Tool kits

[Gatorade96]

My father never met a took he didn’t like. So I inherited a bunch. A tool kit in an RV is a given but what tools? Combination wrenches up to what size? SAE and metric? 1/2, 3/8 1/4 socket sets? Deep well?

I currently have screwdrivers, pliers, vice grips, box cutter, hammer, torque wrench, drill, and a couple large sockets and specific pry bar for the hitch.

Like I said, I currently have enough extra tools to fill a rolling chest but am curious about opinions on what are dead weight and what are a necessity.

Thanks in advance for the replies!

[SafariBen]

I'd say you need a lot fewer tools than the "vintage" diesel pusher crowd, those of us who would pay more for a tow than the rig is worth. The big question is how well do you trust your tow vehicle? if that's not a problem, then you can seriously reduce the tool kit, a multi screwdriver, multimeter (or my favorite powerprobe), maybe a very small socket and wrench set. Along with the misc duct tape, screws, wire nuts etc.

[Brunnie]

Originally Posted by SafariBen

I'd say you need a lot fewer tools than the "vintage" diesel pusher crowd, those of us who would pay more for a tow than the rig is worth. The big question is how well do you trust your tow vehicle? if that's not a problem, then you can seriously reduce the tool kit, a multi screwdriver, multimeter (or my favorite powerprobe), maybe a very small socket and wrench set. Along with the misc duct tape, screws, wire nuts etc.

And ratchet straps. A couple of those can really make a difference.
I carry a few wrenches, some common metric sockets, pliers, multimeter, OBD2 code reader, standard and phillips screwdrivers, utility knife, and crescent wrench. It all fits into a flight-line mechanics canvas tool bag.

[Beamer2022]

I've found, pliers, wire strippers, wire nuts, spare screws are the things I use the most. Most of my issues can be fixed at home. The ones that can't, are usually electrical. The last one was a LED tail light. Stopped at Camping World in Charleston and the gal found one in spare parts that was less then half the price of the one hanging in the aisle that I had brought to the counter.

[bigb56]

I carry SAE and Metric wrenches and sockets up to 7/8", Allen wrenches and any special tools for the vehicle in question, like e-torx or Torx. I've got it all arranged in a compact tool roll.

I also carry my electrician's tool bag which contains any wire tools I may need as well as pliers and screwdrivers.

[d23haynes57]

Consider if you only plan to do roadside repairs or if you consider replacing a water pump while at a campground. You want to look at and maybe practice some minor repairs.
Many unplanned problems will be electrical. Multimeter, fuse assortment. Assorted crimp connectors and tape. A set of fuel and oil filters. Strap wrenches to change. Engine belts. Will need tool to get those tensioners pulled back. A few air fittings and tubing for the air system. Tools to check, tighten battery connections. Safety glasses and gloves. One of tubs of hand cleaning towels, "Scrubs".

[Mudfrog]

I'm not going to tear into an engine and therefore don't feel the need to carry a lot of tools. Ours is an older class A motorhome so the basics do just fine. A screwdriver with multiple bits, large straight screw driver, small pry bar, hex wrenches, a sae/metric socket set with a couple of different size extensions, a few combination box/open end wrenches, and hammer is pretty much it.

For electrical,, a multimeter, stripper/crimper, electrical tape, and an assortment of wire nuts, butt connectors, a few feet of copper wire, various light bulbs, and cable ties.

I also carry spare parts. Generator fuel pump and filter, the old radiator hoses that I replaced a couple of years ago, the old serpentine belt, idler and tensioner pulleys, and a couple of old spark plugs and wires. I keep a quart of 30 weight for the genset, 5W-30 for the 8.1, and Dexron 3 for the jacks. Haven't needed any of these yet but ya never know.

Edited to add: Didn't realize I was posting in the travel trailer section. A lot of my last paragraph may not apply.

[Gatorade96]

I guess info on my trailer and tow would have helped. New 2025 Jayco 265BHS and a 2024 Ford Expedition with less than 6,000 miles right now. So both are pretty new. On our first trip I figured out a square drive would be needed. Never really needed one of those before.

[Eman85]

Cordless impact gun with sockets, jack and or trailer aid ramp or homemade version. Flat tire is the most common breakdown.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by Eman85

Cordless impact gun with sockets, jack and or trailer aid ramp or homemade version. Flat tire is the most common breakdown.

hey Eman what's up? I've been seeing you over at the Terry Love plumbing forum and at the FTE powerstroke forum too LOL! Small world!

[Eman85]

Originally Posted by bigb56

hey Eman what's up? I've been seeing you over at the Terry Love plumbing forum and at the FTE powerstroke forum too LOL! Small world!

I guess we're men of many interests.

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by Gatorade96

I guess info on my trailer and tow would have helped. New 2025 Jayco 265BHS and a 2024 Ford Expedition with less than 6,000 miles right now. So both are pretty new. On our first trip I figured out a square drive would be needed. Never really needed one of those before.

It also depends on how you plan on using the rig. If you are staying close to home, couple hundred miles vs. cross country trip. Plus, consider how you are going to use the rig, in a RV park with full hook-ups or without hook-ups somewhere.

We full time, so our tool kit(s) are different than what you would probably carry. I have a corded 120VAC impact gun, pin nailer, electric stapler, soldering iron, Dremel Tool, plus numerous hand tools.

[Cajun 143]

Might want to carry a few plumbing fittings / clamps etc..Had a pex fitting on toilet leak once..had to go 30 miles on my scooter to find a hardware store.

[Eman85]

As mentioned plumbing supplies for whatever type plumbing you have. Real simple and anyone that owns an RV or a house should have real basic SharkBite fittings. A cap and a splice for 1/2" would be enough to keep you camping until you got home to do a proper repair.