I'm a believer in, besides parts..
things like utility wire ... gorilla tape, rescue tape ( just used some
yesterday )
handfull of various hose clamps..
bag full of wire ties,
some electrical wire....
some spare brake fluid
and crude tools like hammer and vice grips.

that sort of stuff...
the important thing is to be able to keep moving ..
even if it's at reduced performance and capability.

I carry a spare alternator under the back seat.
an odd and very nice one ...
it's a factory new 65 amp Bosch that came off a new Industrial 1.9 TD
engine .
Small in size than the common 90 amp one ...adapter bracket makes it fit .

also...
right this very moment ..
there are all  kinds of vanagons running with
play in their Bosch alternator bearings ( undo the belt and lift up-down
on the shaft and pulley ..I find lots of worn ones that people didn't
know about )

and the 'ole alternator mounting '  thing ..
People and shops don't check those sometimes ... ..they get loose ...
  if let go until it  gets extreme ..you have studs busted off in your
waterboxer engine block.
and that is a serious trip-stopping issue.

and not fun to deal with AT ALL ..
but checking it is easy.

On 7/4/2015 11:08 AM, Neil N wrote:
> I think some of that list would depend on the engine type.
>
> For spark plug wires I usually just carry the longest wire.
>
>> .... Was there ever a time when you were "broke
>> down" and wished you'd had something?
> ^^ This is a great question and would make an excellent thread IMO.
>
> I try to keep my spare parts list down to things that would leave me stranded.
>
> e.g. rotor, cap, belts, etc. And, I'd carefully think through which
> parts fail right away
> or usually fail slowly with some kind of warning. Like enough warning to get me
> to the next town. An alternator comes to mind though a spare set of
> brushes are small.
>
> Neil.
>
>
> --
> Neil n
>
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>
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>
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>
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>