Forum Discussion

BillHoughton's avatar
BillHoughton
Explorer II
Apr 09, 2015

Itasca Navion toolkit

We just bought a 2007 Itasca Navion 23H - Mercedes chassis, Winnebago RV part. I've never traveled without a toolkit and plan to continue that practice (even though I don't expect to be doing engine transplants under a shady tree...).

I'll be stocking pliers, basic screwdrivers, and so on; and will be looking the rig over for Torx or other specialty fastener needs. My questions on this post have to do with wrenches.

1. The Mercedes parts are metric. The factory toolkit has (doing this from memory) 19mm, 16mm, 13mm, and 10mm wrenches, and two Torx screw sizes. Are these likely to be enough for road crises, or should I have more? I noticed today that there are some hex screws (I was raised to say "Allen," which I think is like saying "Kleenex" for facial tissues) on the seats. I'll figure out if they're metric or not.

2. I don't know if the Winnebago parts (cabinetry, stove, generator, heater, etc.) are metric or fractional (of inches, that is). If fractional, again, are there only a few sizes I need, or should I have the full range?

3. I will be getting ratchet sets together, too. Am I right in thinking I need 1/2" and 3/8"? Should I have a 1/4" set, too?

Any other toolkit advice appreciated.
Class C
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2015
    T1Ns go up to 2006, so that 2007 rig is either an early NCV3 with the six or a five-banger.

    Were it a T1N, the most important thing you can do is to get the above mentioned aluminum aftermarket turbo resonator. After that, consider a transmission cooler.

    As for tools, here are my suggestions:

    A high quality jack that can lift the rig a good distance. Almost always, the jack that is included just doesn't get the job done.

    A roll of Eternabond as a way to keep thing sealed if the roof gets torn or punctured on a branch. Also useful for temporary repairs for body damage.

    A decent lithium-ion battery drill that can use the socket bits.
  • Gonzo42's avatar
    Gonzo42
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2015
    We have a View, very similar. Here's my electrical kit:

    I have a dedicated plastic box just for all the electrical spares and tools:

    Electrical Spares/Tool Kit
    Awning Repair Tape LifeSafe RE3848
    Disc Brake Quiet
    Electrical Grease
    Fuse Circuit Tester HF 67724
    Fuse Puller/Tester Bussmann FT-3
    Fuse, 10A
    Fuse, 15A
    Fuse, 20A
    Fuse, 25A
    Fuse, 30A
    Fuse, 40A
    Fuse, 5A
    Fuse, 7.5A
    Hose Washers
    Kwik Klips 1/2"
    Kwik Klips 3/8"
    Lamp Sylvania 1156 LL
    Lamp Sylvania 1157 LL
    Lamp, Amber Sylvania 3357A LL / 3457A LL
    Multimeter HF 98025
    Trailer Light Tester HF 66526
    2 small Flashlights

    Some interesting recommendations on this thread:

    http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27949735/srt/pa/pging/1/page/81


    I find this Worx electrical screwdriver with about 20 different security bits invaluable.

    http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200592452_200592452
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2015
    More than likely most of the screws for the house portion of the RV are #2 Robertson (square drive) screws. Get a decent mating screwdriver; you won't be able to do much of anything without one. This was the first tool I got for my motorhome, and quite possibly the most used one of all.

    A simple multimeter and an electrical terminal crimper are very useful for the electrical system.

    It probably goes without saying, but a tire pressure gauge is rather essential.

    I would think a 3/8 socket set would be adequate for most any repair I would care to attempt on the road except for changing a flat out—for which a decently sized breaker bar is useful. (I'm referring, of course, to a purpose-built breaker boar, rather than a pipe or something slipped over a ratchet handle....) For that matter, a couple of adjustable wrenches would probably suffice for most things, though they aren't as convenient to use.
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2015
    My RV makes a good excuse for expanding the tool kit, but I've tried to not buy more socket sets until I actually need them.

    Engine, chassis, cab fittings will be metric, whether U.S. or other origin, but they won't all be hex head. Expect some Allen head and Torx, maybe even the non-tamper versions of those. Most of the house hardware will be closer to fitting fractional sizes, though some will be metric. The actual hardware will likely not be SAE, rather the older standards used in household stuff. Mainly though, a couple of sizes of Phillips screwdriver, adjustable open end wrenches and a set of fractional hex keys, though you will only be using two or three of them. I find I am using my hex head nut drivers more often than sockets, and even then only a couple from the set go into my RV toolbox.
  • overbrook's avatar
    overbrook
    Explorer III
    Apr 09, 2015
    BillHoughton wrote:

    Any other toolkit advice appreciated.


    As someone who owned a 2006 Winnebago View with the 5 cyl Mercedes diesel for four years and put more than 40,000 miles on it, there is one 'must have' for your tool kit.

    A ScanGauge II. You'll need this so you can connect to the ODBC port and clear codes when the diesel goes into Limp Home Mode. Without being able to clear the codes, you could be stuck waiting for a tow truck for a long time.

    You may also want a spare Air Temperature Sensor. This is a $30 part, which had a high failure rate in 2005 - 2007. Easy to replace - no tools required.

    If it hasn't already been taken care of, you'll also want a replacement turbo resonator - as these also have a high rate of failure.

    After two turbo resonator failures, I upgraded to the all metal riordanco turbo resonator failure. No more failures after that.

    Bill

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