Road Trip must haves?

[jage]

Originally Posted by jessenej

ARB Tire Repair Kit

I have a non-name brand kit in every vehicle. Done a few tires over the years with good results.

Let's see:
- check you jack and lug tools for fit before leaving, don't forget the key might have a different size
- I keep a very few commonly used tools in the cab, 90% of what I ever need is a phillips screwdriver
- at least one mug for hot beverages and one metal spoon (have been without each at times)
- toilet blue (best solution is a plastic bottle of crystals, worst is being without and not being able to find any)
- nitrile gloves (diesel pumping or messing with anything you don't want to have to wash off your hands)
- headlamps are great to have

[Viejo]

Unless you're going deep into the 3rd world boonies, I think 2 spares is overkill. 5 E rated tires w/good tread should be sufficient.

If you depend on any meds, take plenty along with scripts for more.
Paper towels and baby wipes.

That's just off the top of my head; our pre-trip check list is a yard long.

[dmeade0]

Originally Posted by Viejo

That's just off the top of my head; our pre-trip check list is a yard long.

Would you please post it, I'm in the process of writing my list and could use your ideas.

Thanks,

David

[Nomadcat]

I would not go to Toroweep or take the road from Gerlach to Sulphur without two spares. Just speaking from personal experience here, unfortunately. I don't want to be in the outback with no spares after a flat.

Now, for a road trip, one spare is no problem, but for a real outback adventure, in this country or anyplace else, I personally am a 2 spares guy. I know I'm in the minority here.

A really good flashlight or two or three is also big. Tire chains, also.

[jage]

Originally Posted by Viejo

Unless you're going deep into the 3rd world boonies, I think 2 spares is overkill.

Implying Alaska is a 3rd world boonie...

Paper towels and baby wipes.

Personally I don't consider those as a must have for months of travel- you can't possibly bring all you need, you can roll into about anywhere and buy either, and if you're on the side of the road without either you can always use your shirt in an emergency.

Prescriptions on the other hand- you're not easily going to find a Dr. on the road and it will take hours to do a med-check and it's not something you'd normally consider for a week or two... definitely going to remember that one!

Not to single out your post, just the lines I was thinking along.

[salivan]

I'm surprised to one has mentioned as awning as "top ten". I've not had one, and have always wondered if I would ever use one it I had one ... particularly with the bracket issues? Not having an awning has been on my KISS list. Maybe I'm being too conservative here.

[c7train]

I try to always have a Headlamp in stock, it seems I always use it in both emergent and non-emergent situation, just a handy thing to have.
Have a great time!
C.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by salivan

I'm surprised to one has mentioned as awning as "top ten". I've not had one, and have always wondered if I would ever use one it I had one ... particularly with the bracket issues? Not having an awning has been on my KISS list. Maybe I'm being too conservative here.

An awning is nice to have. We have used ours to sit outside in the rain as well as to keep out of the sun. But, it is not a 'must have'.

Mike

[dimension4]

i have a smart phone, don't know how i ever lived without it (haha). does all these neat things:

- gas buddy
- maps
- gps
- finds me free wifi
- email
- stocks
etc

=)

[REF]

We have spent up to 2 months on the road, with several month long trips under our belt. Along with a few things others have mentioned that we bring, like headlamps, iPhone, baby wipes(yes!), our must haves include:

Good Firewood-get some hardwood before you leave, a little goes a long way for heat and cooking, you can always pick up gas station/grocery store wood along the way.

Fire tools-hatchet,folding saw,firestarters,lighters...

Grill Grate

Spice Box/kitchen utensils-I made a kitchen box out of a 2 sided plano tackle box, I put all my spices and oil in small nalgene bottles, plus I put a knife and a set of utensils and lexan forks/knives/spoons.

Dr. Bronners-do all biodegradable soap.

L.E.D candles-great for ambient light in/out without having to have interior lights on or staring into each others headlamps! we love having them. also nice are solar lights for some outdoor light(just remember to charge them up)

L.E.D. lantern too.

chairs/roll up table

Leveling blocks-always come in handy

Water/water containers-we like to have lots of good drinking water with us, we fill up at those filtered water vending machines.

Solar shower-nothing beats keepin it clean!!

Popcorn/popper-nothing like eating popcorn popped over your fire!

Area of travel related book-either a reader or travel related, kind of adds to the experience.

Travel games-we like bananagrams and horseshoes. Oh and playaboule lighted bocce set is pretty damn awsome too!(thanks Chris and Ruth!, I am def. ordering a set)

DVD's/player or iPad loaded with some favorites-we kind of dig watching a movie every now and then in the van.

CB radio-we just have one of those midland handhelds with an antennae hookup, works for us.

Small inverter(converter? it's late, I can't remember)

Folding step stool-not sure if it's essential, for that matter, none of this stuff is, oh hell....enjoy