Long Road Trip.....Tools to Bring? (Page 1/2)
Spadesluck MAR 30, 05:23 PM
I will be driving from New Mexico to Pennsylvania in June for the Carlisle car show and was wondering what you guys would bring with you for this trip? Anything specific?
pmbrunelle MAR 30, 05:42 PM
A map of U-haul locations along your route in case you need to rent something to bring home your Fiero.
cvxjet MAR 30, 07:18 PM
I carry a tool box up front all the time- was on a backroad in the middle of nowhere and the car died- Ignition module...That is why I also carry a spare Ac/Delco Ignition module and spare coil. The tool box has wrenches, 3/8 and 1/4 inch ratchets/sockets/extensions, pliers(Channel-locks, needle-nose and Diagonals), Visegrips, wire cutter/crimper, knife, hemostats, screw drivers, etc.....I also carry a gallon of coolant usually......Socket/wrench sizes are 7/8/10/13/15/17 mm + Torx tips in sizes 15/20/25/40/55........I usually don't carry an ultra-fine adjustment tool (2 lb Sledge hammer)...But my car has a good attitude..........
fieroguru MAR 30, 08:53 PM
I used to carry this for all my road trips. I found if you take enough tool to do just about anything, you won't need them... which is the goal.


A couple years ago, I made a basic tool kit that fit within the Pontiac Accessory Bag:
JMTUT MAR 30, 09:57 PM
Definitely and extra set of drive belts. Something to use as wheel chocks in case you have to jack it up and get underneath. A tarp to lay on. basic sockets and wrenches, screwdrivers.
cvxjet MAR 30, 11:04 PM
Sorry....I fergot.......also.....a FRENCH dictionary!!!!
viperine MAR 30, 11:22 PM
An AAA membership. Tow to a parts store and fix in the lot. Most places loan tools as needed.

I do haul a laptop sized Craftsman kit (something like 125 tool pieces) in my car regularly, but it gets used more for the junkyard trips and tasks I plan for anyway.

Everything else is much less complicated now that cellphones are portable computers these days. Amazing that we still worry like a pay-phone is going to be fun to find.
Easy8 MAR 30, 11:34 PM
Well maybe I am the screwball here... YES carry a spare ignition module and the tools to change it. As for the rest.. maybe a leather man type multi tool. Thats it... except for the most important thing.. your cell.

Trouble with having an entire mechanic shop of tools is when it breaks for you to need those tools there is a 99.9% chance you are going to need parts. The parts stores where I shop have loaner tools and if not they sure sell em.

In my years of driving a Fiero, I have been stranded once due to an ignition module, which is why I carry one now. A few years later (and a different car) I had to change said ignition module on the side of a road. The worst issue I have had was a blown upper coolant hose. That one was temp fixed by wrapping a large piece of the paper stickers come on around the pipe then wrapped with a shoe lace and tied. (sticker paper was found in the trash where I was, just needed something water proof ish) Car was limped to the closest parts store and fixed using... you guessed it... loaner tools.
liv4God MAR 31, 05:37 AM
Most importantly something to play your favorite music!!
Then if you break down, at least you can have some good tunes.

I used to travel between Nor cal and East Texas (about 2245.8 miles) 2-4 times a year.
The issues I encountered:
Flat tire
Broken belt
Ran out of gas
Water pump leak
Except for the water pump, the rest were easily fixed.

[This message has been edited by liv4God (edited 03-31-2019).]

fierofrenzy MAR 31, 09:36 AM
Along with most of the above mentioned stuff, I'd include a pair of VICE GRIPS. This tool can substitute for a lot of different things. Along with that, the ignition module and belts are a must. Be sure to have the correct tools to replace the module if need be. You may have torx screws in there. You might want to consider a can of fix a flat and an extra quart or two of oil also.
If your Fiero is in decent shape, my bet is that you'll have little to no problem on your trip. I drove my Formula from N.J. to Georgia, then Georgia to Florida and back. Purred like a kitten. It was driving around town where my alternator belt broke. Fortunately I had a spare in the trunk and fixed it on the side of the road.
I would recommend road side assistance in your auto insurance policy. That can come in real handy with whatever you drive.
Good luck on your trip.....see you there !