We don't carry a lot of spare parts because I'm not a mechanical guy. But I do have a variety of fuses, a pair of wiper arms and an assortment of belts.
What spare parts do some of you carry?
Dang it George you read my mind. About an hour ago I was arranging my thoughts and was going to post a question that would include parts for an Alaska trip, which may or may not be different from a lower 48 trip. jc
While those with mechanical skills do generally travel with more parts than others, there are some parts that you can find a person to install virtually anywhere, BUT those parts may not be available everywhere.
Bare minimum:
Belts. Suggest buying AND INSTALLING the new ones. That both gives you less chance of a breakdown and insures that they are the correct belt.
Two sets of fuel filters. Unlike most filters, there is no average life for a fuel filter. If fed only clean fuel, they could go a million miles. But one contaminated tank of diesel can clog them in just a few miles. Two sets of the proper size and micron rating are a must.
For convenience, a few spare light bulbs-- both exterior and interior.
A quantity of all fluids: oil, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.
I am sure other will add to the MUST list.
After that, yes, owner skill set comes into play.
Brett
Any moment now and Kent Speers will jump in with the same claim. Being from Oklahoma he knows a thing or two about claim jumping :).
Along with what Brett has mentioned for a trip to Alaska we carry:
Generator fuel filters, water pump belt, glow plugs,and control module.
For the Aqua Hot spare fuel filter and complete burner head.
For the fridge a control board, propane jet, thermocouple, and extra fuses.
Extra H20 pump.
Air solenoid for HWH, air line and splices.
We normally only carry this extra stuff when we are going to be at the end of the earth.
Pamela & Mike
Being a mechanically-inclined guy, I carry lots of stuff, but at a minimum:
In addition to belts and filters (for Alaska, also add a couple of fuel filters for the generator, plus maybe an oil filter for main engine and generator.) A spare governor (controls air pressure from the engine air compressor) is cheap (~15-20) and a good idea. I carry a spare fresh water pump and spare house water filters. Also DC breakers in various sizes, wiper blades (never had a wiper arm break - yet...), a couple of blanking plates for the rear wheels if someone has to pull the axles to tow us, lotsa long cable ties and duct tape, electrical wire in various sizes for when the whizzies don't get to the right place, and electrical tape (also "Rescue Tape") for the same reason.
I also carry lots of extra stuff in the "might need it someday" category, but probably not essential if you're not doing your own repairs
Keep everything serviced and up to date, good tires, spare filters.
After that, all you need is a healthy credit card limit. You never know what you will run into, maybe a bargin you can not pass up to needing a wrecker to tow you home.
I am aware that it is possible I will come home on a hook, so be ready.
Maybe need a new radiator in Homer Alaska, you just never know.
Foretravel Alaska Motorcade spare parts list included:
Engine Belts
Engine Oil & Filters
Transmission Oil
Power Steering Fluid
Anti freeze
Fuel Filters
Radiator Hoses (special)
fuses
Light Bulbs
Leveling Blocks
Roadside Flares
Water hose & Pressure Regulator
Shoreline Extension cord and adapters
Air Filter
Spare Tire
In addition to the belts and filters for all units. I carry a spare toilet flapper control wheel and an air governor as mentioned too. I also have a spare unmounted tire as well.
Sorry I'm late George.
I carry the foregoing plus hose clamps, repair pieces of radiator and coolant hose, coolant hose repair tape, hose splices, spare water heater parts, furnace thermostat, spare LP gas sensor, 30 AMP 12V relays and various fuses. There is probably other stuff but these things I consider must haves since I have had to replace these at some time in the past. Plus, I travel with Jeff and Carol Savournin and with their luck I will need these items along the road to keep them and us moving. I thought with their fancy new coach I might not need this stuff but its evident that their luck hasn't changed.
Oh, I don't carry a spare tire. I probably should but I don't have the room because of all of the crap I do carry.
Brett has excellent advice about buying spare belts (and other spares) and installing the new ones. Nothing worse than a belt or other accessory that won't fit. I did some blue water sailing out of Hong Kong with DAYS spent fitting the replacement parts, one after another. I had 3 Delco (single wire) spare alternators to replace the Lucas original. Yep, had to replace the "prince of darkness" alternator about the third day out (along with ALL the wires and regulator). All on my brand new boat.
I also carry a 125 psi contractor's compressor (CL @ $55), a surplus accumulator air tank, large diameter air hoses, 1/2" dbl hammer impact along with a 3/4" impact if the little guy won't do it to change my spare if need. Air used for tires and with fittings to also use if engine compressor might fail. Big spare does take a lot of room but have used it once.
Also, the other usual suspects.
Quite a list so I think I will just tow an extra Motor home behind !! That should do it. I have been carrying a lot of "stuff" with me on the trips down to Mexico and not needed anything so this year I am leaving most of it at home. That is sure to cause a breakdown so that means we will be spending more time down there waiting for parts, not a bad idea.
Other than belts, filters and the usual stuff I think it can be overdone. Like dave says " a good credit card or access to a bank machine usually works
John
In addition to most of the above, I carry a spare King controller. I know. I'm paranoid.
When I received my coach, it had a tub with belts, hoses, filters, governor, and assorted other spare parts for both the Cat and genset. I also carry extra fluids. I have had a couple opportunities to learn how important it was to have some spares along. No spare tire, but I think about it.
The DW, two credit cards, one debit card, and one Bible.
I think this might be the correct place to mention about the brand name of your belts. With many years of experience, I no longer will purchase a Dayco Belt unless there is no Gates Belt available. I have installed a Dayco but only until I could find a Gates to replace it with. Way to many examples to list, but I am certain I am not alone with the fact.
Cummins supplied belts are Dayco, they have short life, yes the multi ribbed just break.
NAPA Belts seem to be Gates.
As usual FWIW
Cheers
I get my replacement belts from NAPA, and I ask for the "heavy duty" ones. So far, I have been well pleased with them.
I agree with Dave-- Gates belts have proven the best for me as well.
Brett
Last year I replaced the worn out, slipping ribbed alternator belt on my M11 with one of the new Performance Series blue Gates belts. Supposed to last 3 times as long, and costs 3 times as much... Looks spiffy though. A spot of blue amidst a sea of black...