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Desert_Captain's avatar
Desert_Captain
Explorer III
Jun 03, 2013

A few handy "Spares" to carry

I was a boat guy for 35+ years many of which were spent offshore and/or in third world countries. This tends to shape how you think about what will happen when things fail.... because they do. My theory has always been that there are three things that can happen when a piece of gear packs it in:

1. You simply live without it.... but if you had it in the first place this is usually not a viable option.

2. You repair the item.... this presupposes that you have the tools, skills and spare parts to effectively complete the repair. :h (I don't know about you but in my case.... not likely.)

3. You pull out a spare, replace the failed item and pat yourself on the back for being so prepared. Spouses need to be aware that this usually is followed by several hours of chest thumping and at least a beer or two. :B

Depending on what type of rig you run the list will vary and assumes you have a decent set of the basic tools but here are a few my "Don't leave home without it" items:

A collection of fuses for truck and trailer (several of the more common sizes but at least one of each).

A pack of spare hitch clips (various sizes)

A back up break away switch

Tire repair kit

Spare water pump (or at least a pump repair kit for the existing pump).

A collection of stainless steel screws, nuts, bolts, washers etc..

Package of butt and ring connectors with a crimping tool, a few spare heat shrinks are nice to have as well. Don't forget an assortment of wire ties.

Spare light bulbs.

:C
  • Anyone that has any type of pull behind RV can unhitch and move on, Last summer my break away cable got snagged on something and pulled out / activated the brakes. All I had to do was plug the switch back in to release the brakes but it did make me wonder what I would do if the brakes were stuck. I think I am going to add a spare brake switch to my buy list
  • I used to. Took it all out. Bought a toad.

    Now when I break down? I unhook the toad, throw the keys to the MH to the tow truck driver and tell him to call me when it's done! While I drive to the nearest motel check in and sit in a nice air conditioned room watching cable and having a cold one.:C
  • I carry a 12 ton bottle jack, inexpensive torque wrench and a variety of metric hand tools in my toolbox. My parts box has misc screws & bolts, velcro, felt pads to stop rattles, bits of wire an electrical connectors, tape, etc. Also, that foam knee pad comes in real handy!

    When the front end fell apart in Arches Nat'l park last summer, we had the right tools to jack up & support the front end to reassemble it. The torque wrench doubles as a 1/2" ratchet, and while I carry only 3/8" sockets, I have a 1/2 to 3/8th adapter.

    When preparing a tire-change kit, test the kit, don't make assumptions. I had a shallow socket that fit the lug nut, and had made a cursory check on the front lugs. mistake - it wouldn't reach over the longer studs on the rears. Next, you'll need an extension to reach the rear lugs with a torque wrench...

    Else, I carry a small limb saw and boy's axe, and a tow strap.

    It has all been used at one time or another.
  • An ignition module.

    Back in the 90s we had a few problems with the truck not starting and/or quitting while driving. We went through a couple of these ignition modules and now we always carry a spare in the tool kit. Never needed one since, but we've got one! Along with the WD-40 and the duct-tape. :B
  • my plan is to carry enough to keep me rolling...

    Spare tire, sometimes two for longer trips.
    Spare Spring, as I have gotten caught by this in the past
    Spare shackle and bolts
    Spare bearings and seal, figure I can get grease anywhere..

    Bryan
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I am a firm believer of having many PLAN Bs in place to support us being back off the power grid camping ventures.

    There is a limit of how much you can carry however so have to draw a line somewhere haha...

    With my front deck and the bed of the 2010 F150 truck we can carry some serious supplies and PLAN B items.

    The truck bed tailgate corner secured 2KW Honda Generator and portable B&D VEC1093DBD battery charger has probably been our biggest PLAN B item. Running out of usable batteries is the biggest threat we have of making it back to civilization sometimes.

    We are very successful camping off the power grids for 10-14 days recharging our batteries every day for three hours using smart-mode charging.


    Rule number ONE is never mess with the truck systems - this is what gets you back home...

    Roy Ken
  • When we first started RVing I was nervous and carried enough tools and spare parts to do a complete overhaul on an aircraft carrier..

    Not so much any more..We travel light and keep it simple. Most often, no matter what I bring along, it's not what I need.

    We are not camping on the moon and can get most everything just down the road.
  • The nice thing about RV-ing is that an RV won't sink if it has issues. I recommend at the minimum keeping a Good Sam/Coach.net or similar towing membership and a credit card.

    What would be nice is if people could make an Amazon wishlist of what crucial items (other than the GS and credit card) that they carry. Might be a good beginner's FAQ.

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