If I have a ______ and ______ I can fix almost anything!

[Bill Nourse]

WD-40 and duct tape. If it moves an shouldn't, duct tape. If it doesn't move and should WD-40. "Ask silly questions, get silly answers".

[alank]

Originally Posted by David 70

vise grip and baling wire

I like this answer, puts him in my age group, when I was a kid, Dad always had baling wire, unfortunately it hasn’t been available for 40 or 50 years or I would have some.
Duct tape is current generation replacement.

[Kid Gloves]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

IMO hauling around spare parts is a waste. I've hauled a spare serpentine belt for as long as I've owned this MH, it's probably dry-rotted from just laying in the toolbox by now. NAPA auto stores sell new belts over the counter every day.


I do carry small hand tools for repairing electrical(both types) and some mechanical adjustments. Everything else; I'm in the same group as Kid Gloves.

I’ll be accepting applications for new members after July 4th. We’re swamped at the moment and the selection process is quite elaborate.

Be advised that our opinions differ on spare parts. To name a few, I carry spare fuel filters, fuel fill cap, 12V water pump, city/water valve, cabinet hardware, wiper blades, fuses, light bulbs, hot water tank anode, storage bay latches, a stand alone 12V battery charger and small batteries for remotes and sensors. I haven’t replaced everything on the list, but it sure was handy having those parts readily available when they needed to be replaced.

[Kid Gloves]

Originally Posted by alank

I like this answer, puts him in my age group, when I was a kid, Dad always had baling wire, unfortunately it hasn’t been available for 40 or 50 years or I would have some.
Duct tape is current generation replacement.

Baling wire is still available.

[Kid Gloves]

Originally Posted by vtron

Some basic intelligence and the internet.

That has oxymoron potential.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

IMO hauling around spare parts is a waste. I've hauled a spare serpentine belt for as long as I've owned this MH, it's probably dry-rotted from just laying in the toolbox by now. NAPA auto stores sell new belts over the counter every day.

Originally Posted by SteveJ.

Getting to that counter at Napa can be challenging, though, especially without a toad or motorcycle or having the Starship Enterprise remotely beam you there.

I too have a few items that I keep for "just in case". To this day, I've never had to resort to using any of them. But,, and this is a BIG but,,, I can just about guarantee you that one of them would be needed about the time I removed it. Relying on an auto parts store to have the correct part can be hit or miss so I'll just keep those few used parts stored and ready.

I keep the tools needed to take care of replacing a stored part as well. A basic tool kit, extra screws, nuts & bolts, small electrical parts, and of course, duct and electrical tape can sure be life savers at times.

[GypsyR]

My first choices are a brain and a pair of hands.

One of my cargo compartments is my tool shed. I acquired my older coach in not the best of shape. As I did repairs and maintenance on it I noted which tools I needed. If I didn't put them in the tool compartment I bought duplicates to keep in there. Exceptions being a portable base tool kit that I carry in any of our vehicles on a trip and some Milwaukee battery powered tools that I don't think the coach requires a dedicated set of.

Specific tools? The coach has its own ODB code reader/scanner. Enough tools to change a tire (I carry a full spare). Clamps and stuff that mightenable me to repair a split fluid line enough to get off the road. A nice set those emergency roadside warning "triangles" like truckers carry. A fuel pressure checking gauge goes with me, until i get around to buying and installing a dedicated gauge in the dash. Caulking stuff. Because I seem to caulk this or that on the thing from time to time so why not keep that RV-specific sealer stuff in it? Doesn't weigh much. About all that might be a little different that I can think of.

[PLDieter]

Vise grips, (or offset pliers) WD-40 and duct tape! Yeah, I know that's cheating - I picked THREE.

[Canusa4]

I had a spring break while towing an older tandem-wheeled trailer. For some reason I had decided to bring a hydraulic floor jack and several large C clamps along with the usual assortment of tools, so I was able to clamp the spring back together to limp to a camp site. Now I have a 40 foot DP and just take small hand tools and a good volt meter.

[dw8ite]

A plus and a minus screwdriver.

[n2zon]

I had a friend who used to say you could fix anything with a torch, a hammer, and a file.

[TonyDel]

... although I think your aim was to get a cumulative list. So, take one of everything mentioned so far. I won't regurgitate the list.

I'm a cheap and impatient bastard. Especially nowadays when getting something fixed will cost so damned much -- even if you can find somebody to do it in a timely manner -- good luck with that! I'm also very untrusting of anyone else touching my vehicles. So, I will tackle just about anything and I carry a substantial amount of tools with me in order to fix non-catastrophic issues (i.e. cracked engine parts, transmission issues, etc.). Here are some things that I've run into over the years of our RV life:

Carry an 8ft 2x4. Yup, comes in very handy as a lever when your jacks won't come up or your side won't come in 'cause it's stuck.

OBD2 tester - Hate that check engine light? Me too. Didn't have one with me. Luckily a buddy we were camping with did and with that and internet access we were able to identify that I needed a new MAP sensor. A quick trip to Autozone and $100 later the problem was fixed with a couple of tools. Get a good one - not just a reader.

Soldering Iron - At a recent rally (last week) one of the members had a problem with their retractable bed. Turned out to be 2 of the six wires had broken loose on the motor that retracts or extends the bed. It took three of us to take the bed apart and re-solder all six wires on the motor. If you haven't yet figured it out, the engineering on these units sucks. They just throw these things together to last long enough to get them off the lot. Luckily one of the guys had a soldering iron, I didn't. I do now - just ordered a $20 kit.

Gorilla Tape - Get both clear and whatever other colors you want. One of the (fixed) driver side windows started to hiss while heading down the road. The it started to rattle and howl. Thank goodness for that clear gorilla tape. We pulled over and put some all the way around the perimeter of that window. It worked great for several months until we could get it sealed properly.

Moving Blankets - Get 'em at harbor freight. I carry a couple with me to lay on while I'm laying under the MH. And, while your at it, don't forget a good kneeling pad.

Join a camping group - We belong to several. People come from all walks of like and with all sorts of experience. Many have run into the same problems you might run into and may already have the skills (if you don't) or are willing to help or give you advice.

As you already know, it's like owning a second home. If anything can go wrong, it will. I don't tend to carry spare parts except for some fuses. As someone already stated as long as you have some form of transportation you can get what you need locally - or even have AMAZON express ship to you at your location.

For everything else you can use your phone and credit card.

[Elevensdad]

Originally Posted by Bug Eye

Good Morning All!


What essential items/tools will you not leave your driveway without? We are in the midst of stocking up our new to us RV and I'm a worst case scenario kinda gal

Items for your title:
Multimeter
Duct Tape

Seriously, I’d suggest a complete set of tools:
Screwdrivers, adjustable end wrenches, wire cutter, solder less fittings & crimper, wire nuts, fuses, screw assortments, drawer latches, lube sprays. This list will grow with your experiences and skills.

[Papaslick]

I used to take every tool I could fit in a bay. Now if something major comes up I use my phone and credit card. For everything else I bought a 130 piece tool set in a case that has all I need for DIY projects. The set goes on sale fairly regularly for $29.99.