We were headed into Saline Valley for the New Year’s excursion. The trip went smoothly until one person discovered a problem with his trailer. Two bolts had slipped off the suspension on the passenger side. That wheel was close to falling off and chewing up the tire.
The fix was simple enough, in theory: replace the missing bolts and nuts. However, the process took longer than it should have. Without a supply of bolts and nuts, we had to scrounge around.
Another vehicle in the group carried two spare bolts for his roof rack. Those fit. We pulled the nuts from clevises of two Hi-Lift jacks. He was soon back on the road headed into town for the correct bolts and to inspect for cracks.
Pack extra bolts and nuts
This event served as a good reminder of an often-overlooked aspect of four-wheeling: the need for spare nuts and bolts. Four-wheelers are good about packing gear, whether a tent, fridge/freeze, Hi-Lift jack or other item.
Who thinks of packing extra bolts and nuts? And which ones should we pack? Good questions.
Need both SAE and metric sizes
Many new vehicles use metric bolts. Much of the after-market items we bolt on are SAE.
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard uses inches for measurement. A bolt could be labeled 1/2 – 20 x 2 1/2. That one is ½ inch in diameter with a 20 thread count and is 2 ½ inches long. You might also see radial lines on the bolt head. Those refer to the grading or strength of the bolt.
The metric system uses an alphanumeric designator. One example is M12 – 1.75 x 75. The size is M12, with a thread pitch of 1.75 and length of 75 mm. (Thread pitch is the distance from thread to thread). The M12 is really close to ½ inch, so it can often be interchanged. These bolts also have markings corresponding to bolt strength.
The bolts used for the trailer repair were ½ -13 x 2 ½. They were close enough that the owner could drive out to a service station.
Like many field fixes, this one was sufficient to get the vehicle out to the highway. If in doubt of the road worthiness, use your 200-mile AAA insurance for a tow home. Once home, it’s always a good idea to replace with the proper parts.
An emergency bolt and nut bag
Any given vehicle uses hundreds of bolts in a variety of sizes. And there’s no way to know beforehand which might need replacing while on the trail. But we can make some general assumptions.
The collection should include both SAE and metric sizes. I suggest one or two of the biggest bolts used in the control arms (e.g. 5/8-inch x 6 inches).
Include a few of the longer ones (in the range of 3, 3 ½, or 4 inches) and a lot more in short sizes. Remember to include the corresponding nuts.
In my opinion, the most commonly used bolts are 5/16th and its metric cousin M8. The two are very close to each other in diameter. And also, very common are 1/2 SAE and M12. Again, these two, while are not quite interchangeable, are very close in size.
I also recommend an assortment of washers, including lock washers. Some applications call for a washer. Other times, a washer can be used as a shim to make the wrong length bolt tighten up better.
Another source for bolts and nuts is the parts replaced during upgrading and repairs. Make a point to keep those and buy two bolts if you need to replace a bolt.
However, waiting for upgrades and repairs is a slow process to fill your emergency bag of nuts and bolts. If you need a quick way to acquire an assortment, US bolt and Harbor Freight are options beside your hardware store.
US Bolt’s website can be found here: https://www.usboltkits.com/
Harbor Freight sells “StoreHouse” boxes of assorted nuts and bolts. These might be best for smaller bolts. https://www.harborfreight.com/ But check strength and quality.
Scrounge for bolts when off-road
What if you need bolts while off-road and don’t have a supply? If possible, cannibalize a nonessential bolt from the vehicle. The two bolts used to repair the trailer were 1/2 -13 spares for the Jeep’s roof rack. It just so happens the top clevis on a Hi-Lift uses a 1/2 – 13 x 1.5 bolt.
The links for the anti-sway bar in the front can offer a bolt or two (likely M12 x1.75 x 75). Tie up the anti-sway bar so it doesn’t drag.
Look at the skid plate(s). They might contribute one or two bolts but possibly no nuts. If you take too many, put the skid plate on the roof for the ride to the shop. On the JL, the bolt is M12x 1.5 x 40. (BTW there are 25.4 mm per inch. That fact is worth memorizing.)
Need a small nut? Try the door hinge on an older TJ. It uses an M6 nut. The door will stay on without it.
A tow bar has lots of bolt choices. The dune flag bolt and attachment brackets might be just what you need.
Look inside the vehicle, you might be able to use a seat mount or bolts from added equipment like a GMRS radio.
When harvesting bolts stay away from control arms, shock mounts, track bars, drive shafts, differential covers, brakes, oil plugs, transmission & oil pan fasteners.
Off-road repair work is fairly common. Being able to improvise can make the difference between being stuck and being able to drive on. Create and pack a bag of spare nuts and bolts. That bag takes up little room but could make a big difference someday.
# # #
Did you miss the previous articles?
- 2025-12-17 Hot Tips For Successful Winter Tenting
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
The 2026 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
Three trips to consider in 2026: Death Valley in March and October, the Rubicon trip in August and a trip to Utah in May.
January 2026
January 17, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
January 18, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road – SD Area
January 17-18, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
January 24, 2026 Sand Dune Off-Road Driving – Oceano Dunes
January 25, 2026 Self Recovery Clinic – LA Area
January 31, 2026 AWD Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic
February 2026
February 7, 2026 Starting Rock Crawling
February 8, 2026 Super Bowl Run
February 21, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
February 22, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road – LA Area
February 21-22, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
February 28, 2026 Winching Clinic – LA Area
February 28, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
March 01, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 28-March 01, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
March 2026
March 01, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 28-March 01, 2025 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
March 7, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
March 8, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
March 7-8, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
March 13, 2026 Death Valley Adventure
March 18, 2026 Cal4Wheel Death Valley Experience
March 21, 2026 AWD Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic
March 28, 2026 Tire Repair and Hi Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area
March 28, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
March 29, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
March 28-29, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Copyright 2026, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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