Essential gear for the truck. What do you guys consider essential to pack for a trip? And how do you pack it? Downsizing from a Yukon to a 4Runner has posed a packing problem. Tools/gear that stay in the truck takes up considerable space, adding camp gear for a family of four is gonna be tight. Any suggestions on a solution?
I found a small channellock tool set that fits under my 2nd row seat. It's nice because it's always there and I don't need to remember to pack it, ever.
I plagiarized this from another forum and then pared it down a bit. Based on how new & reliable your vehicle is you can knock off some of the things such as radiator hose repair,JB weld, sandpaper, etc. Jumper cables (the heavier and longer, the better!) Spare tire (a good one, fully inflated-full size is best) Jack (and the knowledge how to use it.) Lug wrench (the ones shaped like an “X” are easiest to use) Fire extinguisher rated for oil and grease fires, ABC is best Small first aid kit Flashlight-Spare batteries Headlamp, Spare batteries 1 or 2 gallon gas can (store empty - do not store gas inside vehicle) Maps- local, state, and national Blanket/Poncho Liner Gloves- Work and warmth food - MRE, energy bars, hard candy, nuts-change out every season 1 gallon of potable water-you can fill it ½ for winter freezing Shovel (recommend a snow shovel in winter, they work good in sand too) Duct tape Spare key TP/baby wipes/wag bags OPTIONAL: Tow rope or chain Tire chains (if driving in heavy snow and ice or on muddy roads) Backpack/BOB WINTER: Ice scraper Road salt: Take an empty liquid detergent container-clean-and use for salt-works great SUMMER: Extra water (bottles are best since if there is a leak, you only lose one and they're portable) REQUIRED MEDICAL: (Keep these items in a small first kit in either the backpack or watertight container. Customize for your family's needs) 12 Band-Aids 4 1.5”x2” gauze pads 5 3”x3” gauze pads 10yd medical tape (athletic tape - it sticks!) 2 3” elastic bandage 1 lg. cling roll, 4.5”x4.1yd 1 CAT tourniquet 2 SAM splints 1 moleskin 1 small bottle of Betadine 1 hand sanitizer 1 tube, triple antibiotic ointment 1 tweezers 1 trauma shears (will cut through seat belts, clothes, pennies, etc.) 1 Bottle of Ibuprofen, 200mg - 4 antacid (calcium carbonate, 420mg - take as needed. chalk is the same thing and can be used as an expedient) 4 diphenhydramine aka Benadryl 2 electrolyte tablets (to replenish electrolytes in case of vomiting, diarrhea or heat exhaustion) 1 laxative 1 manual: First Aid manual: Wilderness one is best Epi-pen (epinephrine) if you are allergic to bees! REQUIRED TOOLS: 1 pliers 1 channel locks 1 crescent wrench 1 vice grips 1 hack saw blade 1 wire cutters 1 screwdriver, standard 1 screwdriver, Phillips 1 tire gauge 1 BFH (a good hammer) OPTIONAL TOOLS : Full set of recovery gear (gloves, straps, block, chain, shackles, line extension, etc.) 1 small socket set-add a spark plug sized socket if not in it 1 spark plug gap gauge 1 fuse puller 1 circuit tester 1 waterproof flashlight 1 collapsible shovel/pick 2 spare AA flashlight batteries Automotive manual for your make and model of truck OPTIONAL ROAD SIDE REPAIR: 1 emergency fan belt kit 1 radiator and gas tank repair putty can be replaced with “liquid metal” 1 radiator hose repair kit 1 heater hose repair kit 1 hose bandage tape misc. hose clamps misc. nuts, bolts and washers misc. cotter pins 2 rolls, bailing wire 1 fine sandpaper 12.5’ electrical wire 4 alligator test clips 1 roll, electrical tape 1 set of replacement fuses A quality tire repair kit 1 can, “Fix a Flat”, JIC 1 siphon pump 3 road flares Thread locker JB weld 2-part epoxy Zip ties WD-40 Rags Funnel "The explorer would do well always to have on his person a compass, a light waterproof bag containing matches, a waterproof box of salt, and a strong, light, linen or silk fish-line with several hooks, a knife, and an automatic at his belt, with several loaded magazines for the latter in his pocket. Thus provided, if accidentally lost for several days in the forest, he will be provided with the possibility of getting game and making himself shelter and fire at night." -Theodore Roosevelt From "Through the Brazilian Wilderness" 1914
I know that tire chains were on Jim's list for snow and ice, but I've also seen them used very successfully on muddy trails. If you don't run mud terrains or aggressive all terrains or only have 2WD, they don't take up much space and can mean the difference between driving out or walking out. Just make sure to put them on before it gets too bad and make sure that they are on properly before applying throttle. And don't stand in the tire's line of fire if possible. Unexpected flying projectiles make a bad day worse.
Great point! I updated the list to say "Tire chains (if driving in heavy snow and ice or on muddy roads)"
Im a big fan of having an off road fridge for any trip. It cuts your cooler space in 1/2, and you can fit a lot more cans.
Just start with some basics and then add stuff as you see a definite need. Let's face it, most of us on this forum aren't heading into deepest, darkest Africa for six months. What's the most likely issues you'll have while out exploring? Decide and prioritize how you use space from there. For me it's: - first aid stuff. Vehicle issues aren't going to get solved if you're bleeding, broken or dead. - keeping the tires inflated so plug kit, compressor, jack, spare tire. -getting the vehicle free if it becomes stuck so jack, strap, shackles, etc. - basic hand tools, tape, zip ties. With the above I'm likely prepared for the majority of stuff I'll encounter as long as I make (mostly) good decisions. And way more prepared than the many times in high school I took off in a '87 Ford Tempo with only what was rolling around in the trunk with no cell phones, Internet and more poor decision making than I'd like to admit, did some cool exploring and made it home safely every time (eventually).