What's in your T@B Tool B@G

GlennBeck

I thought I'd start a thread on "what you have in that NorthernTool tool bag" in the hatch under the bench seat just inside the doorway.  Naturally it has to be a T@RDIS* of sorts as you can't (or shouldn't have to) take the entire Craftsman set with you on a camping trip, but there is always something I find out, ofter too late, that I needed to have in the bag.  What's in yours and what "thingy" is unique that you may think we haven't thought of and should've?  I'll be making my list and adding it here once it's mostly finished.  I'm on the road, so I have to visualize the bag's contents for now and update later.  Thanks in advance for all the recommendations!

Glenn

*The TARDIS is a time machine and spacecraft in the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who for those who might be wondering.  Inside it's infinitely larger than it looks on the outside.  Come to think of it, that's what I should've name the T@B, but my wife got that honor.

mash2

Small screwdriver set with 55 bits  (square, hex, sockets, etc) and extension, hammer, couple of wrenches, needle nose pliers, exact knife, cabinet screws, various tape (duct, electrical and 3m), second screwdriver set (just in case), magnets, 2 ton hydraulic jack, fuses and commander strips.  Keep another small toolset in an inaccessible place behind water container.   Mallot, drill, tire changer kit, battery emergency charger and 20 ft cables in TV.    Three plug cxtension cord is in space under fridge.  I think that is it...

For me, the 20 foot cables were essential when I drained my TV battery and had to use the T@B battery to start the car when boon docking extremely far from any services (or cell service).  Mine are long enough to reach from the T@B to the front of the vehicle with 6 ft to spare.  If I unhook, I pull the car in so that I can hook up if necessary.

I've also found that cabinet screws can solve a variety of emergency issues (I keep 1, 1/12 and 2.25 in a container under the fridge...don't normally need them.  I also keep an cheap emergency solar charger at this point (since I had one go bad in the middle of a three month trip).

GlennBeck

The cables were not in my bag, so that is both a great addition and also is parking the truck FACING the tongue of the camper for that one time the TV is out of power!  Thanks for that, mash2!

In addition to the tool bag is a small folders plastic container with bungees and a one with about 20 pair of disposable rubber gloves that work for anything from waste disposal duty to cleaning fish.

Mouseketab

I don't have a tool "bag" but have various tools scattered about. Two Phillips head, two flat head screwdrivers, two pairs of pliers, a pair of wire cutters (mainly for cutting zip ties), 3 different sizes of zip ties, about 5 bungies, a set of allen wrenches in a "pocket knife" type holder. a set of sockets and ratchet in a set stay in the truck. Some duct tape. A set of fuses, and light bulbs, the ratchet handle for the BAL Leveler. A torque wrench and socket for the wheel bolts. I also carry my "electric" bin with 1/2 dozen outside extension cords, large tent stakes, various power adapters, rubber mallet, a couple of power strips, a roll of velcro ties. I've also got a couple of spare spars and hardware for my EZ-Up. Also useful item is toothpicks and super glue. (When the indoor screen screws start to work loose, a doubled-up toothpick in the hole with super glue gives something for the screw to bite into). I have a box of rubber gloves that lives in the toaster oven for travel. I also have a pair of electronics gripper gloves for set up and breakdown. They fit very well and are thin for working and can still use my finger tips, but keep my fingers from getting trashed, and I don't break my finger nails. Also a tube of "Goop", "ShoeGoo", and a tube of lubricant stay there.

mash2

I learned the cable issue  the hard way.. and like mouseketab ... don't really have a tool box.  I don't use toothpicks for the holes but kebob sticks (that double as kebob sticks).  

propus

All I carry in my T@rdis is a Sonic Screwdriver.

GlennBeck

Props you nailed it!  You must have a lovely, perky side kick too!

GlennBeck

I caught a picture of you working on the Alde hot water heater>  

Nomad

propus - What's that rectangular grid thing right below the T@B symbol?

GlennBeck

This is the Tardis from Dr. Who (BBCs longest running SciFi).  "It's called a police call box," as described by my British wife.

GlennBeck

Nomad

Ahhhhh

propus

Seriously though, besides the sonic screwdriver;

a headlamp. Because holding a flashlight in your teeth is lame. i use this
https://www.rei.com/product/875356/black-diamond-revolt-headlamp
runs on AAA or rechargeable batteries.

I keep a pair of reading glasses in my kit

Mechanics work gloves

A piece of a closed cell foam pad (sleeping pad), for kneeling, sitting, or laying on.

A small step for sitting or standing on. upside down it makes a good parts holder.

Flares or emergency flashers.

And if you have locking lug nuts, don't forget the key!

GlennBeck

I now have to add:  back up readers, and McGuard lug key.  Thanks, Doctor!

GlennBeck

Propus, thought I'd have an easy time finding the correct McGard lug for my 205/75D14 alloys but I'm running into a dead end.  Which lugs are you using?  Thanks for the help!

propus

McGard 24538 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks (1/2" - 20 Thread Size) - Set of 5

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000COMX3Q?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
One locking lug on each wheel. I still have the spare under the seat, but if you have it outside lock it too.

propus

That's a nice looking rig by the way. I like your choice of colors 

GlennBeck

Those will fit my T@B CS-S Maxx?  Your wheels do look identical (205 27R14).  The correct color, Propus!  

GlennBeck

Ordered them since they were almost out of stock.  I have McGards on both my wife's BMW and the Tacoma, so I'll be relieved when these get installed.  

propus

All I can tell you is they fit nicely on a 2016 S-Maxx. I believe I got the lug & thread size off this forum somewhere.

I try to think like a crook. "Hmmm, nice clamp-on wheel lock. I'll just pull the whole wheel off and replace it with the chump's own spare."
Gone in 60 seconds.

I try to make it hard enough that they go to someone else s trailer. Locking lugs, Wheel claw, & a coupler lock. None of it's crook-proof, but it's better than nothing.

GlennBeck

Thanks for the update.  I think that a crook will look for the easier (softer) targets of it looks like some effort will be needed to steal something quickly.  A determined thief can get through most defenses.  Now I just have to think how to secure my 160w Zamp while in camp if we take off to the shore.  Zamp should make a cable lock that runs the length of the cord!  Crazy idea as the Zamp system would be a bit over weight and would act like a lightning rod.  POOF goes the T@B!

Verna

GlenBeck, here's hoping @skwhee chimes in here. They have a cable that emits a 120 decibel squeal of the cable or lock is tampered with. It's small enough to go through the legs of the 160 watt Zamp. I have seen it online, possibly on the Zamp website....but I won't swear to that one. I definitely want one for my new 200 watt Zamp that was delivered late last week. 

GlennBeck

Great, thanks, Verna.  I will do a little search.  Sounds like the laptop alarms of yesteryear.  :0)

GlennBeck

This may be the alarm you speak of, Verna:  http://www.amazon.com/FJM-Security-SX-776-Piercing-Decibel/dp/B00CFH9LO2

Verna

Glenn, that is similar, and serves the same purpose. It's definitely less expensive than the model Steve had.  His had a sign on it that warned of the 120 decibels.

GlennBeck

I've seen others made of stainless steel and a bit more expensive.  Worth looking into.  Thanks again!

skwhee

Hi Gang,

Here is the link to the one we have:

http://www.solardealz.com/mobile/product.aspx?ProductCode=sd-campsecurity&404;http://www.solardealz.com:80/Portable-Solar-Lock-p/sd-campsecurity.htm=

We called Zamp who recommended we contact Jeff at Solar Dealz. This is the one he suggested. 

Hope this helps!
Steve & Karen

GlennBeck

Thanx, skwhee!  I'll check it out.

KYkampers

Metric or SAE wrenches and sockets?  And what type of jack works best?  I have a 2 ton hydraulic and a lighter scissor jack to choose from.  I am pulling together tools for maiden voyage and hoping to keep it light.

Verna

Check your jacks to make sure they go high enough to get your tire off the ground. I had an old scissor jack that didn't go high enough, and the same with a small bottle jack. I took both of them to Goodwill (hear that, @Ratkity?). Then I bought an eight ton bottle jack from Harbor Freight that was high enough.  

SAE sockets and wrenches. I bought three different square drive screwdrivers -- #'s 1, 2, and 3 or you can get a a screwdriver with replaceable bits with those bits plus flat and Phillips bits. Lithium grease comes in handy for the hitch, stabilizers, etc. A pry bar and hammer for tent pegs for your visor, awning or tent down guys. Tent pegs. Electrical tape, electrical connectors and splice pieces. 

Be sure your stabilizer Jack tool is in the T@B. 

Nomad

Be aware though that if you drive back roads (sand/gravel) that grease is a magnet.
And if you use it on your hitch, watch out or you'll have it on your pantlegs also.