Tools We Carry While Traveling

Stuff breaks way too frequently when it is under constant use. Knowing that our house sits on a set of axles that roll down the road every other week, we have to make sure it is up for the task even while on the road. Our rig consist of a diesel truck and a 5th wheel trailer, and we also carry a generator. Each one of these moving parts have preventative maintenance that has to be completed, and emergency fixes that may need done. Let’s talk about the tools that will keep us moving.

Oil Change

Oil changes are a part of life, and in our Routine Maintenance blog we discuss how to do oil changes on the road, here is a list of tools needed to complete the task: socket, wrench, oil filter wrench, oil bucket, rags

The correct socket and ratchet stays in the tool box at all times. I purchased an oil filter wrench that fits the oil filter for our truck. The first DIY oil change on the road, I purchased a large enough self contained bucket to contain the dirty oil. Can’t Forget rags or paper towels when the time comes. (You may want some hand cleaner, too)

Tires

Tire are part of the life of RVers everywhere. Some have BIG tires, some have small tires. Some people never have issues, while some of us pick up nails every 3rd Friday of even numbered months. Here are the tools I keep on hand to remedy any situation.

A lug nut wrench for both trailer and truck, 12v high volume air pump, high pressure (100psi) air gauge, tire plugs (orange for truck tires), metal T style plug kit, and a bottle jack large enough for the task.

Propane

Propane is a part of the RV life. Sometimes leaks happen, after all, this is a rolling earthquake. Tools we keep handy for propane are: electronic leak detector, gas rated Teflon tape (yellow)

Plumbing

Plumbing throughout the camper for us is PEX piping. Many connections can be repaired with push on connections from the big box hardware store, so I do not carry those style fittings. But what I do carry are:

Water hose ends, water hose washers, white Teflon tape

Miscellaneous

You never know the predicament you’ll wind up in, so here are some of the miscellaneous tools we keep in the truck or trailer.

A crescent wrench, grease gun, 3-1 oil, duct tape, eternal bond tape, screw driver – and +, black tape, caulk gun, self leveling sealant, clear silicone, screw gun/drill, socket set 3/8 and 1/2–10 mm 1/2 9/16, oil filter pliers (used for oil filter…or waste hookups), gloves- protective and disposable, wire cutters, razor knife.

Emergency Stuff

When an emergency does happen, big or small, you do need a few other items, not really tools but stuff to keep in the truck things. Here is a list of things you’ll find in our truck at any given time.

Cones, jump cables (box), ice scraper, tow strap, 1st aid kit, napkins (paper towels), fuses-tow vehicle and camper, water (always travels with us) blanket (seasonal), any leaky fluids.

Not everything will be used. You may not need many of these things often, but when you do, you’ll be glad they are with you. Safe travels, and I hope you don’t have too much to fix after that last move!