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I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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Towing Insurance that covers more than a minimum distance. ?
Paper Coveralls & an orange vest. ?List some possible repair centers along your route... It is easier from home than sitting beside the road wondering where to have it towed. ?Keep water in your tanks for flushing potty and washing greasy hands. ?Lava hand soap, or hand cleaner orange stuff from dollar store. ?Spare rags.
Memorial Day Weekend had our twin electric fan units (in front of the radiator) fall apart when driving on washboard freeway I-40 just west of Kingman AZ. ?Found a shop in Kingman after 12 calls from Flagstaff to Needles. ?Finally found a place that would work on a German vehicle. ?They had to source parts. ?We left the rig there and continued our trip in a rental car... to Gulf Shores AL and back. ?Upon return everything was fixed. ?We also had them do an inspection and oil change. ?$1600. ?The tow was 12 miles, but could have been 200.
On Saturday, August 13, 2022, 11:26:22 AM PDT, stevekrival < [email protected]> wrote:
I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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At 86kMiles- not much should need replacing. I have 150k on my
02EVC- and I usually take a few more spares. Have spare fuses -
all amperage's- maybe a spare serpentine belt- but they usually
last 100k or more. I usually have my Bentley repair manual on my
computer. We've driven from NM to NY many times in ours and never
really had a breakdown (except for one flat tire). Having a 12
volt air compressor came in handy for that. Patched the tire with
a plug- pumped it up and drove to the next town to get it properly
repaired.
Good luck
sam
02 EVC
On 8/13/2022 2:26 PM, stevekrival
wrote:
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I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an
extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take
with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2.
various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves,
good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5.
error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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At only 86K miles, you probably won't have any mechanical issues, but you never know. I have a '97EVC and lost my water pump and serpentine belt at 100K miles in the middle of nowhere. I'd get a water pump, serpentine belt and belt tensioner, and a correct bolt to release tension on the belt. I'd have a premium emergency roadside coverage, AAA or Good Sams. Really good, bright LED work light. LED headlamp. Tire Plug repair kit, gloves, pliers. (sometimes you can remove a nail and plug it yourself, even on roadside) 12volt Tire Inflater When was your transmission's fluid, filter and gasket last changed. It should be changed at least every 40k miles, if not more often, like 20k miles. If you don't have one, you might consider installing an external transmission oil cooler. It mounts in front of the radiator and keeps the transmission oil temperature from getting too high, which damages it resulting in transmission failure. Before trip have an oil & filter change. Check coolant and brake fluid level. What is the condition of your tires? Have them checked, rotated and balanced with correct air pressure. Low tire pressures and highway heat are the greatest cause of tire failure and blowouts. If they are suspect, new tires.
Kent Kirkley
'97 EVC
I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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You might want to practice removing the spare tire from its rack underneath the van before you set out. Change the automatic transmission fluid. On long climbs, switch the AC on.??
Safe travels!
- Jonathan 1999 EVC
On Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:26:22 AM PDT, stevekrival < [email protected]> wrote:
I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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On Sat, Aug 13, 2022 at 01:26 PM, stevekrival wrote:
What other useful tools should I consider?
I've found that on my Rialta, the Eurovan part anyway, as long as I have 13mm and 10mm sockets with wrench, a couple of screwdrivers, and a big pair of pliers, I can handle about anything.? There's always gonna be that oddball thing, but they're hard to prepare for no matter what. I've also been known to make a 'day trip' to help out someone in need, so you might consider this group as an extra 'tool'. -- Duane 05HD Rialta 220K Miles
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PPE
* a big piece of cardboard (folds in half, stored under the rear bed). Great if you need to sit on the ground or slide under the van for any repairs.
* long-sleeve shirt you don't care about
* disposable gloves
Tools
* A long breaker bar with 19mm socket for changing tires (the VW spare tire lug bolt wrench is quite short).
* right-angle screwdriver to change the ignition switch (see below)
Gadgets
* OBD-2 scanner (or laptop with VCDS or VCDS-Lite and a USB to OBD2 adapter)
Info
* a laptop with 15+ years of archived [eurovanupdate] messages!
* don't trust the user's manual or mechanics - I had one trip almost ruined by "failed windows" where the problem was a simple blown fuse, which was mis-documented in the user manual and by a VW dealer.
Parts
* ignition switch - common failure point that causes a lot of weird electrical problems. Hard to change w/o the right tool (see above)
Dual-Use
* leveling blocks can be used as impromptu jack-stands (if you need to get under the van to work, don't trust only the VW jack)
Technique
* for driving up steep grades in the heat, learn the difference between gears where the transmission torque converter is locked up vs. slipping. The non-locked up gears will generate a lot more heat; better to shift down one gear instead.
* if you have air conditioner troubles, know the sounds & signs of impending failure and how to turn off the AC compressor - this can save your serpentine belt
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I really don't carry anything but a AAA platinum card.. covers a 200 mile tow
I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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I carry a few basic tools as it sounds you do. Always also a 12V Multimeter and range of spare fuses. Now including the ones for the cooling fans.
BUT most importantly is downloaded the VANALERT app!!!? It’s pretty cool in it lists repair shops, fellow VW van people willing to lend driveway space for repairs or even come rescue you off the side of the road.
We actually used this app on our trip to Maine to locate a VW repair shop when the start quick.
On Sun, Aug 14, 2022 at 2:52 AM matthew urso < murso74@...> wrote: I really don't carry anything but a AAA platinum card.. covers a 200 mile tow
I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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Here’s my list. I keep a check-off list of everything I pack so I know when I leave home, I have it all. YMMV depending on your travel and camping style. I am often on very remote Forest Service and BLM roads. ? - Phone – with maps and many other relevant apps. That would be another good list.
- Garmin InReach satellite messenger
- AAA card
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Tool bag –small collection of the usual mechanic tools
- Electrical tools and supplies; multi-meter, 16-gauge wire, wire cutters, butt splices
- Shovel
- GoTreads traction grids - for sand or snow
- Extra key – hidden in an outside lock box
- Lithium jump starter battery pack – can start the rig if necessary or power any device on board. I also have jumper cables though they might be obsolete with the lithium battery
- Tow strap
- Air in a can
- 12V compressor
- Work gloves
- Fire extinguisher
- Beer – in case all else fails. Or not.
Spare parts- Serpentine belt
- Voltage regulator
- Hose clamps
- Motor oil
? ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of stevekrival Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2022 11:26 AM To: [email protected]Subject: [eurovanupdate] Which Tools & Parts Would You Recommend for a Road Trip? 2001 Eurovan Camper #partswanted ? I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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Komso,
Can I ask which brand or model of lithium jump box you have and how long ?
Was thinking of getting one since they are so small and seem to work well.
Craig
On Sun, Aug 14, 2022 at 2:34 PM Kozmo < kozmob@...> wrote: Here’s my list. I keep a check-off list of everything I pack so I know when I leave home, I have it all. YMMV depending on your travel and camping style. I am often on very remote Forest Service and BLM roads. ? - Phone – with maps and many other relevant apps. That would be another good list.
- Garmin InReach satellite messenger
- AAA card
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Tool bag –small collection of the usual mechanic tools
- Electrical tools and supplies; multi-meter, 16-gauge wire, wire cutters, butt splices
- Shovel
- GoTreads traction grids - for sand or snow
- Extra key – hidden in an outside lock box
- Lithium jump starter battery pack – can start the rig if necessary or power any device on board. I also have jumper cables though they might be obsolete with the lithium battery
- Tow strap
- Air in a can
- 12V compressor
- Work gloves
- Fire extinguisher
- Beer – in case all else fails. Or not.
Spare parts- Serpentine belt
- Voltage regulator
- Hose clamps
- Motor oil
? ? ? ? ? I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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I have a Micro-Start XP-10 The reason I have this one is that it was a gift. Have had it for about 5 years. Never failed me. Jumped vehicles, charged my phone, camera, and computer, powered my compressor. ? Once I thought I had lost it and researched for a replacement. If I hadn’t found the Micro-Start, I would have bought this: ? Kozmo ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Craig Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2022 12:34 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [eurovanupdate] Which Tools & Parts Would You Recommend for a Road Trip? 2001 Eurovan Camper #partswanted ? Can I ask which brand or model of lithium jump box you have and how long ? Was thinking of getting one since they are so small and seem to work well. ? On Sun, Aug 14, 2022 at 2:34 PM Kozmo <kozmob@...> wrote: Here’s my list. I keep a check-off list of everything I pack so I know when I leave home, I have it all. YMMV depending on your travel and camping style. I am often on very remote Forest Service and BLM roads. ? - Phone – with maps and many other relevant apps. That would be another good list.
- Garmin InReach satellite messenger
- AAA card
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Tool bag –small collection of the usual mechanic tools
- Electrical tools and supplies; multi-meter, 16-gauge wire, wire cutters, butt splices
- Shovel
- GoTreads traction grids - for sand or snow
- Extra key – hidden in an outside lock box
- Lithium jump starter battery pack – can start the rig if necessary or power any device on board. I also have jumper cables though they might be obsolete with the lithium battery
- Tow strap
- Air in a can
- 12V compressor
- Work gloves
- Fire extinguisher
- Beer – in case all else fails. Or not.
Spare parts- Serpentine belt
- Voltage regulator
- Hose clamps
- Motor oil
? ? ? ? ? I am hitting the road in my 2001 Eurovan Camper (86K Miles) for an extended road trip. Which tools and spare parts would you take with you? In the past I have taken: 1. A canvas repair kit; 2. various screwdrivers and wrenches 3. Tire iron, jack, and gloves, good spare tire; 4. freon leak detector and yellow glasses; 5. error code detector. What other useful tools should I consider?
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In addition to the jump box, I rigged up my LifePo4 aux battery so that on occasion, if needed, I can switch my aux battery to charge my engine battery.? I made a simple drawing, attached.? Remember that if you add a lithium battery as your aux, you'll need to add a DC-DC charger (for LifePo4) and convert your AC-DC Charger as well.? All of it works great with solar and with a 1000-watt inverter! (not shown) Never leave your two batteries directly connected after your jump! 
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Michael mentioned to bring a spare ignition switch and right angle screwdriver as part of the spare parts. Having the ignition switch just fail me one day before taking it on a long trip in the Sierras I decided to do a write up on it. The actual 'emergency 'part I would recommend is a three foot wire with a female butt connector on one end. This is to simply 'jump' the van when it doesn't start because the ignition switch went bad. Here's my write up on the emergency and permanent fix:
Ken
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Nice write-up, thank you Ken.
- Jonathan 1999 EVC
On Monday, August 22, 2022 at 10:48:10 AM PDT, Ken <ken.friesen@...> wrote:
Michael mentioned to bring a spare ignition switch and right angle screwdriver as part of the spare parts. Having the ignition switch just fail me one day before taking it on a long trip in the Sierras I decided to do a write up on it. The actual 'emergency 'part I would recommend is a three foot wire with a female butt connector on one end. This is to simply 'jump' the van when it doesn't start because the ignition switch went bad. Here's my write up on the emergency and permanent fix:
Ken
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Female “spade” connector ;-)
--
Justin
2000 EVW 1.9TDI Syncro 5-spd
490k mi :-)
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Duane
Craig
Bob H
Justin Soares