Common Tools to Carry for Overlanding?

I was carrying a small socket set, and some slip-joint type pliers along with an apex-type screwdriver (multiple tips). I discovered that my socket set sucked, and of course carried a bunch of extra sockets which wouldn't be applicable to my '14 Taco TRD Sport since it doesn't have sockets of every size in a socket kit.

I did poke around through about 10 pages of search results without success on this particular topic. Of course there's going to be particular tools for particular jobs, but I'm mostly focusing on repairs with an expectation of carrying very limited spares (maybe spare lower ball joints?). Tools should be restricted to hand-tools: specific wrench sizes/socket sizes, universals, extensions, etc. (not recovery type gear, I'm good there). I'm *hoping* to get the required tools (or at least most) into a multi-pouch tool roll bag, something like

Maige Tool Roll Bag | Foldable, Canvas Tool Bag | Multi Compartment, Compact Tool Roll Up Tool Bag Pouch | Heavy Duty Rolling Tool Bag for Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber, HVAC Technician & Mechanic

THIS. I've got a LOT of tools in the garage, but I'd like a small Taco-specific set that lives in the truck at all times.

 

This may help.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ckets-and-wrenches-for-2nd-gen-tacoma.158302/

 

Carry plenty of 10mm tools.

 

Most Toyotas you can get away with minimal tools, but I understand the need when overlanding.

10mm, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21 will get you probably 99% of what you need. Sockets and wrenches.

Put it this way, my wife and I drove 18,500 miles cross country in 2018 for our road trip. I carried a spare belt, the sizes listed above in ratcheting wrenches and 3/8 sockets. Added a pipe for a cheater (and roadside safety )

Do you know what I used the most? The air compressor and plug kit. Picked up something like 17 nails/screws in the tires on that trip.

Don't overthink it.

edit: forgot to mention I did not use a single tool aside from the compressor and plug kit. They were untouched for the entire trip.

 

1a and 1b would be the compressor/tire plugs and portable jump starter if you are going to be away from cell service and people.

 

I carry a roll up pouch like you suggested above full of 1/4, 3/8 and some 1/2 sockets, end wrenches of various sizes, small machinists hammer, flooring hammer (one side rubber other 5lbs sledge),4 way for wheels, screw drivers, a cordless drill with lots of twist drills and bits, plyers of several types, crescents and allen style wrenches. A bottle jack that can lift the truck (and I also carry a HiLift.) Compressor and tire repair. Duct tape and electrical tape. Chainsaw. Probably forgot something. All of this lives in the truck full time-no room under the seat or behind. So far haven't had need of anything for the truck but the compressor for airing back up; however, I have made several bike repairs with my tools. This is my old age kit-when I was a younger man I carried nothing and had to hike a few times because of my minimalistic approach. I do also carry a full-size spare and extra fuel. Honesty, just carry what makes your anxiety level manageable.

 

If you dont know when the ball joints were replaced just replace em.

 

Tools are a must for every vehicle. Not just overlanding.

 

Foldable saw, I've got a "silkyboy 3000" sounds like a made up name but its awesome. I've used it for removing small fallen trees across the path, preparing firewood and making a shelter just for fun. Highly recommend it, folds up small and fits under the seat.

 

Air compressor, tire kit, sockets, multi-tool, asorted pliers. Duct tape, some wire, extra bulbs

 

pack of assorted fuses and cheap multimeter such as harbor freight probably wouldn’t hurt

with the bags of stuff I have behind the seat I really need to start labeling them all so it’s fast to find. Maybe white paint marker.
Because it’s a lot of black bags that all look the same. Like my black bag of husky ratchet straps 4 pack. Well my ViAir bag is more greenish but still.

kind of defeats the point if it’s there but takes too long to find what you need when you need it.

at that point wouldn't a chainsaw be better
Milwaukee electric looks like a good option but I don't know if there are any cons besides cost,
such as how long the battery can hold a charge on it's own, if the battery can fail (supposedly lithium ion can swell and fail, especially if exposed to temperature, though I've never seen it)

and where to store it given the big bulky size of it so it's not in the way, not to mention the high price of it making it attractive to theft

So far with my axe, shovel, and traction boards nobody has stolen them
they are sort of hidden and out of the way
Shovel was the cheapest I could find at long/regular instead of mini size with D-handle, same for axe; longer black/grey Husky from Home Depot
the wooden handle of the axe is starting to show it's age; not sure if I should've painted it after buying
the traction boards don't stack nicely since it's not Maxxtrax, and honestly with them at the rail behind the cab I'd probably hit my head there if I try to sleep in the bed and kind of want to mount them elsewhere for that reason.
Right/pass side bed rail is currently unused (no hi lift jack)

Looking for a gas tank

Have thought about relocating the traction boards to elsewhere but haven't decided on it yet. If on roof rack, hopefully nobody steals them. And hopefully they're somewhat easy to remove for those rare times needing to haul something on the roof like a mattress.
Last time I moved that, having the rack empty was nice because I was able to just throw it up on top right away and ratchet strap it down. There wasn't a bunch of shit in the way like some people have mounted up there (traction boards, plano cases, etc.)

haven't utilized the bed cubbies (currently non locking OEM) at all yet

 

The Dewalt saws. for the cheaper version are $150 ish without battery. I have Dewalt batteries so this is my choice.

 

We've made the leap from carry a metric socket set and air compressor to an electric chainsaw? I've been away from tacomaworld too long.

 

Starbucks Reward's card?

in all seriousness, a simple tool kit will be fine. Dont over think it, to many what ifs and not enough space or money.

 

17 nails in 18000 miles? Where the hell were you driving? Just a tour of sloppy job sites around the country?

 

I only carry a chainsaw when: 1. I remember to put it in the truck, and 2. for long trips in the mountains. I had this one time when... saved hours of back tracking and or labor with an axe. Pine beetles are real and the mess they leave can be problematic. As can straight line winds. When I was young I carried nothing. Now I carry what I remember. Plus, it's kinda cool to see what people think is necessary to take. McGyver would scoff at this monkey business. As I said above: take what makes the anxiety manageable...

 

All over, from NY, to PA, up into OH, IL, took 66 all the way to NM, up into CO, UT, back to NM, out to Vegas, back to 66 and ended up at Santa Monica Pier. Up the coastal highway, redwoods in Humboldt county, Redding, CA to visit a friend, up into OR, WA, then buzzed back East through some more national parks, stopped off in MI, then headed back to NY. Did quite a few national parks in there.

I was absolutely blown away by how often I picked up nails and screws. It was wild.

Most of the time we were off the interstates, too. Crazy, right?

Edit: obviously this is the VERY abridged version...

 

I’ve driven all around the country and gotten like one nail ever WTF

 

I don't have one but it is the dream. Some people do.
I'm sure it cuts a fallen tree much faster than an axe

 

For tools I have a pretty full kit in both a tool roll and a small hard case for the long stuff like breakers and hammer. Especially if you have some aftermarket wiring, a multimeter, some extra wires and connectors are handy to bring. Tire plug kit, spare belts, toyota fastener scrounge box, fluids, small lithium jump battery. Haven't make a compressor setup that I've gathered parts for yet but I carry a 10lb CO2 bottle. They last a long time and are about $15 to swap at any welding supply (don't get a shiny name brand one). Plus I used to have more rigs and moved it among them often. Recovery gear- a kinetic rope and a beefy strap, some hard and soft shackles, sand tracks, small shovel. I am alone often and way out in the boonies for long stretches so I probably carry more stuff than average.

The foldable aggressive teeth hand saws are great. Silky is at the top of that food chain. The katanaboy is a beast (survival russia yt channel has some reviews).

I carry a Milwaukee electric chainsaw if I'm going to be in trees or know I'll cut firewood. Battery life is great- I've had to clear dozens of 1' or less across logging roads and a big one at the end of the day using a 6Ah and it was at 3/4 or 1/2 at the end of the day. Husky makes a 22" tool box that fits it well after cutting a slot in the bottom for the bar and a little plastic clearancing around the handle. I have a small 3/8 impact, batteries, winch controller and other stuff in the box as well.