Best attitude - Have a problem? Just hang out and east street food!

I think watching off-roading and rock crawling videos leaves a lot of people with the impression that everything breaks all the time when overlanding. Others channels make some entertaining videos, but I'm finding yours both entertaining, and informative.

This about what I do with my spares. The only other thing I bring is a fan belt/serpentine belt. What I did is changed out the old one kept it because it was in good shape. I also would bring a small amount of bailing wire in case an exhaust hanger let go.

Sometimes the issues you have on a trip are the most memorable part. Like when my buddy had a ball joint let go on him. The guy that lives beside where he broke down was a fleet mechanic and helped us fix it and invited us in his home for dinner. We talk about that more than anything else on that trip.

Came for the vicarious living through your Africa overlanding; stayed for the philosophy on life. Genuine thank you so much for all the content and most importantly the positive role model you are in such a crazy world.

1) An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. 2) A well serviced and maintained vehicle prior to any long distance sojourn is one way of avoiding break downs and having to utilise spare parts. 3) It is prudent to perform such tasks as wheel bearing replacement prior to setting off into the sunset. It's worth carrying a couple of wheel bearings in any case. 4) If you're going to get exploratory service done pre-departure then you might want to get the CV's checked too. A broken CV is a show stopper although they too can be air freighted. 5) I believe that a pertinent point is to know your vehicle as much as you can. Between the video presentation and the comments below I think most people would be well off and well on their way to adventure without overloading their conveyance and cranial capacity.

I think one thing that is not covered is spares that keep you out of trouble with the law. Mainly light bulbs! Keeping on extra for every type of external bulb is easy and doesn't take much space.

To your point, Dan, I had to have a total engine block up rebuild of my boat's diesel engine while marooned in a little communist village in Portugal. The Portuguese yard had several great mechanics, the U.S. engine manufacturer was already accustomed to shipping their engines and repair parts worldwide, and some local coaching helped me (properly) avoid VAT charges. It took us a few weeks to get sorted but we learned a bit more Portuguese, met some interesting yachties, and enjoyed some new local friendships. Initially, we freaked out at this calamity! In the end, it was just another interesting experience.

“This is the best part of the trip. This is the trip. The best part.”

Being stranded on the road, especially in the middle of no where, use to be one of my biggest fears. But now, I know, at the end of it, I will make it back home. So it's not a big worry anymore. I plan on trying some solo camping/road trips in the future and may go to a few places with no cell service, so I am getting everything I'll need to reach out for help if I need too.

I used to be absolutely hysterical about lugging around spare parts. When I first got my disco, it came with a spare front propeller shaft. I kept that in the vehicle "just in case" for the first couple of trips. Dumb. After getting stranded due to losing the fan belt (twice, actually, though once literally in my parents yard), I do keep one of those in the back. I grew up in a fairly rural area and with shitty old cars so I do still tend to be overly equipped. A bit of every kind of fluid, a tow rope, a small compressor, first aid kit, fire extinguisher (needed it once, it's staying) a multimeter, an axe, a foldable saw, starter cables, a full set of sockets and a pretty well-sorted tool roll, a whole heap of fuses and wires and stuff of that nature... it's nuts when you look at it all, but it is nice to be the guy who can say "one of these?" and hand them whatever someone needs. It's probably indicative of some sort of mental disorder, but it does give you an illusion of control and some sort tangible sense of safety to have a bunch of crap that "I might need" with you all the time. I also didn't have a garage for a long time, so everything sort of had to live in the truck, and then you get used to it being a mobile tool box.

Spot on as always. What would I bring? Serpentine belt, radiator hoses, heater hoses, a length of fuel hose that can be used for fuel or oil or water if necessary. Fuses obviously, tyre stems & valve cores, tyre plug kit, tyre patch kit. Oil filter elements (my vehicle doesn't use the spin on disposable filter). Can't really think of much else... maybe a small box of spare nuts & bolts of common sizes for the vehicle and thread locker. Of course some wire and cable ties for binding stuff up!

I'm happy that somebody, YOU, touched on sensors and electrics. In my experience the crank and cam sensors will put you out of business like nothing else, and often when least expected coming up on an intersection with no power brakes or steering. I think a lot of people worry about things that physically wear or get damaged. A sensor often will put a modern 4WD out of operation more likely than a physical part so long as you've been a responsible driver. I feel, on one hand they protect the engine from self destructing, unfortunately on the other hand the sensors are mass produced and have been subbed out to 3rd parties and long term quality / reliability just isn't there.

Wheel studs for sure. Happened to me too, bent a rim, went to change the tire and snapped two studs. I carry spares now.

The best part about Mondays!

Different approach here. I carry all parts with me I am able to replace myself on the fly, i.e. bearings, seals, brake/clutch cylinders, even a clutch (after having had a tough time finding a spare). Yes, there is a starter under the passenger seat. Maybe I am paranoid, maybe it is due to the fact that my old G Wagon has 400.000kms + on the meter.

JB weld, a roll of gorilla tape, some wire and one of those wire twist tools (I can make or hose clamp any size) and a tire plug kit will all fit in one hand and fix a good many common failures, atleast temporarily.

Wheel studs is smart, I saw two vehicles with broken ones in one summer on the Alcan. And regular maintenance items are certainly good.

What I have learned so far from this channel is that Dan only owns one pair of shorts and looks like he bought them in the early 2000s......

Seems the most important things are the correct mind set and a good attitude. As you pointed out, what spares to carry is usually vehicle specific. Duct tape, stiff wire and an assortment of heavy duty zip ties are always in my tool bag, even around town. Also a small can of WD-40 to remove moisture from electrical connectors.

Whenever I am on road trip with my Toyota Haice van, it being a 1997 model that's not too much electrified with sensors and it's manual Diesel gear, I carry 2 hose pipes for the radiator, I add 2 U-bolts and hind springs connecting nut and bolt. The reason is because it's those things that can stop vehicle from moving completely... My other too that works for me too: Each time I get into a town, I park the vehicle and check the vehicle thoroughly to see if there's any developing mechanical problems I can spot... And I start by checking those parts that can have problems... Most times I diagnose the problems in advance and fix them before I leave.

Hey Dan. Another great video. THank you. What I like about your content is simple common sense behind the decisions that you make. There are a lot of overlanding influences who are all about buy buy buy, upgrade this upgrade that etc, making overlanding less about the adventure and more about gear. It’s very sad to see that that sort of content puts people off for the sheer fear of the expenditure. You, on the other hand invite more people into this lifecycle by lowering the barrier to entry. Again, thank you.

Definitely a sensible way to approach it. Also worth for your vehicle asking on the forums as to common failures as anything over 5 years old should have developed common issues by now.

Keep up with your excellent offroad lessons - big thank you! Joseph (Cape Town, South Africa)

I like your list... the only thing I would add is a full set of gaskets (not always super cheat but flat, light weight, and easy to store). Having lived in Mexico I am very much aware of how local mechanics can fix broken parts but if you are driving a vehicle that isn't common locally they may be unable to source a gasket and that is an area I don't like to improvise if at all possible. Being stuck for 2 week eating street food is fun unless your visa or TIP expires in 5 days.

Another excellent video! Great advice - makes lots of sense!

Such great content and always a sensible approach. Steve 🇦🇺.

Very well thought out. I agree with your decisions on parts.

Excellent job, as always. Good points you are making spoken from true experience. I could not agree more. Keep up sharing your valuable experiences!

I think it's important to carry a tie rod. If you can't steer your done. They also common to break, not that often, but when one tire goes one way and the other goes the other way your not going anywhere if it does fail, can't even be towed unless it's picking up the front end somehow.

Awesome realistic information! Cheers.

simple, straight forward, and practical. Good deal!

Great advice, when following your system of overland travel. If you A) have a capable and common vehicle and B) have the key tools, you can C) only carry the odd/necessary spares. It just makes sense.

Loved the video and just the perspective and mindset that you approach traveling. Had never really thought about the fact that breaking down isn’t failure, it’s just part of the adventure. Looking back for me some of the best trips I’ve had include times where everything has gone wrong or someone’s had a vehicle break down.

More good advise. Thanks Dan.

This was he one i've been waiting for. Thanks!

Good list right there.

Even for the majority of armchair (or in my dreams only) overlanders like me, your videos are such an entertainment. Your explanation as to why for each one is thoughtful, non-obvious and logical. Certainly useful for my occasional

Totally a great list. I've never understood people who load up with heaps of bulky spares. Not that I've had your level of experience, but on my own trips the few times something has broken and I've not had the parts then I have been able to improvise something to get back to civilization. eg: splinting a broken leaf spring with a sapling and fencing wire.

I also carry a spare serpentine belt and a Rzeppa joint. Auto trans fluid, I have used it in multiple places for short term.

Our family toured around a lot on west coast of Canada and US and overland in BC with 70's and up vehicles without a breakdown. Our "emissions" car from the 80's was behaving badly in the city one time, but mom decided to make the 400 km trip home anyways. It was probably vapour in one of those hoses. I do remember having to stop and change a tire when I was young. It was tube type. I prefer leap-frogging for consumables than dealing with post. I changed to cleanable oil filter .

Thanks Dan, I enjoyed your video and you experience in spares selection was great.

Dan, I appreciate your advice from this and other videos you have done.

I keep my spare fuses in my 06 tj in a tictack box in the fuse box along with a couple relays. Makes finding them easy so I don't have to dig through maps and other papers in the glovebox

Solid info mate. Reusable air filter best idea ever. I have 04 range rover with bmw v8. Bmw uses cartridge oil filters. Nice thing about those you can clean them out, 85sh% clean.

Appreciate the last couple vids, what to -not- take, and this spares discussion, are perhaps more important than what -to- take. My perspective has leaned in your direction (leave the welder and axles at home). But as my wife and I've been only getting into this the past few years, the more experienced folks who brag about taking exactly those things with them (or an entire pantry), had me wondering sometimes. It always comes down to this: Reality is never as dark as your worst fears.

Excellent summary! Nicely done and well thought out. Sounds like it makes more sense to have a slightly older (2-3 years?) and well-maintained vehicle on an extensive trip.

Well thought out list of spares. Thanks for doing this video.

For the same reason you don't bring a starter, you could do the same reasoning with radiator hoses. You should periodically change your coolant; At that time or before a long expedition, replace the coolant, hoses. clamps, AND thermostat and radiator cap. The thermostat is probably the weak link in the chain. This is a doable and adventurous DIY project IF you can find a place to reclaim your used coolant. Find the reclamation location first and be sure they will take it; couldn't find one in my area.

Great info love the channel!!! I'd add wheel bearings n grease. If one of those let go it's a show stopper and they can be easy enough to change.

Another great video Dan. Agree about the need to wait for parts delivery - a good opportunity to slow down and take it easy!

Great overview!

Love it!

Right on philosophy with your tool kit and spares. When I repowered my truck I chose the Chevy 350 explicitly because I can easily find parts for it anywhere in the Americas. The only spares I carry that you didn't mention are wheel bearings, an ignition coil, and a carburetor rebuild kit.

Wise words spoken from experience.

great ideas

Best vid on this subject ive seen.....going to read all the comments aswell!!!

Cool attitude. Never thought of it that way.

Great stuff

Dan, I really enjoy your videos and look forward to them each week. Have you thought of doing a video on personal hygiene? Showers, body wipes or a combo of everything available. Anyway thanks for the videos and making what seems like an impossible dream a real possibility.

Good info.

Your list is really well thought out. I haven't been carrying the hoses but I do carry the old belt. I would add an assortment of bolts just in case I even a bit of 'all thread'. I know you re-torque the undercarriage regularly, but you never know. The largest item I cary is a water pump, as I have had 3 seemingly abruptly fail in my 10 years of owning 2 inline 6 engines. Although now I get rid of them every 60K miles. They probably were weeping antifreeze but, didn't notice it. Along with the crank and cam position sensors, I carry all the sensors on the throttle body. One trick with the heater hose is to fold the good one back making a loop back to the engine, I have done that in the past when I had a heater core failure.

i agree, only thing id add is some of the rubber brake hoses and/or the fittings used to block off one wheel or the rear line, its not unforeseeable to have a stick or something rip one off or in a 10 year old vehicle a really hard braking event can bust them

been a big fan of Rockauto for spares for my Jeep for ages. I even buy spark plugs off them

great videos. I think most people and myself are worried about being stranded in the middle of nowhere and having to abandon your vehicle trying to get help. you may not find help or if you do your vehicle would have been stolen or attacked for parts. I think it takes a different kind of person to be willing to risk those issues and also laid back enough not to worry about things possibly going wrong. Also your overlanding isn't super remote like some people are thinking about overlanding. you seem to stay on normally traveled roads and paths and not venture off into deep wilderness.

I pack an alternator "kit", brushes, bearing rectifier and a water pump, as well as all that you mentioned. I think the amount of spares you take is directly related to the length of your trip, and/or how much time you have. When we go from BC to Mexico, we have 2-3 weeks, so a break down can be a major problem. When you have a year, a week to wait for parts can be a nice break.

Thanks, going to sign up on rock auto for a catalog

Good perspective. I might add a set of spark plugs and 1 or 2 ignition coils - those are both common wear or failure points, and they aren't big or heavy. I would expect to find spark plugs just about anywhere, but the ignition coils are often vehicle- or engine-specific. To your primary point though, an issue with either of them would only cause a misfire and the car would probably still be driveable.

Great video. Mostly common sense really. I like to use the term. I carry everything I need. But not one thing more, or one thing less.

Land Cruiser's series 100 has two troubling items that worry me. Suspension (hydraulic and high pressure) and Master Brake combo ABS (also very heavy and expensive). So i have fresh dampers and toss broken (if) AHC and sweat out if brake system goes. Based on your helpful suggestions I will stage the shocks at a family to UPS and check with Rockauto for the repair kit to brake system. Saves me a bunch of weight and awkward parts. Wish I found you sooner. I will bring Toyota specific fluids, fuel filer, serpentine belt and perhaps wheel bearings as i have 220k miles on orig.

Sounded like good advice for livin'! We carry so much crap around that we don't need.

Chuck out your radiator hoses, that's what duct tape is for. Initially I carried no spares for long term touring oz. Tape, cable ties, fencing wire, ratchet straps. As the vehicle aged I threw in some wheel studs. I had a wheel bearing failure on the nullarbor which got me thinking maybe take spare wheel bearings for similar reasons as studs. If your wheel falls off you can't even get a tow, need a flat bed truck. But wheel bearings are hard to do without proper tools.

The only other spare part(s) that jump out for me is spare brake caliper bolts and a tube of anti-seize for it. Some Jeeps seem to like loosing them other never do. 🤔 I've now got 2 spare in my tool box that fits XJ, MJ, YJ and maybe TJ's. I had one that liked to loosen up at times.

very smart.

You did say something clearly wrong for 90% of over lander: if I’m planning an overland trip and I have a certain amount of time available for it because I have a job, if my car breaks down and has to be in a shop for two weeks, that’s one of the major reason, if not THE reason of finishing an overland trip in a bad way.

FUEL FILTERS!

11:50 I think it came out on the bobistheoilguy.com website that those washable/reusable element air filters allow a lot of silica contamination to happen in the engine oil, as revealed by used oil analysis. www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ The boring paper(?) element OE air filters did better in that regard. Also, if you re-oil too heavilyl on that filter element, you can have oil contamination downstream onto the MAF sensor wire.

Some great points mate! Bit off topic but: Have you ever used or tried the Australian swags for camping in the bush? I reckon they would work quite well for touring in Africa too. Certainly is a lot lighter than any RTT. Perhaps a bit messy during the rainy season.

Thanks for the great videos! One question in this topic, have you ever considered/wished a second spare tire?

For my astro cam and crank sensor cap androtor and 2 ujoints fan belt

I have belts, hoses, u-joints, fuses ,relays.

Adding a snorkel greatly reduces dust in the air filter but yeah going to a washable K&N is the ticket.

Hey Dan - How about a video on your toolbox with any specialty tools while on the road(?) - Thanks, From another Dan

Dan what do you think about taking a trip across Imogene Pass(Telluride to Ouray). I would like to see that on your KZfaq channel if you could, with you and your Jeep.

I would add spare light bulbs :)

Fan belt? That’s small and light, but would keep the Jeep from going anywhere should it break.

👍

what do you think of harding a vehicle from failing on known issues? for example... the chevy vortec plastic distributor is known to break in half from bad design/plastic fatigue/recall. however, there are cheap stock aluminum distributors available for about the same price or a little more. would you replace a potential known failure with a better aftermarket stock part before doing an overland trip?

I’m 58 and wish I had taken that kind of a view of things much earlier in my life. Only now am I unwinding enough to get a good balance. I would appreciate a recommendation on a simple tool - a tire pressure gauge. The one’s I have are inconsistent and unreliable and I wonder what you choose?

Have you upgraded the front and rear drive shafts to u joints? I know the CV joints can fail and there is no easy way to repair them. So it would mean 5 days waiting for a replacement vs 1 hour to replace a u joint.

@The Road Chose Me Can you talk about what size of the vehicle that is preferred when Overlanding and what is the typical sized roads that you often see/drive on. Would a person be fine with a Toyota tundra size truck or even a 2500 truck driving thru Africa, Alaska and/or South America?

Where do have the parts sent to when on the road? A post office, hotel, etc? Just wondering how you do that.

To avoid carrying fuses (ever again) you can buy breakers that fit in the fuse sockets. www.amazon.com/Tocas-Manual-Profile-Circuit-Breakers/dp/B0797RXQFK/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=auto+fuse+breaker&qid=1597694037&sr=8-4 My military truck came with them and I have added one to my friends Nissan D21 hardbody that keeps burning fuses becuase of an intermittent wiring fault.

Do you bring any spare bolts/nuts? I just had a trailer scissor jack break on a family camping trip, and needed 3 trips to the hardware store to get the right bolts to install the replacement (whoever drilled the mounting holes before us drilled different sized holes for some reason 😕) So now I’m thinking it might be worthwhile to bring a small bag of various sized bolts/nuts/washers in my tool/recovery kit I. Case something sheers, or rusts out... what do you think?

I’m curious- if you were buying a new Jeep for an overland vehicle, what year would you with in 2020? Did you have a target (I want a Jeep 5 years old, less than 100K miles, etc) - do you feel a 2012 Rubicon would be a good buy on 2020, or would your shoot for something newer?

wheel or axle bearings and seals?

With regards to engine oil & filter changes, you brought along the oil filters and got the engine oil along the way? No issues in buying quality oil that meets Jeep engine requirements?

In Africa Toyota is king, finding parts is a breeze

Have you ever break down in all your trips ?

Jeeps do need parts fairly often. That's why I drive a Toyota. Haha.