Yep, from time to time every van breaks down, stops working or has a funny turn; especially when they are being used all year round by Van Lifers, off grid living, drifters and those who are nomadic by nature. So if you live on the road or are planning to then indeed you will need to carry some tools with you to ensure that your van can make it to a campsite or doesn’t leave you stranded at the side of the road somewhere in Germany, Italy or beyond.
Basic tools are all that is needed but with this you may also need some basic knowledge of your vehicle, its engine, running gear and accessories as well as any aftermarket accessories fitted such as solar, wind or electrics and heating.
The tools which many people carry in their vehicles include;
A decent jack, be it a bottle jack to save space or a 3 tonne trolley jack, something sturdy and weight approved for your vehicle is a must, although the jack may take up space and weigh quite a lot, these are one of the most important things to have in your vehicle.
Socket Sets and Spanners. A set of sockets as well as a set of spanners is appropriate for nuts and bolts but you will also need some alan keys, torx and screwdrivers in both flat and cross as well as in a range of sizes, tool rolls are often a good way to carry these items. A hammer and some mole grips as well as pliers is a must.
A decent set of overalls and gloves. Yet working on a van at the side of the road can be dirty and dangerous. A high vis or some overalls as well as some gloves can be beneficial to making yourself somewhat comfortable when working on a broken down vehicle.
ODBII Scanner. Fault codes are common and for a few quid no modern mechanic is complete without a scanner to read and erase codes. Sometimes engines throw codes and these can direct you instantly to the problem without having to think or wonder what it could be. Bluetooth models are available and can also give real time engine data such as RPM, IDEL and DPF readings for those who like to know their engines normalities.
Spare Belts, Coolant and Oil. Yep a spare serpentine belt and alternator belt or fan belt is a must if you are travelling far, you might never need them but if you do then indeed you have them. They don’t take up much room and could save your engine from complete devastation.
Jump leads and/or a jump pack/ battery charger are sometimes a good idea. If you use too much battery one night then your van might not start and should you be lucky enough to catch the attention of a fellow compatriot then indeed a jump with some leads may be just the ticket. Jump packs and battery chargers might be something worth carrying should you be able to find electric points.
Tyre compressor and puncture repair kits are a must too, should your van get a flat or get a puncture then indeed you could plug and pump the wheel back up. If your van is heavy consider jacking the van up to inflate the tyre or removing some weight to help the tyre inflate.
Cable ties, gaffa tape, screws, nails, glues, silicon and mastic are good ideas too. Holes and leaks can be bunged up or repaired.
A multi-meter is a good idea for testing wiring and the likes. Losing power is never good yet is somewhat common as the knocks and bangs of the road take their toll on the wiring and electrics. Hence fault finding with it multi meter is a good idea to keep you rolling.
Locking wheel nuts, a Jerry can of fuel, a spare wheel as well as some piping, brake lines and even spare brake pads as well as engine coolant, engine oil and potentially a spare oil filter.
If you don’t have the ability to change the oil on your van then you should indeed ask a friend or someone who does to teach you before you go travelling, a basic understanding of vehicle mechanics could save your life as well as your van. Hence all the tools in the world are no good if you don’t know how to use them properly.
A recovery service is always worth investing in too…
