Road emergency tools

  • francisco4
    Holmen, WI
    Posts: 3607
    #1358294

    After reading about the tire blow out on a previous thread, it got me thinking. What type of jack do you guys recommend for changing tires on a trailer. Does it typically work to use the jack from your tow vehicle.

    What kind of tool kit should we all be carrying for that %#^%&U road side emergency?

    FDR

    Brian Hoffies
    Land of 10,000 taxes, potholes & the politically correct.
    Posts: 6843
    #1415106

    Star tire iron, hydrolic jack, some 2×6 blocks.

    bassn7
    Bruce,WI
    Posts: 776
    #1415110

    I carry a box with a 1.2 ton floor jack and 4 way wrench along with a extra hub and bearings,grease and tools to change em. I’ve used the jack & 4 way,more to help other people out, than for me.
    Stan

    Randy Wieland
    Lebanon. WI
    Posts: 13473
    #1415112

    Quote:


    I carry a box with a 1.2 ton floor jack and 4 way wrench along with a extra hub and bearings,grease and tools to change em. I’ve used the jack & 4 way,more to help other people out, than for me.
    Stan



    X2

    TheFamousGrouse
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts: 11626
    #1415123

    I CAN use the jack from my truck, but you absolutely need to get the jack out and try it to be sure your jack works for your boat. Lots of different jacks out there. One might work, another won’t for one reason or the other.

    As others have said, you need a crossbone wrench or some other lug wrench that you know fits.

    I keep a tool kit in my boat, so I have enough tools to conduct other repairs as well.

    Probably the most overlooked tool is a good, bright flashlight and extra batteries. I keep a flashlight in my boat and every vehicle has one as well. To me, it’s tough to beat the old school 6V flashlights as they are simple, durable, and stay lit for a long time on one battery.

    Grouse

    Chuck Melcher
    SE Wisconsin, Racine County
    Posts: 1966
    #1415125

    I carry a floor jack with wrench and such in the truck. Used for the boat, and to help others on the road several times. See a person struggling with some crap, off the car jack in a parking lot… in a couple minutes you can make someone’s day a less of a pain, and have the piece of mind it is there for you as well.

    I agree, a good light is huge – something I need to check on.

    little-t
    Plymouth WI
    Posts: 314
    #1415128

    Quote:


    Star tire iron, hydrolic jack, some 2×6 blocks. [

    I use the same thing. Just be sure you keep the blocks in da truck./quote]

    keppenhiemer
    (507) MN
    Posts: 142
    #1415130

    a bottle jack wont fit under a boat trailer if the tire and rim falls off. it happens more than you would think. a scissor jack will fit

    check lugs on aluminum wheels they will loosen over time

    Grouse_Dog
    The Shores of Lake Harriet
    Posts: 2043
    #1415139

    The challenging part about dealing with a road emergency is that it is never predictable.

    First, the blow out will create a sense of urgency about where you are going to pull of the road and SAFELY be able to get at the problem. My wife was amazed that I found a driveway to get off 169 – changing on the shoulder in holiday traffic is very scary.

    Then – tools. The truck jack will likely be buried under gear – which means having to unpack the truck. You will also need to know where it is and how to put it together. Sometimes just better to have a tow kit with an extra jack, lug wrench that fits different kinds of nuts, flashlight, extra pieces of wood to help get a little extra leverage or lift, spare gloves and something to wipe your self off when done and a flashlight ( I actually carry a headlight as well) . I also carry coveralls in the “dirty months” as you will be crawling around a little bit. Nice to get back into your vehicle clean.

    Tools for towing as well as tools for boating – I have both (one set in the truck and one set in the boat)

    My kids were playing in the lawn while I was changing the tire – 35 mins we were back on the road.

    Be prepared and you don’t have to be stuck.

    Dog

    phishirman
    Madison, WI
    Posts: 1090
    #1415204

    Quote:


    I carry a box with a 1.2 ton floor jack and 4 way wrench along with a extra hub and bearings,grease and tools to change em.


    x2. Not a bad idea to carry a hammer, chisel, file and sandpaper should your bearings get welded to the spindle if you blow one out. If that’s the case, you’ll more than likely end up having to replace the spindle or the axle, but in an emergency, you should be able to clean it up enough to get you back on the road. I also started carrying fix a flat and a small portable air tank when I’m on the road too. Don’t forget the rubber gloves and a roll of shop rags

    Wade Boardman
    Grand Rapids, MN
    Posts: 4453
    #1415265

    Quote:


    I carry a box with a 1.2 ton floor jack and 4 way wrench along with a extra hub and bearings,grease and tools to change em. I’ve used the jack & 4 way,more to help other people out, than for me.
    Stan



    X3

    Wade Boardman
    Grand Rapids, MN
    Posts: 4453
    #1415268

    Quote:


    Quote:


    I carry a box with a 1.2 ton floor jack and 4 way wrench along with a extra hub and bearings,grease and tools to change em.


    x2. Not a bad idea to carry a hammer, chisel, file and sandpaper should your bearings get welded to the spindle if you blow one out. If that’s the case, you’ll more than likely end up having to replace the spindle or the axle, but in an emergency, you should be able to clean it up enough to get you back on the road. I also started carrying fix a flat and a small portable air tank when I’m on the road too. Don’t forget the rubber gloves and a roll of shop rags


    While I understand things always happen. I change my bearings every year (Cheap $30 insurance) and double check them and pack the fronts prior to every 4+ hour road trip.

    rvvrrat
    The Sand Prairie
    Posts: 1840
    #1415289

    Breaker bar with proper sockets to fit lugs

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