TOOLS OF
THE TRADE
WORDS: FOUR HANDS IN A TIN CAN
NO ONE SHOULD HIT THE ROAD WITHOUT AN APPROPRIATE
TOOLKIT AND SPARE PARTS. WE CHECKED IN WITH THREE LONG-
TERM TRAVELLERS FOR A PEEK INSIDE THEIR TOOLBOXES.
Tools, and the type, number and weight, is a
discussion that I have often listened to around
the campfire.
Everyone has a different toolbox setup. There
are people who travel in motorhomes who I am
sure have a bit of a difference in their toolkits
compared to those in camper trailers and those
in caravans.
So I thought I would ask a few travellers what they
kept in their toolboxes, and how they decided
what they needed.
READY FOR ANYTHING
The Williams Family had been on the road for six
weeks when we spoke. Prior to leaving home,
Wayne researched the type of wear and tear
his Land Cruiser would experience on a long
distance trip.
Having also travelled to Cape York, and knowing
that offroad destinations were going to be a part
of their Lap, Wayne wanted to be prepared for
the worst.
Of all the tools in his kit, and all the spare parts he
could muster, Wayne remains in two minds about
obtaining a spare alternator for the car. It is an
expensive spare part to carry for ‘just in case’,
so at this stage he doesn’t have one.
I think, looking at his extensive list of tools and spares,
you will agree that he hasn’t missed anything.
Just six weeks into their Lap, Wayne had already
put his tools and spares to use, having to fix
an air leak, adding extra power outlets, using
the bottle jack for maintenance on the caravan
wheels, fixing a leaky toilet, a stoneguard repair,
and changing the oil on the vehicle.
The Williams family.
30 \