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Old 10-26-2015, 07:09 PM   #1
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Most useful tools and "spare parts" list!~

Now here's a topic that should garner varied opinions and suggestions. The question:

What would be the minimum "ideal" list of tools and "spare parts" that "prepared" Escapees should have/carry on their travels?

Fred Alexander
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Old 10-26-2015, 07:20 PM   #2
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Old 10-26-2015, 07:34 PM   #3
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I agree: Donna's credit card!
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Old 10-26-2015, 07:34 PM   #4
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Old 10-26-2015, 07:37 PM   #5
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Since you say "minimum," then I would suggest, in addition to Donna's credit card, a magnetic screwdriver with various bits including Robertson 1 thru 4, and hose washers. If you want to exceed the minimum, a Leatherman tool and a bicycle pump.
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Old 10-26-2015, 07:52 PM   #6
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I had a spare cork screw that we gave to a romantic young couple visiting from Europe. I need to replace it.
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Old 10-26-2015, 08:48 PM   #7
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Always have some beer or a jug along. Most of the time people willing to help you would rather have a cold one than money. Unless of course they are some kind of mercenary repair outfit, then they want money. Seriously, we have two small plastic boxes a little bigger than a shoe box packed with some elementary tools, spare fuses, some tape, electric adapters, and an assortment of screws. After you are out a few times you'll be able to put a kit together that will take care of most things you might need. I personally do not carry spare pumps, switches etc. because I can either do without whatever broke or make a trip to the nearest source to buy what I need. We are not deep woods boondockers but do live the Scout Motto. Make sure you have a good first aid kit with specialty meds you might need ( Epi pen, benedryl). There's no right or wrong here, just personal preference.
And keep the code dated stuff fresh. Just my $.02
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Old 10-26-2015, 08:53 PM   #8
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I've found that I carry all sorts of spares and tools, and that I can't find them until I've replaced them. Then they show up in the most unusual places.
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Old 10-26-2015, 08:59 PM   #9
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I have found a tubless tire repair kit for the tow vehicle has come into play, a lot.
So a 12volt air pump as well, tire pressure gauge.
An assortment of crimp on connectors and the crimping tool and wire stripper and some heat shrink.
Multi bit screwdriver
small socket set and ratchet handle.
medium and small size adjustable wrench.
scissors.
Velcro.
flashlights and replacement batteries.
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Old 10-26-2015, 09:03 PM   #10
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Cheap multi tool,
Right socket to change a tire
Tube of sealer
Hank of cord or rope
Matches and or fire starter (butane)
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Old 10-26-2015, 09:27 PM   #11
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Umbra Hooks to hang jackets on. Torque wrench for lug nuts with a deep socket.

A Bungee cord came in handy when one of my stabilizers came loose. They are not bolted on, but are now.

Extra fitting for stinky slinky.
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Old 10-27-2015, 12:32 AM   #12
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After being a mechanic for 38 years I really don't know how I can get by without a roll around tool chest full of tools. This is really going to be a problem since I could easily exceed the tow vehicles GVW without even trying. I think I could get by with just a craftsman tool case with all 6pt sockets, an assortment of brake tools, a wiring kit with crimp pliers, a heat gun, a few sets of pliers, a pry bar, a set of screwdrivers, a small air compressor, a makita 1/2 inch cordless drill with drill bits, a 1/2 inch torque wrench and Donna's Credit card.
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Old 10-27-2015, 12:48 AM   #13
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AKCamper, we have all of that and more, but you might have to restrain yourself as far as the big tool box! I would add masking and duct tape and a two-step stool. We didn't have the stool the other day when I saw on a walk around that there was a "screw" almost out of the solar panel. We managed it with a wrench standing on the bumper and no problem really, since we were close to storage, but needed that wrench.

This question has been answered with many lists that can be found on this site and also, groups such as Good Sam have very long lists, not half of which you would take to have a minimum, Fred! We have quite a few tools and we do use one now and then.
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Old 10-27-2015, 01:03 AM   #14
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Duct tape

Duct Tape of course - After all it is the handyman's secret weapon
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Old 10-27-2015, 05:31 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by C&G in FL View Post
Since you say "minimum," then I would suggest, in addition to Donna's credit card, a magnetic screwdriver with various bits including Robertson 1 thru 4, and hose washers. If you want to exceed the minimum, a Leatherman tool and a bicycle pump.
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Originally Posted by AKCamper View Post
After being a mechanic for 38 years I really don't know how I can get by without a roll around tool chest full of tools. This is really going to be a problem since I could easily exceed the tow vehicles GVW without even trying
When the OP asked about a "minimum," I tried to address the actual minimum for RV "survival." While I carry more, the truth is that nobody can carry all the tools and parts to meet any possible repair scenario, so any tool kit by necessity is a compromise. But I feel your pain, AKCamper. In many years of RVing, I personally have found the most used tool is a screwdriver, so I suggested magnetic screwdriver with the appropriate bits. Less weight and less bulky than a "set" of screwdrivers. Secondly, a crimping tool, wire strippers, and assorted crimps. Some models of Leatherman tools have the ability to strip and crimp. I don't carry heat shrink or a heat gun because "field" repairs can be readdressed upon arrival at home and done correctly when the proper tools and parts are available. A non-weatherproof crimp will more likely than not allow you to finish a trip and last until you get home (if you are not full-timing). If you carry duct tape, and I do, you are already following the line of thought that "I will fix it properly when I am able."

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I would add ..... a two-step stool.
Interesting that you would suggest that. We use a molded two step Rubbermaid step stool for trailer entry because we find it preferable to the bolt-on/welded-on steps typically found on small RVs. But over the years, it has been put to many other uses.
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Old 10-27-2015, 09:25 AM   #16
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Old 10-27-2015, 09:34 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fbalexander View Post
Now here's a topic that should garner varied opinions and suggestions. The question:

What would be the minimum "ideal" list of tools and "spare parts" that "prepared" Escapees should have/carry on their travels?

Fred Alexander
Hi: fbalexander... Here's what I carry for tools. IKEA Fixa 17 pc. tool kit. http://www.ikea.ca I bought a few Robertson sq. socket heads for it. I carry a pair of water pump pliers to tighten hose connections and a rubber mallet to bang in the chocks. That takes care of the most I want to do while travelling. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 10-27-2015, 09:43 AM   #18
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I always have a roll of butyl tape for quickly fixing leaks or sticking notes on windows.
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Old 10-27-2015, 09:47 AM   #19
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The only spare things I bring is fuses. On the rare occasion something happens, I will take the time to go buy what I need. Even though I have a shop full of tools, I carry only a basic amount should any repair be needed.

No tire repair, only tire changing tools including a breaker bar and 13/16" socket.
No spare bearing stuff. In 100's of thousands of miles towing, I have never needed this.
No spare motors, pumps or stuff like that either. I can get by without for a day or two until I can obtain what I need.
No socket set, no wrench set.

What I do carry is this stuff, all in a soft sided tool kit.
  • Duct tape
  • Electrical tape
  • Masking tape
  • Tie wire
  • Cable ties
  • Sharpening stone
  • Spare batteries for devices
  • Spare fuses
  • Spare bulb
  • Contact cleaner kit
  • Mulit-meter
  • Pliers - lineman & needle
  • Sidecutters
  • Hammer
  • Adjustable wrench - 10" & 6"
  • 12V drill and driver set - though not always
  • Screwdriver set
  • Utility knife
  • Tape measure
  • Ball lubricant
  • Jack
  • Tire wrench - tow & 13/16
  • Torque adapotor
  • Small level
  • Air compressor
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Booster cables
  • Small folding shovel
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Old 10-27-2015, 10:34 AM   #20
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I carry enough tools in my truck to handle anything that I am capable of repairing on the road (not much, these days). I've added a few SAE sockets, Robertson screwdrivers, and a multimeter for the Escape. Spare parts are limited to fuses, so far.
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