What Gear/Tools to Get Started?

[michaelriley04]

Hey all!

I am trying to get into the world of overlanding. I am coming from a backpacking background, so I understand the importance of gear and safety.

I wanted to know what are the absolute must-haves gear/tool wise to get started? Please go into as much detail as possible! I am also going to try and get more familiar with working on my vehicle.

I have a 2013 SR5 4Runner that I will be putting Bilstein 5100s, rear Cornfed spacers, Spidertrax wheel spacers, and 285 Falken Wildpeaks over the next several weeks. A simple set-up to get my wife and I started.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[tjZ06]

If you come from backpacking you have almost all the gear you need! Yes, you can buy some additional stuff now that space/weight isn't as much of a consideration (bigger tent, better sleeping pad/mattress, multi-burner stove, etc.) but you don't *need* any of that. Your backpacking gear will do the job. Now, I would get some basic recovery gear (do you plan to go out solo, or in groups?) and just get a basic tool-roll from any company you like, something like: BOXO USA Tool Roll 2.0 I'm also a fan of "safe jacks" Safe Jack - 4WD, Outdoor,Off road, 4X4 accessories and products. for trail tire changes/repairs. Also, a sat-comm device like an inReach but I presume you already have that from backpacking.

-TJ

 

[Boort]

@Michael_812c5d

Here is the "Toyota" tool list that I keep in the 4runner for my outings it is basically the same as what I carried in my 97 Tacoma for the last 20 years. Only slightly modified from my VW Bug tool kit list that I carried for years before that). Nearly all of this fits in a pair canvas tool bags that stay in the rig at all times:

4runner Hand Toolkit
Wrenches:
    Combo 7/8/9/10/12/13/14/17/19/21/24mm      (16/22mm)
    Ratcheting Combo 7/8/9/10/12/13/14/17/19/21/24mm      (16/22mm)

    Socket set:
    3/8" drive x2
    3/8" drive: 10/12/13/14/17/19/21/24mm      (8/16/22mm) 6 point not 12
    3/8" extensions: 1"/3"/6"x2/10"/3" wobble/u-joint/8 in. flex extension
    spark plug socket
    
    1/4" drive 7/8/9/10mm
    1/4 extensions: 1"/3"/6"/3" wobble/u-joint
    
    1/2 drive
    1/2 breaker bar
    1/2 to 3/8 adapter
    1/2 extensions: 1"/3"/10"/3" wobble/u-joint
    24mm/35mm  for CV nuts IIRC
    deep 21mm for lug nuts
    Cheater pipe
    
    Brake line wrench
    
Pliers:
    Needle Nose Pliers
    2x Channel Locks
    vice grips - not knock offs
    pry bar for axles (stock tire iron)

Screwdrivers:
    2x flat #2
    Flat #1 (crew chief)
    Phillips #2

Electrical:   
    Multimeter
    Test tool
    ~25ft 10 gauge electrical wire
    elec tape
    wire nuts
    Splices
    M/F Spade & Ring connectors?
    Shrink wrap
    Crimp /cut tool
    Dikes strippers
    Fuses
    
Misc:
    flashlight
    Code Reader / Scan Guage etc...
    Jumper cables
    tow rope
    tire repair kit including valve tool
    air compressor
    Shock Spanner Wrenches (for BP-51 shocks)
    
Parts:
    Replacement valve stems (usable w/o removing from rim)
    Rags
    Brake fluid
    Belts
    Silicone Adhesive/Sealant
    WD-40
    Replacement axle / CVs
    Tierod ends

PPE:
    2 pair gloves
    Safety glasses

MacGuyver:
    Duct tape
    Gel super glue
    Gaffers Tape
    bailing wire
    ClampTite Wire Clamp Tool
    para cord
    High quality Zip Ties various sizes

Garage/Estate Sales are your friends here as is Harbor Freight / PrincessAuto etc.
You don't want these expensive or visible if you leave them in the rig.

Boort

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Have you tried the Search function here? Upper right corner of the page, little magnifying glass icon. Not to sound droll, but in addition to the answers you receive here, if you search your question, you will find numerous threads of that very same nature, containing a plethora of suggestions. Reading those threads, for me anyway, allowed me to gather a lot of the info I needed while also getting a feel for the forums and various member personalities. A lot of info is already out there and available and I got to see other threads that I made "favorite."