Which tools should I always carry with me? Post links

[Surge]

I'm wondering which tools should I plan to always carry with me on the Bronco to help me with mechanical problems while on the road.

For reference I've never in my life had to perform any repairs in the middle of the road or a trip, not even change a tire, maybe I've been lucky, maybe I just keep my vehicles well maintained.

But now my wife and I are planning to move into our Bronco and travel full time, so space is at a premium, and the Bronco is going to be already carrying a lot of weight. Any advice on which tools (other than the jack) I should plan on bringing with me? Thanks.

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[Deadpool392]

For space savings, I recently found the Klein KNect tools, which replaced a larger Craftsman set.

Klein Tools 656QS KNECT Quad Socket, 24 Sizes in 6 Sockets, 4-in-1 Color Coded SAE and Metric Impact Rated, Deep-Well Heavy-Duty, 1/4-and 3/8-Inch Drive, 3-1/2-and 6-1/2-Inch Shaft https://a.co/d/0erEjR2X

Klein Tools 65400 KNECT 15-Piece Pass Through Socket Set, SAE Impact Set with MODbox Case, Sockets, Bits, Accessories and 3/8-Inch Drive Adapter https://a.co/d/08vkettT

Amazon links are easy, but they can also be found (sometimes cheaper) at Lowe’s.

I also carry some locking pliers, assorted wrenches, a gluetread tire repair kit (they make sidewall repair patches for off road use) and a small rechargeable tire inflator for daily travel. I do take an air compressor and 4 tire inflator hose when I go off roading.

I also have the Broaddict TrailDeck that I store these items in.

https://www.broaddict.com/products/bronco-4dr-2021-2025-slide-out-tailgate

 

[ducksface]

Are you capable if you had to use them?
Match your capability ONLY.
If I tell you to carry a torque multiplier and you haven't a clue...

Tell us your capability.

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[Charley]

A large and small pair of vice grips.
Only the wrenches, sockets and torx that fit nuts and bolts on your truck,
No need to carry things you have no need for when you are short on space. A mid size breaker bar. A led lamp that you wear on your head.
sidewall repair kit. inexpensive gloves. some kind of hard pad to go on the ground under your jack.

 

[dpAtlanta]

While off-roading, or on-roading, the most important emergency tool for a worst case scenario is toilet paper!

 

[Z because X was taken]

Your phone

 

[NotElwaysBronco]

Another recommendation for a phone. Add in road side assistance/towing on your insurance and an extended warranty.
when modern vehicles crap out, you aren’t fixing it on the side of the road.
you need a code reader, multimeter, and at least a lift.

 

[TPadden72]

Another recommendation for a phone....

Add a credit card, cash, and beer.

 

[LVS]

One of those rechargeable jump starters, can also double as an emergency battery pack for your phone.

 

[DarthLincoln]

Add a 10mm ratcheting combination wrench to your Bronco toolkit.

 

[CalvinT]

I'd carry a wrench that allowed you to remove your skid plates so you can clean out any brush that may accumulate. I'd also carry a source of air and an airgun to blow said dust and brush out. I'd also consider what parts you feel qualified to replace while on the trail and buy the tools needed for those parts. There's really not much reason to carry tools unless you're also carrying the associated parts, belts, etc.

If you're carrying a spare belt, carry something to cut the old belt and a 1/2 inch breaker bar to release the tensioner. If you have a 2.3L engine you'll need a Lisle 59370 for the A/C belt. You'll also need a 21mm socket to go along with the breaker bar so you can turn the engine using the crankshaft pulley.

If you're electrically inclined carry a good meter with some wire, crimp connectors and necessary tools.

I'd also get a good infrared thermometer such as the Klein Tools IR1. It can help you locate what ever may be causing a "something is burning" smell and a bad electrical connection that might cause a fire.

Finally a mat or two to lay on when under your Bronco. Preferably one that will protect you from rocks and/or hot pavement.

Finally I carry a Knipex 71 22 200 compact bolt cutter. It will cut up to 1/4 inch bolts, nails etc. and is very compact (8 12"). If you get the 71 22 200 T version you can hook a lanyard to it.

https://www.knipex-tools.com/produc...-leverage-compact-bolt-cutters-spring/7122200

 

[MoePort]

Dynamite and a good pair of boots.

 

[Roger123]

This will quickly turn into an oil or tire thread. There's so many variables, are you traveling in the US or a third world country, all pavement or remote backcountry, experience, space, weight, budget, etc. all come into play.

I believe everyone should have a 1/2" breaker bar, proper lug socket, tire plug kit, small air compressor, and a small jump pack jump starter (please remember to periodically use and CHARGE it).

The rest is crap shoot. I wouldn't carry a spare AC belt and tool to change it as traveling in the US you can pretty much be assured that you're no more than a day away from a good parts store and you can live without AC for a day. Now if you're planning to cross an African Desert your mileage may vary on that.

The Bronco is an electronic nightmare, and many things are going to be out of reach for the average shade tree guy to address. Now if you have some diagnostic stuff and some tools you may come across someone with the knowledge to get you going again even if it's beyond your capability. In my Jeep I carry a good code reader and some specific electrical items to address the fuse box as there are very well know issues there that can leave you stranded and simply jumping out the integrated fuel pump relay can get you back on the road in minutes if you know where to get power from and where to provide that power.

I just carry a small basic tool kit with some good quality pliers, sockets, wrenches, a DVM, some wire and some connectors. It all fits in a small Harbor Freight tool bag that rides behind my seat (2 door).

Good luck, you should start a thread on what you're doing, many of us would love to live vicariously through "selling it all and being a road nomad".

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