Types of Tools you carry

[Renipladlo]

Hello All,
Our alpines are complex, and many of us stay in them for months on end.

I have assembled a tool box which has the normal stuff, wrenches, screwdrivers and such, and an electrical box, strippers, solder less connectors, tape, rubber splicing tape, some large cable lugs (blue & Yellow) stuff like that. This is not a tool, but we keep two large orange cones as well which we put out when the MH is at home as it sticks out in the street a little and we purchased them at Home Depot.

I also have in the garage a grease gun, you know the little metal one with the fixed tube/fitting on the end. I was wondering if maybe I should purchase a larger one, with a flexible hose and a swivel adapter if such things exist so I can get to all those fitting on the front end. I was able to lube the rear end yesterday with my little one so that was good. It's supposed to be done every 3K miles one fellow told me. Cummins was supposed to have done it last fall before we put it up, but it looked sort of dry to me. I packed it in good.

But I'm sure there are tools we don't know about, which we should carry, for instance I am still trying to get a good quality 12 ton hydraulic jack (not made in china) to carry with me, which would be strong enough to raise one corner of the rear end if I had to do it.

Please list other specialty tools you carry so we all can assemble a good reasonable tool box. Additionally you can list any spare parts you carry as well, although I don't know how much of that stuff I can pack in. I have not but will have include a rubber mallet, hammer, maybe a torque wrench, power drill, bits, putty tape and Teflon tape, assorted screws/nuts, etc.

[Dale777]

I've duplicated nearly all the tools in my garage, except for the table saw.

Seriously, I have:
1. high-torque, rechargeable lithium ion drill/driver and bits
2. Hammer, screw drivers, torque wrenches, complete socket set and wrench set up to 1 1/2 inches, magnetic retrieval tool, torx wrenches, etc
3. Clear duct tape, high temp aluminum tape, extreme tape, scotch tape, etc
4. Every kind of adhesive you can think of, including JB Weld
5. Every kind of fluid needed - oil, HWH fluid, antifreeze, u-joint grease, etc
6. 1 ton hydraulic jack, wooden platforms to put under jacks
7. Rain coat, disposable overalls, two headlamps, several flashlights
8. Road hazard signs, flares
9. Light and medium thread locker
10. Every type of bolt, screw, self tapping screws, washer, nut, lock washer you can think of

Many more, but I will have to post those later when I have time.

[Dave and Jaime]

Originally Posted by Dale777

I've duplicated nearly all the tools in my garage, except for the table saw.

Seriously, I have:
1. high-torque, rechargeable lithium ion drill/driver and bits
2. Hammer, screw drivers, torque wrenches, complete socket set and wrench set up to 1 1/2 inches, magnetic retrieval tool, torx wrenches, etc
3. Clear duct tape, high temp aluminum tape, extreme tape, scotch tape, etc
4. Every kind of adhesive you can think of, including JB Weld
5. Every kind of fluid needed - oil, HWH fluid, antifreeze, u-joint grease, etc
6. 1 ton hydraulic jack, wooden platforms to put under jacks
7. Rain coat, disposable overalls, two headlamps, several flashlights
8. Road hazard signs, flares
9. Light and medium thread locker
10. Every type of bolt, screw, self tapping screws, washer, nut, lock washer you can think of

Many more, but I will have to post those later when I have time.

I think just above every problem can be resolved by these three items.
1. Duck tape
2. 800 number for AAA or similar roadside assistance
3. Credit card with a very high line of credit

[Old Scout]

Whether you are part- or full-timer might drive what tools you need on the road--some things can wait until you return home to the "man-cave." Perhaps the larger issue is coach carrying capacity--a 40ft Alpine has limited excess carrying capacity, an APEX even less [I think]. You might have to sacrifice the 12-ton jack to accommodate the co-pilot's latest "bargin hunting."

[D & D Rich]

Don't forget Murphy. No matter how many tools, parts and supplies you carry in your motor home Murphy's Law says, You either don't own one or its at home!!

You would be surprised what other RV'er have. If your in an RV park, ask around, somebody might just have what your looking for. Plus because they now look real smart, they can't hold back helping the dumb guy who doesn't have one.

Life's little lessons.

Dan R.

[Renipladlo]

All, I love the little pieces of advice.

Old Scout, just tonight, she said she was going to put in 6 pairs of shoes, but she is going to take out three that are in there now. Let see, for me, Birkenstocks for inside, BK's for quick trips outside, hiking boots, and a spare pair of shoes in case primary pair get wet, oh forgot the shower shoes. Wow, 6 pair, I don't think I could wear all those in a year, must be man thing.

Dale, will take the drill, and today I found out I need a 6, 7, and 8mm wrenches for the nuts under the dash. I found this out because my headlight switch housing was lose.
I finally was able to get the bracket bent out enough to hold it in (behind the switch), tighten down the 8mm nut with a socket with my hand, then get the ratchet on it, to finish the job. On target with the torque wrench, bits for the drill, rubber mallet, Fluke Multimeter, good small LED Flashlight, some other stuff, I discovered I did not have, big wire ties, duck tape, made a list, but don't know where I left it.

While I was under the dash, I tightened all the other nuts (could do nothing for the one at the end of the wrench) I could get something on, TAKE NOTE, lots of lose ones, some only finger tight. It looks to me like the silverleaf was installed with Velcro, as I could find no brackets to tighten up.

[Ol'Joe]

Two items that have become essential in my "tool box" are a tatami like mat and a magnetic pick up tool. Evenvitabily, while working on something out on the CG picnic table I'll loose a small screw / nut down the cracks of the table and into the grass. By laying the tatami under the table I'll usually be able to catch it. My old eyes, cranky knees and "Dunlop Belly" make the magnetic pick up tool's use obvious. The tool also is usefull when the dang nut bounces off the mat into the grass anyway. Have fun.and good roads to Ya.

[azloafer]

Originally Posted by Dale777

I've duplicated nearly all the tools in my garage, except for the table saw.

Seriously, I have:
1. high-torque, rechargeable lithium ion drill/driver and bits
2. Hammer, screw drivers, torque wrenches, complete socket set and wrench set up to 1 1/2 inches, magnetic retrieval tool, torx wrenches, etc
3. Clear duct tape, high temp aluminum tape, extreme tape, scotch tape, etc
4. Every kind of adhesive you can think of, including JB Weld
5. Every kind of fluid needed - oil, HWH fluid, antifreeze, u-joint grease, etc
6. 1 ton hydraulic jack, wooden platforms to put under jacks
7. Rain coat, disposable overalls, two headlamps, several flashlights
8. Road hazard signs, flares
9. Light and medium thread locker
10. Every type of bolt, screw, self tapping screws, washer, nut, lock washer you can think of

Many more, but I will have to post those later when I have time.

Where did you get the disposable overalls?

[Dale777]

asloafer,

I got the disposable overalls long ago. If I remember right, it was at at some truck stop.

[Bob King]

Hey Dale. If you got them a long time ago, and they're disposable, how come you still have them?

[johnnytugs1]

you can get a tyvek set of coveralls they are waterproof & wind proof. i have 3-4 sets. i use one at the house when i clean the chimney on the wood stove and another when i go offroading on the go-carts. i don't remember where i got'm sorry.
try here Disposable Protective clothing, Tyvek Coveralls, Painter coveralls – (800) 499-5253
if you can afford it snap-on has a super light weight hydraulic jack, my buddy has one it's amazing. not sure how much it can p/u.
RACEJACKSET, Set, Service Jack and Stands, Aluminum, 3 pcs.
JT

[GOLDWINGER2]

Go to Sears.com, 20 ton bottle jack is less than 90 bucks, 12 ton less than 60.
J

[CaptPat]

I would add an inspection mirror, preferably one that extends and has a swivel head, plus a selection of caulk--silicon, Dicor and 3M 5200.