What’s in Your Toolbox? January 11, 2020, 11:23:01 am I’ve a good sized rollaway with top box full of all kinds of tools. Much too many to take with me when I get my LD. So I’m just going to take a small box instead. The rest will be sold over the next couple of weeks. That said, I was wondering, what tools do you keep on hand in your rig?? I’m looking for sizes, specialty things, etc. What might be generally needed to perform minor maintenance and repairs on the road. 1 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #1 – January 11, 2020, 12:13:38 pm Morty, if you do a forum search, you'll find many posts on this topic. Go to the 'house' icon on the home page and click 'Search'; this brings up a page that can be configured to help focus the search results. The returns are not listed in chronological order.Just a FYI, but this is what I carry (with a few exceptions, depending one what I've purged or added). Everyone's list will be different, of course.Basic Tools and Maintenance/Repair Items: (Adjustable per need and skill level!)In tool bag and/or "parts drawer": Screwdrivers, pliers/vise grips, hammer(s), crescent wrench(es), driver and socket sets, levels, utility knife, tapes (blue, electrical, "Gorilla", Scotch), bungees, zip ties, gear ties, rope, paracord, spool of wire, fuses (chassis and "box"), lubricants (silicone spray, white grease spray, dielectric grease, Boeshield), multimeter, 12V test light, tape measure, shop towels (paper, cloth), scissors, flashlights, head lamp, batteries, water heater plugs, grade 8 nuts/bolts per LD, Allen wrench set, nitrile gloves, pry bar, fine sandpaper, old toothbrushes, battery powered tools, jumper cables or battery jumper, hydrometer (if batteries are serviceable watered cell), small shovel, folding hand saw, loppers, small axe, popsicle/craft sticks, 5200 Fast Cure tube, Eternabond, LPG leak test fluid, white vinegar (cleans everything), baking soda, door catches/stops, assorted Velcro, rubber bands, "museum putty", light bulbs, stove grate washers, hose washers, tire gauge, valve cores and tool, (additional tire tools per need, e.g., lug wrench, breaker bar), 303, rags, collapsible bucket(s), scrub sponges, bacteria/enzyme holding tank treatment."For the Engine and Generator:Engine oil (2-6 quarts), oil filter, air filter (per manual), coolant/distilled water and "turkey baster" (or pre-mix), brake, transmission/power steering fluids per manual, generator oil (Onan or 30W), air filter, oil filter, coolant and brake fluid test strips.Equipment, Safety, and Spares:Fire extinguishers, EMS (Progressive Industries; mine is a 30A portable), air compressor, bottle jack, spare water pump, sewer hoses and fittings, gate valves, gate valve handles, 30A extension cord, 12-14 ga. extension cord, electrical adapters (not 'pucks'), fresh water hose, inline water filter (or whole house filter) (https://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/), tire covers, pressure regulator, clearance/running light bulbs and covers, leveling blocks and chocks, LPG detector, CO and smoke detectors (5-6 year life), first aid supplies, road safety equipment, e.g., warning triangle, lights/flares.As ever, YMMV. 5 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #2 – January 11, 2020, 12:15:29 pm I have a 23.5 FL model. It has a large opening storage bin that my Craftsman top box fits into nicely.That has a bunch of different tools gathered over the years from both trucks and motorcycles.Nothing specific to the LD that I can think of.I also keep in there a Craftsman 120 piece kit in a nice plastic case. There is room in the case for a few other items that it didn't come with that are handy to have. A Leatherman multitool and a nice screwdriver that has both Philips and slot heads.This gets used way more that getting into the big box and is easier to lug around to where I want access to tools. 1 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #3 – January 11, 2020, 12:55:39 pm Quote from: Morty - January 11, 2020, 11:23:01 amI’ve a good sized rollaway with top box full of all kinds of tools. Much too many to take with me when I get my LD. So I’m just going to take a small box instead. The rest will be sold over the next couple of weeks. That said, I was wondering, what tools do you keep on hand in your rig?? I’m looking for sizes, specialty things, etc. What might be generally needed to perform minor maintenance and repairs on the road. I searched "tools" (without parameters) and found 57 pages of messages, not all related to actual tools, but enough that you should be able to get a good read on which tools to carry, Morty.Chris 1 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #4 – January 11, 2020, 01:08:47 pm Good morning Morty,Joan's list is a good one. I agree with almost all of her items.Because I haul an enclosed trailer that is all SAE rather than metric, and a European motorcycle and various bicycles, I bring a 3/8" socket set for both metric and SAE as well as a 1/2" drive set. I also bring a high quality set of open end/box wrenches in both SAE and metric. I bring a standard 1/2" torque wrench and a big 3/4" torque wrench and a breaker bar for removing and replacing the wheels after a blow out. I like to set the lug nuts with a torque wrench. (I have used these on the narrow road in the mountains south of Show Low). I bring two low profile bottle jacks, one 20 ton to lift the rear frame and a smaller one to carefully lift the axle after lifting the frame for tire changes. (This beats trying to lift the entire rig high enough to get the tire off the ground.) I bring two 8"X8" pieces of 3/4" plywood to place the jacks on in soft substrate. These have been useful. I also carry a 12" Stanley Wonder Bar for removing the wheel covers, and a rubber mallet to replace them securely. I carry two folding reflector triangles that I place well behind the rig when I change a tire to alert other drivers. I carry a ViAir compressor that has been useful. I carry a full sized bed sheet to lie down on when I change a tire or wiggle under the rig, and otherwise use it to lay out my tools on when I am making a repair. I carry a well-worn set of overalls for tire changing and other dirty work.Don't forget two sizes of Robertson screwdrivers. I also carry Robertson bit ends that I can use with 3/8" socket ratchet.Various bicycle tools and a hand pump.Hand tools fit into two husky bags. Tire related stuff fits into one Rubbermaid tub that just fits inside the rear port side outside storage. Another Rubbermaid tub fits aft of the first and has the Husky bags in it as well as various items on Joan's list.Inside the rig and in the drawer below the fridge, I keep fuses of various kinds, a multimeter, butt-end crimp connectors, cable ties, white teflon tape, one medium sized phillips screwdriver and one medium slotted, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a headlight. It is amazing how often I use these items on my LD and various neighbors and don't have to get into the heavy bags of tools.Have fun. The Lazy Daze doesn't have much outside storage for tools, so you may have to choose carefully.Harold 3 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #5 – January 11, 2020, 01:27:11 pm Let me add that having tire changing tools is useful, even if you don't (or aren't able to) change your own tires. We had a pathetic AAA tow truck show up for a blown inside rear driver side tire. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb had a small box of mismatched sockets, no torque wrench (Tweedle Dee:"I just crank them down nice and tight with a star lug wrench"), an inadequate little jack, and no air compressor. We ended up using my tools and equipment and I had to supervise to keep one of the idiots from trying to lift the Lazy Daze by jacking it up under the differential.If you want a job done right, ... 2 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #6 – January 11, 2020, 01:29:30 pm Thanks, Harold! I forgot to list the sheet of cardboard (kept 'folded' and stowed under a couch cushion) that I use to scoot under the rig on the road; I have a mat for home use. And, pipe tape; how could I forget pipe tape! Making a note to add that to the tool bag! I always read others' lists to see if I've missed something! So far, I've never forgotten to load the dog and her assorted drek! 2 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #7 – January 11, 2020, 01:33:50 pm "We had a pathetic AAA tow truck show up for a blown inside rear driver side tire."---AAA is good for cars, but an emergency road service specifically for RVs, e.g., CoachNet, or whatever Escapees is pushing now, or even Good Sam, is more reliable, IMO.As always, YMMV. 3 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #8 – January 11, 2020, 01:45:24 pm I have never done any maintenance on any rig - ever - and don't plan to . . . but I keep an unopened shower curtain tucked away for using as a ground cover. A sheet is good, but if the ground is wet, or even pebbly, a shower curtain is a good thing to have at hand. In its original packaging, it takes up very little room. Not clear about refolding it, though! ;-> A substantial piece of cardboard is under the sofa cushions, and that HAS come into play a few times. We don't pull out the sofa, so this might not be a good solution if the sofa is made into a bed. Virtual hugs, Judie <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West Today: Black Kale ************************* 4 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #9 – January 11, 2020, 01:49:25 pm I learned something new. After using a bed sheet for about 40 years, the shower curtain and cardboard make much more sense. Folding them under a sofa cushion is a great idea!HD 3 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #10 – January 11, 2020, 01:59:52 pm Why carry a bunch of heavy tools when all you need is one of these?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_YQq1vdh4w 3 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #11 – January 11, 2020, 02:00:37 pm Morty, Remember you want tools that get into small spaces as often you will be working in a tight space. However, we recently needed a very long skinny screwdriver recently to upgrade a fan screen.Joan's list with Harold's additions is pretty complete - I give a strong second to carrying a multimeter, and various Heat Shrink Wire Connectors - butt splices as well as fork and spade ones. You will be full-timing (no base to keep tools). So for power tools think of ones that can be used for a lot of things - (either battery run or corded if you plan to do all your repairs in a park). A multitool oscillator is a good one to start with (for cutting and sanding as well as scraping off old sealant to redo roof/windows/etc. So far I not needed any other saws. If you already have one, a dremel type tool can be useful - I have not decided if we will keep ours or can get rid of it (I need to use the multitool oscillator more first). While we have used a manual screwdriver for everything so far, a drill might be handy to have - especially to 1) remove decals/pin stripping that are old and deteriorating (with an eraser), or maybe 2) for removing a larger amount of outside screws on seams to replace them with stainless steel ones (as the RV ages these can start to pop out). At least one person said their Roybi powertool set included a compressor attachment used for tires, but we choose a separate device for this. You will want to access to the roof of your RV and high enough on the sides to reseal seams/openings. LDs have one on the back of the RV (some people add one for the first part that curves underneath some) and older models have an escape hatch over the cabover bed that can be used. This is pretty specific so you might want to wait until you have your new to you RV unless you already have and also have the room/weight for a collapsible one.Jane 2 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #12 – January 11, 2020, 02:28:54 pm What do we carry? That could be a long paper.-A mid-size tool box, that rarely gets used, filled with larger wrenches, sockets and other HD tool for use on primarily the LD.-In the kitchen, one drawer is primarily full of hand tools. Included is a 1/4" drive socket set that is used regularly along with an Ryobi impact driver. -Ryobi drill and dust buster. Drill index.-Dremel tool and attachments.-3-lb hammer-Digital voltmeter and 12-volt test light. Soldering iron and propane torch, with MAP gas.-Since one of the Cherokees is almost always with us, it's tool box is very complete and can perform almost any repair on the Jeeps or LD. A Ryobi 1/2" impact wrench is carried in the jeep when on off-roads trips, good for changing tires.-OBDII code reader.-Manometer for testing and setting propane pressure.-Endoscope for use with cell phone-A complete set of tools needed to change a tire, even if you can't do it, having the right tools makes it more likely someone may help you. Included are two hydraulic jacks (8 and 12-ton), 2- 18" square 3/4" plywood boards, long breaker bar and cheater. Lynx leveling blocks used as cribbing under axle.-6-amp battery charger-HD lithium battery jumper-12-volt macerator, with 65' of hose, other dumping equipment .-Large collection of flash lights and rechargeable outside lights.-120-VAC extension cords-Tarp, foam work pad, cardboard.-Snow cables, in the winter.-Remote battery water filler.-Built-in battery jumping between coach and starting battery.-Tire pressure gauge and infrared thermometer.-Small air compressor-Small bag of bycycle tools.-Old overalls-Safety triangles-Irrigation syringe for adding oil to parking brake (pre-2008 LDs with V10)A list of other materials carried is going to be another long list. A lot can get packed into a 23.5" FL.Larry 4 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #13 – January 11, 2020, 02:57:07 pm And here is some perspective going in the other direction.For years I taught a course in marine technology. Students built, from scratch, remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV's) that they operated in various aquatic and marine conditions and took to engineering competitions. My students mapped a deep portion of the bottom of Lake Tahoe to locate and examine ancient earthquake faults, put their vehicles on oil rigs, and some are now employed designing and building AAV (autonomous airborne drones).I emphasized that they consider the acronym PPPPPP. Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. In their case, It made the best sense to make sure the vehicle was completely prepared for each mission prior to leaving the lab. There was less to fix in the field this way.There will always be unexpected breakdowns on the road and on trips. But with careful and extensive preventative maintenance, the chances of needing a transmission overhaul or a full brake job while on the road is reduced. It still happens occasionally, but not often. It also reduces the necessary tools to carry.Harold 2 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #14 – January 11, 2020, 03:50:21 pm Mr. Fix-it and bits and pieces from his rolling shop have come in very handy quite a few times in the past! 3 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #15 – January 11, 2020, 04:19:20 pm LarryOy gevalt!Mein Kopfschmerzen!
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #16 – January 11, 2020, 05:17:17 pm Quote from: Joan - January 11, 2020, 03:50:21 pmMr. Fix-it and bits and pieces from his rolling shop have come in very handy quite a few times in the past! At most group GTGs, I usually end up repairing a few things, the spare parts and the right tools come in handy.The spare water heater and refrigerator control boards have been borrowed many times, along with a lot of other small parts.At a Caravan a few years ago, Joan's broken sway bar mount was fixed with the right bolt and nut 'borrowed' from our Cherokee.In 25 years LDing, having the right tools and spares in the LD has prevented us from ever having to be towed to a shop or home. Predicting possible problems and having the minimum needed to fix, is a habit from many years of backpacking, bike touring and kayak touring. When you are traveling out in the middle of nowhere, you should be self sufficient.I agree with Harold that having everything in ship shape before leaving is the proper approach and is the best way of preventing break downs on the road . But in case something does happen, it's good to have the right parts and tools.Just a little paranoid .Larry 4 Likes
Re: What’s in your toolbox? Reply #17 – January 11, 2020, 06:05:12 pm Agreed that thorough pre-trip prep and tests/checks are critical to avoiding trouble on the road. Certainly, ‘stuff happens’, like the IPD anti-sway bar mount on my rig breaking unexpectedly, but over all the years amd mikes of camping and RVing in different rigs, I’ve been fortunate to have had few mechanical or equipment problems. Dumb luck and bullet/dodging, you bet, but mainly, I believe, due to assuring as best I can that all systems are ‘go’ before heading out.BTW, that anti-sway bar has new bushings, but the purloined grade 8 Jeep bolt is still in place! YMMV, as ever. 2 Likes
Re: What’s in Your Toolbox? Reply #18 – January 11, 2020, 07:55:49 pm Since this topic comes up several times a year, I have pinned this thread so it will be more visible and can be easily added to.Chris
Re: What’s in Your Toolbox? Reply #19 – January 12, 2020, 07:16:02 am Wow, thank you all for sharing! This helps a lot as today is the day I have to make final decisions on which tools to keep. Confession: sometimes I ask questions because I simply want to talk with people. That’s the beautiful part of being a part of a forum, the sense of community. You’re not alone. As I get further along and have more time to research (search) before asking I promise I’ll do that... 1 Likes
Re: What’s in Your Toolbox? Reply #20 – January 12, 2020, 10:16:10 am I also have a garage full of tools, but I take just a small box set of wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers, an electric impact wrench with impact socket for wheel lugs, a Viair portable air compressor, a 20-ton bottle jack, tire plug kit, circuit tester, complete replacement set of fuses, extra runs of electrical wire and a kit of fasteners, plumbers tape and putty, electrical tape, duct tape (good ol' duct tape. Don't leave home without it!), baling wire, various hose clamps, zip ties, etc. Really not that much all things considered. I stay preemptive with my maintenance, too. I think that helps. I use the surge protector at every campground, and rarely allow my fuel tank to drop below half full if I am the more remote places in the west. 3 Likes
Re: What’s in Your Toolbox? Reply #21 – January 12, 2020, 11:24:00 am I second - having a Manometer can be handy - I forgot about that one.Also a tire temperature gun - especially if you don't have TPMS but can also be a good backup/double check .I consider these advanced tools that I didn't include on my first list as most people don't care to carry.Endoscope (cell phone ones are handy these days) - to see inside walls/etc.Thermal camera to check for leaks - water and air. Flir camera has ones that work with your cell phone.Circuit board testers - dinosaur has these for their boards, there might be others 1 Likes
Re: What’s in Your Toolbox? Reply #22 – January 15, 2020, 03:31:09 pm Before touching a campground electrical box with my bare hands, I first poke it with a Fluke 1AC-A1-II Volt-Alert AC Non-Contact Voltage Tester. It's probably prevented me from being electrocuted at least once. 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: What’s in Your Toolbox? Reply #23 – January 15, 2020, 06:51:11 pm "Before touching a campground electrical box with my bare hands, I first poke it with a Fluke 1AC-A1-II Volt-Alert AC Non-Contact Voltage Tester."Excellent idea! I have one similar to that, but never thought to use it in that particular way. From now on, I will! 1 Likes
Re: What’s in Your Toolbox? Reply #24 – January 15, 2020, 06:57:36 pm It’s no Fluke (pun intended) but I recently purchased one of these at Home Depot. Now I just need to learn how to use it. Sounds like a good use to check out the power pedestals when camping! 1 Likes
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