Essential tools to take in your RV

Your RV is essentially a home on wheels, and when you’re away on an adventure, things often happen that require repair. From quick patch-ups to weatherproofing and permanent fixes, on-the-road repairs are usually up to you, at least in the short term.

That’s why you need to have a basic toolbox with the kinds of tools you regularly use at your house (assuming your RV isn’t your already your full-time home!). Having a good supply of tools on hand – and maybe a few YouTube videos! – can save you money, prevent more serious problems and ensure you and your companions stay safe and comfortable.

Toolbox basics for your RV, camper or trailer

Here’s a list of basic toolbox recommendations:

• A hammer (or two)

• A good pair of work gloves

• Several Philips and flat-head screwdrivers (having some with short handles is especially useful for tight spaces, such as under sinks)

• Wrenches, including hex, lug and Allen wrenches

• Standard and needle nose pliers

• Tire gauge and a jack

• A six-foot measuring tape

• A good pair of sharp scissors (or two)

• Duct tape

• Box of matches

• Flashlight(s)

• Safety goggles

• Fire extinguisher

• Leatherman multi tool

All the tools above will serve you well for basic repairs. Depending on how confident or experienced you are with repair work, you might also want to consider items like spare fuses, wire strippers, a digital multimeter for testing AC and DC voltage, and/or a cordless drill.

Other tools to consider

Here’s a list of additional tools that aren’t usually in a standard toolbox, but that can come in handy in a variety of situations when you’re on a trip in your RV.

1.        Headlamp

Hand-held flashlights are great in many situations, but headlamps are useful for all those times when you need to have one or both hands free. Need to check your engine oil or a tire in the dark? Want to see where that drip is coming from under the sink? A headlamp will help you work much more effectively.

Plus, if you’re traveling in your RV with your dog, a headlamp can light the path during nighttime walks when you need to have one hand free for the leash.

2.        Caulking gun

A caulking gun, along with a couple of kinds of caulk or sealant, can help seal up windows, prevent leaks and drafts, patch vents and skylights, and more.

Plus, if you notice a roof leak, a caulking gun can help you seal things up before you experience serious interior water damage. As we noted in a previous blog post on used RVs, water damage is a major factor in overall RV value loss, so it’s critical to seal things up whenever you can.

3.        Solar or battery-powered phone charger

Phone chargers that don’t rely on electricity are invaluable in an emergency – or any time the power goes out ­– and they’re especially useful if you’re working from your RV part or full time.

There are a wide variety of models available through Amazon, REI, and other outdoor stores with different features depending on your needs.

4.        Portable generator

 Portable generators, whether gas- or battery-operated, require a bigger investment than anything on this list so far, but if you’re taking long trips in your RV on a regular basis or living in your RV full time, they can be well worth the investment. Many manufacturers have charts with power estimates to help you figure out what you need in case of emergency.

Looking for secure storage for your RV or trailer when you’re not out on the road? Contact Max RV today!