If you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast and an owner of a RV, then you know that there’s nothing better than exploring the great outdoors in your RV. However, one thing that might not be prepared for is all of the mishaps that can happen while out in nature. That’s why it’s Essential to have a well-equipped RV toolbox on hand.
Just consider that you are regularly bouncing your “home” down the road at excessive speeds. It only goes to reason that sometimes things are going to break, and it will always happen when you are far from resources to make repairs.
After 5 years of full time travel and more home “fix it’s” than I can count, I have put together what we consider to be the ultimate list of tools that you need in your RV. This list of tools will keep you prepared for almost any eventuality and provide you with peace pf mind as you travel the roads.
You will save money and time for more enjoyable camping activities.
Considerations For Building A Tool Box
1) How Much Space Do You Have?
When deciding what tools to pack, storage space is always an important factor to consider. Different RV’s are outfitted with different sizes of storage compartments under their beds or in their cabinets. Figuring out how much space you have will help determine what tools you might want to include in your tool box.
2) How Much Weight Can Your RV Carry?
Next, consider the maximum weight that your vehicle can handle. You will have to factor in the weight of all the tools you plan to pack and still keep your vehicle at its optimal capacity. You certainly do not want your Tool Kit to CAUSE a breakdown!
3) What Type Of Vehicle Are You Driving?
Your RV might be a third-hand pickup truck camper, a brick sized Class C motor home, or a small Class A with a toad. Each will have different storage space and carrying weight capacity, so size and weight of larger tools needs to be considered. Towing a trailer behind a pickup truck for instance, gives you a much larger storage opportunity (in the back of the truck) than driving a Class C towing a Smart Car.
4) How Far/ Long Are Your Camping Trips?
Length and distance of your trip will determine how bulky and heavy your tool box will need to be. If you’re not going too far from home, then a smaller compact collection of essential tools might suffice. However if you’re planning on extended length or distant trips, you’ll want to make sure your tool kit is packed with the essential tools for every possible situation.
5) What Is Your Skill Level?
Your own ability to effect repairs will also factor into how essential your tools will be. This is not always an easy thing to assess, especially if you are new to camping or don’t have much experience tinkering with things on your own. If that’s the case, it doesn’t make much sense to carry a bunch of tools you will not attempt to use.
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Essential Tools For Your RV Tool Kit
In The Toolbox:
Being able to manage most repairs with the essential tools that are packed in your RV tool box means you won’t have to rely on anyone else’s expertise or urgency to fix issues.
This basic list of essential hand tools and supplies will give you the confidence and capability to handle almost any problem, no matter what kind of campground you’re spending your time.
Hammer
A good solid claw hammer is essential for driving in tent stakes, pulling up nails, and many other uses.
Screwdrivers
A good set of screwdrivers for various sizes and types should always be present in your kit. It won’t help you to have a great list of tools if you can’t get essential screws to turn.
Craftsman Screwdriver Set
- Craftsman brand is a guarantee of quality.
- Torque Zone provides added grip texture
- Black oxide tip provides improved durability and grip
Pliers
A good pair of pliers are important in any tool kit. So many uses! There are several essential types and sizes to consider: needlenose, slip-joint (for gripping tightly and bending wire), adjustable (be able to cut, strip and bend different size wires), channel lock (for nail pulling, prying , closing bags)
Needle Nose Pliers
RV’s have endless small spaces and small parts. Needle Nosed pliers help getting into these tight spots.
Cutting Pliers
A pair of clippers is necessary for to use as wire cutters, and for cutting the TON of zip ties you will inevitably use.
Channel Lock Pliers
Adjustable pliers give you a strong grip on many different sized items.
Irwin Pliers Set
- Durable nickel chromium steel.
- Includes 6″ diagonal and slip-joint, 8″ needle nose, and 10″ channel lock.
- Anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch Grips provide comfort, control, and less hand fatigue.
Allen (Hex) Wrenches
Many small bolts in your RV and vehicle as well as bicycles and other recreational equipment will have hex-heads. A good set of Allen Wrenches is super handy and quite small.
Socket Set
Any tool set would be incomplete without a good socket wrench and set of sockets. Get both standard and metric if you have the space.
Also, get a long breaker bar for your set. It is not big, but will help a ton if you are doing brakes, or adding equipment onto your rig. l
Wrenches
You will always use wrenches working on your RV, vehicle or rec equipment.
Get a wrench set that includes both standard and metric sizes.
Standard and Metric Wrenches
- Slimmest profile on the market.
- Chrome vanadium steel.
- Lifetime warranty & customer service.
Adjustable Wrench
A nice adjustable wrench gives you the ability to tighten or loosen any size nuts and bolts as well as turning pipe fittings. Having an adjustable wrench in your kit will also ensure that the tool fits what you need to fix.
Vice Grips
Sometimes you just need a pair of vice grip pliers that locks on and does not let go.
Multimeter
Keeping on top of your batteries is also very important especially if you boondock. A multimeter is a great tool to have not just for this application, but for many other electrical uses around your rig.
Also, a hydrometer is the best way to keep track of how well your batteries are charging and when to equalize them.
I also always have some distilled water on hand to fill those cells up.
Multimeter
- Cool-grip Spiral Handle provides a safe, comfortable grip
- Unparalleled he
