essentials

Everyone has their own idea of what everyone else should carry with them into the outback in preparation for when something might arise. My list of essential items is just that...My list. Maybe by looking at it you may have a better idea of what to carry with you in your own vehicle. I am always open to suggestions so if you have a tip, tool or had a situation that you would like to share I would like to hear it and even add here.

Every vehicle should have at least a basic tool set onboard. The following is a list of tools and supplies that I carry in the Eyesore. I head to remote areas where if something happens the only way I will make it out is my own Redneck ingenuity and the tools and supplies on hand. So you may not need all that I list.

TOOLS
Craftsman 254 PC Mechanics tool set. This is a really nice set of tools but does not come with pliers and useful screwdrivers. The case takes up a bit of space but in my case if I only want to carry the metric tools for the Toyota they will all fit in a small ammo can.
In a small plastic tool case I picked up somewhere I carry
An assortment of Pliers including Snap Ring, Vise Grips, and Channel locks
Screwdrivers
Large Crescent Wrench and Allen Wrenches
Tape Measure and Feeler Gauges
Electrical Connectors, Crimpers, Strippers, Tape, A test light, Wire, and A good assortment of Fuses
Box Cutter and Wire Brushes
Slim Jim
Prybar and a B.F.H.

MISC GEAR AND SPARE PARTS
Two Fire Extinguishers. One in the cab and one in the bed
In the large Ammo cans located on either side of the bed I carry
Most important is A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL for your Vehicle. They cost big bucks but run circles around a Chilton manual
A good set of gloves. I wear Mechanix Wear Gloves. A few pairs of Latex gloves are good to have also.
Safety Glasses
Every type of fluid needed
Rags and Brake Cleaner and Castrol Superclean
Duct Tape (Will plug holes in both Man and Machine)
Bailing wire, Ratchet Straps, And Bungee Cords(useful for securing your Tranny after all the mounts vibrate loose on Saline Valley Rd)
Two Yards of Clear Vinyl (for driving your truck home after rolling it and breaking out the windshield)
At least one Flash Light
Some spare parts that I carry (get creative with this. You may be told it's over kill until you need one of these items)
One full size spare tire under my bed at all times and on long trips a second or even third in the bed
Safety Seal tire repair kit, a 12 volt portable air compressor, and a 20pound CO2tank (someday I will go with a onboard air pump)
High lift jack, OE jack, and Star Bar
Cool Warn quick disconnect Jumper Cables plus a portable booster pack
One spare alternator and water pump with gaskets. If I'm planning on doing a lot of winching I will carry a spare Battery
I have a complete engine overhaul gasket set (pricey but takes up no room)
Rebuild kits for all the clutch and brake hydraulics (cheap and takes little room)
Transfer case and Pinion seals.
The old Hose's and Drive Belts from the last time I changed them out(because they were still good) Some misc heater/bypass hose
Aluma Seal radiator sealer/Radiator water
Spare Tie Rod, Steering Arms, and Drag Link (Can you say Surprise Canyon)
Vehicle extraction tools besides my big manly Warn Winch
Two good tow straps(stay away from those big ropes and don't wrap them around your bumper. That just shows people you always get stuck)
A tow chain and a assortment of Clevises and a Snatch Block
A full size Shovel with short handle and a folding camp Shovel plus a cheap hatchet
A few misc items
Trash bags(to pick up after yourself and everyone else)
Two pairs of Ear Muffs(for when your buddy wants to show off his Shotgun)
Double Sleeping bags zipped together(I like room to spread out)
A nice bed mat to sleep on
Lots of T.P.