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workingonit · #4 12-10-2022, 04:21 PM

I have a "go bag" (get home kit, including some prepper-type items) in the bed of my '04 Silverado HD2500 pickup, dedicated to towing my camping trailer, as well as the fully-stocked trailer itself (some say it is ridiculously over-stocked). The pickup has tools of every sort, and spare parts too, so it's ready at any time for travel, but now that I have a new favorite vehicle, the X5, I hardly travel at all.

But that hasn't kept me from starting to equip the X5 with whatever I've found that I need (or may need) to get/keep it running:

1) a growing, extensive tool kit, with hand tools to take off just about any BMW fitting I've encountered or read about (no triple-square tools yet),
2) basic electrical tools & parts: multi-meter, USB/OTG endoscope (for Android phone), jumper wires, test probes, test light, back probe kit, connector kit, rolls of wire, strippers, crimpers, varios needle-nose pliers, spare fuse kit, and two old parts that would work well enough to get me home if their "new" replacements failed (MAF & ExhaustCamPositionSensor: both were working, but just setting codes),
3) basic diagnostic equipment: several Android apps, for live data and fault code tracking while driving, on any of the three devices I carry onboard, plus two dongles, and a K-line "CAN" cable,
4) more diagnostic stuff, in a separate briefcase/laptop bag (so it can easily transfer to other vehicles):
- a) Innova 3100i scan tool (for generic OBD & ABS info),
- b) Foxwell NT510 Elite bi-directional scan tool (for more specific BMW testing, and for my GM vehicles, too),
- c) a 13.3" laptop (for detailed records, past data, internet connections for more data, all my BMW files so far, downloaded manuals, etc.), and possibly better diagnostic programs later (if I can make it work)
5) tools for tire changing, or getting towed (heavy-duty tow strap, axle strap, an extra tow hook, an extra wheel hanger, aluminum jack pad adapter, two extra scissor jacks, a 10-ton bottle jack, 4-way lug bolt tool, the BMW-included tools, 1/2" long-handle breaker bar, 3' cheater pipe for added leverage, blocking & jacking pads, a knee pad for my bad knees, a 120vac 1/2" impact...if I am near an outlet, & tire pump),
6) battery related tools (post cleaning tool, 4 gauge jumper cables, on-board maintainer/trickle charger...always used every night, Schumacher XCS15 15/10/2-Amp charger),
7) miscellaneous extras (magnetic work lights...both a 12v rechargeable LED wand, and a battery-powered one with extendable parts grabber, another grab tool, magnetic dish, 2 cotton beach towels, 2 packing blankets, 2 rubber mats, fender cover),
8) fluids & other spares (one gallon 50/50 blue coolant, one quart 5W-40 oil, spare valve cover cap, spare Disa O-ring, extra body grommets and fasteners)

all in the X5's trunk, in six (or seven) tool bags.

On my wish list are a better 1/2" impact wrench (my corded one is old, with no beans, and the two 1/4" cordless ones in my house are marginal), an on-board inverter (I have two extra 400 watt models on hand, but need higher capacity), a good jump box (mine just died after 15 years), another set of and whatever tools I've failed to list. Not to mention extra belts, spare relays, and a BMW module or two. And, someone here promised me a used Bentley manual long ago, but ghosted me, so that's on my list too.

Though I finally got the X5, after several years waiting for it (while being prepared to swap for my old race car), with an added hitch & basic 4-way wiring for a trailer (I need to convert that to a 7-way, with controller), I no longer need to go camping much, nor have the desire to travel and explore. So, the truck remains my "camping special", and the X5 is being prepared for ???? I guess it could serve as my getaway vehicle, since it could carry more stuff inside (truck is a regular cab), and it could haul the trailer (2225 lbs). But not likely.

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