Thanks Eugene. I've been debating getting a stand-alone unit like the Eliminator, or something similar. It's a bit bulky but I've used one a couple of times, both in non-winter, and it was a breeze. I thought about it again this morning when both our vehicles reconsidered the wisdom of going anywhere in the sub-arctic temps. If it won't work when it -30 outside the value is definitely less.

We have tried one of those little thingies that attach to the battery to give it a shot of juice if you leave you lights on or something and it was just crap. There may be better models out there but good old jumper cables and a friendly neighbour still seem more reliable than anything.

The owners manual also has the correct procedure for jump starting your car or using the spare tire. Some cars have a quirky jump starting procedure or it may not be recommended at all. The owners manual for one of my cars recommends only installing the spare tire on the front axle because using the spare on the rear axle may damage the differential. Reading the owners manual can save you from an inconvenience becoming a major repair.

Among the many weaknesses of the commercial kits are their short and wimpy jumper cables. Good choice for the heavy duty, long cables. I once was on a single lane, dirt road, with a mountain on one side and a cliff on the other and had to jump the car ahead of me. I was happy to have jumper cables that would reach to the front of the car in front of me.



I carry flares and triangles. Now they have some new triangles with built in flashing LEDs and I am contemplating those. I like having both. Flares are quick and easy and very bright. Triangles take a little more time to set up, but are useful in situations where you might not want to introduce fire (spilled fuel, etc). Also, they last longer than flares. Oh, and flares can be great fire-starters . . .

Guess what, guys, I've had to use my emergency kit already!!! Here's an account of my humble little adventure for those who helped me.

On the first trip I took with my new (used) car, I ran into trouble on the highway. The electrical system started going haywire, and the dash gave absurd readings on everything, and the car seemed to start shutting itself down (though the engine was still going). So I pulled up to the side of the road, hit the hazard lights, and I started -- excitedly, I confess -- digging through my emergency bag. I thought about putting out the warning triangle, but it was during the day, the visibility was decent, the road was straight, and if people couldn't see the car, they weren't going to see the triangle. So I put some extra flashing lights on the car & popped the hood. It didn't seem like an easily reparable problem, so I called roadside service, and had the car towed. (Truck showed up within 30 minutes.) Long story short, some part of the electrical system shorted, and the repair shop is working on it.

What is the lesson? While putting together the kit, I mentally ran through what I'd do with each piece, and that helped. Fortunately the conditions weren't bad, so I had time to run through my options. But I think rehearsing (even if just in your mind) is an essential part of preparation.


Da Bing

Hey, Bing_, it's a good feeling to have gear to help yourself.

Your fellow motorists appreciate you adding the extra visibility, believe me.

Earlier today, in medium heavy traffic, I drove by a small jeep-ish vehicle stopped/stalled in the middle driving lane (!). Hazard lights on, but geez, anybody distracted for more than 3-4 seconds would have plowed into that dude directly ... at speeds ranging from 90 kph (posted) to 110+ kph (typical). Talk about a bad ending waiting to happen ... yikes.

I can write volumes on how much AAA sucks based entirely on my own, real-life experiences. If you took their subscription fees and put it in a savings account you'd be much better off on money, time and aggravation.

I've had my battery go dead a couple of times, and was able to get a jump from a passer-by by raising my hood and standing roadside waving my jumper cables in less than 20 minutes each time.


Here's a thread about tow ropes: http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=191610

The summary is that a good recovery strap, rated at least 4x the weight of your vehicle, and without attached hooks, plus an appropriately-rated D-Shackle are all you need.


Even a candle can provide some warmth in a small, enclosed space. I guess tea candles are better than nothing, but I'd prefer a UTCO candle/lantern instead.

Many of the standalone jump start kits have a starting mode where it will use the lower capacity battery to charge a high-discharge capacitor, and then the capacitor actually is used to start the car. This is the same principal as employed by low-current battery charges that have a jump start mode.

Others specify in the instructions that you have to leave them connected for a certain period of time to recharge your primary battery, but this assumes there's any charge capability remaining in your battery.

re car batteries, the first time the battery in my truck dies it flatlined . . there was no recharging it . . when the next battery reached it's manufacturers (Interstate) drop dead date, I replaced it with a new one just like it because from my perspective it was totally trouble free. Interstate batteries seem to be pretty good -- no affiliation.

Tires are next . . .

I prefer the Sears Diehard Platinum batteries, which are private-labeled Odyssey PC5100's, largely considered the best batteries made at present. I do a lot of recreational off-road driving and camping, these batteries have significantly more reserve capacity for winching,using vehicle lights to setup camp after dark, and running a 12V/DC Engel refrigerator. I've also used Interstate deep-cycle batteries on my camping trailer, and they were okay for the money, but didn't last as long as I liked.

I carry so much gear in my Jeep that I'm embarrassed to list it all. I think I could gain 2 or 3 MPG if I ditched the stuff, but can't bring myself to do it. Normally I carry enough food and water (both lifeboat food/water rations and other food/snack items), rain/warmth gear, a well-stocked first aid kit, all to handle four people for 72-hours. Plus there's my tools, just about everything I might need to fix anything on the Jeep short of an engine or transmission rebuild, enough flashlights to illuminate an entire neighborhood, air compressor, shovel, spare clothing, even spare parts and fluids when I go off-road. And then there's my GHB, designed for 72-hours and high mobility, but could just as well be used to extend my in-place supplies.

Most of the stuff I've used to good result both on- and off-road. For example, I helped one family change a tire during a rainstorm when their lug-wrench broke (I have interchangeable sockets for my breaker bar), and twice this year I've strapped people back onto the road during a blizzard (in one case a pickup truck had an exit ramp blocked resulting in a two mile-long backup). Of course off-road I'm that guy who has whatever tool you need when your rig breaks, and often the spare part as well. In fact, that's really why I got interested in survival preparedness, for the long, often solo trips I take every now and then.