Emergency Repairs

[lord-dogbert]

Hi all.

Last week we were towing up I-395 out of Bishop and had antifreeze start steaming out of the air ducts. I turned off the air and drove into Mamoth to the Napa to get a couple of parts to bypass the heater core. This done we were once again moving down the road. Good thing I have the extended warranty for another few months.

 

This got me thinking that I carry my tools and and other necessities but I don't really have any parts. For the heater core I just used a 1/2" coupler and a couple of hose clamps so these will be included in my newly formed parts bucket. Aside from a serpentine belt, Oil, Radiator fluid, duct and electrical tape, fuses and miscellaneous bolts, screws and nuts what else do you think should be carried?

 

Are there any special radiator hose fix-its or other doodads for get it home repairs.

 

I have an 2003 2500HD, 8.1l and Allison tranny at 93k miles.

[asilverblazer]

A cell phone, not being a wise guy, but as far as I'm concerned no matter how much I bring, I'll never have what I need to repair it. Just my crappy luck.

[ScottyBoy]

I always keep a tire plug kit and a electric tire inflator. I've also seen radiator hose repair kits in stores before. Its basically a plastic coupler and two hose clamps. You just cut out the bad part of the hose and connect it back together with the coupler. One more thing, JUMPER CABLES! Dont leave home without em. You never know when you'll need them.

[lord-dogbert]

Thanks,

 

I do turn on the OnStar service when we go into the badlands where cell doesn't work. The OnStar is supposed to work where cell can't. Never tried that though.

 

I forgot about the tires and punctures. I did find that my truck spare and tire spare are the same size and bolt pattern so at least I have two spares:-).

 

Have to go to the auto store and pick up some stuff now.

[Wingnut]

Flashlight and a 12 gauge.

 

Flag 'em down with the light, then take their ride.

 

VOILA! NEW CAR!

[HyperBuzzin]

Here's some of the stuff I keep in my truck...

• Flares
  
• Tow strap & chain
  
• Jumper cables
  
• Well stocked first aid kit
  
• Fire extinguisher
  
• 1/2"Ø 100' long rope
  
• 2 ton come-a-long
  
• Small axe & shovel
  
• Bow saw
  
• Throw away painters tarp
  
• Several flashlights
  
• Maps of surounding states
  
• Hose clamp kit (5' section of banding with several screw pieces)
  
• Tire plugs & 12 volt compressor
  
• Portable CB radio
  
• Fan belt repair kit
  
• 2 ton bottle jack
  
• Electric & duct tape
  

And probably some other stuff that's underneath all that stuff.

[ZZ327]

bottles of water, for drinking or to fill radiator.

1 can of the tire foam fill stuff, flashlight, socket set

 

pepper is known to stop small radiator leaks.

 

and a set of jumper cables!

[lord-dogbert]

Cool list, Thanks

 

Here's some of the stuff I keep in my truck...

• Flares
  
• Tow strap & chain
  
• Jumper cables
  
• Well stocked first aid kit
  
• Fire extinguisher
  
• 1/2"Ø 100' long rope
  
• 2 ton come-a-long
  
• Small axe & shovel
  
• Bow saw
  
• Throw away painters tarp
  
• Several flashlights
  
• Maps of surounding states
  
• Hose clamp kit (5' section of banding with several screw pieces)
  
• Tire plugs & 12 volt compressor
  
• Portable CB radio
  
• Fan belt repair kit
  
• 2 ton bottle jack
  
• Electric & duct tape
  

And probably some other stuff that's underneath all that stuff.

[-Devil-]

i am still building up my supplies since it is a new truck .. but i already have a few things in it that i always consider a 'must have' ... thats 6 bottles of water .. and 4 packs of beef jerky ... hey ... ya never know ... =P

[bryanhunt]

Hyperbuzzin has a lot of good stuff to carry around. At the bare minimum I carry a battery operated compressor/battery booster and a small toolkit (one of the low profile ones, you know like you buy your GF?... they stay tucked up under the seat really well). But back when I used to drive a truck that was significantly older than I was I also carried an assortment of vise-grips. I've found they're a good way to get yourself out of a jam really fast. Fuel line broke and your gas is gushing onto the pavement and its over 100 in the nevada desert? how about a torn brake line while wheeling?... you get the idea.

[lord-dogbert]

Vice grips, really cool. I could've used them with the coolant line. Pinched off the hoses to keep the fluid from running out. I lost 2 quarts on the parking lot and didn't need to.