Advice on basic tools to carry in truck

I am very rural and hang around in the middle of nowhere so my trucks have a few must have tools. Well maintained jump starter, tire plug kit with lots of plugs. A 12v tire inflator, a couple flashlights, a folded tarp and a tug strap with a soft shackle. In the winter I add super warm boots, gloves and a hat and a down vest.

Your results will vary, what you carry should be adapted to your own enviornment and situation. Most of the time I don't even have cell service, so I have to do my best to get my own ass out of trouble.



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I also have these. Ive got the air tire kit, single portable inflator and GB70.

I also have one of these and a 1/2” breaker bar. Should hopefully be able to get any tire off i need to, mine or someone else’s or a trailer.
https://www.tekton.com/1-2-inch-drive-thin-wall-impact-flip-socket-set-sif92400
https://www.tekton.com/1-2-inch-drive-x-24-inch-breaker-bar-sbh00224

 

Lots of good suggestions above. Everyone's tool roll will be different - all depends on how much you think you would want to tackle on the side of the road and how remote you are.

I carry a TON of tools because a lot of my travel is in zero cell coverage, extremely remote areas. And Im generally solo.

That being said a few more 'common' tools on my list:
-14mm swivel socket for driveshaft bolts
-Multimeter
-Bailing wire / duct tape / electrical tape
-Tire plug kit
-Wheel lock keys (if equipped) (seems dumb, but Ive seen it happen once before...)
-5/8" spark plug socket
-OBD reader with code meanings IE one that gives you a brief description of what the code means. Ex P0171 = Bank 1 lean
-A dedicated cheap large flathead makes a good "prybar"
-Misc fuses for any electrical addons
-22mm wrench for TRE
-17mm 6pt wrench for front hubs

 

I have a Costco DeWalt hand tool kit packed inside of an XL Tool Roll with some other obviously necessary stuff (12 and -4 stubby to adjust clutch bite, etc) and will probably add what else I can fit in the roll or elsewhere that I see necessary for any emergency roadside work

probably to include in the future whatever’s needed to change a CV that’s probably gonna be a little grease packet, breaker bar, center nut socket, etc
Already have the yank rope whatever it’s called that’s supposed to wrap around the axle to yank it out rather than having to use a pry bar.

cheap HFT multimeters seems good to have and better than nothing.
Rubber wheel chocks
NOCOboost

used to be hard to store things and find space behind seats
but mounted cargo boxes on the roof for that. So now it’s not hard to keep a spare CV in there, lay a long pry bar down flat, etc

 

All look good, the first thing I put in the truck in addition to what others have mentioned is portable floor jack, tee lug wrench and a board. The rest is all good decisions

 

https://overlandoutfitters.ca/products/toyota-off-road-tool-kit?_pos=5&_sid=32cb1ab38&_ss=r

 

I did not read the previous post.

Here is what I would carry at a minimum.
Keep it "cheap". That way when someone steals them it wont cost you much.
Except the Flare Nut wrenches all can be bough relatively cheap at HF.
Craftsman is the cheapest I go on Flare Nut wrenches. The HF ones SUCK.

I do own the tools below. And I can attest to them actually be "ok" quality.

1. Cheap standard Metric Wrench Set. - 2. 1/4" and 1/2" Dual Head Ratchet - 3. Lug Nut Socket Set w/ 3" extension (you lug will swell. You'll need a 21.5mm eventually) - 4. Pliers Set - 5. Cheap set of Deep Well Sockets -

 

TRE?? Tie Rod Ends? If that’s what I think it is, it’s a good idea.

 

Yes

 

Great kit and great additional suggestions above. I also keep a jump box in my truck. Also if you change your serpentine belt without cutting the old one, put the old one under your seat (if you don’t want to buy a new spare belt).

 

Easy answer is to buy a complete kit from HF if you want to be able to work on your truck and help others. Comes in a case and not super expensive if it should decide ‘to walk ‘.

Another option is to piece together tools which you actually use and are of high quality. This will make it easier to work on your own truck since you won’t be looking through tools you don’t need. Why look though 200pcs to change a battery? What if you need to drop a skid?

I keep both. Never used the hf kit but I know it is back there.

I use my special kit all the time.

I haven’t changed my serp belt yet but when I do I will keep a serp tool and the old belt in the truck.

also back there is a recovery strap, and old pair of sneakers, roll of paper towels, and a moving blanket if I need to haul something or lay on the ground.

and of course quick detailer and a microfiber towel to remove the occasional bird deposit

 

A moving blanket is a good one if you have the space to dedicate to it. Beats laying in the dust or mud any day of the week

 

I nominate this as the best suggestion yet! Bulky yes, but man what a difference it could make.

 

If you don’t carry a spare radiator, or a spare suspension, or a spare drive shaft etc, don’t worry about having those tools in the truck per se…imo anyways. If you do your own work in a shop then that’s the place for these kind of jobs. Try to be realistic what a in the field fix would look like for you.

 

Tarp and moving blanket- good on wet ground under your truck, and a survival shelter if your baby ‘s and you are stuck in the cold.

 

Amen to that brother! A few foundational tools (pliers, screwdrivers, etc) and some modern marvel products are always prudent to have onboard. I've seen amazing things done with duct tape and zip ties!

 

Was gonna say this is too expensive and then I saw that overland outfitters link

https://mattsoffroadrecovery.com/products/matts-tools-tool-kit

 

I was going to say zip ties, big and small ones. A body panel or other part hanging by the last remaining screw is not fun.

Unruly passengers ... no. Sorry.

 

I am also in the process of building a vehicle tool bag. Appreciate the suggestions from everyone.

 

Tire repair kit, air compressor, map, flashlight & trauma kit in the truck. I also keep a little tool kit on my backpack with batteries, zip ties, duct tape, emergency cash, multitool with complete bit set, chanellocks, lighter, 1/4 socket set with extension and hand warmers