Tools, tools, what to take - RV-Dreams Community Forum

fun2travel · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tools, tools, what to take

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

fun2travel wrote:
Let me begin by saying my DH loves his tools! He had a big Kenndey machinists tool box and a big Snap On tool box.
They were/ are full of tools. He is having a difficult time deciding what he should take. While he probably won't do major repairs on our fifth wheel, he is handy and likes to work on some things.
What tools do you guys think are important or convenient to keep? Also wondering how do you store them? Just a tool box in the storage area, or one of those nice tool boxes in the bed of the truck? We have a dodge ram 3500 dually, and a fifth wheel.
Got to be out of our house by next weekend and that is only major thing yet to be decided.
Thanks!

Just send me all of the tools up here..................I'll keep them for you. Hahaha

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

fun2travel wrote:
...What tools do you guys think are important or convenient to keep? Also wondering how do you store them? Just a tool box in the storage area, or one of those nice tool boxes in the bed of the truck? We have a dodge ram 3500 dually, and a fifth wheel....

We also working on this area too. You can google Basic RV tool kits. Several suggestions will pop up. Once you have those bases covered, you can add whatever you like to fit your personal needs upto whatever space/weight allowance you have available for them.

Cindi is a crafter, and I am still entertaining the idea of a modest portable modular model railroad... so those hobbyist/crafting tools are definitely going. Dremel tool, Xacto knives, jeweller screwdrivers, specialty pliers & files, fancy micro clamps (spare hands) etc. We have found they are great for other household uses also. They don't take up too much space, about the size of a couple medium fishing tackle boxes.

Brian

-- Edited by biggaRView on Sunday 15th of March 2015 06:14:57 AM

igotjam · RV-Dreams Family Member

What we did was to buy one of those aluminum boxes for box of the truck behind the cab. We filled it up with smaller tool boxes and tools. Anything that didn't fit was disposed of. In 8 years I think we've only had to buy one small tool that we didn't have and needed.

Russ Ranger · RV-Dreams Family Member

It was one of the sadder days of my life when I watched my big red tool box roll out of the garage to a new owner. It was like losing my manhood.

That being said, I had come to the realization that I would never use 95% of those tools again. I kept enough tools to do basic maintenance on the RV. After two years it is time to downsize the collection due to non-use. The most used tool is a really good electric screw driver, that tells you what my actual need for tools has been. I will store about 40 pounds of unused tools when we roll back through Washington state this summer.

My mental thought process was, "if I ever need something I can just buy it again". Turns out that I haven't needed anything new in two years.

It's a hard pill to swallow but most guys own more tools than they will ever use. I hadn't touched a vast variety of metric tools in decades.

The trade-off of the RV lifestyle makes being "tool less" bearable.

gypsymaus · RV-Dreams Family Member

When we went full-time for the 1st time DH sold all his tools except a few. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count how many times I heard him say "I wish I had kept my tools"! This time he is carrying everything he "deems important" and I haven't heard a peep out of him.

We have everything with us to work on electronics and just about everything else we may need to repair an item on the motorhome. Of course I am not thrilled to have tool chest in my bedroom (no I am not kidding), but we are working on finding space for that. smile

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

I got rid of almost everything that I had in tools when we downsized and bought a Craftsman set of sockets and a few end wrenches in their own case. Since that set didn't have all the sizes of end wrenches, I did keep some of the Craftsman tools in the off sizes. I also kept a few other tools that I thought might come in handy (12" pipe wrench, Crescent wrench, punches) and then have two small sets, one with mostly just pliers and bits for screwdriver tools. Then, I also have one set of 1/2" drive sockets which include larger sockets. Those tools are kept in four different places in the coach to spread out the weight.

Like some of the others, I probably could weed out a few more tools, but I'm not sure I'll get that done. I've long had the nagging philosophy, "I might need that." I need to lose that philosophy.

Terry

GhostRider · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hey Fun,
What I did for a tool list, I went around my Class C RV and the toad and look at everything that possibly malfunction or break down and then decided on tools I would need to fix it. Also, I discovered what minor replacement parts I would need. For an example, wire splices, nuts, electric and duck tape, WD 40 or penetrating oil for rusty nuts and bolts. Oh yeah, one of those magnet thingy s with telescoping handle to pick up that dang nut that fell down that bottomless pit and same for a small telescoping mirror. Basically, my tool list consisted of 1/4 and 3/8in socket set both standard and metric sockets, adjustable wrenches and box wrenches(standard and Metric), channel locks, vise grips, assorted screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, multimeter and your trustworthy never leave home hammer. Lastly rags and hand cleaner. Remember no matter how many tools you have on hand, you will run into a job or project that you will not have the proper tool for, it never fails, so bring what you will most likely need and then go and purchase that special tool or piece you need on the road.

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mitch quotes Terry:

Terry and Jo wrote:
I got rid of almost everything that I had in tools when we downsized
---> Me too.
I went from 6 ladders (3ft to 16 ft) to two (a 8 ft metal A frame that turns into a 17ft one, and one of those pop up ladders that go to 12 feet.,
I agree... SOCKETS are important
....snip...bought a Craftsman set of sockets and a few end wrenches in their own case. Since that set didn't have all the sizes of end wrenches, I did keep some of the Craftsman tools in the off sizes. I also kept a few other tools that I thought might come in handy (12" pipe wrench, Crescent wrench, punches) and then have two small sets, one with mostly just pliers and bits for screwdriver tools. Then, I also have one set of 1/2" drive sockets which include larger sockets. Those tools are kept in four different places in the coach to spread out the weight.
Terry

Since I officially still work (Freelance Field Engineer- that covers everything from installing and securing ATM's and Safes to fixing Routers and T1's, and LINUX/Windows adminstration)

That's why I kept TWO ladders (if running cat 5 cable, 2 ladders are essential...)

Also kept the following tools:

Corded Milwakee Hammer drill
Corded 1/2 regular drill
Cordless home depot brand (rigid) drill and Nut driver ***THESE have lifetime free repair/battery replacement if you register them! *** GREAT VALUE!!!
set of drill bits, wood/ceramic/masonary, and hole saw bits, hex keys
Large set of sockets
A 16 oz hammer, and a rubber mallet (for inside RV)
My Saw-all

I also am lucky enough to have the (exact same) tow-body as howard and linda, and store ALL of my tools in it.

I ditched all of my big toolboxes, and use 2 fishing tackle boxes for the bits, and sockets

I use a small toolbox for my everyday tools.

I went from an average of 6-8 boxes of cat 5 cable in my van (6-8,000 feet) to one cat litter box filled with about 1200 feet.

I also went from 6 boxes of cat 5 patch cords (1 ft, 3 ft, 5 ft, 15 ft,50 ft and 100ft) to one cat litter box of about 20 cables TOTAL-- THAT was the hardest part of MY downsizing!

-----------------I also have the following that I use on the PC side:-----------

(Stored above my recliner chairs in Living room)

about 6 HDMI cables
A box of jeweler screwdrivers and micro/PC screws
a few extra routers and hubs (small, yet hard to get rid of!)
a (pretty) box containing power bricks in different amp/wattages **
Some special pupose cables that do different things

** cute.. Cheryl saw the box, liked it, put it on the coffee table UNTIL she opened it, and said, "NO WAY", put it away again **

SO yes, Reduce-SELL-downsize

Craigslist is YOUR friend.

I did make some money getting rid of the other stuff..

and getting rid of my circular saws (especially the black and decker laser one I scored at Home Depot for $25 on clearance) DID hurt.

The electric chainsaw I could have used to cut firewood, but I used the Sawz-all.

Craigs-list is your FRIEND..

And remeber ...

We also went through (all in total) 5 40 yard dumpsters (over 4 years) of junk from our garage

last spring we did 2 dumpsters in Dec/Jan.

I did go and buy a vice, recently for a project, and put it on/off one of my portable tables.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Since we only part time full time I needed two toolsets one for home and one for the 5th wheel. So sat in the garage one day and made up an ammo can of all the duplicates I had. I ended up with just about everything I needed to work on the 5th wheel and truck while away from home. Sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers...etc.

In addition, over the years, as things went bad or my DW said those dreaded words "Could you build a....." I bought a Multiple Power Tool set at Home Depot. It comes in a nylon bag and contained a circular saw, drill motor, hand vacuum, sabre saw and recipricating saw; 18V with two batteries and charger. This allowed me to do all the honey do's while camping. And of course things like drill bits, plumbing specific tools, electrical repair, hand saws & axe, folding shovel, hammers, .... all end up in one storage compartment ready and waiting for deployment.

Recently I bought a craftsmen tool kit at Sears... it comes in a butterfly plastic case with spots for each tool. It has everything from sockets, screwdrivers, allen wrenches, in various sizes. It's easy to find which tool you need and put the tools back where they belong so you don't accidently leave anything lying around.

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

OMG, don't envy you. Hubby has so many tools from his construction business he'd be heart broken to get rid of and likely get few pennies on the dollar for them, so son-in-law to be, with a big grin on his face is early inheriting what we are not taking with us. Son-in-law and his brother are/were big into the Snap On Tools and Tool Box, I nearly have kittens when he tells me what he spent on a silver type topper lid for the darn thing that just sits there and is covered with a dust sheet most of the time (LOL). Then his brother moved across country and he inherited his even bigger Snap On Tool Box completely full. Talk about tool overload here! Psychologically hubby I think, thinks they are still his to use anytime in the future he wants them.

Because of this hubby is unlikely to need counselling in this regards now = Phew!

Can truly relate to you boys and your tools getting shot of, but it's true you rarely use more than 5 to 10% of them consistently even B4 FTRVing. Probably best to go slowly through the RV inside and outside and look at all the fixtures, fittings, screws, nuts, bolts etc and put aside into a kit box those items that might need a certain size tool, nut, screw, washer etc and keep to hand. Also consider what hobby type things you might do on the road and need what tools for and keep those for a couple years. Good tools are very expensive to buy and we get very little for them on the previously enjoyed market reselling. Before parting with them all, is there someone you know that might be willing to store a small amount for you easily for the initial year or two, just in case?

NurseJudy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here was our rule of thumb when we downsized.... "For every tool my DH gets to keep, I get to keep 1 pair of shoes". Works for me! :)

Millie · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would take a pair of plyers, a screwdriver, and a hammer.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have an HDT. I'll take all the tools I want.😉

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

MarkS wrote:
I have an HDT. I'll take all the tools I want.😉

Mark, you missed your calling as a HDT salesman! biggrin

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

No no no...not sales. I want them all for myself.

But let's talk about tools. If I had none and I was starting from scratch, I would recommend kits in cases. I bought a 80 piece wrench kit to carry in the truck. I found it easy to store and when I needed to use tools I grab one case, I got everything I need. Same thing with some of the power tool kits they have. One case, lots of capability. Plus they are easy to store and find. Each tool has its place in the case so it's easy to ensure you have accounted for every tool when you are done. My kit is bi-typetual (pronounced phonetically) so I have both metric and normal sizes.

Tool guys will have additional pieces; torque wrenches, drill bits, puller kits, etc. I even carry a digital caliper for measuring small stuff. I've got an HDT, you knew I was compensating! These special items can be stored in a plastic Walmart box or a tool box keeping them together and easy to find.

Probably most important is always buy quality name brand tools. Stanley, Craftsman, Crescent, Vicegrip, and the like. Cheap tools are like a hangover. You hate yourself in the morning.

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

One other thought on tools is the location the work is to be preformed.

First, a lot of RV parks don't want you working on your rig. ie oil changes, brakes etc.

Second, when I was at home it didn't bother me to do a major job on the camper because it could sit there if I got in over my head or had to order parts. Now FTing your taking your house apart....it's a little more stressful.

You will do minor repairs and maintenance on a regular basis, but I don't think most of us are willing to tackle major repairs while on the road.

Millie · RV-Dreams Family Member

I remember a time I was escaping Toronto many years ago in an old converted school bus equipped with all the amenities of a regular motorhome.

It looked very similar to this... (just the bus part.)

Anyway, my boyfriend and I were traveling west, about 60 miles out of Toronto, when the motor stopped, and we had to stop on the edge of a 6 lane freewy.

It was winter, so it was very cold outside, and snow was blowing around.

Each time a transport truck went by, the wind from it would make the converted school bus sway and rock.

We spent the whole night with the wind and snow howling outside. - With 'all' making for a sleepless night.

In the morning, my boyfriend went outside in the freezing cold wind and swirling snow and blowing transport trucks, and took the radiator out of the bus and found out that the nylon camshaft gear was broken.

He couldn't fix it while we were on the freeway because the camshaft had to have a new gear pressed on it by a machine shop.

Exentually, a big tow truck came along, and my boyfriend flagged him down.

His tow truck lifted the front of the school bus right off the ground, and he towed us to the nearest town.

That was a adventure!

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

el Rojo and Pam wrote:

First, a lot of RV parks don't want you working on your rig. ie oil changes, brakes etc.

Can't imagine that.....

fun2travel · RV-Dreams Family Member

DH just bought a Weatherguard tool box for the truck today. Guess he will have room for a few things.
Thanks for your responses!