Toolkit for cross country road trip

[1500fp]

Hey guys,

 

Planning for a cross country road trip in a 2014 1500 lt crew cab.

 

Can anyone recommend some essential tools to pack for the trip to take care of basic issues?

[bagger97]

I just got back from a 6K road trip. All I took was a cellphone and credit card. Didn't need either.

[GMC-AT]

tools are only needed for a Ford.

[JRaschke11]

With this new a truck you probably don't need much if it's under warranty. You can get it towed to a dealership and fixed in the unlikely event something happens.

 

This is what I have in my truck permanently under the rear seat. I have used nearly everything in there at one point or another in the first five months of owning the truck, except the tow strap. It's just nice to have anything I need when I need it.

[SMiller]

Fire extinguisher, trama/first aid, water.

Edited December 28, 2015 by SMiller

[wurgs]

If going anywhere with wintery weather a winter survival kit, jumper cables and tow rope are a must, it could save your life. the things I normally have are a fire extinguisher, tow rope, jumper cables, small basic tool kit, and toilet paper.

[Truckin 55]

Tire Chains and Deicer if going through higher elevations.

[moosehead1]

Similar to other guys, I'll always have the following in the truck:

 

1) Tow rope and dog bones

2) Jumper cables

3) Basic Tools, zip ties, duct/elect tape

4) Flashlights, Gloves

 

If headed out on a road trip or somewhere remote will add the following:

 

5) Floor jack and 4 way tire iron

6) 2 cans inflate a flat

7) Possibly extra full gas can

 

If towing distance or remotely add:

 

8) Battery powered impact gun and roll on trailer jacks

 

Once you get stranded, your kit gets larger, but most of it fits beneath the rear seat or in a swing away other than the extra larger items.

[moosehead1]

Forgot several other road trip essentials: audio books smart phone app, google maps for smart phone, spotify, smart phone dash mount (magnet mount to vents works well), large insulated mug with top

Edited December 28, 2015 by moosehead1

[Badass69]

My company truck and personal are now one in the same. I carry everything you can imagine..... short of needing the crane I could pull the engine on the side of the road lol.

[muddkatt]

It depends on where you are heading and what your starting point is. If you are heading to Florida, bring bug spray, suntan lotion, and swimming trunks, they are necessary here in the winter. All this talk of snow and ice, can't help you with that. Only ice I know anything about is the cubes that I put in my drinks.

[chuckl1218]

When I used to travel a lot by car for work, I had much of what was mentioned, but also had a blanket and bottled water. It came in handy when stuck on a highway for several hours behind an accident during a snow storm.

Edited December 28, 2015 by chuckl1218

[toro1966]

Only thing I would add is that instead of jumper cables, I would get a small portable starter pack. They are about $59 and are about the size of a small external portable hard drive. And for all the skeptics - they work like a champ. I can't tell you how many times I've used mine on OTHER peoples cars and trucks. I remember one guy in a Dodge with hemi broken down and looked at me like I was crazy when I hooked this little bitty thing up to his car, but it started first time with no issues.

 

The other benefit is that they all come with a USB port or two so if you are in trouble and your phone is dying, you can always charge it from the starter pack as well.

[AhuraPro]

Only thing I would add is that instead of jumper cables, I would get a small portable starter pack. They are about $59 and are about the size of a small external portable hard drive. And for all the skeptics - they work like a champ. I can't tell you how many times I've used mine on OTHER peoples cars and trucks. I remember one guy in a Dodge with hemi broken down and looked at me like I was crazy when I hooked this little bitty thing up to his car, but it started first time with no issues.

 

The other benefit is that they all come with a USB port or two so if you are in trouble and your phone is dying, you can always charge it from the starter pack as well.

Took your advice 6 years ago and bought Sears' best Die Hard rig for $150... No one tells you those devices DO NOT work on batteries that are completely drained, which makes them worthless. We used the air pump on occasion but The cheap build resulted in the connector breaking within a year.

[1500fp]

Wow appreciate all the feedback so far!

 

Will be starting from MA and probably travel the northern part of the country first since I will likely leave in the fall and don't want to be up that way in the dead of winter.

 

Once I make it to cali will go down the coast then make our way back thru the southern states.

 

I'm used to the snow and my truck had 4wd, but are there any pitfalls I should be aware of with the weather in midwest? Guessing it should be similar to new England winters.

 

Truck still has power train warranty up to 100k miles I think but that's it. I'll be living out of the truck alot with my wife and dog so will have all the necessary Camping and survival equipment.

 

If anyone has some cool places to visit along the way please share!