toolkit/spares ideas

As I've mentioned, I have this big trip over December/January.
I'm not intending to do any major off-roading/extreme stuff. My Mighty Mazda will be serviced and checked prior to leaving, but I'd like to start putting some thought into spares to carry. Short of taking EVERYTHING, perhaps the more experienced guys ('n gals!) can give me some ideas on what to take. eg fan belts, fuses, hair dryers :)...
Thanks!
Tracy
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Reply By: HGMonaro - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:37

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 11:37
yes, you should take a Toyota :)

seriously... it probably depends on how far from civilization you're going to be. Having parts with you means that even if you can't fit it, someone else might be able and you don't have to wait a day or 3 to get the bits. Of course, Murphy's Law says, the part you need will be one that you haven't brought with you.

However, you can't have one of everything. We took radiator hoses, serpentine belt (all accessories fan belt) and some spare shockers for the camper. Didn't use any, but was happy to carry them in case.

Cheers, Nige
AnswerID: 270719

Reply By: Member - John T (NSW) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 13:12

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 13:12
Hi SoloGirl

If you go to the "Topic" section in the header and click on servicing you can get a heap of ideas from the spare and parts listing there. Mind you, if you decide to take all that is mentioned there, you might have to trade up to a bigger vehicle haha

Should give you lots of ideas

Cheers and enjoy the trip
John T (Lifetime Member)
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AnswerID: 270735

Reply By: Member - MrBitchi (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 13:28

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 13:28
December / January can get bloody hot so I,d concentrate on the cooling type stuff, radiator hoses, heater hoses, fan belts, spare coolant, make sure the water pump is in good nick etc.
Make sure you have Ultra Cover through the RACQ or equivalent and you won't have to worry too much about spares.
AnswerID: 270738

Reply By: Moose - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 15:11

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 15:11
Hi Tracy
I suggest that a repair manual for your vehicle would be a great investment. I also suggest that a chat with the local Mazda dealer as to which bits he recommends may prove useful. A first aid kit and a fire extiguisher must be priorities.
Cheer from the Moose
AnswerID: 270754

Reply By: Member -Signman - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 16:36

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 16:36
With a name like 'SoloGirl' ...maybe you should pack a 'SoloGuy'..

Someone who can do the repairs, change the wheels, put up the tent, (and of course get the campfire going) !!!

AnswerID: 270767

Follow Up By: orange - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 17:25

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 17:25
Where do you find the sologuys who can do all those things? Especially repairs and wheels. I'm sure sologirl can put up tent and light fire.
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Follow Up By: Tracy I - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 18:15

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 18:15
Well, Signman and Orange - it's kindof a catch-22 situation: no SoloGuy hence I HAVE to do all that!
But I like your thinking Signman......:)
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Follow Up By: madCrow - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 18:25

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 18:25
orange posted: I'm sure sologirl can put up tent and light fire.

Now quote the song "Baby you light my fire"

PS this is not meant as sexist, just a non PC comment,

trés silly!
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 21:28

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 21:28
Tracy,
I gather from the previous thread that you're doing the Tanami and then down to Exmouth. I guess you already know how hot is is out there at that time of year. If you really are travelling alone, as your name suggests, can I suggest that you stick to the bitumen and go up via Katherine - it will take you just as long, and it would be lots safer. Also the Tanami can get the tropical rain over summer and gets closed.

You haven't told us what model/year/mileage your Mazda is.

What I do is replace the stuff before I leave - so if the vehicle is more than a couple of years old, I put on new belts/hoses/filters etc etc and keep the old ones for the spares - then I'm sure that the spares will fit, and are unlikely to be needed. When you tell us more about your vehicle, you maight get a more detailed reply.

Cheers
phil
AnswerID: 270834

Follow Up By: Tracy I - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 22:01

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 22:01
Hi Phil,
Thanks for the input. Yes, I'm aware of the heat and rains up that way; experienced similar back in Africa.
My Mazda is a '99 Bravo with 84 000kms. I'm the second owner. I've beaten it around a bit since I've had it to see what rattles and what may fall off, and so far so good.
My navigator/spanner girl/tea brewer is my 14 year old daughter - and she's also blonde! We're looking for the roads less travelled and I'm aware of the pitfalls. Taking it easy is how we're going to get there and back in one piece. Done heaps of research! I appreciaite the heads up and concern. A good idea you have about using new spares!
Cheers!
Tracy
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 22:28

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 at 22:28
Tracy, you are asking all the right questions, so I have no doubt you're doing the trip well prepared, and enjoy the experience.

I don't know much about the Bravo, but if you have it fully serviced (all filters/oils/coolant) and replace the hoses and belts, have good tread on the tyres (and 2nd spare on rim), then you've hit the common problems on the head. Take a spare fuel filter. Check that you can undo the wheel nuts and retighten before you go, and check that the jack works well.

Some superglue, cable ties, fencing wire and a roll of duct tape, fix many camping and car problems.

A tyre pump and tubeless tyre plug kit are very useful. Don't worry about all that beadbreaker stuff unless you're keen to know how to use it.

Tools: screwdrivers, metric spanner set, metric socket set (10,12,13,14,17,19,21mm), pliers, wirecutters, shifting spanner, are good.

Don't be tempted to travel too fast on the Tanami - it just increases the chance of a tread puncture, and vehicle rollover. We stick to 80kph on the good outback roads. An EPIRB would be very handy. And a good size silver tarp for shade, and water in multiple containers.

All this is off the top of my head. Any questions about anything specific, please ask.

Cheers
phil
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Follow Up By: Member - Kiwi Kia - Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 07:28

Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 07:28
Good advice above from Phil G.

I would add; A good recovery strap and means to attach it to your vehicle. A couple of hose clamps suitable for your radiator hose and heater hose. A funnel could be handy for filling water containers. And of course a good first aid kit.

Someone else on this forum will let you know when Rabbit Flat is open for fuel it used to be closed a couple of days each week so be sure and check this out before you go.
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Reply By: Richard Kovac - Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 21:24

Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 21:24
Try this link Site Link ... LOL
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Follow Up By: Tracy I - Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 21:38

Friday, Nov 09, 2007 at 21:38
ha ha ha
Thanks Richard!
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Follow Up By: Richard Kovac - Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 00:36

Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 00:36
Tracy

I also fancy this The Miss MacGyver Tool Kit

I was going to buy Robyn a set ... till she brought out the leather man.. lol

Richard
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