Back in February, we shot a video about the tools we carry on long trips, and exactly why they're essential. (You can read the blog and see the video here.)
This week we're following up with a discussion of the spare parts, tapes, and lubricants that we also bring on every trip. In the course of shooting this 23-minute video we came up with 21 separate tips for you, so it's probably worth your while to watch the whole thing.
If you prefer to read the Cliff's Notes version, here's the summary of the tips:
- Choose spare parts based on your travel style & abilities
- Carry spares of cheap consumables like grease
- Bring spares that are hard to obtain on the road
- Tapes: Teflon, butyl, electrical, silicone, masking, body
- Threadlocker: great for screws that keep backing out
- Consider bringing spares of "dumb but essential" parts
- Light, small, handy items like zip ties and storage bags
- Gloves! Mechanics and vinyl
- Spare propane hoses and tools needed to change them
- Lubricants: silicone spray, Boeshield T9, grease, etc
- Little items: drain plug, fuses, latches, rivets
- Hensley owners: get the spare parts kit
- If you might replace the drain plug: 15/16" socket
- Your Fantastic Vent and power hitch jack may need a glass fuse!
- Extra #8 wood screws for furniture
- Replacement refrigerator bulb
- "Travel size" containers of glue, lube, cleaner, etc
- De-Oxit and burnishing tool for electrical connections
- Organize your supplies into kits
- AIR GEAR pre-made kits: Tire Changing Kit, Maintenance Essentials, Rivet Replacement
- "Free-flowing" Y connector for big rallies
