BajaNomad - What are the Essential Tools for a Baja Nomad ?

What are the Essential Tools for a Baja Nomad ?

Halboo - 7-8-2007 at 05:52 PM

SWIMPAL and I yesterday took delivery of our brand spankin' new All Terrain Camper and as you can see it's already strapped on the Tundra.

With just the camper on the truck I've lost only 1" in the back end and it still handles pretty much the same as without it.
I've already removed the jacks and am trying to figure out more ways to lighten our typical load; one place I could stand to lose some weight is my tool kit as it is pretty dang heavy.
I'd like to pare the tool kit down to the essentials but being a boyscout type I tend to overdo it; always want to "Be Prepared" for any emergencies, Right?
What are the tools you just never leave behind when you head off down bad roads for extended trips?????

DENNIS - 7-8-2007 at 06:01 PM

A bottle opener. Pacificos don't twist open.

Bob and Susan - 7-8-2007 at 06:11 PM

we use a rock or shell down here :biggrin:

Diver - 7-8-2007 at 06:18 PM

duct tape
electric tape
teflon tape
pipe dope and copper repair fittings
rope
hose clamps
C-clamps
silicone sealer
gasket material
ratchet set to fit
wrench selection (1 pipe)
hand impactor
hammer
screwdrivers
12V wire and connectors
extra fuses and bulbs
jumper cables
tow strap (s)
tire patch kit
air inflator
2 jacks
water containers
lighter and fire starter
flares
small tarp to work on
assorted screws, bolts and nuts

and lots of hardware stores in Baja if needed !!

.

[Edited on 7-9-2007 by Diver]

DENNIS - 7-8-2007 at 06:20 PM

Yeah...Well, I guess rocks and shells would be fine but, when you're in heavy traffic in town, you can't just stop and look for a proper rock so, I keep an opener handy. A well equipt vehicle would, of course, have both.

Halboo - 7-8-2007 at 06:20 PM

Gosh darn it , I swear I almost added at the end of the post "please do not mention bottle openers"
What the heck kind of camper needs a bottle opener? :?:

I can open a bottled beer with just about any tool in the kit, the truck bumper, my pocket knife AND belt buckle AND truck keys, and any number of other things I'm already toting around that would serve another purpose as well.
And yes rocks and sea shells work too! !

Back to the matter at hand...........

Halboo - 7-8-2007 at 06:23 PM

Quote:

pipe dope and copper repair fittings

Diver, are you plumbing or what?

DENNIS - 7-8-2007 at 06:26 PM

Halboo -----

You have a point. I could remove any radiator from any vehicle with the right size hammer but, every job has a proper tool.

Nice rig you have there. I'm envious.

Mexitron - 7-8-2007 at 07:07 PM

To Diver's list we could add:

Pruning Saw
Tin Snips
Hacksaw
Baling Wire
Wire Brush
Wood Block for changing tires on sand
Chain/Winch

Used to bring a chain saw to the San Pedro Martir for clearing trees on backcountry roads but can't drive those anymore...

Russ - 7-8-2007 at 07:08 PM

1st aid kit. With all those tools you're gonna need it. The bottle opener is for when a hand get mashed (a little). Or just take Tecate. Are those photos taken in Laguna?

[Edited on 7-9-2007 by Russ]

Diver - 7-8-2007 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Halboo

Quote:

pipe dope and copper repair fittings

Diver, are you plumbing or what?

The fittings are to repair propane lines in the camper.
I have had to do this on numerous trips in numerous campers and trailers.
I actually carry a flaring tool and cutter.
.

Halboo - 7-8-2007 at 07:36 PM

Quote:

You have a point. I could remove any radiator from any vehicle with the right size hammer but, every job has a proper tool.

Touché

Quote:

Nice rig you have there. I'm envious.

Yeah it's pretty cool. It's going to take me awhile to get it all dialed in but I'll have fun doing it.

Quote:

The fittings are to repair propane lines in the camper.

Got ya,
The camper is only for storage and sleeping , it's basically a fancy shell; no stove, heater or sink. I never did like cooking inside while camped.

Quote:

Are those photos taken in Laguna?

No , Our homebase is down the road in San Clemente.

bajajudy - 7-8-2007 at 08:20 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=9392#pid75478

bajadogs - 7-8-2007 at 08:58 PM

Ax hammer, LED headlamps, batteries...

dog biscuits ...

[Edited on 7-9-2007 by bajadogs]

Ice Chest

bajaguy - 7-8-2007 at 09:12 PM

full of ice and Pacificos to wash down the dog biscuits while awaiting "Green Angels"

[Edited on 7-9-2007 by bajaguy]

bajamigo - 7-8-2007 at 09:34 PM

XM radio, portable Starband, iBook, satellite phone...the bare essentials.

woody with a view - 7-9-2007 at 06:25 AM

Quote:

"...gentlemen's novels..." :lol:

for the pictures, of course!

Osprey - 7-9-2007 at 06:47 AM

12 years now battling my way thru projects with my little Mexican house, little Mexican boat, assorted cars and trucks have taught me that I would have lasted hours, not even days, without vicegrips.

Alan - 7-9-2007 at 07:12 AM

Patience

Hook - 7-9-2007 at 10:37 AM

Install a Fantastic Vent if it doesnt have one. Single best improvement in any RV type vehicle. You can set it to exhaust, open the window by your sleeping area and it will draw air across you while sleeping.

It also instantly removes hot air and "frijole odors". :spingrin:

Cypress - 7-9-2007 at 12:12 PM

Cash "$" will get you thru most situations that arise.

Wish I had some to smooth out the bumps along the way. :bounce:

Sharksbaja - 7-9-2007 at 01:10 PM

Quote:

What are the Essential Tools for a Baja Nomad ?

The only thing really necessary is a laptop or PC. Without that you people are worthless as Nomads or armchair experts.

Sharksbaja - 7-9-2007 at 01:15 PM

Hal if you lost an inch already think about being completely loaded down and then imagine you are following Square Circle or another true off-roaders up some grueling rocky steep track. More clearance and stiffen it up! Any plans for tires/rims, lift, etc.??

Al G - 7-9-2007 at 03:13 PM

You seem to be wanting to run ultra-lite....so make sure you can change a tire.. some extra gas....Ice chest...Full of Pacificos. Sucking suds should not be a strain...so take a damn opener...don't forget Money for everything else.
Assuming you may be serious, there is no tool you could not justify...hence some of your mocking answers.....so I would take a 3/8" ratchet set to 1...Set of open end wrenches to 1 1/4""(2-7/8")...hammer/hacket and a machete...rope. Anything else and you may as well backup to the garage and heave-ho.

Al G - 7-9-2007 at 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja

Quote:

What are the Essential Tools for a Baja Nomad ?

The only thing really necessary is a laptop or PC. Without that you people are worthless as Nomads or armchair experts.

lite hearted humor to enjoy the rest of us with... :biggrin:

Sharksbaja - 7-9-2007 at 03:35 PM

Wha???? I was totally serious! :lol:

Thanks Al.

4'' model in my right pocket

Lee - 7-9-2007 at 04:26 PM

Always.

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/spyderc/

And money in each pocket.

DENNIS - 7-9-2007 at 04:29 PM

Hey Lee ----

You playing pocket-pool again?

Halboo - 7-9-2007 at 06:29 PM

Quote:

Any plans for tires/rims, lift, etc.??

I may end up beefing up the suspension a bit but no plans for bigger rims or tires.
As soon as I'm able I plan on loading it up heavy and seein' how she goes. Unfortunately I won't be able to get away from the homebase for more then a day or two before September

Summer is our BUSY season.
Good news is we are planning a 2-4 week trip south sometime in Sept-Oct. :yes: