When you’re on the go in your RV, you are likely to need some tools on hand. Anything can happen in your RV – things are inevitably likely to snap, break, tear, or fall off, so it’s important to be prepared.
In an effort to not let a mini disaster destroy your fun, we advise having a well-equipped RV toolbox on hand at all times. To help you get started, we’ve developed a comprehensive RV tool box checklist to make sure that you have all the essentials to deal with any problems that may come your way.
Standard Tools for Your RV Tool Box
Here are some basics to help you start building your standard RV toolbox:
- Sock wrench set: A standard socket wrench set will help you tighten and loosen bolts and machine nuts.
- Philips head screwdrivers: Use them to tighten screws and pry items apart.
- Pliers: For holding machine nuts while installing or removing, or squeezing items together.
- Small drill bit set: Make sure you have sizes ranging from 1/16 to 1/14 inch and get the type that works with both metal and wood.
- Knives: pocket knives and hobby knives will both come in handy.
- Hacksaw: A mini hacksaw will come in handy when a knife won’t work. It’s a good idea to bring extra blades for cutting away twisted bolts and damaged metal work.
- Folding tree saw: This will come in handy if there is a tree that has fallen across the road and you can’t back up. Remember, this is for emergency use only. Rangers and camp hosts frown when you cut trees on government and private land.
- Hand protection: Stock up on latex or leather gloves for any dirty jobs that need to be tackled.
Important Adhesives
When in doubt, use glue to salvage broken items. There are many types of special glues that you’ll want to keep in your tool box and use for different purposes. Here are some to consider:
- Super glue for the highest strength repairs.
- Vinyl adhesive for fixing tears in fabrics.
- Threadlocker to prevent screws and bolts from vibrating loose.
- Silicon sealant for weatherproofing.
- Multi-purpose adhesive for everything else.
Prepping for an Emergency with a Roadside Assistance Kit
It’s important to be prepared for any sort of emergency when you’re on the go in your RV.
When you are in a roadside emergency, you won’t want to be digging through your storage bins for your equipment. For this reason, you’ll want to make sure you have an organized and all-inclusive roadside assistance kit with the basic things you need after you have safely pulled off the side of the road.
A roadside assistance kit will have everything you need in one place. Battery booster cables, warning triangles, reflective safety vests, hand squeeze flashlights, light sticks, a mini first aid kit, and various types of fasteners should be readily available in the event of a roadside emergency.
In addition, it’s important to make sure that you have a tow strap, fire extinguisher, jumper cables, and extra gasoline in a metal can.
Lights and Electrical Equipment
Within your tool box, you’ll want there to be sufficient light and electrical equipment. Here is what we suggest:
One of the most important products you’ll need to bring is a voltmeter. A voltmeter allows you to check the condition of your RV batteries. Be sure to check the battery before your trip and after. Knowing the remaining charge on your batteries is imperative – you don’t want to be surprised next time! A voltmeter can also help you troubleshoot power problems in your RV, check the integrity of its fuses, and the continuity within the RV’s electrical system.
In addition, you’ll want to make sure that you remember the following lights and electrical equipment:
- Wire cutters
- Insulated wire
- Roll of electrical tape
- Extra bulbs for tail light
- Flashlights
- Headlamps
- Proximity tester
- Frequency meter
- Spare bulbs
- Weatherproof safety matches (for if all else fails!)
Think Safety First When it Comes to Fixing it!
If you are attempting to fix problems in your RV with your RV toolkit, be sure to have a first-aid kit on hand for any potential injuries. This should include bandaids, Neosporin, cloth tape, medicine, tweezers, hydrocortisone ointment, etc. You can either build your own first aid kit or purchase a readily available system for your convenience.
Take Back Saturday and Find More Time to Explore
Here at Leaffilter, we are encouraging homeowners to rid themselves of household chores, finding more time in their lives to do the things that they love – like RVing and camping! With LeafFilter, you’ll never have to worry about gutter cleaning again.
