Picture this: You’re driving a highway somewhere in West Texas, when all of a sudden, lights start flashing on the dashboard and there is a funny smell wafting from the engine compartment. You pull over and pop the hood, only to find fluids leaking incessantly and smoke billowing.
What It’s Like Living the Roadlife During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Read article
It sounds like quite the situation, but when living the roadlife, vehicle issues can happen anywhere (and believe us, they will). In 15 years of van traveling I’ve had a fair share. I’d like to say I can’t recall them all, but each tends to leave an impression. The difference between realizing you just blew your entire travel budget on tows and repairs, versus continuing on with your endless epic, may simply boil down to whether or not you roll up your sleeves and fix it yourself.
Joe Potoczak Basic vehicle repair is something every roadlifer should know. With the resources of modern technology and some essential tools, doing your own handiwork has never been more within reach. There are some great pre-assembled tool kits out there, and the more in-depth your auto repair skills get the more you’ll add. But you should have an understanding of the basic tools you need to get the job done, beyond that tire iron and jack collecting dust in the back.
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Here is a rundown of essential tools I carry for the roadlife.
Combination wrenches, sockets, ratchet, extension, slotted screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver. – Combination Wrenches: Wrenches are one of the cornerstones to any toolkit. You need wrenches. – Sockets and Ratchet: Right there with standard wrenches. Ratchets provide mechanical advantage, and the ability to turn a bolt without removing your tool. – Socket Extension: Sometimes your ratchet just doesn’t fit where a socket needs to go, be an advocate for working smarter not harder. – Screwdrivers: You’re going to want to carry both a slotted and a Phillips screwdriver in your kit. Trust us, these are a must.
Electrical tape, hex keys, slip joint pliers, needle nose pliers, diagonal pliers, circuit tester. Joe Potoczak – Electrical Tape: High-temperature vinyl tape is the duct tape of electrical repair. – Hex Keys: Hex keys are good to have for not only your vehicle, but everything else, like bikes or surfboard fins. They belong in every tool set. – Slip-Joint Pliers: Great for getting a grip. They also crimp wires in a pinch.
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– Needle-Nose Pliers: Helpful for grasping small objects in tight spaces. – Diagonal Pliers: These snippers are the easiest way to cut wires and such. – Circuit Tester: Simple tool that lights up if you have sufficient current to an electrical component, and much safer than the old “licking your finger” trick.
Hammer, utility knife, WD-40, wire brush, telescoping magnet, bar clamp. Joe Potoczak – Hammer: Most people steer away from using a hammer in auto repair, but sometimes you just have to hit things. (A faulty starter motor for instance.) – Utility knife: Crazy-sharp, replaceable blades you can use to cut almost anything. – WD-40: Miracle in a can. Spray some between rusted bolts and threads before going to work. – Wire brush: Those metal bristles are just what you need to scrub away grease, rust, or take corrosion off a battery terminal. – Telescoping Magnet: This is a life-changing tool. Having a telescoping magnet is better than spending an hour trying to fish that screw from a crevice just beyond reach. – Bar Clamps: Holds things together, or provides compression on parts like brake calipers.
Tire pressure gauge, plug kit, pump. Joe Potoczak – Tire Pressure Gauge: For safety and fuel efficiency, check your tire pressure regularly. – Tire Plug Kit (Reamer, Plugs, and Plugger): You know what’s more fun than changing out a tire on the side of the road? Not changing out a tire on the side of the road. Pull out that nail, ram a gooey plug in the leak, and be on your way. Down the road, a mechanic can provide a permanent patch pretty cheap. – Bike Pump: Your trusty bike pump will reach any tire anywhere… where a plug-in pump may not.
Head lamp, safety glasses, gloves. Joe Potoczak – Headlamp: Let there be light. Headlamps serve just about every facet of the roadlife. – Safety Glasses: Always wear eye protection before sliding under your leaking rust box of a vehicle. – Gloves: Avoid getting grease all over your ride.
Phone, rewards card, manual, storage bin. Joe Potoczak – Phone: Smartphones, 4G, and YouTube are the greatest technology ever bestowed upon DIY auto repair. Speaking of media, use that gadget of yours to snap photos before you disassemble things (for reference when it comes time to put back together). – Rewards Card: You can find franchise auto part stores everywhere across the country. Their web stores will tell you where that random part you need is actually in stock. And the icing on the cake may be the variety of free diagnostic services they offer.
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– Repair Manual: The internet is great but not always available. Keep a head-to-toe guide of your vehicle. They’re good for light reading with your coffee, or figuring out the firing order of your spark plugs. – Plastic Storage Bin: Why not a tool box, or indestructible ammo can? Sure, those are fine options. But those clear storage bins make it easy to see what you are looking for. You can buy them in any size and shape, and they stack neatly. Every roadlifer dreams of neat storage like they do a hot shower, or ice cubes in their drink.
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
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Picture this: You’re driving a highway somewhere in West Texas, when all of a sudden, lights start flashing on the dashboard and there is a funny smell wafting from the engine compartment. You pull over and pop the hood, only to find fluids leaking incessantly and smoke billowing.
What It’s Like Living the Roadlife During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Read article
It sounds like quite the situation, but when living the roadlife, vehicle issues can happen anywhere (and believe us, they will). In 15 years of van traveling I’ve had a fair share. I’d like to say I can’t recall them all, but each tends to leave an impression. The difference between realizing you just blew your entire travel budget on tows and repairs, versus continuing on with your endless epic, may simply boil down to whether or not you roll up your sleeves and fix it yourself.
What It’s Like Living the Roadlife During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Read article
What It’s Like Living the Roadlife During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Basic vehicle repair is something every roadlifer should know. With the resources of modern technology and some essential tools, doing your own handiwork has never been more within reach. There are some great pre-assembled tool kits out there, and the more in-depth your auto repair skills get the more you’ll add. But you should have an understanding of the basic tools you need to get the job done, beyond that tire iron and jack collecting dust in the back.
5 Things Every Roadlife Hopeful Should Know Before Diving Into It
Read article
Here is a rundown of essential tools I carry for the roadlife.
5 Things Every Roadlife Hopeful Should Know Before Diving Into It
Read article
5 Things Every Roadlife Hopeful Should Know Before Diving Into It
– Combination Wrenches: Wrenches are one of the cornerstones to any toolkit. You need wrenches.
– Sockets and Ratchet: Right there with standard wrenches. Ratchets provide mechanical advantage, and the ability to turn a bolt without removing your tool.
– Socket Extension: Sometimes your ratchet just doesn’t fit where a socket needs to go, be an advocate for working smarter not harder.
– Screwdrivers: You’re going to want to carry both a slotted and a Phillips screwdriver in your kit. Trust us, these are a must.
– Electrical Tape: High-temperature vinyl tape is the duct tape of electrical repair.
– Hex Keys: Hex keys are good to have for not only your vehicle, but everything else, like bikes or surfboard fins. They belong in every tool set.
– Slip-Joint Pliers: Great for getting a grip. They also crimp wires in a pinch.
A Look at the MPG in Some of Those Older 4WD Adventure Rigs
Read article
– Needle-Nose Pliers: Helpful for grasping small objects in tight spaces.
A Look at the MPG in Some of Those Older 4WD Adventure Rigs
Read article
A Look at the MPG in Some of Those Older 4WD Adventure Rigs
– Diagonal Pliers: These snippers are the easiest way to cut wires and such.
– Circuit Tester: Simple tool that lights up if you have sufficient current to an electrical component, and much safer than the old “licking your finger” trick.
– Hammer: Most people steer away from using a hammer in auto repair, but sometimes you just have to hit things. (A faulty starter motor for instance.)
– Utility knife: Crazy-sharp, replaceable blades you can use to cut almost anything.
– WD-40: Miracle in a can. Spray some between rusted bolts and threads before going to work.
– Wire brush: Those metal bristles are just what you need to scrub away grease, rust, or take corrosion off a battery terminal.
– Telescoping Magnet: This is a life-changing tool. Having a telescoping magnet is better than spending an hour trying to fish that screw from a crevice just beyond reach.
– Bar Clamps: Holds things together, or provides compression on parts like brake calipers.
– Tire Pressure Gauge: For safety and fuel efficiency, check your tire pressure regularly.
– Tire Plug Kit (Reamer, Plugs, and Plugger): You know what’s more fun than changing out a tire on the side of the road? Not changing out a tire on the side of the road. Pull out that nail, ram a gooey plug in the leak, and be on your way. Down the road, a mechanic can provide a permanent patch pretty cheap.
– Bike Pump: Your trusty bike pump will reach any tire anywhere… where a plug-in pump may not.
– Headlamp: Let there be light. Headlamps serve just about every facet of the roadlife.
– Safety Glasses: Always wear eye protection before sliding under your leaking rust box of a vehicle.
– Gloves: Avoid getting grease all over your ride.
– Phone: Smartphones, 4G, and YouTube are the greatest technology ever bestowed upon DIY auto repair. Speaking of media, use that gadget of yours to snap photos before you disassemble things (for reference when it comes time to put back together).
– Rewards Card: You can find franchise auto part stores everywhere across the country. Their web stores will tell you where that random part you need is actually in stock. And the icing on the cake may be the variety of free diagnostic services they offer.
Van Tours: The $900 Pan-American GMC Safari
Read article
– Repair Manual: The internet is great but not always available. Keep a head-to-toe guide of your vehicle. They’re good for light reading with your coffee, or figuring out the firing order of your spark plugs.
Van Tours: The $900 Pan-American GMC Safari
Read article
Van Tours: The $900 Pan-American GMC Safari
– Plastic Storage Bin: Why not a tool box, or indestructible ammo can? Sure, those are fine options. But those clear storage bins make it easy to see what you are looking for. You can buy them in any size and shape, and they stack neatly. Every roadlifer dreams of neat storage like they do a hot shower, or ice cubes in their drink.
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
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Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
10 Winter Hikes to Keep You Trailblazing All Year Round
The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
All Stories
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The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More News
Famed Yosemite Climber Zach Milligan Dies After Ice Climbing Fall
Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
10 Winter Hikes to Keep You Trailblazing All Year Round
The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
All Stories
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The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
More Videos
The MJ5: Tony Hawk on His Favorite Gear, Why He Always Carries His Board, and More
Here's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey
Young Guns and a Supercharged Catamaran: U.S. SailGP Team Takes on New York City
