new wiper blades for both here

an era has ended----Iron Mike
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50140701/legendary-coach-hall-fame-te-mike-ditka-dies-age-86

Quote from: NT2C on October 09, 2026, 06:40:05 AM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on October 09, 2026, 12:47:08 AMBluehawk(aka the Chimpmobile) now has a new battery.

The old DieHard that came with him finally gave out this morning, so I went and got a new one. It's not a DieHard, but it also wasn't 300 bucks like my local AutoZone wanted for one.

Nope, I ended up with an EverStart from the local Walmart. It's not the best battery, but it's what I could afford right now.

Working > Not Working

That's true.

Better to have a cheap battery that works than an expensive one that doesn't.

My primary emergency bag is a get home bag (GHB) that lives in my car. It's basically a 3-day BOB, but the primary use case is to get home in the event of an emergency that precludes driving. It contains (among many other things) a 1 person bivy tent, sleeping pad and a season-appropriate sleeping bag that gets swapped out each fall and spring.  I also have a pair of hiking boots, wool socks and one of those AAA fleece car blankets in the car at all times.

But it also serves as prep for the two other use cases you mention - the stranded vehicle and unexpected overnight scenarios. The kit includes a small toiletry kit and a couple changes of underwear, socks and t-shirt.

Also, in the winter time, I supplement these car supplies with a wool blanket, down inner jacket, goretex shell jacket and rain pants and hat & gloves.

So far the only times any of that has been put to real world use were the occasional impromptu day hike and once when my car wouldn't start at the end of a work day and I had to crash on a friend's couch.

Oddly, True-Value hardware stores have the Midwest 5 gallon cans on sale for $19.99 right now, and I had the wife pick up two while she was out yesterday.  I already have that exact kit @EBuff75 links to, and recently had a video pop up on my Facebook feed on how to "fix" the spouts on cans by removing the heavy spring, screen, and child-proof ratchet and adding a vent.  All of my cans (except the new ones) have flexible spouts and vents.

I keep a pair of heavy shelter type tarps (orange one side, reflective the other) plus a few different blankets (double as rear seat covers and cargo area covers), as well as a cushion/pillow, paracord, and a pair of telescopic tent poles.  With them, and some cable ties I can tarp an area next to the Jeep for shelter/shade, have a ground cloth, and serviceable sleeping area outside the vehicle, though sleeping in the front passenger seat is always an option as it lies flat.  I also keep basic food and beverage needs (bottled water, 12v kettle, gas camping stove, coffee beans, grinder, French press, sweetener & creamer, Spam singles, a couple of MREs, freeze dried ramen style meals), extra clothing/hats/packable jackets, boots, and a spare cane.  It's enough to see me through a few days in the back country in relative comfort, and a week or two in a survival scenario.

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on October 09, 2026, 12:47:08 AMBluehawk(aka the Chimpmobile) now has a new battery.

The old DieHard that came with him finally gave out this morning, so I went and got a new one. It's not a DieHard, but it also wasn't 300 bucks like my local AutoZone wanted for one.

Nope, I ended up with an EverStart from the local Walmart. It's not the best battery, but it's what I could afford right now.

Working > Not Working

Bluehawk(aka the Chimpmobile) now has a new battery.

The old DieHard that came with him finally gave out this morning, so I went and got a new one. It's not a DieHard, but it also wasn't 300 bucks like my local AutoZone wanted for one.

Nope, I ended up with an EverStart from the local Walmart. It's not the best battery, but it's what I could afford right now.