What kind of tools do you carry for on the road repairs? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Old Snipe · RV-Dreams Family Member

What kind of tools do you carry for on the road repairs?

mikeway · RV-Dreams Family Member

I carry a pretty full kit from my old garage, in a 3 drawer box. 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 rachets and sockets, a large variety of wrenches and screwdrivers. More importantly, a multi-meter and some electrical tools. Also a saws-all , cordless and corded drills and bits, and sabre saw. I include in my kit a 125lb, 2 gallon air compressor.

It is probably overkill, but I once changed transmissions on a Corvair van in a campground. They hated me but we got back on the road again. That was in the "fun 70s". I have changed shocks, fuel pumps and filters to keep on motivating.

Mike

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

I brought along a full complement of hand tools and a lot of power tools including a belt sander, circular and saber saw, 3/8 and 1/2" drills, and a Dremel tool. I figured they wouldn't do me any good sitting in the storeage locker and I might need them some day.
So far there hasn't been a need for anything except regular hand tools and the multimeter.
The 5'er doesn't seem to have a lot of maintenance issues. A MH might be different.
Fred

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

I carry a fairly full set of hand tools, air compressor, jack and dremel tool and a battery powered drill. Hardly have used the hand tools but used the heck out of the drill and dremel. Volt meter is a must in my opinion.

Howard · Host

Here is a list from TrailerLife.com:

Adjustable wrench

Set of SAE and metric combination wrenches

Set of SAE and metric deep sockets, extension, ratchet

Screwdrivers: Phillips and flatblade in various sizes

Water pump pliers

Vise-grip pliers

Needle-nose pliers

Regular pliers

Side cutters

Wire stripper, crimper

Hacksaw with spare blades

Duct tape

Black electrical tape

Teflon tape

Digital multimeter

Electrical primary wire

Assorted wire terminals

Replacement bulbs for lights

Assorted fuses

Nylon ties

Assorted screws, nuts, bolts, washers

A length of lightweight nylon twine

Exterior caulk

Fan belt

Radiator hoses

Motor oil (a couple quarts)

Radiator coolant

Brake fluid

Automatic-transmission fluid

Jumper cables

Tow strap

Spare tire and wheel

Jack

Lug wrench

Portable 12-volt DC air compressor

But here is a link to my all-time favorite list on the web:

What Tools? By: Bob Gummersall

It is broken down by Classes of your expertise.

Class I — This class is characterized by the RVers with two thumbs on each hand syndrome (Yours truly )

Class II — This class is characterized by people who can fix most things around the house and are handy with automotive electrical and electronic systems

Class III — This is the person who has to have exactly the right tool for all jobs and wants to have them with him at all times

Hope that helps y'all.

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

Honestly, in place of electrical and duct tape I use Rescue tape. Gotta tell you that since I bought my first roll I threw the other stuff in a box and don't use it . Well actually duct tape still has some uses, but electrical tape ....no way. This stuff bonds to itself and makes the perfect electrical connection, tight and waterproof and does not get all gooey when hot. You can also seal pressure leaks in an emergency like radiator hoses. I use it in the shop to seal 110 psi air hoses till we get a chance to fix em. I don't sell the stuff but use the heck out of it. Once you buy a roll you will not go back.

galeanna · RV-Dreams Family Member

OK..never heard of rescue tape. Since you don't sell it can you tell us where we can get it?

Gale & Anna

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

You can usually find it at major RV shows or online at Rescue tape Not cheap compared to electrical tape but has so many uses. You stretch it as you put it on. At shows you can get like 3 rolls for $20. They last pretty long tough.

Old Snipe · RV-Dreams Family Member

I second the Rescue Tape. Bought some at the Hershey PA RV show and really like it. As Tab said it is expensive but when you use it, it fixes the problem so you don't have to keep re-applying regular electrical tape. It can be used not just on electrical wires but in an emergency, an engine radiator hose or a plumbing line can also be sealed so you can make it to a place for a proper repair.

Best Regards!

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi:

In a previous life, now just a dim memory.

I worked for the Federal Avviation Admistration. I was an engineer who did modifications and updates to ground equipment owned and maintained by the FAA. We have used "rescue tape" for years to seal wiring connections, and any thing else that needed a long lasting seal that is impervious to the weather. We didn't call it rescue tape at the time but it was the same stuff. I can personally vouch for it. It also comes in heavier gauge tapes than what I have seen at RV rallies and shows.

The tools I carry are rudimentary.
Pliers
hacksaw
screwdrivers
a few wrenches
a small air comperssor (12 volt)
dremel tool with various tips
JB Weld Quick Set epoxy
a few spring clamps (small)
small vice grips
a hammer
battery drill
a multimeter

and a cell phone.