What are some good road side assistance items to keep in your BS?

[davidg4781]

For years, I've carried around jumper cables, an air compressor, gloves, and that's about it.

I had a flat tire about 6 weeks ago. Usually I can air up and move on to the nearest flat repair but this time that wasn't going to happen.

I was on almost level ground but this made me think I don't carry any wheel chocks for situations like this. And that got me down the rabbit hole of what I should be carrying.

Below is a list of what I came up with. I'd love to hear of anything additional to add or if you have better suggestions. This is kind of an every day carry with the Bronco Sport in mind (considering molle, storage compartments, and other specifics to the BS).

Rechargeable road flares
Tire repair kit (Molle)
Tire repair kit (compact)
Tow eye recovery hook
Glass breaker/seat belt cutter
Jumper cables and/or portable jump starter
19 mm socket
Breaker bar
Wheel chocks

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[Barry S.]

For years, I've carried around jumper cables, an air compressor, gloves, and that's about it.

I had a flat tire about 6 weeks ago. Usually I can air up and move on to the nearest flat repair but this time that wasn't going to happen.

I was on almost level ground but this made me think I don't carry any wheel chocks for situations like this. And that got me down the rabbit hole of what I should be carrying.

Below is a list of what I came up with. I'd love to hear of anything additional to add or if you have better suggestions. This is kind of an every day carry with the Bronco Sport in mind (considering molle, storage compartments, and other specifics to the BS).

Rechargeable road flares
Tire repair kit (Molle)
Tire repair kit (compact)
Tow eye recovery hook
Glass breaker/seat belt cutter
Jumper cables and/or portable jump starter
19 mm socket
Breaker bar
Wheel chocks

 

[Wolf256]

In addition to most of your list (I have everything from the tow eye down minus wheel chocks), I always carry my AAA card and phone. I know how to change a tire, but at 61 I’d rather call and wait to have it done. Lazy? Maybe.

 

[davidg4781]

In addition to most of your list (I have everything from the tow eye down minus wheel chocks), I always carry my AAA card and phone. I know how to change a tire, but at 61 I’d rather call and wait to have it done. Lazy? Maybe.

Good call on AAA. I had to change a flat once before going to work. It was a hassle, had to change, all that. Had I noticed it before, or after I got to work, I probably would have called AAA and let them do their thing.

This is separate but I'd like to also get something like windshield insurance. I think my auto insurance covers that but, depending on the carrier I think, it could impact your rates.

 

[Wolf256]

I had to have a windshield replaced on my F150. IIRC my insurance policy is $100.00 deductible, or was at the time. As I still have the same insurance, I’ll hope for the best. There is a local place (Auto Glass Clinic, Poulsbo, WA) that does excellent work.

 

[Barry S.]

Sounds like you got it covered. My tire inflator, Air Hawk Pro, runs off a rechargeable battery (very convenient) or a 12 volt plug. Amazon of course. Also a few tac Light flashlights. Also some self defense items since I am often well off the beaten path and can't expect assistance.

 

[davidg4781]

Sounds like you got it covered. My tire inflator, Air Hawk Pro, runs off a rechargeable battery (very convenient) or a 12 volt plug. Amazon of course. Also a few tac Light flashlights. Also some self defense items since I am often well off the beaten path and can't expect assistance.

Good ideas! I’ll look some up to add them.

Do you have suggestions for the lights or self defense items?

 

[Barry S.]

Good ideas! I’ll look some up to add them.

Do you have suggestions for the lights or self defense items?

Check Amazon for TacLights. I have Bell & Howell but most of them are similar. As far as self defense items, that's personal preference. I've been a Firearms and Personal Protection Instructor for the past 15 years so I probably (definitely)am over the top with my arsenal. Includes baton, pepper spray, stun gun and firearms, most of which are used for student demonstration purposes. Depending upon your level of training, you have to decide what you're comfortable with and what level of training you want to pursue. None of them are useful unless you are knowledgeable about their usage.

 

[davidg4781]

Check Amazon for TacLights. I have Bell & Howell but most of them are similar. As far as self defense items, that's personal preference. I've been a Firearms and Personal Protection Instructor for the past 15 years so I probably (definitely)am over the top with my arsenal. Includes baton, pepper spray, stun gun and firearms, most of which are used for student demonstration purposes. Depending upon your level of training, you have to decide what you're comfortable with and what level of training you want to pursue. None of them are useful unless you are knowledgeable about their usage.

I didn't even think of self defense. Probably good to have, just incase you end up in the wrong area.

 

[Glamdring70]

Depending on your skill level, you should carry a set of common fuses. Be sure to carry anything that serves an ignition component. Being stuck somewhere because of a ? y 39 cent part is not much fun.

I think you overlooked some real basics. Flashlight. This can go from ultimate basic free-at-Harbor-Freight to really sophisticated. If you want to drop one in the cargo stow, you can get these cool hand-crank dynamo lights that also output USB 5v to charge a phone. You don't need to concern yourself with batteries in a conventional light that way. Also; Shop rag. Hand wipes. I don't see 1st aid kit on your list. Even in non emergencies, sometimes you need a finger patch. Even for the kit you've got, I would carry several gloves. I have a latex set and a work set in the underseat storage. I keep a pen and paper but since my phone can take pics, that's pretty obsolete now. Used to be once upon a time you might have to write down a plate or insurance info.

I also have a small foldable sheet of plastic under the spare in case I have to actually work on a tire or something in less than ideal space.

I wouldn't trust the TPMS or even trust the gauge on an inflator. Handheld tire gauge.

I find road flares a little dated. I don't want ignitable stuff in the trunk and I don't want a beacon to have dead batteries. I guess those ones you linked are slick, but I do have a set of foldable triangles under there in the foam carrier. No charge needed.

Bungies and/or strap. Goes in part with the tow eye. The bungies are for the "oh, I didn't expect to buy that today!" type stuff.

I also have a multi tool. The pliers on it can help with those tiny fuses. Sometimes you'll need to take off the negative cable to do a reset and that isn't happening by finger action.

Climate dependent, cold gear; put an ice scraper in there. I actually managed to fit a small set of recovery boards under the rear seat/in front of the spare. Like I said, small. Like 20" I think? I don't need them year round, but I don't have to add them in the winter. I have an emergency blanket. I could take this stuff in and out, but the weight is negligible and this car has space to spare in the nooks and crannies. The alternative is hot gear. Keep a bottle or two of water somewhere unless it could freeze.

Agree with defense item. Even if you don't want to own or carry at least get a mace/spray. You've seen the rage videos on the internet. Some people just go off for completely nothing.

 

[davidg4781]

Thanks, I missed a lot of those.

Interesting enough, I do have a flashlight, tire gauge, ice scraper (I've only used it a couple of years ago when Texas froze for a few days), latex gloves, and shop towels.

I'll add them to the list later.

 

[TXGoerz]

For years, I've carried around jumper cables, an air compressor, gloves, and that's about it.

I had a flat tire about 6 weeks ago. Usually I can air up and move on to the nearest flat repair but this time that wasn't going to happen.

I was on almost level ground but this made me think I don't carry any wheel chocks for situations like this. And that got me down the rabbit hole of what I should be carrying.

Below is a list of what I came up with. I'd love to hear of anything additional to add or if you have better suggestions. This is kind of an every day carry with the Bronco Sport in mind (considering molle, storage compartments, and other specifics to the BS).

Rechargeable road flares
Tire repair kit (Molle)
Tire repair kit (compact)
Tow eye recovery hook
Glass breaker/seat belt cutter
Jumper cables and/or portable jump starter
19 mm socket
Breaker bar
Wheel chocks

I carry a 4 ton bottle jack with welded base(Strongway) with 2 short pieces of 2x4; 2 bottles of FlatOut Tire Sealant Sportsman Formula(Best seller on Amazon) along with tire repair kit. On long off-road trips I put a bottle of tire sealant in each tire ahead of time---boy does that payoff--not not just in sealant but if the puncture is large---I know immediately where it is.

 

[cario65]

This has been a great flashlight/ work light - Feit Electric WORK500BAT. Flashlight and flip up cob light. Magnetic mount, hook to hang, and usb rechargeable. Fairly compact and rectangular so it doesn’t roll around.

Amazon website says it is 13.2” long. That is when the cob light bar is fully extended. Half that length when stowed or flashlight mode.

 

[Barry S.]

Good ideas! I’ll look some up to add them.

Do you have suggestions for the lights or self defense items?

This is the ultimate flashlight from 4Patriots an available on Amazon:
4Patriots Emergency Solar Powered Tactical Flashlight - 9-in-1 Multi Function Ultra-Bright Flashlight with Safety Hammer Seat Belt Cutter Compass for Hiking Camping
Worth checking it out.

 

[Bucko]

For years, I've carried around jumper cables, an air compressor, gloves, and that's about it.

I had a flat tire about 6 weeks ago. Usually I can air up and move on to the nearest flat repair but this time that wasn't going to happen.

I was on almost level ground but this made me think I don't carry any wheel chocks for situations like this. And that got me down the rabbit hole of what I should be carrying.

Below is a list of what I came up with. I'd love to hear of anything additional to add or if you have better suggestions. This is kind of an every day carry with the Bronco Sport in mind (considering molle, storage compartments, and other specifics to the BS).

Rechargeable road flares
Tire repair kit (Molle)
Tire repair kit (compact)
Tow eye recovery hook
Glass breaker/seat belt cutter
Jumper cables and/or portable jump starter
19 mm socket
Breaker bar
Wheel chocks

A cell phone. You can phone a friend, a tow company, the police, or whomever can offer help.

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