Community Forums

viewmaster · 08-05-2009, 04:10 PM

Being new to this RVing, I need to put together a tool kit for traveling. Can you guys give me a good MUST have to Good to have list of items.

We camp in a Kodiak Expandable 23TT, selfcontained but no generator. Our test camp last week-end showed us we have a learning curve. No matter, this camping is soooo much fun!!

Thanks for any help
Bruce & Cyndee
Pinehurst, NC
16 on #5 course

Ray,IN · 08-05-2009, 05:40 PM

Instead of trying to think of everything in my toolbox, I'll just mention my most indispensable. I bought a ratcheting screwdriver with multiple replaceable bits stored in the handle. The bits include, phillips, blade, square, star, clutch, a magnetic extension. Next is a VOM for checking electricals in the RV, and CG power pedestals.; Nice to have is: our Good Sam emergency road service card! Extensive repairs while away from home are usually not practical for me.
Others will list their "indispensable" tools. Combine all the replies and you'll have a good idea what you might want to pack.

4gone · 08-05-2009, 06:14 PM

I guess some of it depends on how handy you are. Do you do your own maintenence and repairs or just the get yourself out of trouble tools?

For basic stuff: Set of screwdrivers (don't forget square tip), regular pliers and channel locks, vise grips, basic set of sockets and wrenches, hammer, jumper cables.

I also like to carry a variety of light bulbs, wire, screws, bolts, electrical connectors, tape (electrical, duct), PB Blaster, cordless drill, air compressor, bottle jack, jack stands, electric impact driver and a fairly extensive set of the above mentioned items. I know there's more, but I can't think of it all. Depends somewhat on what you are willing to tackle on the road. I've done fuel pumps, altenators, water pumps, changed tires and replaced all of the wheel studs on my father MH when the sheered off (another story all together). Dad was a mechanic, I paid attention and can count the number of times I've had a vehicle in for service on one hand....

Frank P. Martin · 08-05-2009, 06:42 PM

For what it's worth, here are the tools and maintenance items I have on my checklist:

1/4" Socket Set
3/8" Socket Set (Includes Crowfoot Wrenches and Allen bit sockets)
1/2" Socket Set
Vice Grip Wrench Set
Dremel Tool Kit
Pop Rivet Kit
Portable Jumper Battery
Cordless Drill and bits
Torque Wrench (150 ft/lb click-stop type)
Folding Ladder
Jeepers Creeper (Not the wheeled type but just a pad to lie on when working underneath something)
Tire Pumps (manual and electric)
General tool box (pliers/screwdrivers/wrenches/hammer/etc.)
Hatchet
Sledge Hammer

Hope this gives you some ideas.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 08-07-2009, 05:46 AM

Carry just the basic's. If you are a handyman type and like to do a lot of your own repairs, you can buy cheap, use a couple of times, tools from Harbor Freight. They aren't very good but do work in a pinch. Also, many of the Automotive Parts Stores will rent those special tools, or you buy them and then return them and they'll give you a refund. Usually these are larger more specialized tools though.

viewmaster · 08-08-2009, 05:42 AM

Thanks everyone, you've mentioned several things I would have missed. What a great forum.

Bruce & Cyndee

mechanic1 · 08-08-2009, 06:57 AM

i carry a nice set of tools made by blue point it is well organized in a blow molded case you get metric and standered wrenches stored in the lid complete set of sockets metric and standered 1/4 and 3/8 female tork sockets both ratchets a driver for 1/4 sockets extensions 1/4 and 3/8 and the sweet thing about it you know when your missing one it sells for around 300.00 bucks and yes they are guranteed for life the nice thing about it it stores real easy and is no bigger than a briefcase these are a knock off snap on tools the down fall of this set is there are no deepwell sockets so what the heck i keep those in my bigger tool box which i store in the side comparment with the bigger tools hammer screwdrivers fuses exra bulbs another full set of wrenches 3/8 to 1 1/4 side cutters pliers electrical pliers electrical tape hack saw magnet and more you can never carry enough depends on the room you have

EngineerMike · 08-08-2009, 10:31 AM

One thing not to scrimp on is an electrical crimp tool. The cheapies mess up the crimp connector, break the wire, etc. and you get a maybe connection. The one pictured, and you'll find good ones by Klein and Greenlee, get a crimp right first time & every time even if you are a moron like me. By the time I get down to putting a new end on a piece of wire, I don't want to visit it again, or redo it because the tool (or the operator using a cheap tool) didn't get it right.

Also, Ray mentioned ratcheting screw driver. On a camping contraption (moho or trailer) where space is limited, a right angle 1/4" ratcheting bit driver will boldly go where no tool has gone before, and do a good job of it. Lost track years ago of the jobs this little gizmo does brilliantly where practically every other thing won't fit. It fits every 1/4" hex device known to man including some nut drivers.

Lastly, along the lines of the previous tool, choose stuff with the smallest from factor that will do the job to cut down on bulk & weight. E.g., you can buy adjustable crescent type wrenches that are fat & beefy, but don't fit in some situations and are heavy as a politician's conscience, or you can buy thinner, lighter weight, more versatile form factor tools like this that are made of good steel and will stand up to punishment while still fitting where big junky tools won't. You'll buy less tools, but you will pay more for these choices. I own plenty of Harbor Freight stuff as well; each tool is a choice first as to what does the job well, and second how much weight & bulk will it cost me each trip, and third can I get by for less money.

hamguy · 08-09-2009, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mechanic1

i carry a nice set of tools made by blue point it is well organized in a blow molded case you get metric and standered wrenches stored in the lid complete set of sockets metric and standered 1/4 and 3/8 female tork sockets both ratchets a driver for 1/4 sockets extensions 1/4 and 3/8 and the sweet thing about it you know when your missing one it sells for around 300.00 bucks and yes they are guranteed for life the nice thing about it it stores real easy and is no bigger than a briefcase these are a knock off snap on tools the down fall of this set is there are no deepwell sockets so what the heck i keep those in my bigger tool box which i store in the side comparment with the bigger tools hammer screwdrivers fuses exra bulbs another full set of wrenches 3/8 to 1 1/4 side cutters pliers electrical pliers electrical tape hack saw magnet and more you can never carry enough depends on the room you have

There is no way I can make sense of this with no punctuation/caps. Sorry.

Rick Long · 08-09-2009, 10:16 AM

AND

Bill Killen · 08-12-2009, 07:21 AM

Great list! I have a tool box that has much of the crap in it for the RV only, then i move things back and forth such as the cordless drill, ratchet set (one of those organized sets in plastic) and a few other things that are in the main toolbox at home. Extra battery for the cordless Drill! or the charger.
I also add cleaning supplies for the outside of the rig. I have a pool, so I use the buckets that chemicals come in (alkaline increaser and stuff) to fill with rags, brushes, bug off, simple green, wash soap) they are not as big as the 5 gallon "pickle bucket" so they fit underneath perfectly. when I am hanging at the camp, i have been known to clean some things on the rig from time to time

Gorilla brand Duct tape (Gorilla tape) is a must have. it is far stickier than duct tape and much stronger too.
bk