Tools for extended traveling

Hi all,

I did some searching but didn't find anything concise on this topic. Would be great if there was a sticky thread somewhere.

I have a 2015 RT and I like to take weekend trips. I was wondering if there were any mechanics or members that have a minimal/suggested tool list to take on trips? Currently I have some standard things like..

1. SAE Plug/Jumper cables for battery issues
2. Rechargeable tire pump and tire plug kit
3. 2 12mm wrenches in case the parking brake will not disengage (Found that out the hard way a few weekends ago)
4. 30 Torx encase body panels need to be removed.

Anyways you get where I'm going.

I think this would be great information to have regardless of what spyder version your riding, maybe in a sticky somewhere.

Brent

:welcome: to the party. Your subject has come up a few times. There are a lot of opinions on the subject also.

In most cases, if more stuff than minor happens, most people are going to have a problem fixing it. Spyder is not user friendly when it comes to most fixes. Being one who is NOT mechanical, I just carry the "standard" tool kit...which is pretty sorry IMO. I also carry a cell phone, and a couple credit cards.

Been a spyder owner since 2008, 150,000 plus miles, and so far, have not been stranded anywhere. And...I did that all from Alaska. Recently moved to Arkansas, so at least there are many dealers to choose from for repairs now. There was only one dealer in the whole state of AK, and now there are none.

Along with the tool kit included when we got our RTL, I had added the items you listed, and added a lithium battery jump starter, small but bright LED flashlight and a small 1st aid kit.
Agree with ARtraveler - Spyders, along with most other vehicles these days, are so dependant on the CAN bus and computers the days of roadside repair are pretty much a thing of the past.

AAA RV roadside assistance or something similar. Also something to chock your wheels if the paring brake fails. Harbor Freight has very compact folding ones.

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Originally Posted by RICZ

AAA RV roadside assistance or something similar. Also something to chock your wheels if the paring brake fails. Harbor Freight has very compact folding ones.

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:agree: Totally. I bought AAA just because Spyder. Have the Harbor Freight chocks and 12mm wrenches. I still need the jump pack, but haven't strayed off too far yet. Carry Torx enough to remove all body panels. Always have a light.

As far as roadside assistance is concerned you may want to check with your insurance carrier. They may have an additional level of assistance at a reasonable price.
Poasttown

If your phone provider is Sprint, they will pay for your basic AAA annual fee and that's a good size chunk.

Tire repair kit. Inflator. Lug wrench. Duct tape. Crimp on electrical connectors. Electrical tape. Double-sided adhesive tape. Pliers. Zip ties. Bailing wire. Chewing gum.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lineberr

Hi all,

I did some searching but didn't find anything concise on this topic. Would be great if there was a sticky thread somewhere.

I have a 2015 RT and I like to take weekend trips. I was wondering if there were any mechanics or members that have a minimal/suggested tool list to take on trips? Currently I have some standard things like..

1. SAE Plug/Jumper cables for battery issues
2. Rechargeable tire pump and tire plug kit
3. 2 12mm wrenches in case the parking brake will not disengage (Found that out the hard way a few weekends ago)
4. 30 Torx encase body panels need to be removed.

Anyways you get where I'm going.

I think this would be great information to have regardless of what spyder version your riding, maybe in a sticky somewhere.

Brent

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Lineberr, It sounds like you've got the basics and with a roadside assistance card and a cellphone you should be good.

With our 200,000 miles to date on 3 RTs and the 2016 F3T we have fixed two flats with your #2 items (actually used a plug in compressor and then a garage air hose to finish) and had two tows while on the road - one a 30 mile tow with BRP warranty roadside assistance which cost another $50 for a blown tire, and a 70 mile tow in Arkansas when the F3T had a fuel pump go out using our car insurance roadside assistance (cost another $100).

Other than that the 12 mm wrenches came in handy in Deadwood SD two years ago and we rode back to Spearfish after removing the parking brakes and then the 700 miles home where they had an electric motor to replace it with the following Monday. A road side rock makes an okay chock, as well as a souvenir :sour: Those were the major delays on our trips. I carry a small bottle of #4 DOT brake fluid and syringe to add a little if the pre 2016 RTs need a little more on the road. The newer RTs and F3s have a larger brake fluid reservoir that is less sensitive to levels.

Just keep air in the tires, change your oil and perform regular maintenance as per the schedule and carry your credit card. Its all good, even the occasional delay. It gives you a memory to look back on!

I agree with all of the above. The RT tool kit has the necessary torx wrenches but I carry a T handle one anyway cause I like the speed. A tire repair kit is good and a jump pack. Like Pete I also carry some wire crimp on connecters and a pair of crimpers, tape and a couple of extra bungees. Flash light, AMA and Allstate roadside service, cell phone and credit card. Back in the day I could field strip a Venture and repair most anything I could get parts for, and had the know how and skill to do it. The Venture never needed it and now I could no more do that to a Spyder then fly to the Moon.

I have been carrying too many tools but now that I'm more familiar with my Mistress I trust her a lot more. So, I'll leave most of them at home next season and maybe get better gas mileage outta her. But I won't be leaving the AAA RV card or the 10 mm socket and ratchet behind.

:coffee: Best Tools for me, Cellphone and my Credit Card. Enjoy your time and always ryde safe.....:thumbup:

AMA Motow is available at no cost to AMA members that are on auto renew. You should belong to the AMA anyway.
When traveling, I always carry more than one credit card. There can be fraud on your card totally unrelated to anything you have done and your card will be canceled.
This can be a disaster if you are traveling.