It’s a mindset instilled from childhood. Whether a trip to the coast involved a fishing boat or not, a set of essential tools was always a given in our family vehicles. This wasn’t just a random collection; it was a carefully considered anticipatory tool kit, ready for whatever the road might throw our way. And the contents would thoughtfully expand depending on the journey’s distance.
I recall family road trips from Portland, Oregon, to Disneyland back in the 80s in our minivan. Naturally, a tool kit was packed. The same preparation held true in the 90s, and again in 2003 when we were towing an RV trailer. For me, it’s more than just practicality; it’s a psychological safety net. Knowing you have the means to handle minor setbacks on the road genuinely helps you relax and worry just a little bit less.
My parents, avid snowbirds in the 80s, used to haul their fifth-wheel trailer down to Arizona. One year, their trusty ’71 F-250, boasting a recently rebuilt 390 motor, suffered a blown head gasket. Stranded at a desolate rest stop, long before the age of cell phones, they faced a frustrating wait for a tow truck and repair service that seemed to never arrive. Resourcefulness kicked in. My dad hiked to the nearest town, procured a head gasket, torque wrench, and a few other necessities absent from his standard tool kit, and returned to perform the repair himself, right there in the rest stop.
Back in those days, these snowbird caravans often traveled with friends. This wasn’t just for company; it was a crucial backup plan should a breakdown occur, ensuring no one was left stranded alone. Their traveling companions in their own truck and fifth-wheel offered support that was just as valuable as any tool kit. Upon removing the damaged head, my dad discovered the likely culprit: a dent in the gasket, near a cylinder edge, probably caused by a mishap during the engine assembly. Interestingly, I still have that very torque wrench today – a tangible reminder of the importance of preparedness and a well-stocked Car Roadside Tool Kit.
