RV Tool Kit Must Haves (30+ RV Toolbox Essentials) that every RVer needs to be able to care for their RV and make basic repairs on the road. Breakdowns and mishaps are inevitable and happen at the most inconvenient times.
Be prepared by keeping these items in your RV at all times. They will save you time and money in the long run.
RV Tool Box Essentials You Must Keep in Your RV
Here are my RV toolbox essentials that I keep in our RV at all times. I highly recommend that you start building your toolbox as soon as possible.
My toolbox is actually a combination of storage totes, toolbox, etc. Since space is limited in an RV you will have to store your items according to what your RV allows.
I have no favorite tool brand, so if you have a favorite tool brand or retailer, feel free to research their versions of these items.
"Breakdowns and mishaps happen at the most inconvenient times. Be prepared by keeping these items in your RV at all times." -Frank
The List of Essentials
Electric Multimeter
A multimeter is used for measuring electicity.
You may use your electric multimeter to check the voltage of your batteries, the outlets in your RV, and the voltage at your utility pedestal at your campsite.
You just need a basic electric multimeter to handle simple tests, but to cover the basics (and a little more), check out the kit below.
Zip Ties
Zip ties are one of the most versatile items you should have in your toolkit. These are up there is usefulness with duct tape and tie-down straps. Bring many sizes.
I have used these for organizing extension cords, getting wires and hoses to stay together and out of the way, to create a hanging point for a flashlight or other items. Cable Zip Ties
Comprehensive Basic tool Kit
You never know what will come up so you should just get a good basic kit to cover the necessities. It should be easy to build onto this once you have a little experience with your specific RV.
No kit can cover all the specific sizes of nuts, bolts, screws so expect to add some additional pieces here.
WorkPro 322 Piece Tool Kit Item
Torque Wrench(s)
You should be checking your wheel lug nut torque before every trip. There’s also many other uses for a good torque wrench if you do any of your own repairs.
While you certainly don’t need a professional-grade tool just for DIY work, you don't want to scrimp either. Spend what you think will get you a quality unit. Check out the one below or something similar.
Battery Powered Drill
A battery powered drill is a basic tool that you probably already have around the house. For the RV though you'll want a smaller and lighter one to get into all the tight spots in an RV.
I suggest a small kit that has both a drill and a driver. Every tool manufacturer makes one of these sets so just look around for the best prices or go with your favorite brand.
A standard drill is needed but a right angle drill will help you get into tight spaces. I have found this very useful when operating the manual override for our hydraulic leveling system.
Right Angle Drill Converter
A right angle drill converter can be used instead of getting a separate right angle drill. This gadget will convert your standard drill to get into difficult spots and tight spaces - a common thing on a RV.
Duct Tape
Who doesn’t have duct tape? It really can be a savior and helpful in many ways. You might want a cheap roll for basic use, but also invest in some higher quality tape for when you really want it to stay together.
Some great uses for duct tape in your RV might be closing up unwanted holes, holding bodywork together temporarily until you can do a permanent fix, wrapping wires, holding your camp chair together, etc.
Drill Bit Set
A drill bit is used for drilling holes in wood and steel. Make sure to get a high speed hardened steel set.
I've used drill bits when hanging items in the RV and when adding new shelves and a beer bottle opener.
WD-40
WD-40's main purpose is rust removal and rust prevention but it has so many more uses!
WD-40 is a great short term lubricant but can wear out quickly. This is not for squeaking hinges, but has many uses and deserves a spot in your kit.
Other uses are for removing stuck rings from your fingers, waterproofing boots, and gloves, removing splattered grease on the stove or grill. It also removes scuff marks and can even separate stuck glassware.
Silicone Lubricant
Where WD-40 doesn’t fit the bill, silicone lube will usually work. It is a true lubricant so you can use it on hinges, window latches, window tracks, loosening nuts and bolts, basically anything that squeaks.
Digital Tire Gauge Inflator
I like a digital tire gauge because they are so much easier to read. I use one with my portable compressor to monitor all wheels on the trailer, plus my tow vehicle and bikes.
Portable Compressor
Again there are many options here at many different price points. I like the 6 gallon Pancake Compressor. There are many out there and they can be used around the house and shop too. I keep a compressor on the RV at all times.
Extra Quart of Oil
Keep an extra quart of oil on hand for each of your engines that require oil in case you need to top them off. Your tow vehicle, your motorhome, and the generator all use a variety of oil. See your owner's manual for exact viscosity and oil type.
"Make sure you are checking your oil regularly!"
Portable Battery Jump Starter
Jumper cables are the normal go-to for helping with a dead battery, but lithium car jump starters can also help you out when another vehicle is not around to assist with a jump start. And they can also charge your electronic devices too.
Keep in mind that these portable battery jump starters all have limitations. Make sure to buy one that's properly sized for your vehicle.
Tow Strap
Tow straps will help you get out of a ditch, or other situation where you are stuck. If you get in trouble and there is a good samaritan nearby this can help you get out of a tight spot.
Because RV's are large and heavy make sure to get heavy-duty tow straps.
Ratcheting Tie Down Straps
Ratchet straps are good for more than just tying down your toys in the back of your truck or in your toy hauler. They can be used as a make shift tow strap or to keep your storage bin closed while traveling.
Infrared Instant Non-Contact Thermometer
This is very handy to check the temperatures of many components. I use it to check the temperature of tires, brakes, and axle hubs.
Infrared Non-Contact Laser Thermometer
Jumper Cables
You might need these even if you have a portable jump start battery. Otherwise, you might be able to be a Good Samaritan for another person with a dead battery.
Shop Towels
These are always needed. Sure paper towels work too, but a dedicated work towel will be better in most circumstances as they are stronger and thicker. I keep these Scott Shop Towels on hand.
Mechanics Gloves
I don’t know about you but my hands take a beating and attract dirt like nothing you’ve ever seen. That dirt then transfers onto everything I touch.
Help keep your tow vehicle and your RV clean and cover your hands when working on anything around your RV.
Kneeling Pad
Since RV are most often parked on gravel, grass, and dirt, a kneeling pad is a whole lot more comfortable (and will keep you cleaner). I’m by no means ancient, but my knees are not what they used to be. Get a good kneeling pad to soften the blow on your knees.
They also make a good seat cushion to protect another important part of your body.
Emergency Triangles and Flares
Safety is critical and the road is very dangerous especially at night. Safety triangles are a basic way to warn others that there is something dangerous ahead.
Keep these on hand and use them to protect you and your rig in the event of an emergency.
Cartman Warning Triangle 3 Pack
Safety Vest
Along with triangles or flares to help make others aware of your situation, you will need a reflective vest or clothing to help others see you when you are working in low light conditions.
There are many different versions out there but make sure it is in an easily accessible place so you can get at it at a moment's notice. If you can’t grab it quickly, you won’t use it and that’s just not safe.
Neiko High Visibility Safety Vest
Self Sealing Silicone Tape
Sometimes you need to try and make a quick fix and might not have the parts to make things right. This tape seals to itself to help make a watertight seal. It can be used for other fixes too.
X-Treme Silicone Self Sealing Tape
Roadside Assistance Program
As much as I want to, I cannot fix every breakdown that happens on the road. I doubt even the most knowledgeable out there have every tool or part to make a roadside repair.
Roadside assistance plans are helpful to get you back on the road. Don’t make the mistake to think they are miracle workers though. When you call be prepared to wait. And then also realize that there are limitations.
I am not supporting any specific plan or provider so you will have to get out there and do some research to find the right one for you. I would never plan a multi-day road trip without this safety net.
Flashlight
I’m sure you already thought of this and probably have one in your tool kit already. I’m a flashlight junkie!! I have them stashed everywhere. There are at least 5 different ones in my RV.
I believe you can never have too many or enough different ones to help when working on your RV.
Portable Bottle Jack
I suggest making a place for these in your kit. They are very basic but they can safely lift many tons and that is very useful when dealing with very heavy trailers, 5th wheels, and RVs in case you have to lift your RV for some reason.
Do you know those lovely electric or hydraulic leveling jacks on your beautiful new RV? Well, guess what you will need when they no longer work or you need to lift your RV to change a tire or check your brakes?
Our front jacks failed on a recent cross-country trip and we could not get our fifth wheel loaded onto our truck. We called roadside assistance but because of the remoteness of our location, it was quicker for us to run and buy bottle jacks to lift the RV. I learned my lesson and now they are permanently in my RV toolbox.
Tire Plugging Kit
Some flat tires can be fixed on the side of the road or in your driveway. Depending on the type of flat you have this kit will help you take care of it. I have used tire plugs for years and they have been reliable for me when a nail or screw has caused a flat. Your mileage may vary. If you want a more long term fix after you get moving again, stop by a tire store and ask them to inspect and possibly patch the tire.
Handheld Lighted Mirror
There are lots of tight dark places where you need to see to figure out what is wrong or how to fix something in an RV. This kit will help you see around corners and help you pick up those screws that have dropped into deep dark places. Having a light on the mirror is very handy.
Preciva 5 Piece Mirror and Magnet Kit
Smart Phone with Unlimited Data
Beyond the safety a cell phone provides to call for help, there is also the possibility it can help you research your issue and maybe fix it if others have already encountered the issue and posted the info. There is a YouTube video on the web for lots of things.
It’s a great tool to store your maintenance log and all your specifications for your RV or trailer.
Related Content
Here are some more articles from our RV Basics Series"
- Cleaning An RV Inside and Out (with Free Printable Checklists)
- How To Empty Your Holding Tank
- RV Basics: How To Set Up Your Campsite
- How To Level Your RV
- RV Campsite Setup (With Printable Checklist)
- Hooking Up Utilities at The Campground
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RV Tool Kit Must Haves (30+ RV Toolbox Essentials) that every RVer needs to be able to care for their RV and make basic repairs on the road. Breakdowns and mishaps happen at the most inconvenient times. RV hack: Be prepared by keeping these items in your RV at all times. They will save you time and money in the long run. #rv #rvhacks #rvliving #campsite #rvhowto #rvcamping #RVbasics #RVtipsandtricks #seekingthervlife #RVhacks #RVmaintenance #RV101 #rvtoolkit #toolbox
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