I'm thinking along the lines of the old John Muir book where he had
"Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage Three" Tool kits he would carry with him
depending on how far away he was going from home.  I wonder if a
similar updated list with that concept would apply to spare parts as
well for our Vanagons.  My list of spares  I carry is huge.  I guess
I should break it down into three separate tool boxes and live what I preach!!!

DM&FS

At 08:42 PM 8/23/2011, mark drillock wrote:
>Too tedious of a topic to cover fully. What all to carry largely depends
>on how the vehicle is going to be used and then how capable the owner is
>of determining what is wrong and fixing it with parts on-board. I carry
>stuff that most people don't and I wouldn't expect very many others to
>follow my lead. It is not that I worry so much about actually needing
>them as that I realize I could be greatly delayed in obtaining them if
>they were needed while I was in a remote spot. Most of them cost so
>little if purchased in advance that I just consider it a low cost
>insurance policy to have them along. Since I do all my own work anyway
>and have a lifetime commitment to multiple Vanagon ownership they will
>get used someday.
>
>While decent maintenance is requirement number one, I think most
>Vanagons should carry a few specific items that are well known common
>and/or abrupt failure points. I think all regular Vanagon drivers should
>know how to install them too.
>
>headlight switch
>ignition switch
>regulator/brush assembly for alternator
>belt for water pump/alternator
>fuel filter
>ECU, tested
>
>Also should have for traveling:
>volt meter
>6 feet of #12 red wire
>6 feet of #12 black wire
>4 each of crimp on insulated ends, blue color, 1/4" male spade, 1/4"
>female spade, 5/16" ring, butt splices
>inline ATC fuse holder and 15 amp fuses
>
>The list has no real end but this is a start. Tools are needed for most
>of the parts to be of much use.
>
>Mark
>
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>mcneely4@cox.net wrote:
>>so, mark, what is your list of the must, or at least really should
>>carry items?  ......................