Truck essentials?

Putting together a new box of truck essentials. Jack, tow strap/chain, basic hand tools, etc.

My first issue is I'd like to see other options for jacks.


Not real happy with either of these. If I'm going to keep them I'll have to weld some steel to accommodate the frame or axle height. What do you use?

Also looking to see pics of your tool box that holds your "in case things go south" stuff.

I'll probably add a set of plugs, belts, MAYBE a spare cv for each side, and hoses. Plus any fuse the truck will take.

Am I forgetting anything? Of course a shovel and mid size axe too.

Let's hear some suggestions

 

Flask of Jim Beam

 

TP for dee bunghole

 

No JB for me. I got something else for that haha

TP is ALWAYS behind the back seat. Learned that essentials value early on

 

Duct tape and a ball gag

 

Since I'm too broke for a winch, what would a come-a-long capable of pulling a double cab Tacoma out of not too deep mud run me?

 

Bottle jack instead of those other 2. I get the biggest one the height of the tool box will allow, maybe a few short 2x4s if needed. My "in-case it goes south" has a collapsible fishing pole and small tackle box, small machete or large knife, 2 cans of beans or chef boy-ar-dee, and a tarp rolled up as small as possible.

 

Yes TP. Nothing worse than realizing all you have is rifle patches.

 

There we go. That's what I'm talking about. What's a good bottle jack run? One that'll last.

 

That's why they make tube socks so long. You could get more than a few wipes from each sock top.

 

Clean shop rags and hand sanitizer on that thought as well.

I love old German cars that would have a mini toolbox in the boot lid. My BMW has a pair of chanellocks, opened ended wrenches, and a hexagonal tube that could remove spark plugs and the oil drain plug. Basically everything you would need to do a tune up on the side of the road.

Remember there are still tools and a scissor jack under the rear seat. Aside from that I would also get a small craftsman tool kit with a case. Nothing too fancy, just what would be needed to change a belt or battery.

Ratcheting tie downs, for cargo, as well as one strong enough to tow if needed

A crank up radio/flashlight

Rubber gloves

Also throw in one of those little $10 bluetooth OBD2 adapters. Might come in handy to tell why a check engine light comes on.

And an envelope with a little cash or a prepaid Visa card, just in case.

 

This is all good stuff. One thing though, I have a scissor jack and tools under the back seat of my Tacoma?

How do you organize this in your Tacoma? Looking for a sturdy box to fit IN the bed. Not too big though.

 

I just robbed one from my grandpa who had a bunch lol. I'd say harbor freight would be a good bet.

 

I have extra fuses, some wire, zip ties, and a case of water in addition to what's been mentioned. Also, an extensive first aid kit and at least one clean towel. And a battery pack to charge my phone. I'm in a 3rd world country if that helps with my choices. I also carry copies of my passport and visa.

 

Water is a must. Would any other fluids be of help? Maybe a gallon of anti freeze. Anyone know a situation where you'd need 5 quarts of oil or a couple quarts of gear oil? Batteries for a flashlight are something I carry but if they don't get used in a season (spring, fall, etc) I take them in the house and use them. I'll keep fresh batteries in the truck every 4 or 5 months.

 

Along with everything that's been mentioned so far:

Siphon hose
Tire puncture kit, plus a can of fix-a-flat
Small 12V air compressor (if you don't have OBA)
Warm clothing
Wool blankets and a sleeping bag
Ratchet straps

That's not even getting into the recovery gear or tools, which may be adjusted for the type of trip.

 

What is some of the basic recovery gear most should have?

 

If you need 5 quarts of oil you got bigger problems. A gallon of 50/50 would be a good idea and 1 or 2 quarts of gear oil and break fluid. Is this stuff you're going to keep it in the truck at all times? If so you have to keep space in mind.

A shovel, strap w/ D-rings, axe, and high lift jack.

 

That's a good point on space. Yes this box will be in the truck 24/7/365. I spend a lot of time driving long stretches of highway during the winter months. I'm talking California to Nevada to Idaho to Texas. Places where there's a long ways between mechanic shops.

I keep the spare in the bed standing upright and secure. I was going to rig up a deal where I could keep the box under the bed where the spare is supposed to go but as I think about what I just typed, I think I'll get a second spare instead.

 

I would also think about an extra starter and alternator. They don't take up that much space.