Building a tool kit

[teamjendy]

I'm new to the RV world. I've gained a lot of knowledge on these forums .. thanks for all your help so far.

I'm building a tool kit -- I want to save weight while still having all the neccessary tools in the event something goes wrong.

Can anyone offer any advice on building an efficient kit that doesn't weigh a ton and covers all the basics plus some more advanced issues that may arise?

I'm running a 2014 FR3 25DS with 3,400 miles on it.


Does Forest River generally use Standard or Metric sizes?

Are there any specialty tools that a new RVer like myself may over look that I should get?

[fonzie]

This should keep you busy reading and getting most of what you are looking for....

https://www.google.ca/search?q=tool+...iIGsmweMPcnKAD

[Ford Idaho]

#2 robertson bit and a bit screwdriver.
Zip ties and Gorilla tape.

These fit both metric and SAE.

http://www.googleadservices.com/page...QzTkIJw&adurl=

[Still Kickin]

Originally Posted by teamjendy

I'm new to the RV world. I've gained a lot of knowledge on these forums .. thanks for all your help so far.

I'm building a tool kit -- I want to save weight while still having all the neccessary tools in the event something goes wrong.

Can anyone offer any advice on building an efficient kit that doesn't weigh a ton and covers all the basics plus some more advanced issues that may arise?

I'm running a 2014 FR3 25DS with 3,400 miles on it.


Does Forest River generally use Standard or Metric sizes?

Are there any specialty tools that a new RVer like myself may over look that I should get?

Stop by China freight store and pick up a tool set. They have several setups. You can probably get it for about $50 bucks w/ coupons, etc. The quality will suffice for on the road repairs and its all contained in a tool chest organized for easy access.

[grumpy0374]

X2 on a good multi bit screwdriver and a few #2 robertson square drive bits, including a few longer ones. They will fit probably 75% of the screws keeping your rig together.
Unless you plan on doing repairs to the chassies of your rig, there is no need for anything larger then a 3/8 inch drive socket set. No really large nuts/bolts in the "box" of an rv.
A good pair of pliers, needle nose pliers, pair of vice grips, and a small and medium adjustable wrench. Pair of wire cutters.
Hammer and rubber mallet.
Set of wrenches.
A roll of stainless steel wire (like bailing wire, but ss)
Duct tape. Assortment of and including some 18-24 inch wire ties.
An assortment of a few dozen screws (wood, metal) and some nuts/bolts/washers. All the stuff I carry is stainless steel.
Extra fuses and mini breakers in sizes your rig uses.
Some good ole rubber bands, tacks, some binder clips.
A bottle Weldwood Contact Cement.
Small pry bar, like a 12 or 18 inch length.
You'll add to or subtract from based on your needs as you run across a problem or two. But no need to go nuts. I have a friend who carries a full set of tools, and I mean a FULL set, in his class c. Probably weighs 300 lbs, in addition to his compressor, jacks, air tools, ect. Way overkill.
If you get to the point where you need 1/2 inch drive sockets, air drive tools, and large size wrenches, you probably need a tow.
Grumpy

[Epat]

A free multimeter from Harbor Freight and gorilla tape instead of duct tape.

[Hoglou]

A friendly suggestion from a biker. only use the tool bag that you (develop) carry in the rv. add and subtract to it. its a hoot to see someone on an ultra HD with torx and sockets that dont fit anything on the bike. i would focus on parts and not tools, like 15 amp blade fuses and a spare water filter housing. things that will send you home or to the hotel..

can you take your hw element out without going to the garage?

[wahoonc]

• Multi-meter (VOM)
• Screw/nut driver with interchangeable tips (Klein 11-n-1 is mine)
• Moisture meter
• Leatherman multi-tool
• wire strippers
• pliers
• pump pliers
• vise grips (small and larger)
• socket set
• electrical tape
• aluminum tape
• duct/gorilla/zip tape
• hammer
• cold beer

Aaron

[JLeising]

Add super glue with accelerator (https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Smith-Ind...ue+accelerator) and Goop.

[grumpy0374]

Originally Posted by Hoglou

A friendly suggestion from a biker. only use the tool bag that you (develop) carry in the rv. add and subtract to it. its a hoot to see someone on an ultra HD with torx and sockets that dont fit anything on the bike. i would focus on parts and not tools, like 15 amp blade fuses and a spare water filter housing. things that will send you home or to the hotel..

can you take your hw element out without going to the garage?

Hoglou brings up a very good point. Bring what you need to fix/repair something that, although simple, could ruin a trip for the lack of a part or tool.
Not talking about a major repair, but as pointed out something as simple as a leak or broken water line can send you home. Just carrying a few lengths of pex, an inexpensive tubing cutter, and a few gator type push connections can save a trip, weigh next to nothing, and cost less than 20 bucks. But if it's a Sunday evening, and you have a leak, you just may have what you need to repair it.
Having some assorted electric wire, some connectors and a wire stripper, again, weighs next to nothing, costs 10 bucks, and can save your trip.
Don't worry about little things that can be put off till you get home, like a piece of trim becoming loose, but can you reattach or tie down an awning if necessary? Fuses or circuit breakers to get your fridge or water heater going again?
You don't need 3 inch long decking screws, or 1/2 inch bolts and nuts, but could you repair a simple drawer latch if needed?
Grumpy

[Brother Les]

Have a socket that fits your lug nuts on your tires. a 4/way will not work on the thin wall rims. Most socket sets will not have the correct socket needed either. Find what you need before you leave on your trip and carry it with the camper.

[ChateauV10]

Try this: What to Keep in your RV Toolkit

[Chuck.C]

One of these (or similar other brand)
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/375
I use this more than anything else in the toolbox.

[rockfordroo]

Don't forget a torque wrench and appropriate socket to check your wheel lug nuts. And a breaker bar to get them off. And either a bottle jack or a Traileraide to lift the tire to remove.

[pdqparalegal1]

Originally Posted by Epat

A free multimeter from Harbor Freight and gorilla tape instead of duct tape.

X2,3,4 or whatever. Good info.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

X2,3,4 or whatever. Good info.

Their free tarps are a handy item, wind/sun screen.
Something to lay on.

[davel1971]

lots of good suggestions, but don't carry what you don't know how to use. For example, a voltmeter and test light are useless of you have no experience diagnosing electrical. Carry what you are comfortable using for tools, a selection of screws, bulbs, fuses, tape, zip ties.

[lytlej]

Tire gauge- air pressure is everything

multimeter if you don't know how to use it check YouTube. At least learn to check a pedestal before you plug in.

grease gun- Not needed as long as you are meticulous on your pre trip maintenance. A bearing going out on the road will leave you stranded. I take one in case a hub gets hot. I check every stop.

Gorilla tape, bailing wire, eternabond(roof repairs).

Assorted tools, pliers, vise grips, screw drivers and sockets.

I like the idea of a few parts to keep me on the road, instead of packing up and going home. I'll add some of the above suggestions to my kit for sure.

[mkosu04]

Here is my list, FWIW

one time I pinched/abraided my trailer wire while towing... luckily not bad enough to fail, but did not want to drive 4 hours home like that. I found a RV place near the campground and had to buy a new section of wire. Then spent a bit on my back installing at the campground.

Small drill/driver is nice for taking off panels to access items in the trailer (like hidden fuse panels)

My small toolbox sits in the garage (by the big one) between trips so I always check the list to make sure its fully stocked before heading out.

Its not on the list, but I also have a selections of screws, wire nuts, etc in the top of the toolbox.

Never get too focused on carrying everything... you can usually stop at a hardware or auto supply store to pick up supplies if something crazy happens. Just make sure you have the main tools you need.
Toolbox
Hatchet
Zip Ties
Duct Tape
Gloves
Rope
Carabiners
5-in-1 Screwdriver
Pliers (adjustable / needle)
Multi-meter
Knife
Rubber Hose Washers
Superglue
Silicone Spray / WD40
Lighter
Wire nuts
Electrical Tape
Small Socket Set
Wire strippers
Drill (I have a small one)