image of toolkit

The Ultimate RVer’s Toolkit

Ever wonder what tools to bring when you and your RV head out to go camping?

… Just try asking a few veteran campers! You’ll hear many opinions about what makes up the ultimate RVer’s toolkit. Many camping weekends have been saved by a pocketknife or a fingernail file, but the list of tools quickly gets longer and more complex. That’s why we’ve polled some experts, including repair technicians at Gulf Stream Coach to create our own list of tools. (Click here for a printable version of the list)

Will our list solve every problem you might have on the road? Of course not! But it contains tools that will often save time, money, and aggravation. Consider it to be a list of suggestions, not requirements! Long before you’ve used every tool on our list, you’ll have created your own. And not long after that, you’ll be sharing your experience with others.

Without further ado, here’s OUR Ultimate RVer’s Toolkit:

  • Slip-Jointed Pliers – Handy for tightening almost anything you can’t get a wrench on. 
  • Multi-Tip Screwdriver – w/2 or more blade tips, Phillips head tips, torx or other tips
  • Claw Hammer – For traditional ‘pounding, leverage
  • Socket Wrench Set – Some sets include both English and Metric sizes – You might need both
  • Utility Knife – Standard, w/retracting blade, extra blades
  • Tape – Duct Tape, Electrical Tape, Velcro-style hook-and-loop patches  
  • Adhesives – Gorilla Glue or similar, Super Glue
  • Tire Pressure Gauge
  • Adjustable Voltmeter
  • Vise-Grips
  • Abrasives – Sand paper, metal file
  • Battery-Powered Drill w/charger, basic drill bits
  • Loose Parts:  Assorted Screws, Bolts, Nuts, & Washers, Wire Nuts, Zip Ties, Spare Bulbs, Automotive Fuses etc. 
  • Wood Putty
  • Bottle Jack w/Tire Wrench – to change tires, brace the frame, etc. 
  • Tape Measure
  • Hacksaw w/spare blades
  • LED Flashlight w/spare batteries  
  • 1 or 2 C-Clamps
  • Lubricants – WD 40, 3-in-1 oil, lock de-icer/lubricant

When possible and practical, it’s good to make use of the molded plastic cases that come with many tools – Keeps them organized, dry, and quiet.  On the other hand, when storage space is limited (as it often is in an RV) you may prefer to find a soft-sided toolbox.

Seems that no matter how good the list is, the only tool you NEED in an emergency is the one you DON’T HAVE.  There’s a limit to how much weight and space your tools should take up, though.  Chances are good too that campground neighbors and other RV’ers you run into can help with tools, parts, and advice.  

Do you have a ‘don’t leave home without it tool’ that didn’t make our list?  Add your suggestions in the Comments below!  And do you have a story about how a particular tool saved you on your travels? We’d love to hear it!