Car Kit

E

ErikD

Joined
Dec 5, 2000
Messages
1,875
I have been meaning to put together a kit to carry in my trunk for some time now. I would appreciate some recommendations on what should be thrown in. Ideally it wouldn't take up my whole trunk, and won't cost me an arm and a leg.

I live in NYC, so I am thinking more urban survival type stuff would be better than true wilderness supplies, but I am asking this question for a reason. Although I do make a drive into the Poconos on ocassion, still not all that wilderness type of an area. I am planning on having some basic tools for repairs on the side of the roads should the need arise. Also a set of jumper cables, maybe some extra oil too. As for knives what type would generally be best, fixed blade, folder, big, small, serrated, plain?:confused: I actually don't carry a knife on me at all times, as my college doesn't allow it, so sometimes when I go to school I am without a knife. I keep a Leather man Wave in the glove box, along with a AAA maglite. I also have a 3D Mag-Lite under my seat. What is missing?

Thanks in advance.
 
Extra anti-freeze, wiper fluid, lock de-icer, ice scraper, small squares of carpet(helps sometimes when stuck in snow), hazard triangles, reflective vest, roll of duct tape, small tool kit, survial whistle, wool blanket, first-aid kit, multi-tool, spare fuses, radar detector :D , roll of paper towels/shop towels, work gloves, tow strap, flashlight, change for tolls, pen/pencil/notepad.

http://www.herringtoncatalog.com/motoring.html

http://www.labsafety.com/search/results.asp?prodKeyword=car

http://www.newgraham.com/assist.htm
 
Here's some stuff I carry around during the winter:
Jumper cables
Fix-a-flat
Duct Tape
Electrical Tape
Adjustable Cresent Wrench
Screw Drivers
Pliers
Shovel
Rope
Sand
Salt
Windshield Scraper
Flashlight
Blanket
Gloves
Water
Oil
Coolant
Scissors
Knife
Lighter
WD40/Lock-Deice
Flares
 
Both of our cars, and our home has bug-out-bags (BOBS). However , I do have a question.
I keep a roll of duct tape in each car, but after 2-3 months the stuff is melted and useless from the heat. Any way to "preserve" the duct tape better ? Or, do I just keep replacing it every few months ??
 
I would suggest a medium-sized fixed blade with a plain edge. That will get you the most versatility for the size and weight. Something along the lines of a Camillus Becker Crewman (BK10) or Combat/Utility (BK7) would be my recommendation. I keep a Becker Crewman in my car kit.

You already have a good light, so the other thing I would strongly recommend you include in your kit is a good First Aid Kit. Places like REI sell pretty good pre-packaged kits or you can assemble your own.

--Bob Q
 
Originally posted by squid meat
Both of our cars, and our home has bug-out-bags (BOBS). However , I do have a question.
I keep a roll of duct tape in each car, but after 2-3 months the stuff is melted and useless from the heat. Any way to "preserve" the duct tape better ? Or, do I just keep replacing it every few months ??
Click to expand...
try a ice chest, also good when you have anything that's affected by temperture extreme's, Hot or Cold. PS: also good for adult bev.:D
 
For a knife, an original Blackjack Campanion, plus a Leatherman SuperTool. In the toolbox that fits in the pickup bed, several tins of canned heat, nylon tow strap, a comealong, tire chains (they still work!), jack, a set of sockets (1/2" size) and a long breaker bar for those reluctant nuts, vise grips, pliers, screwdrivers, matches, windshield washer, 12' heavy gauge jumper cables, ax, German Army issue folding shovel, fire starter, matches, emergency lamp (plus into lighter socket), bungee cords, and depending on the occasion, Coleman lantern, chainsaw, single burner Coleman stove, ice scraper, extra windshield washer fluid, thick gloves, sleeping bag, insulated coveralls, Sorels, satellite phone (cell phone coverage is, ah, 'restricted' in much of the Yukon), flashlight, candles, a dozen or two water bottles (in the cab), food, flares, sandbags, and a credit card:D .
 
I have a bunch of stuff in my truck, I don't even remember all that is in there anymore.

The things I remember using are:

- knife
- first aid kit
- tow strap
- tire repair kit
- tire pump
- flashlight
- locking pliers
- lighter
- blanket
- umbrella
- rain poncho
- booster cables
- shovel

I have a bunch more stuff but the above is all that I ever remember using.

My SUV has really cool compartments for storing all this stuff.

Oh ya, toilet paper, ou never know when you have to go!

Happy Holidays
Collecter
 
I have two car kits. The larger one is for real cross-country trips, like vacations and such. The smaller one stays there all the time. It is intended to handle most short-term emergencies.

This may not be quite what you're looking for, since it is not limited to urban environments. I figure it may still give you some useful ideas for your urban kit.

My smaller kit all goes into an Eagle Creek shoulder pouch, so it really doesn't take up much room. The three gallon water carrier, which is most of the real bulk, fits just behind a wheel well in my trunk. I keep the pouch on top of it.


Here's what I keep in my kit...

"Practical Outdoor Survival" by Len McDougall

Total Towel
2 MPI Space Emergency Blankets, 56"x84"

water treatment tablets
REI Watersack, 2.5 gal
Plastic Container, 3 gal, filled

butane lighter
Military Match firestarter

3 ZipLoc bags, 1 gal
550 cord, 50'
duct tape
heavy alminum foil
large garbage bags
2 safety pins

Surefire G2 flashlight
Silva Landmark Compass
Fox 40 Whistle
Star Flash signal mirror, 4"x5"
StormSafe memo pad, 3"x5"
ballpoint pen
Sharpie pen

Victorinox SwissTool X w/belt sheath
BK&T Crewman
Pocket Chain Saw
Gerber "V" dual ceramic sharpener
mini-shovel tool

insect repellent
sun block
facial tissues
toilet paper mini-roll
first aid kit

CB Transceiver/Weather Radio, handheld
CB Antenna, long-range
CB Battery Pack, 6 AA batteries

It is also worth noting that my wife and I each carry a cell phone at all times. If you don't already have one you should think about getting at least a minimal plan and putting one in your car. Cells are probably the single most useful "emergency supply" in an urban environment.

--Bob Q
 
How's this sound:

What I have now(always in car):
1. Lights - 3D cell Mag-Lite, 2AAA Mag-Lite
2. Tools:
Set of sockets, and ratchet
Set of combination wrenches
Pliers
Screwdrivers (one of those 4 in 1 deals)
Breaker bar and socket for lug nuts
Multi-Meter
Leatherman Wave
Tire pressure gauge
Jack
3. Knife - Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife, combo edge
4. Supplies:
Anti-Freeze
Oil
5. Pen (usually multiple pens, and paper as I am a student)

What I always have on me:
1. Cell phone
2. Leatherman Micra and P4 Squirt
3. Photon II LED
4. Credit Cards, Cash, ID, etc. in wallet

What I will get ASAP:
1. First Aid Kit
2. Jumper Cables
3. Lighter
4. Folding shovel
5. BK&T Crewman or Fighting/Utility - Have to decide
6. Surefire Light (Probably an E2E or E1E to be carried on me always)
7. 550 cord


Besides money being an issue, space is also an issue. I am driving an Acura Integra, so don't have huge amounts of cargo space. Also 85% of my driving is within a few miles of home, so worst case scenario I can walk. Also, as this is NYC if it is to far to walk I can always hop on a bus or train. I would say less than 5% of my driving takes me any significant distance from home. So I really just want to have this stuff as a convinience, should something happen hopefully I will be prepared, but not for staying out any real amount of time, as I think this couldn't really happen. As I said, most of the time if something were to happen I could just walk home.

I am also thinking of adding a folder to this kit, just to keep in the car. As I said in my original post often times I won't carry a knife to school, as it is not allowed. I can see being in a situation where I need a knife but pulling out a 7" fixed blade would cause problems. Also I am not real certain about the laws regarding such a knife, so wouldn't want to be pulling it out just to cut some loose strings or something.
 
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