New to RVing - top list of tools to bring

[NYDP77]

Suggestions on essential tools to bring for quick fixes?

[chipper]

• Cash
• High-quality, long jumper cables
• Emergency contact information (medical, vehicle insurance, etc…)
• First-Aid Kit
• RV owners’ manual
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Pocket knife
• Mechanics wire
• Roll of duct tape
• Hammer
• Combination wrenches
• Screwdriver set (various sizes Phillips and flat-head)
• Ratchet and Socket sets
• Torx bits
• Pliers
• Electrical test light (multimeter)
• Spare electrical wire, wire crimper and splicers, butt connector
• Roll of insulated 12-guage wire
• Spare fuses
•#2 square driver. This fits the square drive screws which are common in RVs
• Vise Grip pliers
• Extra 12 volt bulbs for Stop/Turn and clearance lights
• Spare fuses
• Emergency Flares

I'm sure others will come along and add to this list.

[bigbird]

Chipper, i have those tools on my list as well as vehicle /trailer jack,tire pressure gauge,hacksaw, allen wrenchs and small measuring tape.

[tinlizzie23]

Small combination wrench set, regular & stubby screwdrivers, both phillips and straight blade (and torx, clutch head, or square if your unit has those), a very small flat blade screwdriver that will fit the wire terminals of your trailer connector plug, regular, needle nose, visegrip, and channel lock pliers, socket and breaker bar to fit wheel lugs (or four-way), roll of heavy mechanic's wire, roll of duct tape, 2 or 3 oz hammer, can of WD40 or Triflow (teflon) spray, assorted grease rags, small bottle jack and wooden base to support it (short length of 2 X 6 would do), roll of 14 gauge insulated wire, wire strippers, wire crimpers, assorted sizes of crimpable butt connectors, ring terminals, and spade terminals, and lastly, a couple of sizes of plastic wire ties.

These are what comes to mind as to actual tools, since you didn't mention camping stuff like hose connections, etc. There are probably other tools I forgot to mention, but others on the forum will chime in with their favorite essential tools, I'm sure. Hope this helps.

[greenenvy1]

32 oz ball peen hammer comes in very handy for a variety of things, I carry a multi-meter as well.

[bigbird]

Lets not forget the tire inflator.

[TeamFoxy]

I won't add to the list, but a practice I have is to always work on my TT (or my boat) with a tool kit just for it and nothing else. Start very basic (to keep weight down) and add only what you need to get the work accomplished. I.E. you may only need 3 or 4 wrenches sizes to do everything and not a complete set. The tool kit should always stay in/with the TT and never be "borrowed from" for other uses.

If you do this, you will always have what you need and probably be able to actually find it.

[LongIslandCamper]

Originally Posted by TeamFoxy

I won't add to the list, but a practice I have is to always work on my TT (or my boat) with a tool kit just for it and nothing else. Start very basic (to keep weight down) and add only what you need to get the work accomplished. I.E. you may only need 3 or 4 wrenches sizes to do everything and not a complete set. The tool kit should always stay in/with the TT and never be "borrowed from" for other uses.

If you do this, you will always have what you need and probably be able to actually find it.

This is a great tip for all things camper related. All your towels, bedding, forks, plates and tools should be strictly dedicated to the camper if possible. It will make your life a lot easier.

[exjay1]

there was a good write up on suggested tools to carry in the recent Good Sam magazine I got in the mail the other day. I'll dig around for a link...

[owenssailor]

It does help a lot to have dedicated tools and equipment for the trailer always in the trailer. Then pieces don't get left behind. We found the same to be true with the sailboat.

I also carry a torque wrench and sockets for all bolts on the Weight Distribution Hitch and the wheel lugbolts plus the torques values on one sheet of paper.

We have also found using a pair of two way handheld radios very helpful for hitching and backing up.

[TeamFoxy]

The other thing that one should routinely do is remove items from the TT that you find you are not using. We only carry spares of things that are harder to find. No need to stock what you can find at any camp store or Walmart.

[tls001]

once you start you will continually find more things to add to your tools and parts stash.

[Boss Wagon]

Originally Posted by TeamFoxy

The other thing that one should routinely do is remove items from the TT that you find you are not using. We only carry spares of things that are harder to find. No need to stock what you can find at any camp store or Walmart.

Great rule. I have doing that for years. I discovered after the first few years I had motorhomes that I tended to keep tossing stuff in that "I might need". Later I decided to periodically review my junk and discovered many items I never needed. Someone once said regarding a motorhome that you don't need to take everything you need to rebuild the engine, just enough to hang on some new parts.

[E&J push'n wind]

The suggestions here one can not argue with. I suppose it's best to be prepared for a "worst case scenario." I on the other hand carry very few "tools" with me.

Only a few basic tools,
hammer,
measuring tape,
two pair channel lock pliers,
two screwdrivers that you can change the tip with and a few other screw drivers both phillips and slotted,
nut driver and very few small 1/4" drive sockets,
a box knife,
fuses to match what the TT and TV use,
flash lights (two or three minumum),
and a jack and lug wrench," t" type. That pretty much covers it. If I have to "overhaul" the TT or TV while out, then the camping trip is pretty much a wash as far as I'm concerned and I'm going home where all my tools will be.

I hope this helps.

[bigbird]

If it doesn't help, it sure was funny. lol

[NYDP77]

Thanks everyone this has given me some ideas I have not thought of and will create a list for this year.

[TX_Arvee]

I looked for high quality multi-tools. For instance; For screw drivers, instead of carrying 4 or 6 in various sizes, I opted for 2 that have interchangable heads (i believe they are Stanley) and do accept square head and torx bits. I carry a small set of those as well.. This gave me two screw drivers in size, and for a little extra weight, added multiple bit types I can screw with!

I am refining the tools as we get experience, but have found myself carrying some stupid stuff after a few trips out. You will figure these out.

I have long since standardized my flash lights. All use CR123 batteries and have a dedicated supply for the RV. But most every man will not be short of flashlights, so not much has to be said on flashlights.

Fuses are something I tried to bring along without doing much research. HOwever, after snooping around at all the different fuses in my RV, I have found many different types, shapes, sizes....I realy need to educate myself and make a list of fuses and where they are.

I carry a hub cap removing tool. You need one of these. Removing the trim rings without one is a pain and can damage them.

I am still looking for a single air pressure gauge that works for all 6 wheels the best. I have not found it, so I carry two, the rear inner wheels are a pain to check. (at least on my rig)

I also carry an IR heat detector to read surface temps. This is a good tool for a geek that wants to know exactly how hot something is.
Heat, A/C, electronics, etc....

Thats a couple. As you go you will figur eout what you need.

[bigbird]

Diddo on the IR detector. They used to be pricey but not anymore. I think ive seem them for less than 30 dollars. If one tire or hub is much higher then the rest it will give me a heads up. I use it for many things when troubleshooting.

[Panhead]

Originally Posted by TX_Arvee

I am still looking for a single air pressure gauge that works for all 6 wheels the best. I have not found it, so I carry two, the rear inner wheels are a pain to check. (at least on my rig)

Go to a truck stop and buy a truckers air gauge. They are a full foot long and have a double head on them so you can get a reading at any angle. I have 2 of them one is 30 years old and is the most accurate of all the gauges I have ever used. These gauges are heavy duty and can give you accurate readings for everything from a bicycle tire to an 18 wheeler tire.

I may have missed it but I haven't seen a bottle jack mentioned yet. I also carry a spare bayonet connector gate valve, good to have if you develop a leak in one of your tank valves. I also use it when we are dry camping. Put the temp valve on and open both grey water tank valves and it will equalize the level between both grey tanks increasing capacity for the bathroom gray water. We tend to fill that tank much quicker than the galley grey tank.

Steve

[bigbird]

I have to agree, you get what you pay when it comes to air gauges. I gone through many but never thought about the truck stop.