SAE or Metric tools for a travel trailer?

jimmarako · 08-21-2019, 04:30 PM

Hi,
Just got a new (to us) 2017 Rockwood Mini lite 2104s. Slowly filling it up with stuff each trip. I have a decent set of tools and a couple of tool boxes in my basement (a disorganized mess), but for the trailer I was thinking of grabbing one of those 100+ piece $50 tool kits (Harbor Freight, Walmart, et al). Something with a bunch of sockets, screw drivers, hammer,.... for quick repairs and up keep while on the road.
While helping my neighbor put a new outboard engine on his boat it came up that boats & trailers are generally SAE sized. His friend, the BMW mechanic, pointed out that he only owns Metric tools because BMW's, and all other cars/trucks are all metric.
So for our travel trailers (My Rockwood in particular) are they SAE, metric, or a mix? I've seen some metric or SAE only tool kits that might offer a better value.
Thanks
Jim M.

SlowrideHD · 08-21-2019, 04:49 PM

I don't carry anything but metric in my traveling toolbox. (even my crescent wrench is metric)!

Blackrock · 08-21-2019, 04:56 PM

For metric tools I carry 10, 13, 15mm 3/8" drive sockets deep and shallow and end wrenches you will rarely use anything beyond that in metric. A standard set of 3/8" standard sockets and a 1/4" drive set have done all I need for on the road repairs.

Add a 4 piece set of craftsman pliers and a good sized pair of channel locks.

My favorite go to tool is a 1/4' shank power driver with a selection of bits.

NMWildcat · 08-21-2019, 04:56 PM

I've always carried, and needed, both. PITA! I have mainly older vehicles where the majority of fasteners are standard, with a few metric. The newer ones seem to be reversed (more metric). My RV is also mixed, but the majority seem to be standard.

NMWildcat · 08-21-2019, 05:22 PM

I find this chart to be handy.
http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/wrench-chart.aspx

Kc6tvu · 08-21-2019, 05:37 PM

Don’t forget those metric pliers an crescent wrench’s

larry2c · 08-21-2019, 06:30 PM

Don't forget to include the "friendly" square drive bits for all those screws! Who came up with those - and why???

rracer5 · 08-21-2019, 09:31 PM

Hammer.......bigger hammer!

Seriously though....since we full time, my front bay of my 5'er has enough tools and supplies to rebuild/repair almost anything on this RV. And it does include a hammer and a bigger hammer.

**Mr. Dan** · 08-21-2019, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry2c

Don't forget to include the "friendly" square drive bits for all those screws! Who came up with those - and why???

P.L. Robertson
https://www.robertsonscrew.com/

emjayuu · 08-21-2019, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry2c

Don't forget to include the "friendly" square drive bits for all those screws! Who came up with those - and why???

Came up a long time ago... and reason why is that it is one of the best screws as it doesn’t strip as easy as any other screws. Oh... and go Canada!

Macrosill · 08-22-2019, 06:13 AM

Don't forget the metric hammer. Just in case you have to tap out a tight fitting metric bolt. An sae hammer will damage the metric bolt.

TheWolfPaq82 · 08-22-2019, 06:22 AM

I carried a little bit of both. Cresent and pipe wrench to combat any other situation. Got a metric ladder too...1.828 meters tall.

jimmarako · 08-22-2019, 10:59 AM

Thanks all for all the replies. Sounds like a Metric only kit would do the trick. I do keep a small socket set in the truck that has a mix so that should cover my SAE needs. And a good thought on the Hex/Torx/Square bit collection. I was mainly thinking of sockets, but I image the bit's will be of more value.
I do need to make sure anything I get has the metric pliers, and hammer

I bring the cordless drill with me so probaly should add a small pack of drill bits to the list. I leave the sawzall at home... not sure anything good can come of having it with me.
Thanks again.
Jim M.

Black · 08-22-2019, 12:12 PM

Best screwdriver ever !!

Photo Lab · 08-22-2019, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry2c

Don't forget to include the "friendly" square drive bits for all those screws! Who came up with those - and why???

Some guy named Robertson. They were made to enable a screw to stay on the bit better (the square is slightly tapered) than the then popular Phillips drive, which also had more of a wear problem. The industry jumped on those fasteners like a free lunch. Almost all the screws on an RV are #2, with just enough #1 used to be a pain.

The building industry on the other hand has gone nuts over the Torx bits, mostly T-25. Better than regular Phillips, but still prefer the squares! As an aside, you can also find screws with a combination square and Phillips head, called "Quadrex" At the factory, they're put in with square drive, but you can service them with a Phillips. You will also find a good number of Torx screws in consumer products these days. Everything from a T-7 to a T-30. Many seat belt anchors are T-60...I don't know why, other than it facilitated using an automatic screw feeder.

cariboo camper · 08-22-2019, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kc6tvu

Don’t forget those metric pliers an crescent wrench’s

We call crescent wrenches "adjustable metric wrenches".

Gumpster808 · 08-22-2019, 03:07 PM

I picked up a whole set - Husky. Includes everything except screwdrivers. Includes both sae, metric, Allen wrenches, torx, etc. and came in a nice thin plastic case that unfolds - stores easily.

I do carry a battery powered impact wrench as well - never know and lug its don’t get easier with age.

I also picked up a battery powered soldering iron just in case - things do break sometimes.

tande · 08-22-2019, 03:08 PM

Don't forget to include a "Skyhook"! ....

rracer5 · 08-22-2019, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmarako

Thanks all for all the replies. Sounds like a Metric only kit would do the trick. I do keep a small socket set in the truck that has a mix so that should cover my SAE needs. And a good thought on the Hex/Torx/Square bit collection. I was mainly thinking of sockets, but I image the bit's will be of more value.
I do need to make sure anything I get has the metric pliers, and hammer

I bring the cordless drill with me so probaly should add a small pack of drill bits to the list. I ..leave the sawzall at home. not sure anything good can come of having it with me.
Thanks again.
Jim M.

Oh yeah!....I forgot about the cordless drill, just make sure it too is "metric"!

Sawzall!!!....never thought of that!. Yeah.....better leaving that at home.

NMWildcat · 08-22-2019, 04:12 PM

Agreed. About once ever couple of years or so I'm so aggravated at the RV that I would probably use the sawzall right through the hitch. Then I fix whatever is broken, and all is right with the world again

Quote:

Originally Posted by rracer5

Oh yeah!....I forgot about the cordless drill, just make sure it too is "metric"!

Sawzall!!!....never thought of that!. Yeah.....better leaving that at home.

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