Essential tools when camping?

[chriscowles]

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

[marko500]

Small container(old medication bottle) of various size screws.

[Flybob]

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

[caper]

Volt meter
electrical connections and fuses
several patches for rubber roof

[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.

[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. 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.

[Hicks43]

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

[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. I always take a collapsible ladder too. It's saved me more than once.

[Cypressloser]

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

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by mattb

Just remember, most tools have more than one function.

Those are the kinds of tools I want to carry.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by caper

... several patches for rubber roof ...

Good idea for a future trip but too late to consider tonight.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Flybob

small multi-meter

check

small rechargeable screw driver with various bits including square head

check (mine's a manual ratchet screwdriver, decent quality)

wrench that will fit propane tank

adjustable wrench fits that bill. I don't need the special wrench for the propane fittings because all connections have a hand grip.

spare bulbs and fuses

check

bailing wire to hold things that break / fail on the road.

Don't have any now, will get some for future trip

tube of sealant for emergency repairs away from home

check

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by marko500

Small container(old medication bottle) of various size screws.

I'll assemble that for a future trip

[chriscowles]

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.

check. check. check. (except no hose clamps. get for future trip.)

[chriscowles]

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.

Hmm... will have to explore that option.

Cordless 1/2" drill, primary use for stabilizer jack moving.

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.)

Extra hardware for WDH.

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.

Socket for hot water drain, again ya never know.

Good idea for future trip. I have one but not where I can get at it immediately, and I'm leaving in the AM.

While the ratchet drivers are handy, I prefer an assortment of phillips and slotted screwdrivers, might need that stubby.

I'm happy with the ratchet driver but you're right about a stubby.

If you bring electrical crimp on terminals don't forget the strippers and crimpers.

Not bringing the crimp-on terminals. That's what the Dykes and electrical tape are for.

[chriscowles]

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.

I have all of the manual cranks that came with the trailer.

I always take a collapsible ladder too. It's saved me more than once.

I have a 5' collapsible ladder in the bumper.

[ColoradoRick]

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.


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[RooVader]

Meh...I treat it like naked and afraid. I get 2 items and after that it is up to nature.


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[rockfordroo]

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.

[D_B Travelers]

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.