What tools do you carry?

[GrumpyGranddad]

What tools do the seasoned California owners carry? In a normal car it’s minimal but just wondered what experience has taught the ‘old hands’?

 

[Borris]

What tools do the seasoned California owners carry? In a normal car it’s minimal but just wondered what experience has taught the ‘old hands’?

1. A breaker bar with a 19mm socket for wheel changing.
2. A pair of gloves to keep your hands clean whilst doing it.
3. A head torch because it will always be dark.
4. A mobile to call VW Assist if it's raining or I can't be @r$#d.
2. A Leaderman multipurpose tool for general camping and every day use.

 

[Wildcamper]

I carry far too many, but then I have experience of being caught out not having the right tool. I have a spanner, screwdriver including torx, for every fixing. Full set of trim tools, battery charger, many spare fuses, wire, tape, hack saw, jack, multi-meter, jubilee clips all sorts, tyre pressure and depth gauge, pump, tyre sealant and repair kit, spare bulbs. All of it has been used on trips at some time or another and have always been able to get to a garage. Far too much kit but I can't think what to leave behind.

 

[Meoncoast]

As @Borris + Longlife milk and teabags.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

I carry far too many, but then I have experience of being caught out not having the right tool. I have a spanner, screwdriver including torx, for every fixing. Full set of trim tools, battery charger, many spare fuses, wire, tape, hack saw, jack, multi-meter, jubilee clips all sorts, tyre pressure and depth gauge, pump, tyre sealant and repair kit, spare bulbs. All of it has been used on trips at some time or another and have always been able to get to a garage. Far too much kit but I can't think what to leave behind.

Thanks.
Need to add a set of trim tools to my kit. Where do you stash your toolkit? I’m looking to maybe use the void under the drivers seat for some of it?

 

[Wildcamper]

My van is not a Cali. We have two individual rear seats, ones that convert into two single beds. Underneath one is the hot water system and all the tools go underneath the other.

 

[Borris]

Thanks.
Need to add a set of trim tools to my kit. Where do you stash your toolkit? I’m looking to maybe use the void under the drivers seat for some of it?

Two points:
1. Why does anyone need trim tools in the van? I have a set at home but I can't think of any reason to have them available in the van all of the time.
2. Be careful sticking too much stuff under the drivers seat as it can disturb the cables when the seat is swivelled. That can throw up an air bag warning light which may require a trip to the dealers to rectify.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Two points:
1. Why does anyone need trim tools in the van? I have a set at home but I can't think of any reason to have them available in the van all of the time.
2. Be careful sticking too much stuff under the drivers seat as it can disturb the cables when the seat is swivelled. That can throw up warning lights which may require a trip to the dealers to rectify.

Thanks for the advice - maybe not the best location under the seat!
Trim tools? For example people on here have had to remove the Camper Control panel to manually lower a stuck poptop.

 

[Auberg-ine]

All geared up: my all-seasons all-purpose T6 Ocean interior & organisation :

Lol. None taken, Westfalia. I’m actually pretty handy with a drill. I’m thinking if the trim you’re drilling through is thin it may need cavity rawl plugs. You just need to drill a pilot hole, 1.5 or 2mm drill bit and don´t go in too deep, unless you know that there's nothing but an open space...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

As @Wildcamper, not one item that I did not use in one year's time (except for light bulbs). Such a joy it brings each time, to be able to get that useful piece of equipment out of that cabinet.

 

[Wildcamper]

On two occasions some money disappeared down behind some trim. I knew there were electrical connections not far away and the coins rattled about. Out come the trim tools, trim off, money removed, trim replaced - time 15 mins!

 

[andyinluton]

I keep a breaker bar & wheel nut socket, a general rechargeable camping lantern, Stanley knife, lump hammer & this Teng toolset that Ive had for 20+ years, it takes up very little room & has everything I need for fixing bikes, rewiring trailer plugs etc.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

I keep a breaker bar & wheel nut socket, a general rechargeable camping lantern, Stanley knife, lump hammer & this Teng toolset that Ive had for 20+ years, it takes up very little room & has everything I need for fixing bikes, rewiring trailer plugs etc.

That’s a great toolset.

 

[AlisonF]

Wow, some great advice here. Maybe we should create an “essential / recommended tool box” list for the downloads section.
I’ll certainly be adding a few things when my Beach arrives. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[andyinluton]

That’s a great toolset.

I remember paying £45 for it on clearance at Halfords in Tottenham Hale in 1996 its about £300 now!!

 

[Jabberwocky]

I keep a breaker bar & wheel nut socket, a general rechargeable camping lantern, Stanley knife, lump hammer & this Teng toolset that Ive had for 20+ years, it takes up very little room & has everything I need for fixing bikes, rewiring trailer plugs etc.

This is pretty close to being your kit. https://www.tradetoolsni.co.uk/product/teng-tools-tm095-95-piece-14-12-socket-set/

 

[willwander]

Credit card and mobile phone

 

[CC44853]

This bad boy:

Halfords Motorists Tool Kit | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The Halfords Motorist Tool Kit features all the essential tools needed to keep your car on the road. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

With a pair of gloves stuffed in.
Takes up no room in the top rear shelf.
Would recommend.

 

[andyinluton]

This is pretty close to being your kit. https://www.tradetoolsni.co.uk/product/teng-tools-tm095-95-piece-14-12-socket-set/

Not really - that set only has a couple of the combination spanner’s & more importantly hasn’t got the 3 different pliers & wire cutters which are what makes it better than just a bog standard socket set.

 

[Californication69]

1. A breaker bar with a 19mm socket for wheel changing.
2. A pair of gloves to keep your hands clean whilst doing it.
3. A head torch because it will always be dark.
4. A mobile to call VW Assist if it's raining or I can't be @r$#d.
2. A Leaderman multipurpose tool for general camping and every day use.

Is that a Leatherman @Borris ?
For number 5.
I have a leatherman. Best tool ever !

 

[Jabberwocky]

Not really - that set only has a couple of the combination spanner’s & more importantly hasn’t got the 3 different pliers & wire cutters which are what makes it better than just a bog standard socket set.

Probably better I don't have a tool kit at all if I cant spot that difference!

 

[tuono001]

I carry a large breaker bar and socket for the wheels. Under the drivers seat I use tupperware with a lid. It usually has pliers, Allen keys, cable ties and other odd bits. More for fixing random jobs and bikes than anything major.

 

[Borris]

Is that a Leatherman @Borris ?
For number 5.
I have a leatherman. Best tool ever !

Yes, Sorry I thought it was something like that.

I agree they are brilliant tools and so well made. Mine has loads of different applications and is ideal for camping and outdoorsy stuff etc and I wasn't ever a boy scout.

 

[kurienp]

1. Breaker bar
2 19 and 17mm sockets
3 A tow strap
4 air pump Michelin 4x4
5 fuses and fuse tester
6 jump starter
7 zip ties
8 Puncture repair kit with rat tails
9 pliers, a few screwdrivers
10 Leatherman
11 Fuse layout diagram print + on phone

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Velma's Dad]

Easy...

1. WD40 (for things that don't move, but should)
2. Gaffer tape (for things that do move, but shouldn't)

 

[Algor]

Wow there are some seriously prepared Cali drivers on here. I hope I am parked next to you when I get in trouble lol.

I once saw this thread title on a Millwall FC forum, the answers were somewhat different though.