For those of us in the lower mainland, winter has finally hit, and the level of unpreparedness of others becomes glaringly obvious.
The first snow had me going through my VEDC, Making sure everything still works, rotating in and out and as required, etc...
The pitiful amount of snow we got closed down the new Port Mann bridge, and forced already clogged and congested roads to become even more so as drivers were forced to reroute.
With Christmas travel on the books for some, being prepared for a roadside emergency, prolonged/temporary road closures, and traffic rerouting it never hurts to go through your checklists.
This is my list as it stands right now, though forever evolving, in a sort of, but not really in order.
It seems like a lot, but I drive a small, regular cab pickup, and it all fits in a dry box.
Cab Items
- Umbrella
- Ice Scraper
- Combo Air/Seatblet/Light/Window Tool
- GPS
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Kit
- Lighter
- Flashlight
- Multi-tool
- Dust Mask
- Head Lamp
- Nalgene Bottle
- Water Purification Tablets
- Water Purification Straw
- Emergency Bivy
- Emergency Poncho
- Emergency Blanket
- Utility Blanket
- Hi-Vis Vest
- Electrical Tape
- Duct Tape
- Paracord
- Sham-Wow
- Pen/Pencil
- Candles
- Clothing
- Notepad
- Energy Bars
- Gloves
- Matches
- Firestarter
- Pocket Kleenex
- Toilet Paper
- Suncreen
Utility Box
- Oil (4L)
- Oil Filter
- Brake Fluid
- Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
- Serpentine Belt
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Truck Jack
- Tarp
- Crowbar
- Tie-Downs
- Siphon Hose
- Jumper Cables
- Tow Straps
- Siphon Hose
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towel
- Fix-a-Flat (2 Cans)
- Repair Manual
- Flares
- Spare Bulbs
- Fuses
- Knee Pads
- Socket Set
- Wrenches
- Hammer
- Axe
- Survival Knife
- Hammer
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Electrical Tape
- Duct Tape
- Spare Tire Key
- Safety Glasses
- Ear Plugs
- Gloves
- 12V Air Compressor
- Striker
- Rain Gear
- LED Light
- Bolt Cutters
- Tire Chains
- Inverter
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Lighter
Misc
- Spare Tire
Hey Phuqd,
Wow, I thought I had a well stocked truck for emergency...lol. While I do not carry everything on your list, I do have 90% + of it...the only things I could mention that you may or may not want to add may be emergecncy flares, reflective triangle and possibly a couple good candles for heat in the cab, ir for some reason you fin yourself stranded in the cold.
We do runs to our cabin (from Lower Mainland to just SE of 100 mile house) so break down on an isolated highway at night is always a possibility.
Regardless thanks for the list, as I will possibly rethink my stash of items...and yeah, the wild world or snow in Vancouver was out in full force the last 2 days.
Cheers
Chevy55
You have quite a kit there. I don't have all that either but close. A good snow melting pot is one thing I was missing and got. Still looking for some small snowshoes I can get without breaking the bank.
Excellent list for sure. Same with the additional stuff like candles for heat and the triangles and the snow melting pot is another great idea for sure! Thanks for the list and the input from all of ya. I personally would add a tow strap in that arsenal. Could help you or another in need. Could also help clear road of fallen debris with a wrap and a pull. Even a small car can use this in case it's needed?
This snow and listening to the bridge closure sure has me rehashing all the plans to bug out. It's going to be truly amazing to see how an alert to leave the valley would go off. That in itself is a whole chapter of the plan and maybe the biggest. Once past Hope either N or E should be pretty safe providing an alternate hwy route is in place. Thank heavens for the logging industry on that one 🙂
Whatever tomorrow brings,… I will be there! 😉
Some stop leak fluids could help you save your power steering pump or temporarily block a leak in the radiator.
Don't forget about lock deicer...but keep it in your pocket, not the car!
Excellent list for sure. Same with the additional stuff like candles for heat and the triangles and the snow melting pot is another great idea for sure! Thanks for the list and the input from all of ya. I personally would add a tow strap in that arsenal. Could help you or another in need. Could also help clear road of fallen debris with a wrap and a pull. Even a small car can use this in case it's needed?
This snow and listening to the bridge closure sure has me rehashing all the plans to bug out. It's going to be truly amazing to see how an alert to leave the valley would go off. That in itself is a whole chapter of the plan and maybe the biggest. Once past Hope either N or E should be pretty safe providing an alternate hwy route is in place. Thank heavens for the logging industry on that one 🙂
Forgot that one SpeedCrete, that TowStrap has been in every vehicle I have driven, and has come in handy many a time...never for me yet (knock, knock) though I did have to rescue my quad from a big snow drift...but others and downed trees, or just yankin a bush from the ground...come in handy tonnes!!
Thanks
Chevy55
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
Towstrap and candles are already on the list 😉
I had considered the safety triangle, but decided that my high vis vest, or yellow rain poncho could suffice.
Flares are of course a great idea, but they tend to be pricey, so I'm waiting for a deal.
Hadn't though of the leak stop, but it will be added after my next lordco visit.
I suppose I could also add my to do/wishlist:
- hitch mounted winch, come-a-long, or tirfor jack
- a tidy tank
- hitch mounted toilet seat
- run flat tires
- 4x4 jack
- mini-safe