RV Toolbox
Having the right tools in your RV Toolbox can save you when on the road or in remote areas where tools and supplies are unavailable. These aren't the only tools you will ever need for complete RV repair and maintenance, but this list of tools will help you through many common problems.
I own a general-purpose Handy-Carry Toolbox that stays with me wherever I go, whether at home or on an RV camping trip. I also have a toolbox for the RV Tools I store in my travel trailer that contains the tools and supplies specific to trailer repair and maintenance. There are also tools too big to fit in either toolbox; I keep them in my RV's storage compartments. All these tools are collectively known as my RV Toolbox and are listed below:
Hand-Carry Toolbox:
- Socket Set
- Wrench Set
- Allen Wrench Set
- Screwdriver Set
- Awl
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Strippers
- Channel Lock Plyers
- Plyers
- Crescent Wrench
- Vice Grips
- Pipe Wrench (Small)
- Rubber Mallet
- Hammer
- Drill Bits
- Torpedo Level
- Carpenter's Pencil
- Utility Knife
- Tape Measure
- Flashlight
- Headlamp
- Safety Glasses
- Tire Gauge
RV Tools
- Lug Wrench
- Torque Wrench
- Tire Gauge
- Axle Dust Caps
- Silicone Sealant
- Silicone Lubricant
- Caulk Gun/Caulk
- WD40
- Fuses and Bulbs
- Hose Clamps (assorted)
- Hose Washers
- Duct Tape
- Electrical Tape
- Electrical Twist Connectors
- Multimeter
- Cleaning Rags
- Quick Ties
- Rubber Gloves
- Work Gloves
- Bungee Cords
- Jumper Cables
RV Equipment
Plumbing:- Water Hose (White)
- Water Pressure Regulator
- Sewer Hose
- Sewer Hose Connector
- Sewer Hose Support
- Black Water Tank Cleaner/Deodorizer
- Water Filter
- Rubber Gloves
- Hydraulic Jack
- Portable Air Compressor
- Air Hose
- Air Chuck
- Grease Gun
- Axle Grease
- Cordless Drill
- Impact Wrench with Sockets (Optional)
- Cordless Leaf Blower (Optional)
- Reciprocating Saw (Optional)
- Extension Cords and 3-Ways
- TV Coax Cable
- Portable Vacuum Cleaner
- Portable Heater
- Leveling Blocks
- Traffic Safety Cones
- Step Ladder
Hydraulic Jack - My travel trailer did not come with a wheel jack, and the one that came with my tow vehicle didn't work well on my travel trailer - I had to slide underneath the frame on my back on scorching pavement to position the jack properly under the axle. To solve this problem, I purchased a small floor jack that is easy to maneuver under the axle by the jack handle.
Lug Wrench - My travel trailer also did not come shipped with a lug wrench. If you plan to use the lug wrench that came with your tow vehicle, make sure it fits the lugnuts on your trailer before you get on the road. I purchased a lug wrench with several sockets so I could also use it on my tow vehicle.
Torque Wrench - If you, for any reason, are attaching a trailer tire to one of the hubs on your trailer, you must torque the lug nuts to their proper specifications. I keep a torque wrench as a full-time tool in my RV toolbox and recommend everyone who owns a travel trailer do the same.
Air Compressor - A portable 12-volt air compressor is a valuable piece of RV equipment when you are on the road and discover that your tire pressure is low. I use a pancake-style air compressor from my wood shop to fill my trailer tires when 120-volt power is available.
Air Hose and Chuck - What good is a compressor if you don't have an air hose and tire chuck? :-)
Tire Gauge - Maintaining proper tire pressure on your RV and tow vehicle tires is imperative for many reasons. It will give you the best return on gas mileage and tire life. Always check the pressure of your tires before each trip. If you are on an extended RV trip, check the pressure before you leave the campgrounds.
Power Drill - I use my cordless power drill - with a driver and socket attached - to adjust the stabilizer jacks on my trailer. You can adjust them manually with a crank tool, but a power drill significantly speeds up the task. You can alternatively use a corded drill if you have access to electricity.
Drill Bits - You can buy a set of drill bits for a reasonable price. You never know when you might need to drill a hole.
Socket Set - I have a 3/8" socket set that contains all the sockets (shallow and deep) I need for my trailer. I also bought a set of drivers for my power drill to drive my sockets.
Greese Gun and Axel Greese - Wheel bearings require periodic greasing. I keep a grease gun and a tube of grease in the 'basement' of my travel trailer.
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