What’s in your overland tool kit? Overlanding is an adventure-filled way of traveling that involves driving your vehicle off-road and into the great outdoors. It’s a journey that requires a great deal of preparation, including having the right tools to handle any mechanical issues that may arise.
Overland Tool Kit Basics
An overland tool kit should be comprehensive and include everything from basic hand tools to specialized equipment for off-road travel. It’s essential to have a wide range of tools available in case of emergencies or unexpected repairs.
A good tool kit should be compact and portable, so it can be easily stored in your vehicle without taking up too much space. Remember, the contents of the kit are going to be vehicle dependent, so you need to do a bit of research on the basic tool requirements for the make and model of your vehicle.
Pro tip: Err on the side of ‘more’ when you’re first getting started, and then edit down with experience.
The Essentials
Here’s a list of some basic items:
- Wrenches: A set of wrenches, both standard and metric, is a must-have for any overland tool kit. Make sure to include both open-end and box-end wrenches.
- Screwdrivers: Bring a set of screwdrivers, including both Phillips and flathead. A set of precision screwdrivers can also come in handy for smaller jobs.
- Pliers: A set of pliers, including slip-joint, needle-nose, and locking pliers, can handle a wide range of tasks.
- WD-40 or similar multipurpose spray lubricant, protectant, cleaner, etc. This is especially useful for stuck parts.
- Super glue and waterproof tape such as T-Rex.
- Socket Set: A socket set with both standard and metric sizes will allow you to tackle most nuts and bolts.
- Tire Repair Kit: A tire repair kit is an essential item for any overlander. Make sure to include a tire plug kit, tire pressure gauge, and a portable air compressor.
- Jumper Cables: Jumper cables are a must-have in case your battery dies. Make sure to get heavy-duty cables capable of handling the amperage required for your vehicle.
- Duct Tape, Zip Ties and Bale Wire: The trifecta of trail repairs.
- Multi-Tool: A multi-tool, such as a Leatherman, can be a lifesaver in a pinch. It includes a variety of tools in one compact package.
- Shovel: A collapsible shovel can be used for digging yourself out of mud or snow, creating a fire pit, or digging a latrine.
- Flashlight and Batteries: Keep a small flashlight or headlamp with your tools at all times so proper lighting is always available.
- Spare Parts: It’s a good idea to carry spare parts such as belts, hoses, and fuses.
Tool Rolls and Storage
A heavy-duty tool roll is an excellent option for storing your overland tool kit. We have been using our Adventure Tool Company ShopRoll since 2018 and is a perfect example of a high-quality tool roll designed to keep your tools organized and secure.
The tool roll is made from durable waxed canvas and features multiple pockets to keep your tools in place. It rolls up compactly and can be secured with a buckle, making it easy to store in your vehicle.
We found that a combination of a heavy-duty tool roll with an equally heavy-duty gear bag carries everything we need with room for extra.
Carrying a small stash of heavy duty ziplock bags, garage rags, and a roll of heavy duty paper towels are also good things to have with you on the trail.
Final Thoughts
Remember, adventure is best when properly planned. Know your limits and be safe. And carry additional items that might be necessary for a repair like satellite communication options to communicate when traveling off-grid and a solid First Aid Kit.
Let us know your trail repair experiences and advice in the comments below. Safe travels out there!
I bought the same tool roll, actually Micheal bought it because I bought it! I haven’t loaded it yet because I wasn’t 100% sure what I needed. Thank you for creating this list and for the video! This has inspired mt to FINALLY organize my rig’s tools. OB#11480
[QUOTE="Michael, post: 301081, member: 1"]Michael submitted an Article on the main site!
Don't Leave Home Without This – Tool Roll Essentials
What's in your kit?! Every off-grid capable rig needs to have a tool kit capable of handling most repair needs on the trail. The kit is going to be vehicle dependent, so you need to do a bit of…
Continue reading the Original Blog Post.[/QUOTE]
Sweet looking tool roll, who is it made by ?
Nice. I’ve been out on occasion with folks that bring entire wrench and socket kits. Anything more than the six or seven wrench or socket sizes you need is a waste of space and weight.
I do carry a bit more of SAE sockets and wrenches because my trailer uses SAE fasteners. I also carry 1/2″ drive tools for the bigger stuff.
[QUOTE="MOAK, post: 301595, member: 1615"]Nice. I've been out on occasion with folks that bring entire wrench and socket kits. Anything more than the six or seven wrench or socket sizes you need is a waste of space and weight.[/QUOTE]
That only works so long as there is nobody else in the group.
I have seen a whole lot of scrambling and searching through everybody's rig in an effort to find the tools/pieces to put another rig back into operable order.
I carry my stuff with the expectation that I will likely end up using it on someone else's rig. And I don't know which size tools their rig will need.
I've had to work more on other peoples rigs than my own (thankfully). Even though it is a bit more weight and room taken up, I prefer having a full compliment of tools, especially if we are going somewhere off the beaten path.
[QUOTE="Anak, post: 301939, member: 10774"]That only works so long as there is nobody else in the group.
I have seen a whole lot of scrambling and searching through everybody's rig in an effort to find the tools/pieces to put another rig back into operable order.
I carry my stuff with the expectation that I will likely end up using it on someone else's rig. And I don't know which size tools their rig will need.[/QUOTE]
Certainly, I've used my tools on multiple occasions either by loaning them to someone or wrenching it myself. My 1/2 breaker bar and sockets have come in handy for that sort of thing more than once. Bringing an entire tool kit, or even half of the tools I have on hand, would simply weigh too much.
As someone who has a full size rig, I go a little overboard with my recovery/repair gear. I have a full compliment of tools to almost take my truck completely apart. Not a fan of having to rely on people, especially when they aren't there. I think though, it would be advised just as much to carry commonly broken spare parts as well. Another thing I think I will be throwing in my tool kit would be a 0-150 Ftlb torque wrench with ratcheting head in 1/2" drive. Having a truck that has a GVWR of 3000lbs is nice sometimes.
[QUOTE="MOAK, post: 301595, member: 1615"]Nice. I've been out on occasion with folks that bring entire wrench and socket kits. Anything more than the six or seven wrench or socket sizes you need is a waste of space and weight.[/QUOTE]
Carrying a larger selection of sockets and wrenches can be useful if you have to work on other people's rigs. There is a lot of "close enough" overlap between metric and SAE (ex. 13mm = 1/2", 19mm = 3/4", etc) so I just carry a set of metric sockets and wrenches. I also carry a set of torx bits because a friend has a Jeep. One thing I haven't seen in some tool kits is a spark plug socket, which can be useful if you need to tighten/check/clean the plugs or blow oil out of the cylinders after a roll over.
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/vehicle-inventory.10765/
[QUOTE="trovilcl, post: 302266, member: 23040"]As someone who has a full size rig, I go a little overboard with my recovery/repair gear. I have a full compliment of tools to almost take my truck completely apart. Not a fan of having to rely on people, especially when they aren't there. I think though, it would be advised just as much to carry commonly broken spare parts as well. Another thing I think I will be throwing in my tool kit would be a 0-150 Ftlb torque wrench with ratcheting head in 1/2" drive. Having a truck that has a GVWR of 3000lbs is nice sometimes.[/QUOTE]
I carry the torque wrench in my kit too. It is necessary for most steering and suspension repairs (which I seem to have a lot of lately).
I just joined the group, my first post, I received a tarp from adventure tool company, great experience, fast shipping and a fantastic high quality product. Can’t say enough about them, I look forward to fitting my 4runner with their gear.
Atlas 46 and blue ridge overland got some nice tool tool up bags
I have learned through tough experiences that you cannot have enough sockets and wrenches. The key is organizing and storing them in the perfect spot
I have a 2016 Tundra that is my overland rig and DD.. I also have a '90 Jeep Wrangler that will be eased into this exciting new past time/ way of life and then there is the '66 IH Scout that will be more purpose built as a full time rig..To create a tool set for each rig will be VERY costly. I used to be a Linc/Merc tech and have many types,sets,combinations of tools to be able to have 1 tool set for all 3 rigs and possibly a secondary set of off the wall spares for other people I may be out on the trails with.. The only tool that is needed the most is the one you don't have with you..One of the things I learned when I 1st started at that dealership was if I used someone else's tool that I didn't have more than 3 times, by my own because they won't lend it out anymore.. So when you're out on the trail and ,God forbid, something happens, be sure you pay attention to what it is everybody is needing so you have it next time..
[QUOTE="Scout, post: 307810, member: 7849"]I have a 2016 Tundra that is my overland rig and DD.. I also have a '90 Jeep Wrangler that will be eased into this exciting new past time/ way of life and then there is the '66 IH Scout that will be more purpose built as a full time rig..To create a tool set for each rig will be VERY costly. I used to be a Linc/Merc tech and have many types,sets,combinations of tools to be able to have 1 tool set for all 3 rigs and possibly a secondary set of off the wall spares for other people I may be out on the trails with.. The only tool that is needed the most is the one you don't have with you..One of the things I learned when I 1st started at that dealership was if I used someone else's tool that I didn't have more than 3 times, by my own because they won't lend it out anymore.. So when you're out on the trail and ,God forbid, something happens, be sure you pay attention to what it is everybody is needing so you have it next time..[/QUOTE]
I live this world. All the way down to "if I needed to borrow it three times then I simply need to buy one", and it isn't that folks won't lend it to me again. It simply shows that I need to own that tool.
I have my tool kit broken into sub-kits. There is a kit in each vehicle that is dedicated to that vehicle. That kit involves a somewhat universal socket set/wrench set/hand tools plus the oddball large sockets need for that particular vehicle's transfer case fill plug or axle nut. But then I also have the traveling kit which I move from vehicle to vehicle as trips dictate. That is the kit that contains a scanner, fuel pressure gauge, multimeter, sets of gearwrenches and other things that are a bit too costly to own in multiples. Or at least own in multiples that correspond to my multiple vehicles.
[QUOTE="trovilcl, post: 302266, member: 23040"]As someone who has a full size rig, I go a little overboard with my recovery/repair gear. I have a full compliment of tools to almost take my truck completely apart. Not a fan of having to rely on people, especially when they aren't there. I think though, it would be advised just as much to carry commonly broken spare parts as well. Another thing I think I will be throwing in my tool kit would be a 0-150 Ftlb torque wrench with ratcheting head in 1/2" drive. Having a truck that has a GVWR of 3000lbs is nice sometimes.[/QUOTE]
Ha…I'm with ya on going overboard! Boondocking like my wife and I do, we have to be self-reliant. I always keep my 18v Milwaukee cordless tools with me in the truck and at the least, I highly recommend a cordless drill with various bits and fasteners. I always have some Tek5 self tapping metal screws with me and with a scrap piece of flat bar, I can band-aid any broken weld on the trailer. For about $20 you can buy a nice set of nearly every bit…phillips, star, hex, torx, etc. Pretty handy to have…especially with the low quality of RVs now days, I'm always having to tighten something or add a screw.
Great Article, Thanks Elizabeth for posting it, it has been very useful and as a result I asked Micheal if we could have a dedicated forum section. The good news he has created one for this subject, can you be so kind as to edit the article and add a like to the new forum section – you can find it in the Overland Gear section and its title is Overland Tools.