As you prepare to head out onto the road full-time, do not forget to dig through your vehicle to verify you have all the right tools on hand. Even missing just one or two key items could quickly interrupt your travels, leaving you scrambling for a solution. Thankfully, you can use this helpful guide to get your toolkit together and properly equip your RV for whatever may come your way. Here’s a look at the must-have tools you might need.
Hand Tools
If your engine, suspension, or other vital components start to act up while you are out on the road, you have no hope of diagnosing and fixing them without basic hand tools.
For that reason, your RV toolkit should always have:
- Ratchet and socket set
- Torque wrench
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Channellock pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Wire strippers
- Hex key set
- Utility knife
- Zip ties
Don’t forget the cordless drill and extra battery packs as well. And if you want to diagnose electrical problems? Then, make sure to pick up a high-quality multimeter and place it in your toolbox.
Surge Protectors
In order to protect your RV’s electrical system from power surges, you absolutely must have the right surge protectors on hand. Consider an Electrical Management System, or EMS, style as that also protects from incorrect wiring on the campsite side. Either way, determine whether your RV uses 30 or 50 amp power, then buy a surge protector rated for that use. Also, grab a 50 amp to 30 amp adapter, or vice versa, just in case you end up at a campsite without the right power hookups.
Drinking Hose
If you want to fill up and use your fresh water tank, you must have a drinking hose onboard. Verify that your hose is in good condition, free of any holes or debris. To keep it clean and in great shape while you travel, screw the two ends together before placing it in storage.
Sewer Hose and Connector
To connect your RV to sewer hookups at the campsite, you must have an intact sewer hose. You should choose a 15-foot model at the very least just in case you have to park somewhat far from the hookup location. Also, pick up purpose-built supports for the hose to rest on to keep pressure off the connection points.
Levelling Blocks
Even if your RV has dedicated levelling jacks, it just makes sense to have levelling blocks stored somewhere onboard. With these blocks, you can make the vehicle sit perfectly level at even the bumpiest of campsites. Then, you can rest assured that your RV is stable and secure while you go about your business and head to bed at night.
Sealing Tape
If leaks suddenly occur, you need a way to keep the moisture out until you can complete the full repairs. Thankfully, you can easily accomplish that goal with sealing tape, which is why it is always great to have in your toolkit. In some areas, such as along the roof line, sealing tape is even the proper way to repair minor leaks.
Nitrile Gloves
When hooking up the sewer connections, you should always keep yourself safe from microbes by wearing a pair of nitrile gloves. You can also use these gloves to protect your hands from fuel, oil, and other chemicals while performing DIY maintenance and repairs. A full box will easily fit in your toolkit and lasts for ages, providing you with excellent protection on the fly.
Go the Extra Mile
If you have any funds leftover after building your RV toolkit, consider these neat devices as well:
- Walkie talkies
- Navigation system
- Air compressor
- Generator
Although these tools are optional, they are cool to have and can even potentially help you out of a tough spot.
When you have all the tools you need in your RV toolbox, you can easily handle problems that come your way as you travel down the open road. The must-have tools will also help you quickly set up at your ideal campsites, so you can move toward relaxing and having fun faster than ever before.