Just graduated to a travel trailer after a few years off. Started out with a tent then had a couple of pop-ups so never too complicated an abode.I'm wondering what everyone has in their basic tool kit. So far, I've put in * Vice Grips* Adjustable wrench* Multi-tip screwdriver* Utility knife* 1/2 drive socket set, breaker bar, and torque wrench (mostly for tire issues)* VOM (Multi-meter)* Hatchet (mostly for firewood, but can use for hammer)I'm not looking for anything too complicated or extensive. Just basic enough for ordinary repairs or to limp along to the nearest hardware store or repair facility.(I do on-site repair work and I have the whole back of a mini-van with tools and equipment, so I have it all, but don't want to carry it all.)

I carry several pex fitting and pex tool. I also carry a torch and propane. I have an air compressor and patch kits for towables and bike tires. plus lots of rope and duct tape and flashlights!After your first summer of camping you will continue to add on to the list if you have kids, Im always fixing stuff for our kids!

bottle jack, I learned about needing one this past weekend.when my tongue jack broke.

Everyone has their favorites, for me crimp connectors, crimping tool, heat shrink tubing etc., are essential for the electrical systems. A couple of strap wrenches can come in handy as well. A good assortment of wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers are standard equipment. Make sure you have all of the gear necessary to fix a flat - tire repair kit, jack, jack stand, torque wrench etc. Lots more you can add but weight and available storage space will be an issue eventually. :C

Welcome to RV.net!1/2 drive is normally too big for many items. I find that a 1/4 and 3/8 is adequate.I find that I need torx and square screw drivers.Hammers, claw and 2.5 pound short handled sledge Compact hack sawTool kits will vary by what type of rig you have. Suggest you add it to your profile.

I have a battery drill to raise and lower my jacks.

Basic tool kit | Good Sam Community

Redsky
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013
Your list is a good start. I would want a box knife, wire strippers, electrical tape, baling wire, duct tape, and diagonal cutters for a basic kit. Not a tool but an accurate tire gauge is also something I have in every vehicle. I also take a pair of mechanics gloves and lanolin type hand cleaner.

At a minimum I want to be able to tighten a hose clamp, remove a battery terminal, replace a burned out bulb, change a tire.

Something I always carry is a small tube of radiator stop leak. The stop leak works very well if a rock gets tossed up and punctures the radiator. It will get you home and can last for years.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Nov 30, 2013
Don't forget to bring your personality & don't be afraid to walk up to a stranger & ask for help.

Many carry bulky ladders around. I don't but on the occasion when I have needed to reach the unreachable light bulb by the door or have been in a CG that allows maintenance such as waxing, I have always been able to rustle up a ladder from somebody. I do carry a fairly extensive collection of tools & have been able to pass the favour along to others with the loan of a tool or, when the RVer is tool operationally challenged, supplied tool with operator.

What goes around comes around.
Canadian_Rainbi
Explorer
Nov 29, 2013
This is my favourite.
mdcamping
Explorer
Nov 29, 2013
I started a similar topic some months ago. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26972107.cfm

Mike
Robby9
Explorer
Nov 28, 2013
I've used my toolkit a lot more than what I thought I would when I put it together. More so for things like bikes,bbq grills and other things that are not necessarily connected to the TT.

You can get a small toolbox saw that will handle wood, plastic and pvc. Mine is a Stanley (shark or tigershark,not sure anymore )that has come in handy.
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Nov 25, 2013
Besides a tool kit I've found that having that having one of those plastic storage cases with the small compartments in it to keep various nuts & bolts, screws & nails, washers, spare fuses, light blubs, hose washers, small tubes of Crazy Glue or something similar, clips, and anything else that's small, but might come in handy in a situation. Many times I've had whatever was needed in my storage case when a friend/neighbor didn't have it. It keeps things organized and easy to sort through.
dave54
Nomad
Nov 24, 2013
pitch wrote:
... Mission creep is hard to avoid, I try to keep it to a bare minimum...

x2

You do not need enough tools to rebuild your transmission. Only the tools needed to jury rig a repair good enough to limp back to civilization.

I also added a pair of mechanics gloves. If your rig breaks, chances are what you need to fix or hold is either red hot, ice cold, or has sharp edges.

Over the years I think I have loaned tools or given parts to other campers more than used myself. In those situations cold beer is legal currency.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
A hammer, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, and a credit card. Its cheaper to pay somebody to fix what's broken than try to fix it, pay somebody to fix what I broke fixing it, and then what was originally broken.
Probably has something to do with being left handed in a right handed world.
DavidandDayle
Explorer
Nov 24, 2013
One item I find essential is a flashlight that straps around my head, like a miner's lamp.
At some point you will need to do some operation with 2 hands, behind the RV, in the middle of the night. This lamp puts light right where you're looking.

I have a set of screwdriver bits with a large variety of bits. Very cheap but it works for a while. I'm now looking for another 3mm hex bit to replace the one I stripped putting the IKEA shelves together.
pitch
Explorer II
Nov 22, 2013
My box has:
Vice grips
10" Crescent
screwdrivers, Square phillips torx
needle nose pliers
slip jaw pliers
1/2" breaker bar with thick wall socket for lugs
cheater bar.

I also keep
zip ties
extra pins and clips for the hitch
electrical tape
duct tape

For longer trips out of the local area I carry a small compressor and an electric impact wrench

Mission creep is hard to avoid, I try to keep it to a bare minimum.
If you do have a problem on site, make a showy display of your problem. There will be some guy in camp that carries an entire machine shop with him, and he will be more than happy to get some use out of the 300# of tools he lugs around every day.

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