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The Hummer Knowledge Base
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Everyone has his/her own idea of what tools, spares and supplies should be carried aboard a Hummer. Here are some from the Hummer Network:
PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE by Ron Bomhoff
"The chance of survival is in direct proportion to the degree of
preparation." (Author forgotten)
The following is my check list for preparing for an off-road
back-country trip. These are the basics that I consider important
for a one-day trip or a 14-day trip. Trips that will encounter
extremes in cold or heat and forest or desert conditions will
require additional equipment and supplies not to mention planning.
I have omitted all food (except emergency) and camping equipment
from this checklist for clarity. Coleman will be happy to make
some suggestions for your camping comfort.
1. TRIP PLANNING -
Research your trip. Know where you are going. Talk to people who have
been there. Locate good maps. Find out what weather conditions and
temperature extremes to expect. File a travel plan. Inform someone where
you are going, the route and when you expect to return. Don't travel the
back country alone. Be prepared for emergencies and repairs.
2. VEHICLE PREPARATION - In addition to regular interval maintenance,
you should do a complete mechanical inspection. Many breakdowns
are caused by neglected maintenance items that could be easily
checked when the truck is sitting in the driveway.
INSPECT
Tires - sidewall & tread
Control Arms - springs, bushings, shocks & bolts
Halfshafts - Bolts, boots & CV joints
Ball Joints - check movement
Steering box - bolts
Steering linkage - centerlink, idler & pitman arms, tie rods
Driveshaft - U-joints
Frame - cracks, loose or missing fasteners
Fuel lines and fittings
Belts and hoses - wear, cracks & leaks
Leaks - damp spots on gearcases & engine
Wheels - Lug nuts and CTI valve
Winch - Cable, hook & motor operation
Battery - Connections
Electrical - Wiring condition
CHECK FLUID LEVELS
Engine
Transmission
Power Steering
Master Cylinder
Radiator
Windshield Washer Fluid
LISTEN
For fuel pump operation
3. TRAIL EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES - You need a HUMMER to carry all this but if
I need one item that is onboard I feel it was worth going through the
checklist.
SAFETY/EMERGENCY
Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Water - 1 gal per person per day
Compass, Maps
Signal Flares & Mirror, Whistle,
Matches
Space Blanket
Water Tablets
Plastic Sheet
Dehydrated Food
TOOL KIT (See separate list)
SPARE PARTS (see separate list)
VEHICLE
OEM
Spare Tire, Jack & Lug Wrench, CTI Wrenches
Spare Key
Owner & Repair Manual
Winch with winch controller
Winch accessory Kit
Jerk & tree strap, clevis, chain, gloves, snatch block
OTHER
Tire Repair Kit, Gauge, Valves, Stems, Core Remover
CB, Scanner, GPS, Cell Phone
Jumper Cables
Hi Lift Jack
Tarps, Rope, Nylon Cord
Flashlights - w/extra batteries (AA,AAA,C,D,9volt)
Fuel Cans w/extra fuel
TRAIL TOOLS
Survival Knife
Shovel
Ax
Saw
Hatchet
Bucket, Canvas
SUPPLIES
Litter bags
TP
Rags
Shop Towels
Duct Tape
Bailing Wire
Black Tape
Window Cleaner
Handi Wipes/Hand Cleaner
PERSONAL
Notebook w/pencils
Dust Towel
Insect Repellent
Sunblock
Sun Glasses
Spare Glasses, medicines, etc.
Thermometer
Binoculars
Rain Gear
Camera
Towel/Face Cloth/Soap
Suitable clothing
FLUIDS
Engine Oil
ATF/Power Steering
Dot 5 Brake Fluid
Grease Gun or Cup Grease
90 wt
WD 40
RTV Silicone
Loctite - 242,271,272
Radiator Stop Leak
Teflon Thread Dope
Gasket Eliminator
Tire Sealant
Brake Cleaner
4. TOOL KIT - The tool kit list is based on the tools that John Klatte
carries in his traveling tool box. We call it the Klatte Kase. John is a
Field Service Tech for AM General and has traveled the world fixing HUMVEEs
and HUMMERs. If it's good enough for John, it's good enough for me.
GENERAL
Coveralls
Flashlight w/extra batteries
12-volt trouble light
Pencil
Marker
6" Steel Ruler
Tape measure
Feeler Gauge
Steel Scribe
Fluke Meter
Belt Tension Gauge
C-Clamps
Retrieval magnet & mirror
Battery terminal cleaner, puller & spreader
Hacksaw w/blades
Putty knife
Gasket Scraper w/blades
Ball joint & Tie Rod separator
SOCKET SETS
Breaker bar - 1/2"
Ratchet - 3/8" drive
Ratchet - 1/2" drive
Extension - 3/8 x 3"
Extension - 3/8 x 6"
Extension - 1/2 x 6"
Crowfoot - 3/8 drive 1 1/16"
Crowfoot - 3/8 drive 15/16"
1/4" Sockets - 1/4" 12 point (door adjuster)
3/8 to 1/4 adapter " "
3/8" Sockets - 3/8 to 3/4
1/2" Sockets - 3/4, 7/8, 15/16, 1", 1-1/16
3/8" Sockets - 14mm & 15mm
WRENCHES
12" Adjustable
Wrench set - 5/16 to 1 1/16 open & box
Wrench set - 4mm to 19mm
PLIERS
8" long nose
10" Vice Grip
8" Channel Lock
Side Cutters
SCREWDRIVERS
Phillips - #1 & #2
Slotted - #1-#2-#3
18" slotted for pry bar
ALLEN HEAD WRENCHES
5/32" Set to 3/8"
HAMMERS
12 oz Ball peen
CHISEL & PUNCHES
3/16 x 10" line up punch
5/32 x 9" line up punch
1/4" cold chisel
3/8" cold chisel
1/2" cold chisel
FILES
10" flat
SUPPLIES
Cotter Pins
Hose Clamp Assortment
Nuts & Bolts
ELECTRICAL
Voltmeter
Splice wire
5. SPARE PARTS - this is the most dynamic list of all. This list is
driven by experience, guesswork and paranoia. Working on the premise that
good maintenance will prevent most equipment failures and good driving
techniques will prevent most breakage, this is my short list for spare
parts for the HUMMER.
Engine - Hoses & Belts
Fuel System - Lift Pump, Fuel Filter, Check Valve
Electrical - Fuses & Some extra wire w/connectors
Driveline - Halfshafts (LF,RF & R) & U-Joints (Upper & Lower)
Suspension - Ball Joints
CTI - Wheel Valve & Tubing
This should be the beginning of your list, not the end. Everyone's idea of
what's important will vary. Each off-road trip will require some
reassessment of the required items.
More goodies, in no particular order... For CTIS-equipped vehicles:
Map & Compass
If you use the heat-release loctite on the half-shaft bolts, make sure you have something to heat with.
Things for the first-aid kit: calamine, Benadryl, Sting-eze, Dramamine, snake bite kit
If you have any allergies or medications, make sure you bring spare supplies If there are unusual or dangerous plants or animals... Anything specific to the areas you plan to travel. For instance, I travel in the high mountains quite a bit. I always carry cold-weather protection and sunscreen. I also carry snow-shoes most of the time. Make sure you have tools to install all the spare parts you carry. Anytime I repair my truck, I make sure that I have the necessary tools in my on-board tool kit. Make sure you know how to use the tools & equipment you carry.
Dave Breggin
Some of the stuff has been mentioned by others. Here's my recommendations for a severe duty trail kit:
If you're doing stuff like the U.S. East Coasters do - I'd add a complete driveshaft kit as well. ;) The stuff with an asterisk next to it are what I would consider the bare minimum needed to take with you. I'd also recommend that you bring along a grease gun and about 6 tubes of grease. Grease up the truck before you leave, and grease up the truck after every day's run is done. Tools - I'd get something on the lines of the Sears 254 to 260 piece mechanics tool set. It can be had for an average of $199USD, and it carries about 90% of what you'd need to fix your truck in the field. Get the right storage containers, so all of this will fit and you will still have room for stuff like luggage. Hope this helps, Steve
I've got the basic stuff that I keep in most every vehicle I use such as socket set, wrenches, screwdrivers, fire extinquisher, jumper cables, tow strap, spare fuses, work light, poncho, first-aid kit, emergency cash stash, insect repellant, etc. Most of this stuff is 'generic' and is kept in one of those Rubbermaid containers and can go from vehicle to vehicle. I may have to switch the wrenches between SAE/metric/whitworth, depending on the vehicle for the trip, though. Other oddball stuff includes plenty of radio gear and associated gadgetry (amateur radio operator), compass, camera gear, even a Glock 9mm, spare ammo and a set of handcuffs. Vehicle specific spares vary greatly depending on the vehicle. A Hummer fuel filter isn't much help in a '61 Alfa Giulietta Spider. Thus far, for the Hummer, the only spares for the Hummer are a couple of fuel filters and the serpentine belt. I just haven't owned it long enough to know what to carry to combat Murphy's law.
Cordially:
Great idea. I got a copy of the "What to carry in your 4WD vehicle" by Sidekick off road maps (714) 628-7227 in the October 1994 Hummer Owners Association 'Geared Hub' Newsletter. I carry: a socket set, screw driver set, 5-point socket, various other tools, second CB-antenna (lost one to trees once and couldn't use the CB), fire extinquisher, jumper cables, tow strap, spare fuses, first aid kit, insect repellant, compass, 22-rifle, bungie cords, portable cell-phone (with cig-lighter power), rags, various receiver hitches and balls, 25ft. chain with hooks, various sizes of wire, 2- 5 gallon diesel cans, flares, tie-downs (for roof rack), collapsible shovel, flashlight, pocket knife, duct tape, electrical tape, tons of maps, binoculars, rain-jacket, ATF, brake fluid, engine oil. As part of the vehicle (essential for off-roading IMHO): Winch, roof-rack, off-road lights (front and rear), tow kit, spare tire, tire jack and related tools. Things that I desperately need: Tire chains, GPS. I do not carry any spare parts (filters, belts, etc.), which I should. I'd like to know the essentials in this category. The items that I carry are constantly growing as I get stuck out on the trail and wish that I had this or that at the time. Doug.
Other than tools: Survival supplies: (for each occupant unless otherwise specified) Sleeping bags/blankets appropriate to geographic area and season. (Mine is -20 down bag big enough to be a King size comforter which will sleep 3) Hiking boots/Snow Boots depending on season Compass, whistle and signal mirror on neck lanyard. Maps Signal flares - aerial 6 ea. "Skyblazer" type or military pen-style flare gun. Fusees - 30 min. 12 ea. Waterproof/windproof matches, at least 2 separate containers full (British Lifeboat Matches highly recommended, available through U.S. Calvary Store or other "adventure" catalog) Fire starter- cotton, OOO steel wool in airtight container. Survival candles Survival fishing kit (I don't need it, I carry my flyfishing gear...) Food for 2 weeks - MRE's or equivalent Water - min 5 gals at all times, more for desert work. Axe Bow Saw or camp saw. Bolt cutters Shelter material - tent - tarps Mylar rescue blankets Snow shoes (winter) Clothing suitable for area and season. This is mission dependent, but I *always* carry protective clothing in the form of fireman's bunker coat and pants, which serve many purposes including insulation, high visibility (for those accident scenes) and water repellency. You should be prepared to *walk out* of whatever you have driven into, at whatever season. At a minimum, one pair of *non-cotton* (read wool) pants, socks and shirt for each occupant in case of immersion/hypothermia. (you DID wade that stream before fording, right???) I also almost always have my fishing gear, which includes neoprene waders, boots, Polypro fleece pants and jackets, gloves, hats and other stuff for winter steelhead fishing...so this stuff alone would allow me to survive quite cold temperatures. CB/Ham radio, cell phone, satellite phone. Spare batteries for each. Spare GPS batteries. Water purification device High-angle rescue gear - climbing rope - harnesses - carabiners - ascenders - slings - helmet (goes with bunker gear). (yes, I actually had to rappell down a 140 ft. embankment to check on an SUV which had slid over the side on Cottonwood Pass near Gypsum several years ago....rolled many times....driver was okay and had walked out already...anybody remember Moab and the drop offs?) Complete first aid/trauma kit Spare prescription medications/OTC antihistamine/decongestant (Afrin nasal spray, for altitude related ear blocks) /primatine asthma inhaler/spare glasses Military airlift extraction stretcher (long expeditions) More as I think of it...got to go fishing now... Regards, Scott Weiser
I don't have a hummer yet but this is what I'm going to put in it as soon as I do... I plan to move up-north as soon as I do get the hummer and do some extensive off-roading with a few of my uncles following me in their Argo's:
-a hatchet, manual saw (in case I'm stuck between a few trees)
Hummer accessories:
-hopefully the pontoon rig for the hummer should be out by then
Flares are useless up north in the bush and cause a forest fire in the summer so if you get lost, your on your own. There isn't enought of a population density for people to even spot the things unless your on a cottage lake or something. Gunshots in the air are better (thats why I'll have a tonne of ammo) because you don't have to be looking at it to hear it.
Jon Cantin
Off the top of my head (yes, I have a very large, flat head), here's my list. Am not including bug-out, survival, extraction, or first responder gear - just truck maintenance. Fluids: 2 x 5gal diesel jerries. 2qt seasonal oil. 1qt ATF. 1pt brake fluid. 3gal coolant-grade water. WD-40 as a wire dryer and emergency lube. Parts: 2 spare drivebelts (I don't run the serpentine belt). Light bulbs for backup/turn sigs. All fuses. Straps and fasteners for the driveshaft. Spare air line, solenoid, switch, fittings for the Air Locker compressor. Tools: Complete set of SAE box wrenches. SAE and metric sockets. 3/8" and 1/2" socket. 1/2" breaker bar. Vise-grips. Needle-nose pliers/wire cutters. Multi-tip screwdriver. Metric hex key set. Tiny 12point socket for removing doors. Hex socket for opening axle. Misc: Loctite PST and Blue. Electrical tape. Duct tape. Baling wire. Dash-gauge electrical wire. Nylon cord and twine. Spare fasteners left over from previous repairs. Gojo. Rags. Heavy gloves (left over from winching). Tire repair kit. Epoxy. Things that could possibly count as survival gear: tarp to lie on, flashlight. Things I'm out of and need to replace: latex gloves. Things I don't carry, but should: cheap digital multimeter. Spare air brake line and fittings for the CTIS. More electrical fittings. Light machine oil. Windex. SAE hex key set. Headlamp (damn things keep switching on in my toolbox) or chemical light. Carried only when paranoid: 4 spare halfshafts (only once). There's more, but it escapes me right now. ...Ben Goetter
>Seen it once before, eh? I had the same thing (shaft on PS pump breaking) happen about a mile into the Moab Rim Trail. Luckily, we had two (fantastic) AMG tech experts. One, Brian Kroeger, couldn't find a replacement in their trailer. So, off we go (in Eddie Powell's hummer), back up the trail with Brian for a first-hand diagnosis. He suspected a blown seal, hose, or belt, but not the pump itself (which is why we didn't buy a pump at a local auto parts store BEFORE we headed back up the trail). Lo and behold, it was the pump (drive-shaft) which failed. Back down to town Eddie (& Donna) and I go to buy a pump, while Brian removed the old one. We find one for a 3/4 ton chevy, per brian's request. Back up the trail, Brian examines the pump we bought, and noting the mounting holes, indicates that he can't install this pump. So he proceeds to rebuild the broken one with parts from the new one. This is why I recommend that everyone carry a "short belt" for the serpentine system which will drive everything but the power steering pump, in particular the water pump. You can muscle a HUMMER down the road, but I doubt you could do it off-road, it's really hard to turn the wheel, but I was able to drive home when my pulley broke by using the "short belt" system. Unfortunately, because my truck doesn't have AC, my "short belt" is different from everybody elses, so the length is different. You'll need to measure your own truck. Get one which bypasses the PS pump but uses the AC pulley. Then, get the GM idler pulley assembly which bolts on in place of the AC pump so you can bypass THAT if it packs it up, which happens. (Ask Russ Methan...he had to walk out of the desert because his AC pump seized up) A selection of different sized belts to run several different configurations is required equipment for serious back country travel. I'd even consider a "gear drive" water pump of some kind which would run off the crankshaft. You can drive without PS or AC or even an alternator, but without the water pump, you're screwed. How about a metal ring gear on the crankshaft dynamic balancer outer circumference and a special "slip on" rubber ring gear which you clamp over the belt flanges on the water pump pulley? It would be a temporary expedient, but it beats walking out. I'm going to look into a "double pulley" for the water pump which will run my supercharger belt in tandem with the main belt, just to have a backup. But this shaft breakage thing is very unsettling. I understand the pulley failing, but the shaft???? There must be some serious QC problems...or some serious shaft loading. Since it's a stock GM engine, I wonder if any GM pickups have had the same kind of problem. It might be a defective lot. I hope AMG is investigating this and will do a recall if necessary.
Hi-Lift Jack, Small Shovel, Bow Saw, Chainsaw, Tow Strap, Shackles, Lots of Tools, 6 quarts oil, 6 quarts Dextron III, 1 Gallon Water/Antifreeze mix, 1 Gallon Gasoline, 5 Gallons Diesel Fuel Reserve, Lithium Grease and Grease Gun, 3/4" Tow Chain (10'), 1 set (4) Tire Chains, CB, Waterproof Matches, Cell Phone, Extra set of warm dry clothes/shoes, Full sized spare tire, Auxiliary air hose for compressor, Extra fuel filter, extra serpentine belt, Fire Extinguisher, Small First Aid Kit, Reflector Triangle Kit, Flares, Factory jack, Flashlight, Small Power Inverter, Extension Cord, Work Light... that's all I can remember right now. -Manny (1995 HMCO) (See also Manny's Hummer List of Gear Page)
Medical is a big thing for me so I also carry a first responder bag. Seems like I am ALWAYS working freeway crashes so I carry it at all times. Comes in really handy at Glamis with all the yahoos there. I run a 90 toyota pre-runner when I offroad s I carry: high lift jack, 4 quarts oil, 4 quarts trans, 1 gallon antifreeze 1/2 mixed, 1 gallon fresh water (can drink it if needed), med bag, 2 70 oz camel backs, 6 MRE's, 2 MAG lights, 2 cans of spare tire, 1 can dry graphite, spare belts, 2 collapsible shovels, 1 full size spare, 1 2 meter ham, 1 cell, 1 aircraft radio, 1 CB with all 10 weather freqs, 1 slicker, 1 set of boots (steal toed) 2 sets of gloves, 1 set of craftsmen's tools, 2 amo cans of crap (nuts, bolts, wire, fittings...this has saved me SO many times). 1 5 ton cable come-a-long, 1 muti meter, spare oil filter, spare fuel filter, 1 K&N cleaner kit, 1 set of ground flares, 1 set of 7 pen flares, and a GLOCK 9mm.
Personally, I always carried spare parts, etc. in the older Jeeps I've had, but, especially, stuff with which I could rig things. I found that duct tape, guy wire, silicon and stuff like that comes in handy, as well as misc. nuts, bolts, screws, etc. I once had a couple of bolts shake out of the transfer case (in the Jeep) and lost the gear oil. It was the ONE thing I didn't have along. I had to hitch-hike to the nearest outpost of civilization to get some (long story). The fact is, however, that I've NEVER (knock on wood) had to get towed out of the mountains/forest/backcountry. I've always been able to fix or rig anything that's gone wrong. I once blew a radiator hose (in a Willys, basic hose) 100 miles from the nearest replacement. I rigged it with many layers of duct tape and nylon cord. Stopped at lakes and stock tanks for water. Made it to civilization and got a replacement. ...Bob
Here is the list I got from Dan Collins re: John Klatte's tool case:
TOOL LISTING
Screwdriver Flat Tip 6 in. blade
Socket Set Deep Well 5/6 in. to > in. 3/8 in. Drive
SPECIAL TOOLS
Socket Adapter 3/8 in. to < in.
Dan also sent me a SECOND list, which contains some interesting specs. Here it is: TOOL LIST FOR VARIOUS JOBS Halfshaft 5/8" Socket 3/8" Drive Idler Arm Diagonal Cutter Pitman Arm Diagonal Cutter Tie Rod Diagonal Cutter Serpentine Belt ½" Breaker Bar Rear Drive Shaft 5/16" Socket ¼" Drive Front Drive Shaft 5/16" Socket ¼" Drive Axle Oil Check 3/8" Allen Wrench Transfer Case 12" Crescent Wrench Ball Joint Diagonal Cutter Ball Joint Diagonal Cutter Lift Pump 10" Crescent Wrench Door Adjustment ¼" Socket 12 Pt. ¼" Drive Tire & Wheel 7/8" Socket ½" Drive
Brakes 9/16" T Handle Tool RTB 18 The following are TORQUE values for above jobs Halfshaft Flange Bolts 48 ft. pounds Torque Wrench 3/8" Drive Wayne
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