There are those times when all of us are useless in one form or another.
Useless is not being willing to help others in need.  Useless is not knowing
what your capable of or your own limits.  My knowledge and my tools are my
limit as a mechanic, but knowing that fact makes me at least something
better than useless.
    Bill Davidson apparently has no need or desire to be more prepared than
what his toolkit provides, which, in most cases, is more than adequate.  In
truth, his toolkit is much like mine, but he must make more than I as he
carries WAY more ca$h. :-P
    Like Bill, I like to rely on the fact that I do (or have done for me)
the preventative maintenance necessary so that I can trust my Van whenever I
jump in it and go.  Most of time I use my tool kit it is to help others, be
it by phone (calling in an accident with the drunk driver), having my
insurance card on me when stopping to help another Van (whose driver had the
same insurance co. as I, so they can call for a tow, on my phone), or the
loan/use of tools or knowledge.  A trusting soul like me also has no problem
loaning $$$ or fuel on someone's word, if they seem like the trustworthy
type (done it more than once and NEVER been burned).
    I also choose to carry what I consider to be a basic kit of tools:
Multi-meter, jumper cables, assorted screwdrivers, socket set, pliers, extra
fan belt, oil, etc.  All of which fits in a 8x8x16" toolbox under the back
seat of our Westy.
    But perhaps Eric is right and this list is not the place for this
crape(?).  Perhaps we should just keep all of our opinions to ourselves and
not have any discussion on this list, unless it can be modified to past
muster of EVERYONE, all the time.  Hmmmmmm.......lets all think about that
one for a minute.................open discussion.

    Oh, wait a minute, isn't that what this list is all about!

Mark
82 Westy