywhere you go and then if you brake down, at least you will be comfortable.

 

[rrausch]

A SERVICE MANUAL... so I know how to get to that thing that's making me sweat bullets.

 

[RJOL]

Small tube of hand cleaner, best if you can get the waterless kind, to clean grease off your hands and arms after a roadside repair (a small roll of paper towels is also great)...

 

[Plowboy]

A multi tip screwdriver would also be handy. Since I have a quad cab and a 4' X 6' sliding toolbox in my box space isn't a problem.

 

[KYOUNG]

IN A PINCH

A Credit Card , TripleA card and a cell phone Snow Chains and all the above!!

 

[Doc Tinker]

Well, NoCalH. O. PO, looks like you're gonna have a full truck. I can't think of anything more you need to have, unless it's an understanding woman.



Doc

 

[Bob Cochran]

Pair of overhalls is a nice have but not a must have.

 

[KWIKKURT]

Don't Forget the George Foreman Grill and a Blue Sweater!!