My GF and I are about to embark on a glorious journey from Ithaca, NY to Springfield, MO by way of Des Moines, IA and Lincoln, NE. I'm throwing a toolbox together for the trip, just in case. I was wondering if the GRM hive mind knows what size fasteners I am likely to encounter on this vehicle. I have a Harbour Freight 301 piece mechanic's tool from which I would like to cherry pick only the sockets and wrenches that I may need. Already on my list are 8mm, 10mm, 15mm and 19mm (for lugs nuts) sockets. I will have 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets and breaker bars. I will also have a cheater pipe for the breaker bar, a BFH, various screw drivers and pliers, a multimeter, fuses, rags and a few other things that I tossed in the box. Am I missing anything? What would you add?
Also, I am interested in things not to be missed along the way between any of these places.
Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery is just about 10 miles north of Iowa City up I-380 from I-80.
Really excellent craft spirits-- I recommend the bourbon and the dark rum.
Nothing really, that era Caravan is an automotive cockroach. It will never really die.
I'd recommend swinging though Bowling Green KY and checking out the Corvette Museum.
For a more nature based thing to see, in southeastern KY we have "The Natural Bridge". It's a pretty amazing stone arch.
mtn
MegaDork
10/18/16 4:40 p.m.
These days I'd say a multi-tool, zip ties, code reader, and Cell Phone with Credit Card. Maybe a $100 bill too, just in case.
If you want a different response:
If the tool set is in the box it came in, I'd bring the whole thing. Cause why not.
Multi-tool. Even a cheap one.
Jumper cables, zip ties, code reader, small air compressor, flashlights, and a cell phone. And with all of that you will have completely overkilled the whole thing.
mazdeuce wrote:
Code reader.
Bluetooth reader and Torque. Check.
mtn wrote:
These days I'd say a multi-tool, zip ties, code reader, and Cell Phone with Credit Card. Maybe a $100 bill too, just in case.
If you want a different response:
If the tool set is in the box it came in, I'd bring the whole thing. Cause why not.
Multi-tool. Even a cheap one.
Jumper cables, zip ties, code reader, small air compressor, flashlights, and a cell phone. And with all of that you will have completely overkilled the whole thing.
I firmly believe that overkill is good insurance against needing any of it.
Yep. It's a cockroach. Mine is a 2005 just about to turn 200,000 miles. It's been abused, ran low on oil a couple times and it keeps going.
Second all that about not needing much, but American market metric use a different set of sizes from typical Japanese standard. Think more 13, 15, 16 instead of 12, 14, 17. There's a designation for each standard, but I can't remember the three letter acronyms right now.
In reply to WonkoTheSane:
8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 18 for Chrysler.
You're overthinking this unless this is the rattiest beat to hell 2006 Grand Caravan on the road. Zip ties, vise grips, screwdriver, duct tape, and a breaker bar w/ socket* that fits the lug nuts. Maybe a pack of fuses, just in case you blow the lighter socket. Check the fluids and tires and drive it.
*This is often two or three sockets on a Chrysler product, one normal, one for the ones where the caps fell off, one for the ones that are swollen from rust under the caps.
This van has under 100k miles. It got an oil change today. Cockroach confirmed.
I have a compressor/jumper/cell charger/hazard light/flashlight/hand crank generator and 12v outlet all-in-one thing I like to keep with me.
Plus there's those 5 day survival packs with lots of first aid and food items. Why not?
So far, so good. We're currently somewhere in Illinois. I saw a Honda Beat on a car hauler outside of Elkhart, IN.
