33 RV Tool Kit Essentials That Might Save You Later

If you're planning a trip in your RV, you'll want to put together a tool kit that has everything you're likely to need to deal with maintenance and repair issues that come up while you're on the road. Store the kit inside your RV so that you will always have access to these items during your travels.

General Tool Kit Items

You'll need a variety of general purpose tool items to be prepared for your RV adventures.

• Screwdriver - Keep a good-quality multi-headed screwdriver with Phillips, flat and torx bits. Kobalt, Snap-On and Craftsman are good brands.
• Wire brush - You'll likely use a wire brush for many tasks, including cleaning lug nut threads on the wheels of your RV and towing vehicle, as well as battery posts.
• Vise grips - Include a pair of ten-inch straight jaw vise grips in your tool box. These are useful if you have to deal with a stripped bolt or nut.
• Wrenches - Wrenches are handy for loosening and tightening battery connections as well as other miscellaneous bolts and nuts. Be sure your kit includes 7/16", 1 /2" and 9/16" wrenches. If your camper's hardware is metric, select 10, 12, 13 and 14 mm.
• Hammer - A claw hammer should be included in every RV toolbox. It will come in handy for everything from hanging your hammock to making repairs.
• Pliers - No tool kit is complete without a pair of pliers. This handy item can be used for many maintenance and repair needs, including cutting wire, holding nuts, bending metal and more.

  

• Socket set - A socket set is another must-have item that can be used for many different purposes, including dealing with RV and tow-vehicle repairs and maintenance.
• Razor knife - A razor knife is handy for situations where you may need to cut rope, twine and other general purpose functions.
• WD-40 - No tool box is complete without a supply of this versatile, useful liquid. Examples of uses include oiling hinges, loosening stuck nuts, and cleaning electrical connections. You can also spray it on your tools to keep them rust-free.
• Duct tape - Like WD-40, duct tape is essential for a complete tool kit. You'll be surprised at how often you'll use duct tape during RV trips. For example, if your canopy develops a hole, you can use duct tape for a temporary repair.
• Battery charger - Assuming that you are using rechargeable batteries in your battery operated appliances, you'll want to keep a universal charger in your RV tool kit. Choose a charger that will take battery sizes ranging from AAA to D.
• Fire extinguisher - Keep a charged fire extinguisher capable of putting out oil and gasoline fires in your camper and tow vehicle. Store so that it's within easy reach at all times. While you may never need to use a fire extinguisher, you certainly don't want to find yourself without one if the need arises.

Tire Supplies

Don't be stuck without the items you need to deal with flat or leaky tires during your RV adventures.

• Spare tire - Be sure to always have a spare tire with you. If your tire is not a common size or if you are setting out on a long road trip, consider carrying an extra so that you have a spare for your spare.

• Fix-a-flat - This canned tire sealant can temporarily plug some slow leaks caused by punctures, buying time until you can get your tire fixed or replaced.
• Tire plug repair kit - A good kit can be used to temporarily plug some tire punctures.
• Jack - Keep a heavy duty hydraulic jack or scissors jack capable of lifting your RV for tire changes.
• Lug wrench - Be sure to keep a 4-way lug wrench for changing tires with you at all times. It is also a good idea to get two pieces of two-foot long black iron pipe that that will fit over the ends of the wrench to give you more leverage if needed.
• Compressed air tank - A 2 to 5 gallon compressed air tank can be useful for adding air to your tires. Keep the tank full of air by topping it off at gas stations as needed.
• Blowgun for air tank - An air blowgun accessory can be attached to the air tank to clean off electrical connectors on your RV.
• 12-volt air compressor - A compressor can be used to fill your air tank or to directly fill tires. Be aware that a compressor will take much longer to fill tires than a filled air tank.

Electrical System Supplies

Many RV crises can be averted by having proper electrical repair and maintenance supplies on hand.

• Battery quick-disconnect - A battery quick-disconnect kit will allow you to disconnect your battery without tools.
• Electrical pliers - If you have to do any type of electrical repair work, you'll need to have a quality pair of wire cutters or wire strippers handy. These will be useful for stripping electrical wires as needed for repairs.
• Connectors - Your electrical supply kit should include spade, bullet and butt connectors for repairs that require joining wires. They make it possible to join wires without soldering.

  

• Electrical tape - As with electrical pliers and connectors, electrical tape is helpful any time you might need to make electrical repairs.
• 14-gauge wire - Not every electrical wiring problem can be repaired. Keep 14-gauge wire in your kit in case you need to replace wires that become damaged. This is the thickest wire you might need for performing RV repairs on the road.
• Di electric grease - This substance is grease that conducts electricity. It helps keep corrosion from building on electrical wiring and connectors. It can also be used to stop corrosion on battery terminals.
• Spare bulbs - Keep spare tail, turn, reverse and interior light bulbs in your tool kit so that you don't find yourself stuck without working lights if a bulb goes bad.
• Spare fuses - it's a fact that fuses blow from time to time. Don't get stranded on the road or in a campground without a few extra fuses for your RV and any other vehicles you are traveling with.
• Voltmeter - A voltmeter is handy for diagnosing electrical problems. Use this device for testing electrical wiring, connections, battery charge, etc.

RV-Specific Supplies

Before purchasing any supplies specific to your RV, be sure that the items you are considering are the correct size and configuration for your unit.

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  Extra safety chain link - If you are pulling an RV or are towing something behind your motor home, keep an extra quick link or shackle sized for the trailer safety chain in case one of yours goes bad.
• Manual Crank for Tongue Jack - If you are camping in an RV, you can't always count on your electric jack to work. If your battery goes dead and you need to hook up your unit, you'll only be able to do so if you have a manual crank.
• RV Level - Keeping a small bubble level in your RV is essential. Use it every time you park, adjusting your RV so that it's level is important for your comfort as well as to make sure that your camper's systems can operate properly.
• Water key - Some campgrounds may require a special key in order for you to connect your camper to the water supply.

Be Prepared

Taking the time to put together a tool kit specific to RV travel is a great way to make sure that you're prepared for just about any situation that you might face during your road adventures.