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Old 07-31-2020, 01:43 PM   #1
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Common sockets to bring

Hi All,

Just finished a month long trip in my Forester 2291S. Being inexperienced I brought many tools that are unlikely to be used, namely a full socket and wrench set. My question - what are the most common socket sizes on the Forester? SAE or Metric? Appreciate any suggestions on wrenches also. I’d like to bring fewer tools to lighten the weight a bit. Thanks.
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Old 07-31-2020, 02:00 PM   #2
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Well - lug nuts for sure, collapsible universal lug wrench, about $15:



Then for most standard (SAE) uses:



And most Metric uses:



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Old 07-31-2020, 02:17 PM   #3
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the adjustable wrench is a great tool! you can save a little weight and carry that and a pipe that fits over it. now you can work on anything. we carry one and sometimes a pass through socket set. it allows you to skip the deep socket set.
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Old 07-31-2020, 02:30 PM   #4
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Good Question,
I travel with a handymans bag:
hammer
channel locks (2 sizes) -- the small ones are one of the most handy tools I have
crescent wreenchs (2; one larger and one a bit smaller)
1/2 + 9/16 open end wrench
3/8 + 7/16 open end wrench
3/4" drive socket + wrench + 4" extension for the water heater plug
small hand saw
one of each: long screwdriver, short screwdriver, long phillips screwdriver, short phillips screwdriver
needle nose pliers
diagonal cutoffs (dikes)
2ft level
tape measure
hammer
assortment of small to large nails and drywall screws
I usually take my rechargeable DeWalt drill (don't forget the charger!)

While that may sound like a lot, its an assortment of common use tools, and as I keep it as a kit bag, I can just pick it up and go (except for the drill and saw)

I have not needed metric tools on our hemisphere. I don't think you need to lug around a whole socket set, if you do run into trouble and need something, there's always the nearest box store or ACE hardware lurking around the corner.

Have fun!
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Old 07-31-2020, 02:43 PM   #5
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I carry quality basic hand tools plus eternabond, gorilla tape, 3m two sided tape, paracord and most importantly, to me, a (Dewalt) 20v 1/2 drive impact wrench with sockets to fit my lug nuts, spare tire nuts, manual stabilizer nuts and for the 3/8 x 8” lag bolts I use as awning/carpet stakes.
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Old 07-31-2020, 02:48 PM   #6
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Oh Yeah!
tape covers a multitude of sins!

and throw in a hunk of rope too!
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Old 07-31-2020, 04:01 PM   #7
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The box

I carry one plastic tote box. All the tools I have used in all the years I have been RV’ing fit in it. The tote is about 16”w 20” l and 14” h. The only thing that does not fit is the 250 ftlb torque wrench. On the lid I wrote what size is needed for lug nuts, water heater plug, spare tire nut etc and covered the numbers with clear box tape so it does not disappear. It weighs about 20 lbs.

Don’t forget that you may need different tools for the coach and chassis.
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Old 07-31-2020, 04:08 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NavyLCDR View Post
Well - lug nuts for sure, collapsible universal lug wrench, about $15:



Then for most standard (SAE) uses:



And most Metric uses:



When I first started working on my own cars, my dad - who worked his way up from E-1 to W4 in the Coast Guard as an Engineman - told me "If a crescent wrench is the answer, you misunderstood the question"

He had the same opinion about vise grips. He'd say "If you are heading into the garage to get vise grips, you might as well grab the torch too, and save yourself a trip later"
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Old 07-31-2020, 04:42 PM   #9
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Wow , a metric crescent wrench , and I have been using a SAE wrench . I gotta get one !
As to how many tools you should carry , I say as many as ya can . Tools make the MAN !
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Old 07-31-2020, 04:52 PM   #10
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No matter what you bring, you will need a trip to the home store anyway. Might as well buy the tool you forgot as well.
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Old 08-01-2020, 08:22 AM   #11
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If I reply you will not normally need any sockets you will invariably have a need for one on your next trip!

The only sockets I can think of ever using on my Sunseeker are the ones for the anode rod and the engine compartment battery terminals. Usage for them is limited to inspecting the hot water anode rod and flushing the hot water tank, and removing and installing the chassis battery. Those activities are normally performed at home, not on the road.

I find it most convenient to just store the sockets and tools I regularly use on the Rv to generally segregate them from my home tools for ease of access and saving steps. Sometimes there are duplicates, no big deal.

To be prepared and safe on the road it's more important to have a good field repair and safety kit.
My most important and often used safety tool on the road is my tire gauge. Spend the money on a good one, you get what you pay for.


There some great suggestions on this thread for tools to keep in your rv.

Of course you need a lug wrenchs (sockets) for wheels and removing the locking nuts on your stainless steel wheel liners, if you have them, but to me that's for the person who I will call to change a tire in an emergency, not for me. And these wrenches are probably already in your rv.

Chris
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Old 08-01-2020, 08:57 AM   #12
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No sockets required.

Just as an example, I carry enough tool to do this repair at a State Park in Oregon. ...
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ml#post1927875
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Old 08-01-2020, 09:01 AM   #13
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Hard to say what tools YOU'LL need without knowing your mechanical experience but I carry as many as possible and hope I never need to use them... but if I do... I'm not sitting there second guessing myself as to which ones I THOUGHT I'd need!
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Old 08-01-2020, 09:43 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Qwkynuf View Post
When I first started working on my own cars, my dad - who worked his way up from E-1 to W4 in the Coast Guard as an Engineman - told me "If a crescent wrench is the answer, you misunderstood the question"



He had the same opinion about vise grips. He'd say "If you are heading into the garage to get vise grips, you might as well grab the torch too, and save yourself a trip later"


ALL TRUE!! Funny too
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Old 08-01-2020, 09:45 AM   #15
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I think I prolly have a hundred pounds of tools in the RV and at least another hundred in the TV. Don’t even ask about repair parts.
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Old 08-01-2020, 11:55 AM   #16
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Years ago I purchased a Stanley took kit similar to this:



My kt maxes out at 3/4" wrench and socket size so I have larger sockets as needed (one for lug nuts, one for Anode rod)

I carry other tools but the thread was about socket sizes. If I need a socket, I think I'm covered for anything i might run into.

Total weight about 20 lbs.
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Old 08-01-2020, 02:52 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TitanMike View Post
Years ago I purchased a Stanley took kit similar to this:



My kt maxes out at 3/4" wrench and socket size so I have larger sockets as needed (one for lug nuts, one for Anode rod)

I carry other tools but the thread was about socket sizes. If I need a socket, I think I'm covered for anything i might run into.

Total weight about 20 lbs.
I have a 6 foot tall mechanic's tool chest out in the garage, with 2 full sets (at least) of all of the standard size metric and SAE sockets (in 6 pt AND 12 pt) - 1/4" drive, 3/8, 1/2, & 3/4, wrenches (open end, box end, and combo), a whole drawer full of various types of pliers, another drawer with screwdrivers, hammers, punches, chisels, pullers, I even have the tools to flare tubing.

So... when my wife bought a kit like this for the house (HER tools), I have to admit that I wasn't kind.

Now... I m forced to admit that even though my toolbox is well organized, with every drawer labeled, I find it way easier to grab her little kit when I need to hang a picture or put together something that she ordered from Amazon.

In the end, I ordered one just like it to keep in the trailer.

(do I have to turn in my "man card" now????)

I wouldn't use those tools for serious work on my car or truck, but they really are super convenient for "around the house" things.
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Old 08-01-2020, 02:56 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by Qwkynuf View Post
I wouldn't use those tools for serious work on my car or truck, but they really are super convenient for "around the house" things.
I'm somewhat like you, lots of tools in a huge tool box (just not well organized except once per year .

I only use them for serious work. My "kit" is enough for me to handle emergencies on the road.
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Old 08-01-2020, 03:13 PM   #19
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Every trailer tool set should have a decent quality multi-driver. As others have said, it's not for serious work but I use mine a LOT on my trailer.

Also, consider carrying a torque wrench of appropriate size for your trailer wheels, with a corresponding socket for the lug nuts.

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Old 08-01-2020, 03:16 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by NavyLCDR View Post
Well - lug nuts for sure, collapsible universal lug wrench, about $15:

I like the idea of a collapsible lug wrench but, considering the angle on your example not being 90 degrees, is it not hard to apply pressure without it coming off?
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