TOOL KIT

[Starpig]

Hey all. Just sold my travel trailer and purchased a TC. For some reason, I feel like it is more important to have a proper tool kit with the TC than I might have had with the tag trailer?

I thought I'd post here and see what you veteran TC'ers consider essential tools to have in your rigs. I am looking for small, compact and lightweight, yet complete enough to take care of most eventualities, at least the ones that may be hazardous to my safety and/or relative convenience (i.e. being stuck alongside the interstate or miles away from civilization while boondocking).

So, what say the experts out there?

Regards,

Jeff

[2oldman]

Tools - 2013
Tools - 2014

[jimh406]

I think it all depends on where you are going. If you plan to go away from civilization very far, then you need to be more self-sufficient. There is a difference between "disconnecting" from a trailer and taking off your truck camper, and different potential problems because of that.

I'm probably lighter than most with a small screw driver/nut driver set, allen key set, eternabond tape. Otherwise, I keep the same stuff in my truck. 12 ton bottle jack, multitool, and tow strap in the truck.

[covered_wagon]

A new lift pump in the tool box.

Lift pump has been relocated to the frame, not down in the fuel tank.:)

[Clarryhill]

Don't forget the duct tape and baling wire and you'll be all set.

[kohldad]

I carry the same small duffle bag in the TC that I did with a TT, FW, and just plain ole tent camping. Probably weighs 5 pounds. As the vehicles have become more complicated, the need for a lot of tools has dwindled. If you have the basics covered, you would be good.

Water hose breaking - 3 or 4 hose clamps. Let cool, wrap area with cloth or two layers of duct tape, tighten hose clamps, then leave the radiator cap lose so the system doesn't lose pressure.

Belt - with todays single belt system, just carry a spare belt and the tool necessary to change it - usually one wrench. Or better yet, change you belt out every 5 or 6 years and you don't need to carry a spare.

Electrical - wire cutters, stripper, and a few feet of #10 wire. Also volt meter to help track down the issue.

Basic - screw driver set, usually 2 or 3 of each.

Roadside service card - you don't necessarily have to get a tow to a dealership. They will tow you to your requested destination which could be an auto parts store where you can do the repair yourself.

If you want to carry a bit more, just grab a cheap 108 piece set in plastic case that will probably weigh under 10 pounds. However, I figure that if I need those type tools, I'm not going to have the part I need anyhow. When I get some place that does have the part, they will either have the tools I can borrow or there will be a place next door where I can buy them for $25.

At home I have the tools to tear a car down to every nut, bolt, and screw. But on the road are you really going to have the place to fix a major problem?

[SoCalDesertRid1]

You won't need to carry as many tools for a truck camper as for a trailer. I carry tools for the truck, but nothing specific for the camper.

[GoinThisAway]

If you didn't carry a tool kit with the travel trailer and didn't miss it, then you might not miss it with the TC either. But, if you're the tinkering type, carrying a few basic tools doesn't need to add much weight or take up much room. I carry a small metal tool box that is about 12" long, 6" wide, 2" high, and a domed lid. The tools I carry are small ones for minor repairs ... the usual screw drivers, wrenches, pliers, hammer, etc. that you'd find in any home took kit. And don't forget some extra fuses!

[Dick_B]

I say search this Forum for `tool kit' and read on.

[Vinsil]

Reality Check wrote:
Only haul what you know how to use and are willing to do/use....

Example...I'm not going to drop a tranny or change brakes (well...there was this one time...) so I don't carry every tool for every problem. For that, I carry AMEX and a cell phone.

Every vehicle I have has a 6 in 1, probably a pair of strippers and roll of wire, tape, etc. Camper carry's small set of sockets through 1/2" drive, combo's, jack, BFH, tester, drill and bits, screws, zip ties, more elec tape. Steering, brake, tranny and engine oil, lube of several types, graphite, window fluid, brake cleaner (always...!! mans best friend) and lot's of rags.

Tow chains, tire chains, tire cables, ratchet straps (lg and sm) and lot's of blocks of wood.

Yea, that's probably most of the 'tools'. The rest is all the important stuff. Gas cans, genny, air lines, jumper's, triangles, fishing pole (the emergency one in case I forget my other ones) extra tie downs (derringers), hatchet, more wood, picnic table screen, tent spikes and stuff, tarps (for laying in the snow/wet).

And always, always, leave extra room for when you stop at the store and buy more stuff. Got to have room to get it home.

Jeez...I think I'm well equipped and ready for most things...but your load out is making my tool box envious. No wonder you have a F550! Lol

[Reality_Check]

Only haul what you know how to use and are willing to do/use....

Example...I'm not going to drop a tranny or change brakes (well...there was this one time...) so I don't carry every tool for every problem. For that, I carry AMEX and a cell phone.

Every vehicle I have has a 6 in 1, probably a pair of strippers and roll of wire, tape, etc. Camper carry's small set of sockets through 1/2" drive, combo's, jack, BFH, tester, drill and bits, screws, zip ties, more elec tape. Steering, brake, tranny and engine oil, lube of several types, graphite, window fluid, brake cleaner (always...!! mans best friend) and lot's of rags.

Tow chains, tire chains, tire cables, ratchet straps (lg and sm) and lot's of blocks of wood.

Yea, that's probably most of the 'tools'. The rest is all the important stuff. Gas cans, genny, air lines, jumper's, triangles, fishing pole (the emergency one in case I forget my other ones) extra tie downs (derringers), hatchet, more wood, picnic table screen, tent spikes and stuff, tarps (for laying in the snow/wet).

And always, always, leave extra room for when you stop at the store and buy more stuff. Got to have room to get it home.