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Posted: 6/14/2021 8:54:27 AM EDT
I’ll ‘fess up; I got caught with my pants down on a trip to the WY MG and cannon shoot. My car was riding low because ammo isn’t light. . I missed a road rut in the dusk twilight, bottomed out, and tore away part of my front bumper cover, the radiator cover, and some guard panels.
The damage wasn’t disabling, but I didn’t want to create more damage by dragging those panels while returning to the hotel. Ended up walking a barbed wire fence line along the road and found some scrap barbed wire pieces on the ground. I untwisted the wire, removed the barbs, and used it like baling wire to secure things. It held long enough for me to get to town for zip ties from Home Depot. What would you put into a vehicle emergency kit? Anything to add for a 12-16’ enclosed cargo trailer? I’ve already got long wrecker jumper cables, a tire repair kit (which was handy on I-90 in SD due to a long nail on the interstate), and a portable air compressor. And now zip ties. |
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I always keep zip ties and electrical tape in my trucks emergency box.
Tire plug kit. Small 12V compressor. Might go slow but better than nothing. Heavy duty jumper cables. Small first aid kit. If going on a trip I always throw a roll of duct tape in my pack. I don't leave a roll in my truck because in my experience it doesn't do well in high temps. Electrical tape is usually good. Small tool kit. I used to carry more tools when I drove an older vehicle but with the newer stuff there isn't much I am going to be able to fix road side. If I can fix it my small socket set/ tool kit will work. Always check your full size spare esp in a truck that has a lowering crank. I still need to lower mine, wash it out, and soak it in oil for this year. Trailer: always check the bearings, have a good spare, and a way to change the tire. ETA/ tow strap & paracord. ETA again/ hi viz vest and gloves. |
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Bailing wire, the original duct tape. I carry a small roll of wire (in addition to zip tires and tape) because there’s things you might need to tie up under a vehicle that might get hot enough to melt plastic zip ties and light duct tape on fire.
Two pairs of vice grips, a small needle nose and larger heavy duty pair. They’re the closest thing I’ve found to having a third hand. 12 volt air pump and a tire plug kit. Jump box. This only works if you can get in the habit of keeping it charged. Jumper cables. Real tools to change a tire. A head lamp. A small fuse kit and a few basic tools but not much, I’m not a mechanic. First aid kit. Water. A small gas can, spout and hose. Some recovery gear but probably not enough to really help. |
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Heavy jumper cables
OEM jack, lug wrench, etc. Semi truck hydraulic jack 6 ton hydraulic jack because the others won't fit under the front axle 3/4 drive ratchet and a few sockets and adapters 3/8 and 1/4 socket set 2 hazard triangles Pliers, screwdrivers, hammer Bungee cords, 550, hay rope About 6 tiedown straps Extra fluids for the truck Edit: forgot some wire, zip ties, feed sacks, and a Farm Use tag Going to put in some shackles, a tow strap, and a hi-lift jack as soon as I have the accessories welded for it. Oh and more crib/chock blocks soon. |
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A full Snap-On ratchet set (SAE and metric, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" drive) and combination wrenches, a 10HP gas-powered air compressor, two 1/2" and two 3/4" impact wrenches (two is one, one is none), four extra wheels for the trailer and 4 extra wheels for the truck, 6 extra tires for each, a tire mounting machine, 3 gallons of motor oil, 80 gallons of fuel, spare oil pan, gasket, and drain plug, spare transmission fluid, pan, and gasket, 2 quarts power steering fluid, a spare battery, two 12-ton floor jacks, a rebuild kit for the jacks, a 12kW generator, and a Garmin InReach. And I never tow without other people towing and convoying with me.
Anything else, it's your funeral, bud. Sorry, I'm just preemptively getting that out of the way before the usual one-upsmanship arrives and gets us there. |
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Quoted: A full Snap-On ratchet set (SAE and metric, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" drive) and combination wrenches, a 10HP gas-powered air compressor, two 1/2" and two 3/4" impact wrenches (two is one, one is none), four extra wheels for the trailer and 4 extra wheels for the truck, 6 extra tires for each, a tire mounting machine, 3 gallons of motor oil, 80 gallons of fuel, spare oil pan, gasket, and drain plug, spare transmission fluid, pan, and gasket, 2 quarts power steering fluid, a spare battery, two 12-ton floor jacks, a rebuild kit for the jacks, a 12kW generator, and a Garmin InReach. And I never tow without other people towing and convoying with me. Anything else, it's your funeral, bud. Sorry, I'm just preemptively getting that out of the way before the usual one-upsmanship arrives and gets us there. View Quote No welder and bar stock? Lame |
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Quoted: A full Snap-On ratchet set (SAE and metric, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" drive) and combination wrenches, a 10HP gas-powered air compressor, two 1/2" and two 3/4" impact wrenches (two is one, one is none), four extra wheels for the trailer and 4 extra wheels for the truck, 6 extra tires for each, a tire mounting machine, 3 gallons of motor oil, 80 gallons of fuel, spare oil pan, gasket, and drain plug, spare transmission fluid, pan, and gasket, 2 quarts power steering fluid, a spare battery, two 12-ton floor jacks, a rebuild kit for the jacks, a 12kW generator, and a Garmin InReach. And I never tow without other people towing and convoying with me. Anything else, it's your funeral, bud. Sorry, I'm just preemptively getting that out of the way before the usual one-upsmanship arrives and gets us there. View Quote You may have overlooked carrying a Medical Technician with medical bag to resolve any boo boos you may get! Not sure? Bill |
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In on purse measuring swinging
Yup OP you must carry all the tools in the Snap-On website and at least a complete replacement drive pack (engine, transmission, transfercase, shafts, axels, etc) bearings for the trailer and tires. Really I've learned that there are just a small list of fastener sizes on modern vehicles. Vehicles less than 3 decades old that is. It is likely that you will need only 7 or so wrench sizes to do everything on your BOV. However you will need all the types of those sizes. I may have 11 different shapes of 10mm. When I see a new shape of one of my short list sizes I am likely to buy it. I have gone to funny contortions to get at the bolt that was under a % and behind the &. To address the specific event in the OP Operating vehicles in overload or just max load condition requires extra. Extra time...can't go as fast safely. Extra caution...More following distance. Extra luck...If you have a lackluster history of luck look to build up margins of capacity such as reducing the load on the vehicle to improve performance and slowing down to place less demand for max performance. |
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Lots of good suggestions in this thread I won't bother repeating. I carry most of them. But to add:
- ham radio preprogrammed with the relevant channels for my AO - 3 road flares (alerting device, emergency fire starter, etc) - a couple spare tire valve cores - Tire deflator and Viair 12V inflator - Noco GB40 1000A battery boost pack - 2-3L of water and a bunch of Clif bars - Some spare clothing (season-dependent) - A hatchet and Sven Saw for clearing trail blowdown - A set of good goat leather workgloves - Basic tool kit as detailed in earlier posts - A padded board for kneeling down to use any of the aforementioned tools - Fire extinguisher |
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In the back of my FJ:
Jumper cables, separate NOCO booster pack Assorted tool bag, tape, fuses, zip ties Folding 4 way tire iron, tire plugs, compressor Heavy tow strap, E-tool 12" battery chainsaw Fire extinguisher or two Attached File Attached File |
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Quoted: You may have overlooked carrying a Medical Technician with medical bag to resolve any boo boos you may get! Not sure? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: A full Snap-On ratchet set (SAE and metric, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" drive) and combination wrenches, a 10HP gas-powered air compressor, two 1/2" and two 3/4" impact wrenches (two is one, one is none), four extra wheels for the trailer and 4 extra wheels for the truck, 6 extra tires for each, a tire mounting machine, 3 gallons of motor oil, 80 gallons of fuel, spare oil pan, gasket, and drain plug, spare transmission fluid, pan, and gasket, 2 quarts power steering fluid, a spare battery, two 12-ton floor jacks, a rebuild kit for the jacks, a 12kW generator, and a Garmin InReach. And I never tow without other people towing and convoying with me. Anything else, it's your funeral, bud. Sorry, I'm just preemptively getting that out of the way before the usual one-upsmanship arrives and gets us there. You may have overlooked carrying a Medical Technician with medical bag to resolve any boo boos you may get! Not sure? Ah dangit, I knew I forgot something. |
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Deepwell 1/2" drive impact sockets in all 4 common lug nut sizes.
I thought I was all prepped, but the stud for the spare on my buddies trailer was so long I could get my wrench on it, and the wheel was too small to get a crescent wrench on the nut. |
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Quoted: Deepwell 1/2" drive impact sockets in all 4 common lug nut sizes. I thought I was all prepped, but the stud for the spare on my buddies trailer was so long I could get my wrench on it, and the wheel was too small to get a crescent wrench on the nut. View Quote Some stuff you will never realize until it is too late! I have the OEM Crap lug wrench along with a four-way lug and a breaker bar with 3/4" deep socket. I have the OEM crap jack, which works if needed but if I am on a long trip I will carry a bottle jack or small floor jack. Bill |
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Quoted: Some stuff you will never realize until it is too late! I have the OEM Crap lug wrench along with a four-way lug and a breaker bar with 3/4" deep socket. I have the OEM crap jack, which works if needed but if I am on a long trip I will carry a bottle jack or small floor jack. Bill View Quote I also add a bottle jack on any longer road trips especially when traveling with a trailer. |
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Thank you all very much. This is great information for creating the kit I’ll need.
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Trash bags - So many uses.....more often they end up being for dirty laundry when traveling or for trash from an expected mess. You can use them to lay on wet ground so you don't get soaked from crawling under a vehicle. In a pinch they can be used as rain gear or wind breaker.
ETA - another thing that I carry that I have not seen mentioned is a code reader. I had a chevy that taught that lesson. |
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For once I have just about everything people mentioned.
Attached File Even a serpentine belt (there was a whole thread about these). Attached File Plus rain gear, a mounted fire extinguisher and a rather thorough first aid bag in-cab. Attached File |
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Most of the things that I carry in my truck have been covered by others.
Some other items though that haven't been mentioned (I'll go from memory without going out to the vehicle). A tarp (beats laying in the mud or ants); I carry a 12,000 pound portable winch that I can put into a 2" receiver in either the front or back; extra antifreeze and oil; extra hose clamps (have had a couple over the years strip out while under way and blew coolant all over); fix a flat in a can; fire starting materials (lighters or flint and steel); rain gear; cheap pair of rubber boots; extra sun glasses, hats and leather gloves; I also recommend a heavy duty front bumper (assuming your are driving a truck) with brush guard and built in receiver (for reference I get $105/year knocked off on my auto insurance for having the HD bumper and brush guard); small shovel; spare fixed blade knife; dental floss (hate traveling on long trips and getting something stuck between my teeth); aspirin and tums; reflective breakdown markers or flares; a come along; small notebook and writing instruments; post it notes; sun screen and insect repellent; paper highway maps; wire stripper and crimping tool plus some low voltage connectors; 10W-40; a piece of old carpet in the bottom of the tool box to keep it more quiet and protect things plus the carpet can be thrown under a wheel for traction. To reinforce what others have said: fuse kit; high lift jack (had to park on the side of the road a year or two ago after a blowout and could not get the regular jack to fit under the truck); small bottle jack; bow or collapsible saw; ax; 550 cord; duct tape; electrical tape; set of basic tools; owners manual; ratchet straps; chain or tow cable; tow strap; bungee cords; 50 feet of regular rope; trash bags; zip ties; jumper cables; other first aid stuff for boo-boo's, etc.; reflective vest. I need to add some baling wire or equivalent; thanks folks. |
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I just got done building a trailer and I'm taking notes. Lot of good ideas in this thread.
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Buy a new, one or two gallon gas can and keep it in your vehicle. Never use it for gas except for emergencies. A new can won't smell like gas and it's there if you need it. Also, carry a 6 ft. long, 1/2" hose for siphoning gas. I'm sure you all know how it's done, right? Unfortunately, it won't work for siphoning gas from some newer vehicles.
A dynamic recovery rope can be priceless if you get stuck and need someone to pull you out or vise-versa. I've pulled a large dually truck with it's wheels buried in mud, out of the rut with my 4Runner. The rope has some stretch. You accelerate the vehicle before the rope gets tight. It uses the vehicle momentum to gain enough force to get a larger vehicle out of a rut. Also, carry a larger ABC type fire extinguisher. You never know when you need one. I needed one to put out a vehicle fire. Glad I had it. It did a great job. |
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OK, this is one topic I'm a biggie on and something that comes in handy frequently.
Macro answer is it depends on which vehicle and what time of year. I have a number of vehicles. My Diesel offroad pickup is my designated rescue vehicle. It gets the full Monty from live in the truck a few days to repair about anything that goes wrong. List is too long and I'd probably still miss a few things but very similar to these other guys lists. Honorable mentions is shovel, tow straps, heavy duty line, light duty line, pack stove, food, water, and a variety of tools including save all duct tape and very important tie wire. Common items in all my vehicles even my motorcycles are tire puncture repair (you learn this living in the mountains with no cell service), shovel, toilet paper, water, first aid kit, lighters, lights, knife, paracord, garbage bags, Mylar blanket, shovel (yes even my bike a small folder), and tool kit. Winter adjustments I add in four wheel vehicles a plastic container of ice melt and in my truck bed two bags of sand. Road trip adjustments, I throw in my "Go" bag which man that's a list all in its own but the general idea is 3 days all weather. That can transfer vehicle to vehicle. That also includes self defense, yes, a gun. Gun is a tough one because some places you go you are foolish not to have one and others you are foolish to have one so have to revert to National Car Carry. Some places you obey the laws and some you are forced to ignore them but pretty much you can stay legal without walking through a land mine field. Scenarios you best address are fixing a flat in the rain along side a fast moving road, stuck in the mud or snow, and this broke. I can't stress more highly the importance of tie wire. It can be used for millions of things from holding up an exhaust to replacing a clamp. Last but not least, any vehicle prep unlike a "Go Bag" should be a living thing with constant adjustments. Add as you find so to say and often little things become very important. For example, a multi-tool often comes in handy and you can go inexpensive on a leave it in the vehicle just in case. Twice I've had my own vehicle catch on fire not even counting other vehicles I've stopped to help. Glue comes in damn handy sometimes. If I had to name the number one item I've used in my life its a First Aid kit. Due to where I live, I probably stop three times a year for a motorcycle accident which can be very hairy in an area with no cell service. Now I'm not going to attempt surgery or BS like that on the side of the road, but often you have to address the patient while someone goes to find a hot zone to call 911 and response times push out to over an hour. Usually someone else will stop to help. I use these things from everything from a scratch to stop/slow the bleeding. Another thing I do, very important, is pend and pad. I write down anything I did, tag the patient, for the emergency response team/later doctors. Number 2, flat tire stuff, pump, plug kit, Slime. Number 3, stuck stuff, shovel, salt/sand, tow straps. Number 4, line like paracord or climbing rope or ratchet straps. Amazing how many folks are stopped because "That things falling off". Number 5, water. Getting stranded in traffic to need to wash this off or cool this down. Big fan of the corrugated bottles of water which even in winter can be thawed when needed. Number 6, believe or not a biggie in the south is tow straps. I switch to my 4x4 in snow or ice and have pulled more folks out of a jam than I can remember. Another honorable mention is I have a Gold AAA card which will tow a vehicle 100 miles. Comes in handy about three times a year if not me, someone I know. Customize your load out not only for time of season but your most traveled geography. This can vary a lot depending where. For example when I lived on the ocean, I hauled scrap lumber for wheel traction in the sand. Not so easy to find stick etc. on the beach. You get the idea. What I can tell you is this is one of the preparation things I have probably used more than any other thing we discuss on this forum. I probably haven't used a spare tire in decades. In fact, my new Challenger RT doesn't even have one and it doesn't bother me in the least it doesn't. Good luck. Just keep in mind, all you need is a starting point and just keep adding. Tj |
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Some great ideas for kits.
The most under rated item I had in a small tool kit was a set of tamper proof torx bits. Had a torx screw on the coil in the distributor cap back out so the motor in Tahoe was miss firing. |
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Thank you, all. Still taking notes and learning. A trailer and a pickup are in my future. I don't intend to ever walk fence lines to scrounge barbed wire again. The other thing I'm studying is trailer security. Enclosed utility trailer thefts are through the roof locally and in areas I commonly travel. GD wasn't too much help, but I still got a few ideas. Also listening to YouTube videos for other recommendations.
Update- my car is repaired. It hasn't looked this good in some time, but now my ghetto camo is gone. |
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A jack base. Many moons ago I was driving up to Fort Leavenworth, KS is the summer for a military school and had a blowout on a freshly black-topped road in 100+degree temps. The OEM jack kept sinking in the asphalt and I literally couldn't get my truck lifted . Looking back, I could have possibly used a floor mat, but I wandered the highway ditch for a 100 yards or so and found a two foot section of a 1x6 which saved the day. I still remember that struggle over 20 years ago still and about burning myself on scorching asphalt to get a simple tire swapped out...
Lots of good feedback and recommendations here! ROCK6 |
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Quoted: Thank you, all. Still taking notes and learning. A trailer and a pickup are in my future. I don't intend to ever walk fence lines to scrounge barbed wire again. The other thing I'm studying is trailer security. Enclosed utility trailer thefts are through the roof locally and in areas I commonly travel. GD wasn't too much help, but I still got a few ideas. Also listening to YouTube videos for other recommendations. Update- my car is repaired. It hasn't looked this good in some time, but now my ghetto camo is gone. View Quote The thing to remember about trailer security is if they have a way to cut a lock, it doesn't matter how many locks you use. The two things I do do is I lock both the trailer receiver and truck hitch and use truck hitch locks which are thicker and harder to cut. Just keep in mind that unless they're dumber than a rock, they aren't going to be pulling a trailer down the road by hand. They're going to use a vehicle. They may push it so far to reduce sound but they will hook it up to a vehicle. Like all personal property security, its not to stop them but make it so they go to the easier target. You know the best part of a security system? Its the big sign that says "I have a security system." Tj |
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Attached File
Hand tools, VIAIR inflator, NOCO jump pack, Impact, Kinetic Recovery Rope, hitch shackle receiver, Traction Boards. |
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bungee cords and ratchet straps are by far what i use most.
fire extinguisher normal EDC / get home bag, i take this with me driving anywhere i can't quickly walk to wherever i'm staying spare mini radio extra batteries 18650, 123 cells, lithium AAs Extra 4 2 liters of water and some of the nasty boat survival food bars. i know i wont eat those unless i need to and they last a long time in the heat or cold minimal tool kit with some sockets, a screw driver and bit kit, multi tool, wire, fuses, hose claps, fix a flat, duct tape, electrical tap blanket in the winter i add a change of clothes, extra coat, winter windshield fluid, some extra blankets, and some chemical hand warmers. |
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When you're towing a trailer, throw an extra trailer hub in your kit. Or mount one to your trailer and put the spare on it. Make enough long trips and eventually you'll have a hub go out.
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Quoted: When you're towing a trailer, throw an extra trailer hub in your kit. Or mount one to your trailer and put the spare on it. Make enough long trips and eventually you'll have a hub go out. View Quote This is great advice. I always recommend checking the hubs and tire pressure before going out. Having a spare on hand and the tools to replace (some of which I list below) can safe a lot of headaches. I spend a lot of weekends pulling trailers for recreation (track days, ATV rides, etc.). There are a few things that I have found to be invaluable: Cordless Impact - Makes changing tires a breeze. I have standardized on 3/8" tools for my "road box", but take the big 1/2" gun more often than not. If you're not locked into a battery ecosystem, the Kobalt stuff is great performance per dollar and has an excellent warranty. Don't forget a set of lug nut sockets and the key if you have locking lugs. I'd recommend getting a tire inflator and maybe a flashlight from the same brand. That way, you have most of your bases covered for a tire change. Jack - The cheap aluminium "racing" jack from Harbor Freight is easy to throw around and enough to change a tire on most cars, trucks, and/or trailers in a pinch. Wood Blocks - A few chunks of 4"x4" wood are invaluable. They can be used in conjunction with the jack to lift trucks and to chock wheels if needed. These double as trailer wheel chocks if disconnected. Plywood - A piece of 2'x2' plywood makes a great jack base, especially on a soft surface like mud or even a highway shoulder. These take up effectively zero room. Tarp - Having something to kneel on is invaluable. No need to be fancy, wait for Harbor Freight to put tarps on sale for $2.00 or whatever and buy a dozen of them. I treat these things as disposable OBD2 Dongle - Good for troubleshooting if you have a CEL pop up and don't want to hunt for a parts store. Won't give you much aside from piece of mind, however. Gloves- I always keep at least a pair of hi-viz Mechanix gloves under the seat, if not some nitrile ones as well. In winter, I swap out for an insulated set and matching hat. Hi-viz Vest - Changing a tire on the side of the road sucks. It's worse when people can't see you. I always keep one of these under the seat. Most everything else has been covered. The only other thing I'd mention is that I personally prefer safety wire to zip ties. Yeah the latter are easier to use, but if you have to secure something unconventional, it's easier to secure something with safety wire. |
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Thank you again! I'm actively using and weighing these recommendations to create my own "ultimate" emergency kit.
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My Milwaukee M18 cordless impact is worth it's weight in gold. You look like a hero when the boat trailer blows a tire, and you're back up and moving in minutes.
Something that I don't think was mentioned yet: Get the AAA trailer endorsement. It was $66/year to add it to my membership. I had a boat trailer spindle fail on me over the 4th of July weekend. I ended up just off the turnpike in the dark, with rain coming down, hours from home, and work the next day. Every tow company was slammed. And because of the size and height of the boat, the tow guys were talking about needing a lowboy 18 wheeler to get it home for me. I was quoted $2000 to get it to a trailer shop, $3600 to get it home. That $66 endorsement would have covered the whole tow. |
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I'm off road just about every weekend taking part in and leading trail rides. I carry a lot of recovery gear for myself and to help others.
My 4Runner: Attached File Recovery Gear: Attached File Tire Plug Kit. Viair 300P air compressor. Kinetic Recovery Rope. Soft and hard shackles (3 of each) Safe Jack Jack Extensions Tree Strap Snatch Block Rhino Recovery Strap Rhino Tree Saver Strap Jumper Cables Winch Controller Winch Blanket Surplus Folding E-Tool Shovel Goretex Coat and Poncho Couple MRE's and a Mayday Life Boat Rations. Section of 2x4 for a jack base, water filter, water bottles, mountain house, & Mora knife w/ fire starter kit (not seen) All the above fits in this duffel. I have 2 pistol cable locks securing the ends of the duffel to cargo hold tie down points. Attached File A few weeks ago I used my tire plug kit to plug a sidewall cut and puncture on a gal's tire during our trail ride. She had her own air compressor but no plug kit. Attached File |
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