Always go prepared...

[mgirardo]

We've been RV camping for almost 15 years, but I learned a valuable lesson last week that I wanted to pass on. The lesson is always go prepared. I always bring a cordless drill with me when camping and almost always bring my 201 piece mechanics tool set. We had a 5 day trip planned, but we were really busy the days leading up to our departure. I decided not to bring the tool set.

Unfortunately, that was a mistake. When I emptied the hot water heater last, I did not fully tighten the drain plug (we have a Suburban, so no Anode Rod). Sure enough, it leaked from the drain plug. I didn't notice it right away and had a nice size puddle under the camper. The campground was pretty quiet, so not really anyone to ask if they had a wrench and I could never pin down the host (we were out of the campground each day). I was able to hand tighten it to keep the water from really leaking, but never got it tight enough.

I did have a gallon bucket to catch the leaking water when we needed the hot water heater. I left the hot water heater in bypass most of the time to keep it from getting pressurized. The only time it leaked a lot was when there was pressure in the tank. Once the pressure was relieved, it only dripped every so often.

Like the drill, I will always bring my tool set, even when in a hurry.

-Michael

[DutchmenSport]

Murphy's law at it's finest moment! (my favorite soap box subject: About the time you get ready to fix mashed potatoes, you'll realize you forgot the potato peeler! ... Always be prepared! Keep a potato peeler in your camper!)

[Oasisbob]

Are you a former boy scout? Always be prepared. Good advice. Often I can loan items out to neighbors who are in need. Batteries, lantern mantles. What do you use the cordless drill for?

[Jim-Linda]

mgirardo wrote:
We've been RV camping for almost 15 years, but I learned a valuable lesson last week that I wanted to pass on. The lesson is always go prepared. I always bring a cordless drill with me when camping and almost always bring my 201 piece mechanics tool set. We had a 5 day trip planned, but we were really busy the days leading up to our departure. I decided not to bring the tool set.

Unfortunately, that was a mistake. When I emptied the hot water heater last, I did not fully tighten the drain plug (we have a Suburban, so no Anode Rod). Sure enough, it leaked from the drain plug. I didn't notice it right away and had a nice size puddle under the camper. The campground was pretty quiet, so not really anyone to ask if they had a wrench and I could never pin down the host (we were out of the campground each day). I was able to hand tighten it to keep the water from really leaking, but never got it tight enough.

I did have a gallon bucket to catch the leaking water when we needed the hot water heater. I left the hot water heater in bypass most of the time to keep it from getting pressurized. The only time it leaked a lot was when there was pressure in the tank. Once the pressure was relieved, it only dripped every so often.

Like the drill, I will always bring my tool set, even when in a hurry.

-Michael

If you have a Suburban, you do have an anode rod, no drain plug

[Jebby14]

I also have a cheapo set that lives in the camper. I suspect you should as well.

[Fizz]

This is why I keep little toolkits in everything I own.
Vice Grips and a multy bit screwdriver stuffed in an old sock.They never leave the vehicle or trailer.
YES. I do have a proper tool kit but I also have left it behind.