Tool requirements

[Horsevoice]

In clearing out the old homestead, I need to dispose of a bunch of tools - probably the most painful part of this whole project. A man can never have enough tools!
For full-timing, what is the absolute minimum for the tool list? What sort of things would be "Nice To Have"? What can you always get along without?
This has probably been discussed before, but obviously I'm new to these forums...any input is appreciated!

[Horsevoice]

In clearing out the old homestead, I need to dispose of a bunch of tools - probably the most painful part of this whole project. A man can never have enough tools!
For full-timing, what is the absolute minimum for the tool list? What sort of things would be "Nice To Have"? What can you always get along without?
This has probably been discussed before, but obviously I'm new to these forums...any input is appreciated!

[RV Wizard]

Probably 80% of the problems we see in the shop are electrical issues. The other 20% is everything from water leaks (plumbing & rain intrusion), loose componets, regular maintanance (adjustments, fluid changes, tightening of bolts & screws). Once youu know what you are going to try to fix or maintain yourself you will have a better idea as to the tools you will need. THen if you are one to want to add accessories you will need those tools needed too. I haul a 4X4 truck full of them and still find an occasion I don't have what I would like to have!

[Winnobego]

Sounds like my garage. Not only do I have my own tools, my Dad cleared out his garage (was moving ) and it landed into mine.(he was a Rock Hound too)
A good socket set. A small power screw driver and OSH sells a set of screwdirver tips for 2.98 in a small green carring case that fits in your pocket. A good volt meter. ( OSH carries Fluke, its the best)
And a set of vise grips. Anything else you have send to your childrens house for "FREE" storage.

[Kablewizard]

If your like the rest of us, and you limit yourself to 1 of each tool you will be down 50% I can't help you on what to carry. But we carry a tool kit with most standard and metric sizes of wrenches and sockets and screw drivers and the such for small repairs the rest are at home or in a shop if its that bad.

[rebelsbeach]

Mike hit the nail on the head....along with tools,I carry one of those assorted boxes of connectors and some shrink tubing and a good set of crimpers....Used to carry a soldering iron,but had to start paring down the tools!!

[full-timer]

I carry alot of the usual tools,hammers,channel locks,socket sets. The thing that is most handy when I need a third hand is the small vise bolted to a 6" x 12" board that I can clamp onto a picnic table with a "C" clamp.

Joe

An Indian and a Gypsy

[TruckMechanic]

A test light is the best tool you can have. Most problems are electrical in nature.

I have made up a picture of what a relay does and how to troubleshoot one. Learn how to jump one out.

This is enough info to get people in trouble. Ask away and I'll try to explain it better.



Regular relay: (SPST) Normally-open
A relay is used to get a high amp load to work with a low amp switch. It does this by pulling in a magnetic coil. The pins 85 & 86 is the electro magnetic coil wires. Pin 30 is the high amp feed wire. Pin 87 is what your trying to get the high amp feed too control. Pin 87a is not used. This is how a typical relay would work.

Change-over relay: (SPDT) same as above but...
Now pin 87a is just a crossover. If you wanted to go from low beams to high beams headlights then 87a is always hot until you operate the switch that makes 87 hot. Pin 87a breaks contact to get pin 87 hot.

To jump out a typical relay run a heavy guage wire between pin 30 and 87. If it was headlights then jump out 30 to 87a. This would get you low beams and allow you to continue.

Most people use a change-over 5 pole relay for a normal relay setup and don't hook up pin 87a.

[jperry29]

There is a book by Bill and Jan Moeller that could be very helpful to your preparations.

It is titled: "Complete Guide to Full-Time Rving: Life on the Open Road" and is available on Amazon.com for about $19.

Very practical advice about more than just tools.

[charliez]

I just added one of the Bully Dog kits, so now, I just wrap a cable around our local Lowes store and pull it with me. I noticed that I get better mileage when the roads ice over.

[Fxrscotty]

When I'm doing bike events I always carry a drill index with drills up to 1/2+easy outs, and a tap and die set. Assorted wire tie,electricle+teflon tape,a volt amp meter,a few feet of 12 and 16 gage wire, a small box of assorted nuts and bolts,assorted hose clamps, and the regular hand tools english and metric. Oh also a battery booster and 2 ton floor jack. This sounds like a lot but it really doesn't take up much space and has saved the day of many a biker/camper over the years. Scotty.

[Horsevoice]

Thanks for all the input guys! Nobody mentioned "rechargable" tool sets but I guess the problem there would be that they wouldn't be charged up when you need them...
Anyway - thanks for the input!

[Doc Mark]

Well Cuz - let me add my 2 cents!

I went to Sears and bought a mechanics toolbox that fits into one of the storage bays. Six stacked drawers plus storage in the top. I have a screwdriver set, a set of US & Metric combination wrenches, a set of Metric & US hex keys, Metric & US sockets in 3/4", 1/2" & 1/4" sizes, a multimeter, Seatech water line repair fittings along with spare hose, an electric lug kit, wire nuts and a stripper (for wire - dummy!) crimper combination. Also a rubber pipe wrench, teflon tape, and I don't know what all.

And above all - a roll of Duct Tape!

Is this excessive? Maybe for the average RV'r but with my diminished grip strength and other ail's it is easier for me to have the proper size rather than trying to jury-rig something.

This setup doesn't take alot of room and it sure is comforting to know you have what you need when you need it!

[troth]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">a rubber pipe wrench </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Doc Mark, it's been a while since I've been in Sears... sometimes the new age tools amaze me. Is this one of them?