Forum Discussion

RVcircus's avatar
RVcircus
Explorer II
Nov 17, 2015

Top 10 RV tools

After completing the overhaul of our travel trailer last year I began to carry a large amount of tools on our trips. Because we had so much torn apart at the same time I really wasn't sure what could potentially go wrong and I decided to prepare for the worst. Knowing that this is overkill I've decided to thin out our RV tool herd and I've started by coming up with our top 10 tools that will be the start of my new toolbox.

One - Tire Pressure Gauge
Two - Torque Wrench
Three - Level
Four - Flash Light
Five - Electric Drill
Six - Common Hand Tools
Seven - Razor Knife
Eight - Hammer
Nine - Multi Meter
Ten - Jack
Bonus! - Caulk Gun

That do you think? What would you add, remove or change on the list?

I posted more on this topic and included a video on our blog if you're interested.

http://www.rvcircus.com/top-10-must-have-tools-for-rving/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3SK9vQFRcg
Seeking Advice
  • eichacsj's avatar
    eichacsj
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2015
    I haven't seen "rope" I have a couple of sizes in case something needs tied down.

    I also have a 10' piece of 1/4' chain and 3/8" chain and a chain tighten for each size. Mostly in winter or muddy times, also have a handyman jack.

    20' set of jumper cables. I have never used these for me in all my years, but used to help others a lot.
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2015
    Please note that Trailer-Aid will NOT work with Mohr-Ryde RE or IS suspension systems.
  • 4x4van's avatar
    4x4van
    Explorer III
    Nov 19, 2015
    Chris Bryant wrote:
    I'll just throw out that, IMHO, non-contact thermometers are not nearly as accurate as folks think they are- you cannot simply point them at anything and see what their temperature is. I see people using them to measure air conditioner output- not good- refrigerator temps- also not good- it all depends on the material you are trying to measure. Shiny surfaces will tend to read below true temp, black surfaces tend to read correctly.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=ir+gun+emissivity

    They are handy for quick measurements, and can be compensated for, but point, shoot and read the temp- not so much. If I need to know a temp, I use a thermocouple or thermistor in contact with the item.

    I could care less what the "actual" temp is, what I'm looking for when using the temp gun is a significant difference. I typically will do a quick walk around, shooting tires and hubs. As long as all are similar temps, all is good. If one hub or tire is significantly hotter than the others, then I know I've got a problem.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Nov 19, 2015
    Agree with the above statement.
    In my opinion, the most important tool you can carry is a good credit card in you wallet! :)
    Barney
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2015
    There is no tool more important than the one you need when you need it.
  • RVcircus's avatar
    RVcircus
    Explorer II
    Nov 19, 2015
    I've also been wanting to pickup an IR Gun just to keep an eye on the hubs.

    ken56 wrote:
    Good suggestions all around. I carry most of what has been posted but need to get an IR gun.
  • MattFromPA's avatar
    MattFromPA
    Explorer
    Nov 18, 2015
    Glad to see the TrailerAide works, I got one for $20 on clearance at Wal Mart, figured it would be easier than jacking up the trailer in most cases.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Nov 18, 2015
    TrailerAide Plus, now that I can raise the whole RV with the 6point leveling system I probably don't need it but I carry it just in case.

    It made for an easy road side repair.

  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Nov 18, 2015
    I'll just throw out that, IMHO, non-contact thermometers are not nearly as accurate as folks think they are- you cannot simply point them at anything and see what their temperature is. I see people using them to measure air conditioner output- not good- refrigerator temps- also not good- it all depends on the material you are trying to measure. Shiny surfaces will tend to read below true temp, black surfaces tend to read correctly.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=ir+gun+emissivity

    They are handy for quick measurements, and can be compensated for, but point, shoot and read the temp- not so much. If I need to know a temp, I use a thermocouple or thermistor in contact with the item.
  • ken56's avatar
    ken56
    Explorer
    Nov 18, 2015
    Good suggestions all around. I carry most of what has been posted but need to get an IR gun. I also think that while its nice to be prepared, most consumables can be bought when needed. We don't boon dock so there is always a Home Depot/Lowes/Camping World/ Local hardware store fairly close by. I am frequently going through the tool box making sure I have not left out something I have used recently and taking things out I know I have not/will not use.

    One point I have though, WD 40 is not a lubricant. Most of us know that but... do not use it on anything like bearings/bushings/electric motors/rotating shafts. It will seize them up. Some of the more mechanically challenged folks here may not know this.

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