WHAT TOOLS TO BRING WHEN CAMPING

Travelling with a slide-on camper is like having a house on wheels. Sometimes, it can turn into a mini garage on wheels. For those who seek to be as self-sustained as possible, there are certain tools worth having in your ute so you would be able to fix minor issues by yourself. 

BEFORE WE BEGIN

Now, it is very easy to go online and buy all the gear you could possibly need. Remember, the storage space is still somewhat limited, and the extra weight can make a huge difference when travelling in mountainous regions. You should only get the tools you know how to use and are most likely to be needed. Focus on usefulness, compactness, and convenience. 

BASIC CAR REPAIR KIT

There are three most common emergencies that you should be ready for that can be easily fixed with a little bit of preparation:

• Have jumper cables to be able to jump-start a dead battery.
• Have a jerry can to store a little extra fuel in case you get stranded with no petrol stations nearby. This could always be avoided with good planning, but sometimes you’re just out of luck, or you might find someone else who needs help on the road. 
• Buy a basic kit to patch up a punctured tire that would at least get you to the nearest garage. 
  
  

TOOLS TO CONSIDER 

• Impact or lug wrench – you always hope you’re not going to need to change a tire while on holiday, but it’s better to be prepared than stranded in the middle of nowhere for hours on end.
• Milton tire pressure gauge – it doesn’t cost much and helps you keep an eye on your tire pressure. Especially when travelling in the mountains, the weather conditions can change a few times a day, and improperly inflated tires can increase wear and hurt gas mileage. 
• Spare fuses – it’s a quick and easy fix for a blown fuse. These things just sometimes happen. 
• Scotch electrical tape – just in case of any electrical issues, you can use this tape to cover exposed wires or to stop a short. 
• Screwdriver – there are more screws in a car than you might think. If anything comes loose or needs changing, one simple tool can be a lot of help. 
• Inflator – if you happened to repair a tire on the road yourself, that’s the first step. It also should be inflated and in good condition for you to be able to continue the journey. 
• Scan tool – these are often quite compact and cheap these days. If you’re comfortable enough trying to fix a car yourself, these are great tools to help diagnose the problem. 
• Handheld vacuum – it is not an essential tool, however, it would make your life much easier. Especially if travelling with friends and family, the mess can pile up very quickly. A clean camper is a happy camper. 
• Solar panel – this is an ultimate car essential when reaching for self-sustainability. Here at Kohi Campers, we offer solar panels as an extra for your slide-on campers to make your trip as comfortable as possible. 
  
  

FIRST AID KIT

This is a must-have whether you’re just hiking, camping with your tent, or heading on a road trip with your ute. There is a wide array of pre-packaged kits ready for any type of journey, so pick one to suit your needs the best. Make sure it has all the essentials anywhere from plasters (we always advise to buy extra of these!) to tourniquets, burn dressings, sterile wipes, etc. 

BONUS TIP

When enjoying your dinner with friends and family around the fire when camping, it gets dark before you know it. Have a headlamp or a torch ready in your camper so you can make your way back to the bed safely while ensuring that you leave your campsite clear of any items to be blown away overnight. 

The list of tools available and possible emergencies is endless. Before you make a purchase, make sure that you know how to use your tools, or make an effort to learn before setting off on the road. It’s worth learning basic car repair fixes and have a general knowledge of how your vehicle operates. Above all, remember not to stress about possible problems, but to enjoy your trip. Even if you do run into trouble, these will be the best stories to tell about your adventure!