Toolkit for cross country road trip

ajdata · December 28, 2015

I vote for adding a ham radio, its a useful tool and entertainment.

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1500fp · December 28, 2015

I vote for adding a ham radio, its a useful tool and entertainment.

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Any model in particular? Looking for something small and affordable.

ajdata · December 28, 2015

Any model in particular? Looking for something small and affordable.

I am new to the game myself. I got started on these handheld Baofeng radios that you can find on amazon. The UI is not great but they are super inexpensive and a great way to try before you drop $200+ on a name brand.

I like these raidos because they are a full 5w of power, compared to gmrs which are far less. Plus you can program in repeaters and really start to talk some distances, 40+ miles. I think the Baofeng run about $30 now. I'll see if I can find a link to post.

Currently I have a yaseu FT-8800r in my truck.

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ajdata · December 28, 2015

Any model in particular? Looking for something small and affordable.

Search amazon for Baofeng Uv5R. I would recommend upgrading the antenna to a whip style that can be found on Amazon, that will set you back another $15 but worth it fit the extended range.

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Northside · December 28, 2015

All I need is my I phone 6. Not for calling roadside assistance, it takes great pictures of all the places my truck takes me!

JUSTINASS · December 28, 2015

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.

that is a basic tool set - first aid - jumper cables - misc tool bag with things like fix it flat - tie down straps - plyers

since added tow strap

flash lights

flares

gloves

Edited December 28, 2015 by JUSTINASS

SouthpawHD · December 28, 2015

I have a small assortment of hand tools, not necessarily for the truck, but because you never know what you might need when you get somewhere.

But for the truck, the thing that I would make you have is a deep-well socket and wrench for the lug nuts because usually the factory supplied lug wrenches are cheap pieces of crap!

1500fp · December 28, 2015

Good feedback so far thanks guys!

Currently looking at bed caps to convert the back into a storage/sleep area.

Will be a little tight for me since i am 6'1'' and bed looks like its 5.8' or so but the wife and dog should squeeze in there fine.

I actually have my rear seats removed (just the two-seater) and have a dog crate there and all his working supplies behind the crate. Will likely need to fabricate something custom or take the crate out and the other back seat and use the entire back area for storage.

Tools wise i think im just going to pack 1 of all the common stuff like wrenches, screw drivers, pliers, etc and then any specialty tools like deep sockets and whatnot.

bigsapper · December 28, 2015

I don't think jumper cables are recommended anymore. The recommendation is to use a portable jump starter. Most have a USB to allow charging your phone.

Edited December 28, 2015 by bigsapper

Badass69 · December 28, 2015

An 18 volt drill battery will jump a truck in a pinch lol. But if you are stone dead... sorry... still screwed.

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kstruckcountry · December 28, 2015

Search amazon for Baofeng Uv5R. I would recommend upgrading the antenna to a whip style that can be found on Amazon, that will set you back another $15 but worth it fit the extended range.

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It's worth noting that a license is required to legally operate a HAM radio.

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GMCguy78 · December 29, 2015

Cellphone, toilet paper, 30 pack...

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JRaschke11 · December 29, 2015

I don't think jumper cables are recommended anymore. The recommendation is to use a portable jump starter. Most have a USB to allow charging your phone.

Is it even possible to kill the battery in these newer vehicles with all the rundown protections?

I keep jumper cables to use for other people, I don't expect to need them in a six-month old truck.

crafferty · January 1, 2016

- Defensive driving

- Gun

- Wallet

- Cellphone

- Basic tools

- Tow strap

- Jumper Cables

- Yeti Cooler

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Badass69 · January 1, 2016

Is it even possible to kill the battery in these newer vehicles with all the rundown protections?

I keep jumper cables to use for other people, I don't expect to need them in a six-month old truck.

The day after I brought my 2015 home from the dealer brand new ( and put over 500 miles on it in the process) it sat for about a week with nothing aftermarket going on in it. When I went to fire it up to use it the battery was dead to the point it just clicked the starter solenoid. I pulled the Delco out and tossed in a Odyssey to eliminate that problem from reoccurring as I assumed the battery was the likely culprit.... and 4 months later never another issue. Yes they can indeed go dead while sitting.... and you never know if the battery will be causing you grief.

Edited January 1, 2016 by 1994Vmax