DOH!was missing something "behind the seat"

[jwalterus]

so I was driving my truck today, heading down a residential street, when ****** the engine dies and I have a whole crapload of electrical smoke coming out from under the hood

thinking "crap, this is gonna be a royal PITA..." I pulled over, radio was still working, lights, everything going strong, cranked over fine, so I thought "gotta be my FSS, god I hope it's not toasted......"

popped the hood, with the electrical still on (because I'm a moron and didn't think) and then ran back to the cab, reached in and shut her down completely

the wire was spliced when they replaced the engine, and all there was was electrical tape around it right by the harness plug directly next to my GP controller, this is where it heated up and started burning (spit puts out small under-hood flames if you have good aim I found out )

completely toasted, so I got out my pocketknife and cut the wire on both sides of the plug, stripped them, and they were too short to match up, I keep a single fuse holder with 6" leads on either side in the toolbox of every vehicle I own, so I grabbed it, spliced it in, and then went digging through the toolbox, glove box, and everywhere in the cab to find I HAD NO ELECTRICAL TAPE IN THE TRUCK!!!!

ended up using 2 vise grips with shop towels wrapped around each wire splice to hold it all together until I could get to a gas station and buy a $4 roll of electrical tape to get it roadworthy

note to self: make sure to put the electrical tape back in the truck after using it for something else

why is it the only things you forget to have in your truck that you may need to fix the majority of things are extremely cheap and simple? one time I was stranded because I didn't have a flathead screwdriver, only phillips....

oh, and it takes a 30 amp fuse to put one on the FSS wire, it blows a 20 as soon as you turn on the ignition

 

[Brianedwardss]

Hate it when that happens! More than once I've made it back to town running on a paper clip stuffed in a blown fuse slot (PSD days, not IDI).

 

[Goofyexponent]

...Never fails, eh?

Behind the seat of my truck is a jack that can lift the truck with a jag on, jack stands, 12V electric impact gun, screwdriver set, COMPLETE 1/4,3/8 and 1/2 inch drive socket set with shallow and deep sockets, test light (I left it in the KW this weekend, dammit) wire, spare toggle switches, wire terminals, a spare vacuum pump, PS, brake and tranny fluid, a spare oil filter, spare fuel filter, a gallon of 15 W40 oil, Fuel line hose, clamps, two pillows, two blankets, a pair of steel toe rubber boots and a Big & Rich CD.

I have been stranded on the side of the road more than once due to not having simple hand tools or a proper jack. Those days are over....although my back seat is rendered useless to passengers!

 

[Diesel_brad]

You guys sure carry alot of tools. I dont carry anything other than a CPS and a 10mm wrench. Them dam complicated PSDs

 

[jim x 3]

I HAD NO ELECTRICAL TAPE IN THE TRUCK!!!!

ended up using 2 vise grips with shop towels wrapped around each wire splice to hold it all together until I could get to a gas station

JW: Your story implies that you weren't carrying your obligatory roll of duct tape either. This was a far greater crime. Your guilty!

 

[oldmisterbill]

Where's Gary when we need him?

 

[Sycostang67]

I carry a ton of random tools and junk in my truck, mainly because my sister drives a chevy.

 

[david85]

heehee, I don't even carry a spare tire anymore. Sometimes I'll have a screw driver and a utility knife with me, thats about it. In all the years I've had my truck it never left me walking and anything that did go wrong wasn't bad enough to warrant phoning for help.

 

[linkfarms]

i have no tools in my truck but a pocket knife so far no worries

 

[WrickM]

yeah my electrical tape is always going missing because my GF is always using it to cover her nipples when we got out to clubs. . . .true story. I have pics, but that might be a bit far for this forum lol

 

[88beast]

goofy you have an extended cab correct? isnt it useless for passengers by design?
i got a lot of crap in the truck and i carry my bluepoint 1/4 and 3/8 drive tool kit with most of the time
but my always is spare fuel filter and wrench
ratchet straps
rags
vice grips
tire gauge
1/2 inch wrench for battery posts
and a small adjustable
all in different compartments scattered throughout the truck and i can never find the one i need

 

[Alex S]

its all ways there

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[BigRigTech]

Electrical tape and cable ties - a must have....Along with a flashlight, cheapo multimeter and an inexpensive tool kit behind the seat.....It will all cost the price of one tow job avoided.....Sorry Towcat, I avoid tow trucks like the plague......I guess being a mechanic will do that to you....

 

[Goofyexponent]

goofy you have an extended cab correct? isnt it useless for passengers by design?
i got a lot of crap in the truck and i carry my bluepoint 1/4 and 3/8 drive tool kit with most of the time
but my always is spare fuel filter and wrench
ratchet straps
rags
vice grips
tire gauge
1/2 inch wrench for battery posts
and a small adjustable
all in different compartments scattered throughout the truck and i can never find the one i need

The only thing that back seat is good for is storage. I would completely remove it if I had a place to put it for the time being.

I might go out and inventory the parts and tools in the truck for ***** and giggles. I know there is an axe, crowbar, jacket, about 15 ratchet straps and a gas can in there somewheres!