John's Tool Bag - A Guide For The Best Overlanding Trail Gear!
Off-roading in a Sprinter van can be an incredibly thrilling and fulfilling experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most important factors to consider while off-roading is selecting the proper equipment for repairs and vehicle recovery. The right equipment can make all the difference in preventing breakdowns, ensuring your safety, and enabling you to get out of sticky situations.
Some of the essential equipment for off-roading in a Sprinter van includes a jack, winch, recovery straps, and a comprehensive tool kit. These tools can help you get out of mud or sand, lift your van in case of a flat tire or suspension damage, and perform minor repairs on the go. Even with Agile products installed on your van, which are designed to make off-roading easier, it’s crucial to have the right equipment and know-how to use it properly. Ultimately, investing in high-quality equipment and learning how to use it can make all the difference in your off-roading adventures and ensure that you’re prepared for any situation that may arise.
While having the right equipment is crucial, sometimes even the most well-prepared off-roaders may need help. Whether it’s a difficult terrain or a technical issue that’s beyond your capabilities, having a backup plan in place is essential. This is where partnering with a reliable off-roading club or hiring a professional guide comes in handy. These experts have the experience and know-how to handle any situation and can provide invaluable assistance in case of an emergency. So, while it’s essential to have the right equipment, it’s equally important to have a plan B and know when to call for backup.
Sprinter 4x4 Road Trip Essential Tool List
Hand Tools
- Panel popper tool (Metal)
- Screwdriver Set
- Multi-Bit ratcheting screwdriver ***
- Plier set, include Needle-Nose
- Vise-Grips
- 24” Flexible Hose Clamp Pliers, used on MBZ factory compression clamps ***
- Razor knife
- Electrical crimping tool, preferably one that will cut and strip cable
- Metal Pick, or Pick Set
- Metal File, flat and round
- Putty Knife
- Pry-bar 24” or longer
- Pipe Wrench, I use a lightweight Aluminum one
- 2 lb. Sledgehammer with short handle
- All Metal Ax i.e., ESTWING
- Wrench Set 22mm-6mm, must have 18mm and 21mm, (add 24mm for Sprinter 3500)
- 2-3 different size Adjustable wrenches
- 1⁄4” Drive socket set, 6mm-13mm
- 1⁄4” Drive extensions and racket
- 3/8” Drive Standard socket set, 10mm-19mm
- 3/8” Drive E-Torx Socket set, E4 – E24, must have E8, E10, E12, E14, this set maybe a combination of 3/8” and 1⁄2” Drive sockets
- 3/8” Torx Socket set, T15 – T50, and buy a T55 foe rear Sway Bar, and belt tensioner
- 3/8” Drive Extensions, and Racket
- 1⁄2” Drive Socket set, 10mm-21mm, must have 18mm
- 1⁄2” Drive Sockets loose, 18mm Deep, 3⁄4”-19mm Deep Impact, 21mm and 24mm Impact
- 1⁄2” Drive Extensions, and Racket
- 1⁄2” Drive Breaker Bar 18”
- 3/8” to 1⁄2” Adapter
- 3/8” Drive Metric Allen Set HW3-HW10
- Small Allen sets, Standard and Metric
Jack And Tire Equipment
- Jack (factory MBZ Jacks do NOT work with large tires and are extremely dangerous to use in the dirt)
Scissor Jack, H1 Scissor jacks work well, slow and safe
Floor Jack Aluminum Race Jack w/o wheels ****
Make sure it can support one corner off the ground being used in the dirt.
I DO NOT recommend using a Hi-Lift style Jack on a Sprinter
- Lug Wrench, 17mm, 19mm-3/4”, 22mm-7/8”, and 13/16”, appropriate lug Key if needed
- Same size Spare tire and hardware, if different wheel is your spare make sure to have correct hardware Factory OEM wheels use “Ball Seat” and Aftermarket wheels use “Cone Seat”
- Spare lug bolts, nuts, and/or studs, make sure to have at least one set of spare wheel hardware
- Tire Plug Kit
- Bead Breaker ***
- 2 Tire Irons “Tire Spoons” ***
- Tire Patch kit ***
Recovery Kit
- I use the Factor 55 Sawtooth kit. See Website for more details
- 10’ Grade 70 Choke Chain with ***
- Shovel
- MaxTrax ***
- *NEW* Yankum Ropes Recovery Gear
Power Tool, Electric***
- 14V 3/8” Drill ***
Misc. drill bits, 1/8”-1/2” *** - 14V 1⁄4” Drive Impact ***
Misc. Adaptors, 1⁄4”,3/8” Socket drives, Drive Driver Bit Sets *** - 14V 1⁄2” Drive Impact ***
- Extra Battery, with 110V charging station ***
- Power Probe or Test-light, Power Probe is worth the investment ***
Misc. Stuff
- Gloves
- Tie-Wraps
- Tie-Downs
- Bungee Cords
- 2 Qt Engine Oil
- 1 Qt Power Steering fluid, with Power Steering Repair Hose Kit – Sprinter power steering hose is prone to damage/failure. Read more
- 1 Qt MBZ Coolant
- 1 Qt Diff Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Small Funnel
- Roll of Paper Shop Towels
- Hose Clamps, worm style
- Electrical crip connectors
- Fuses ATC (2 40amp MAX Series are used on ARB Twin)
- Baling Wire
- Black Electrical Tape
- Duct Tape Teflon Tape
- JB-Weld, SteelStik, and Epoxy
- Radiator Sealant, Stop Leak
- Loctite, RED or Blue
- Sealer, Black RTV Silicone gasket Maker
- Metric Hardware
- Upper Rear Shock Bolt 14mm X 110mm MBZ A910105014020
- Standard Hardware
- Pipe sealing tape for interior plumbing i.e., Rescue tape, Flex Tape
- Small can of WD-40
- lengths of rubber hose, 19mm, 12mm
- Hand Come-along hand winch
I always work on the Sprinter using tools and supplies from my bags. If I find a tool, or product needed that is not in the bag, I’ll add it if necessary, you can’t carry everything.
*** NOT required however, I personally carry and recommend **** NOT required looking to carry in the future.
Click the link below to download a PDF version of this list.
Sprinter 4×4 Road Trip Essential Tool List (PDF)
Also, checkout our latest YouTube video featuring this topic posted below! – John’s Tool Bag – A Guide For The Best Overlanding Gear!
