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05-08-2015, 08:29 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Essential tools when camping?
For the mechanically competent among you, what do you regard as the essential set of tools? Considering weight restrictions, I don't want to bring all of my tools. But I don't want to bring nothing, either.
I'm carrying the tools required to change a tire, check lug nut torque and tire pressure and temperature. I also have a rubber mallet for wheel chocks, a hatchet, and an electric multi-meter.
What few tools should I carry to deal with issues that come up with the trailer while camping? My starting list is below. I want to keep it as short as possible. What do you suggest?
Ratchet screwdriver with multiple tips.
Channel-lock pliers
Medium adjustable pliers
Medium (10"?) crescent wrench
Squeeze tube of caulk
Duct tape (of course)
Black electrical tape
What's missing that I shouldn't leave home without?
Thanks
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 08:46 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 18
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Small container(old medication bottle) of various size screws.
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05-08-2015, 08:58 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,301
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small multi-meter.
small rechargeable screw driver with various bits including square head.
wrench that will fit propane tank
spare bulbs and fuses
bailing wire to hold things that break / fail on the road.
tube of sealant for emergency repairs away from home
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
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05-08-2015, 09:02 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,031
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Volt meter
electrical connections and fuses
several patches for rubber roof
__________________
Terry and Janet
2008 3001W Windjammer
2007 Ford F150
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05-08-2015, 09:03 PM
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#5
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Cyber Phrenologist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southern Crescent
Posts: 1,806
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An assortment of fuses, 5, 10, 15, 20, and even some 30's that go in the circuits that run your slides and jack motors.
Some of those washers that go in the end of garden hoses. And some hose clamps.
One of those really cheap multi-meters you get at Harbor Freight. Pocket knife. A few wire nuts and cable ties.
Well, some of these are supplies and not tools, but you should still have them.
__________________
KU4OJ
2008 (or is it 2009?) Rockwood 8280SS - 2022 F-250 7.3L
Lot's of mostly Kenwood radios
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05-08-2015, 09:33 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 67
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A wood splitter axe in addition to, or in lieu of your hatchet, takes less work to split and doubles as a sledge, cause ya never know. Cordless 1/2" drill, primary use for stabilizer jack moving. Extra hardware for WDH. Socket for hot water drain, again ya never know. While the ratchet drivers are handy, I prefer an assortment of phillips and slotted screwdrivers, might need that stubby. If you bring electrical crimp on terminals don't forget the strippers and crimpers. Just remember, most tools have more than one function.
__________________
2008 Roo 21SS
2003 GMC 1500HD 4X4 6.0 3:73 Diablo tuner
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05-08-2015, 09:56 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 111
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Socket set. I have a small tool box I take with me on short trips. And the big one when we will be home for some time. That one goes in the truck. My truck is 17 years old now. Almost 300,000 on the clock
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05-08-2015, 09:57 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: South East
Posts: 996
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Some of the motor driven systems on a trailer require a specific tool to manually retract or extend the device if there is a motor failure. They are slide outs, tongue jacks, stab jacks (electric) and awnings. Do the research and find out what they are and take that with you. I always take a collapsible ladder too. It's saved me more than once.
__________________
Retired Fire Dept Battalion Chief
2016 Ever-Lite 232RBS
2012 F150 FX4 W/Max tow & Ecoboost (Best tv ever)
2018 F250 Lariat (ok but I miss my F150)
Getting old ain't for wimps!!!
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05-08-2015, 10:02 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Alberta - East of the Rockies, West of the Rest
Posts: 1,785
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Silicone caulking for inside and Dicor for outside to be specific, matches or cig. lighter for us nonsmokers.
Edit: Almost forgot the most important hand tools: cork screw and bottle opener
__________________
2018 RAM 5500 Laramie CC
Sold: Riverstone Legacy 38RE, 960 Watt Solar, 6x6 Volt AGM Battery Bank, Freedom SW 3012 Inv/Charger
Ordered: 2021....
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05-08-2015, 10:07 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mattb
Just remember, most tools have more than one function.
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Those are the kinds of tools I want to carry.
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 10:10 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by caper
... several patches for rubber roof ...
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Good idea for a future trip but too late to consider tonight.
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 10:15 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flybob
small multi-meter
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check
Quote:
small rechargeable screw driver with various bits including square head
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check (mine's a manual ratchet screwdriver, decent quality)
Quote:
wrench that will fit propane tank
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adjustable wrench fits that bill. I don't need the special wrench for the propane fittings because all connections have a hand grip.
check
Quote:
bailing wire to hold things that break / fail on the road.
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Don't have any now, will get some for future trip
Quote:
tube of sealant for emergency repairs away from home
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check
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 10:15 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marko500
Small container(old medication bottle) of various size screws.
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I'll assemble that for a future trip
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 10:16 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Radio
An assortment of fuses, 5, 10, 15, 20, and even some 30's that go in the circuits that run your slides and jack motors.
Some of those washers that go in the end of garden hoses. And some hose clamps.
One of those really cheap multi-meters you get at Harbor Freight. Pocket knife. A few wire nuts and cable ties.
Well, some of these are supplies and not tools, but you should still have them.
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check. check. check. (except no hose clamps. get for future trip.)
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 10:23 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mattb
A wood splitter axe in addition to, or in lieu of your hatchet, takes less work to split and doubles as a sledge, cause ya never know.
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Hmm... will have to explore that option.
Quote:
Cordless 1/2" drill, primary use for stabilizer jack moving.
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I've considered that a few times and haven't brought myself to carrying one, yet. They're pretty heavy for the little I'll use it. (I'm happy with the manual crank for stabs.)
You touched on a sore point. I tend to leave the wrench for my BlueOx wherever I last attached the hitch. I've lost 2 already, in a year. I now own three because I swore I'd never be without a spare, bought one, then found the one I lost.
Quote:
Socket for hot water drain, again ya never know.
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Good idea for future trip. I have one but not where I can get at it immediately, and I'm leaving in the AM.
Quote:
While the ratchet drivers are handy, I prefer an assortment of phillips and slotted screwdrivers, might need that stubby.
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I'm happy with the ratchet driver but you're right about a stubby.
Quote:
If you bring electrical crimp on terminals don't forget the strippers and crimpers.
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Not bringing the crimp-on terminals. That's what the Dykes and electrical tape are for.
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 10:24 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 4,556
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stormrider151
Some of the motor driven systems on a trailer require a specific tool to manually retract or extend the device if there is a motor failure. They are slide outs, tongue jacks, stab jacks (electric) and awnings. Do the research and find out what they are and take that with you.
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I have all of the manual cranks that came with the trailer.
Quote:
I always take a collapsible ladder too. It's saved me more than once.
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I have a 5' collapsible ladder in the bumper.
__________________
TV: 2021 Ford F-150 4WD XLT Crew w/ 3.5L EB & HDPP, payload: 2,416#.
RV: 2020 Rockwood Mini-Lite 2507S, Propride 3P hitch w/ 1400# spring bars
Camping nights: 2021, 52; 2022, 99; 2023, 88; 2024, TBD (Est: 80+)
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05-08-2015, 11:07 PM
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#17
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,024
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I made my own emergency kit. It's a red toolbox with a large flashlight, two high visibility safety vests, flares (chemical and the ignition type) orange road cones, ponchos, and various do-dads.
I bring my tool bag as well as a 12-volt air compressor, torque wrench for tires, and a digital, lighted tire pressure gauge.
Also have extra sewer and water hoses...you never know when you will need them.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
__________________
Rick & Karen
(Retired USAF, MSgt)
Monument, Colorado
8-year Travel Trailer RVers
2013 Forest River Rockwood Ultra-Lite 2904SS
2014 Toyota Tundra Maxcrew SR-5 TRD 4x4 (with Firestone airbags in the rear)
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05-08-2015, 11:14 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 630
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Meh...I treat it like naked and afraid. I get 2 items and after that it is up to nature.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
__________________
XLR 24HFS -> Roo 21DK -> RPod 183g
2013 F150 FX4 EB
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05-09-2015, 10:59 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
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Don't forget a pair of water pumps (aka slip-joint pliers) and a pair of vice grips.
There' will always be something you don't have the proper wrench for, and these will be all you can use.
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
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05-09-2015, 01:38 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Watauga, Texas
Posts: 697
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I swapped the duct tape for Gorilla tape; the duct stayed on some raod damage for 150 miles, the Gorilla stayed 1,200 miles and 4 months util I got it repaired. Also a piece of PEX and some clamps for any water line issues. I also have a small 12 volt air compressor and jump starter. How much you need depends a lot on the age of the TV and TT you own; older=more tools.
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