What supplies and tools to carry to avoid towing

[Beachfinn]

Due to recent posts (mine included ),what should be the minimum, nice to have and bullet proof kit to always have, for a busnut? I'll take the first stab:
-wire and splicing tools / connectors
- jb weld
- hose clamps in various sizes
- best rtv silicone money buys
- assortment of bolts and nuts
- all different oil products (especially the hard to find ones)
- jumper cables
- coolant and water
- proper tool set (wrenches and large socket set)
- chains to pull your self, or to have schoolie pull you out)
- shovel
- big hammer
- pry bar, big one for tiny guys like me
- drill
- self tapping screws
- drill and bits
- normal set of pliers
- 6 pack of beer
- head light
- reflective vest
- cones or flares or triangles to warn traffic
- duct tape
- Wd-40
- ladder, for shorties like me
- funnel set
- roll of toilet paper
- Multimeter
- your bus's PDF manuals
- spare belts
- rags
- cat litter, 'cause that thing will spill stuff
- spare relays
- number to call for tire swap. ( I've done this several times at a shop, would never attempt roadside.
- internet, especially busconversions.com

Bullet proof ?
New Prevo with onboard mechanic and spare part semi tailing you...

Anybody care to add to the list ?

Sami

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

There is no one answer BF. It all depends on the year, make and model of your bus and whether it has been maintained properly. I would say your list is pretty expensive extensive but may be  more than you need if your bus is in good mechanical condition.  I have traveled thousands of miles in my buses over the years and never had a serious breakdown, knock on wood.  The worse that has happened to me is running out of fuel 3 miles from my destination.  I thought I could make it and probably could have had it not been uphill. But within an hour I got more fuel and was back on the road.

Also if you have a Toad, it makes it easier to run and chase down parts and supplies if you need them depending where you break down.  And you seldom break down driving into a truck stop.  

It also depends if you have Roadside Assistance. I just had Good Sams come out to my place yesterday to replace a leaky valve stem.  So I didn't need any tools for that and you can run a lot of miles with a small air leak.  But a blowout in the middle of no-where with no cell phone service is a different story.

If you have been subscribing to Bus Conversion Magazine you know that we run a series called Road Fix.  Some folks are pretty ingenious when making repairs on the side of the road to allow them them to limp home or at least to a qualified repair shop. One of these Road Fix articles could pay for a lifetime subscription to BCM compared to having a $120 mechanic bring the service truck out to get you going again.

[John316]

I agree on almost everything.

But what in the world is the toilet paper for? That should already be on board and not something extra.

And skip the beer. Stay sharp, get fixed quick, and get back on the road.

[Jeff Willard]

The first thing is a trailer so you have someplace to put everything everyone is going to recommend you bring. The second thing is a good credit card.

Jeff
4501-847 Scenicruiser
Sierra Vista, Az

[dtcerrato]

We carry a good spare tire & are able to do an on the road change with that being said and having a conventional rig & transmission, the only other thing we've ever needed above the things we already carry for emergency repairs is a toad with all four on the ground capable of pushing the bus - seriously. In our 37+ years of ownership it's bailed us out a dozen times.

[chessie4905]

Extra set of fuel filters. Your beer won't be there when you need it because you forgot to replenish it. Bottle jack, low profile for GM. Some blocking to put under jack. PB blaster. Accurate tire gauge. Air hose long enough to reach further est tire from air tap on coach. Your water supply is already in coach. Two gallons of oil. Coveralls and a dozen pairs of blue gloves. Zip ties, utility knife with spare blades. Razor blade scraper with spare blades. Dentist pliers ( large channel locks 16 inch).  Adapters for different plug ins at campsite. Spare valve cores and caps. Waterless hand cleaner with pumice. Roll or two of paper towells Small stool to sit on. Spare rear lamp bulbs. Good bright led flashlight. Two quart or gallon of diesel fuel. Funnel or two of appropriate sizes for anticipated needs. Small roll of tying wire.

[kyle4501]

I have friends whose only tool is a cell phone.

As for me, I carry all of my favorite tools - including enough to change a tire.
When something breaks that is a showstopper - I usually consider buying an extra -- if it is small enough, I'll carry the spare with me.

I also carry DOT air lines and a varied assortment of fittings.

However, when we are traveling, our main plan is to be on vacation - NOT perform maintenance. . . . So I have enough to fix the little things, but anything major & I'll have to either tow it home or have someone local repair it.


But, you know what they say about the plans of mice & men . . . .

My suggestion is to take whatever you need to be able to enjoy using your coach.

[luvrbus]

I agree on almost everything.

But what in the world is the toilet paper for? That should already be on board and not something extra.

And skip the beer. Stay sharp, get fixed quick, and get back on the road. 

John 316 I never saw anybody carry a spare fan before what was that for I open the box and there was a new fan with the spare parts lol you guys had a supply of spare parts you needed nothing 

[Lin]

What about a spare wife? Anybody have one of those?

[kyle4501]

A man does not have to be a bigamist to have 1 wife too many . . . . .

Just saying . . .

[Utahclaimjumper]

   Regardless of what you HAVE,,,,,,,it WON'T BE WHAT YOU NEED..>>>Dan

[Dave5Cs]

Shop compressor that can be ties into the air system if needed or to air up without running your engine in a campsite.
50 feet or 12 and 14 DC wire as well as connectors. 3 different thicknesses of Gasket material sheets. Lock-tite red.
Window cleaner as well as long handled cleaner brush/squeegee. Extra Muffler Bearings just in-case you lose one.
Dave5Cs

[luvrbus]

Most break downs are on the road and tow is needed there is not much one can do on the side of a road Coachnet is your best friend owning a bus with a DDEC engine   

[Scott & Heather]

Seriously Sami, buy coachnet or sams club emergency towing. Or even State Farm. I pay a small handful of dollars a month for free emergency towing. My $1300 tow was free


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[Dave5Cs]

$130.00 a year Aprox Coach.net