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We’ve all been there, partway into your RV trip when something goes wrong. It happens more than I like to admit. Often, this happens when you and your RV are far from home, and far from your tools.
If you’re like me, you keep a smaller toolkit in your RV so you can handle some of these minor emergencies. But being as Stef and I have a smaller Class B – we don’t have the space to take along cordless drills and air compressors. So I’ve had to make some careful decisions about what I can bring along. In this video, I share with you what I carry on our RV trips. It doesn’t take up much space, and I’ve been able to get myself out of more than a few jams with it.
The contents of the toolkit are listed below:
- 20 amp Romex
- 12 volt stranded wire
- Multi Meter – This one is a good deal
- Wire Nuts – just a few in various sizes will cover it
- Linesman’s pliers
- Standard Pliers
- Vise Grips
- Needle Nose Pliers
- “Robo Grip” pliers
- Duct Tape
- Silicone Repair Tape – This is the stuff I carry
- Hex Wrenches (Standard and Metric)
- Wire Brush
- Box Cutter
- Extra Razor Blades
- Rags
- Pry Bar
- Hammer
- Combination Wrenches (Standard and Metric)
- Small, Multi Bladed Saw – This is the one I have, and it is awesome for a compact tool kit!
- Tube of silicone
- Hose Clamps (various sizes)
- Screwdrivers
- Three sizes flat-head
- Three sizes Phillips
- #2 Robertson (square drive)
- Various nails, screws, nuts, bolts
- Socket wrench set (Standard and metric)
- Adjustable wrench
- bungee cords (variety of sizes)
- Small shovel
- Survival bag
- lots of zip ties
- rope
- sticky weatherstripping
- Dynamat – Smaller pieces to snuff out rattles
)
And there were a few more things in the outer pockets of the tool bag that I forgot to show in the video:
Will you be revising this Tool Kit section to be more specific to the EKKO?
All of your information is fantastic, I’m learning so much from both of you guys.
Thanks.
That video is probably due for an update.
But as yet, I haven’t identified any “EKKO Specific” tools that I’ve needed to bring.
My question is where did you get the boxes of the boxes for the tool kit? I’ve never seen one that you can stack.
You can get them on Amazon!
Here’s a link for one of them, but there are other types available.
You should probably keep a cordless drill, small air compressor and thread tape are some tools I’ve needed quite often in my rig.
Not bad suggestions.
If you count a bicycle pump as a “small air compressor” (we do), then we actually do travel with these items as well.
For what would you use the square bit driver?
Many of the screws that hold your RV together are square drive. They work better in production environments (they stay on the driver without falling off, for example).
Afternoon, James! My wife and I are to take delivery of a K model this Saturday. I have been following your informative packets for some time now and would like to say ‘thank you’ for your generous information in your articles
! I’ve subscribed to your site and look forward to your future articles. Thanks again,
Cordially,
Glenn
Hi Glenn! Glad you found some stuff on here useful.
And welcome! Hope we see you out on the road in your new rig soon!
I like that you suggest to pack some duct tape. I have used this kind of tape in so many emergency situations. I like it because it is easy to rip off and is very reliable. I often tend to wrap whatever it is I am using it on a couple times so as to make sure it is steady.
Good video. Thanks!
Very Good! Well thought out and concise, Some one once said Not planning ahead is like planning to fail!
Saw that little compact Husky wrench set in your video, so looked it up. Found one not quite the same, but 46 pieces in plastic kit , Stubby Adjustable wrench. Ratcheting socket wrench with Metric and Standard sockets, ratcheting screwdriver, 20 screwdriver bits (Slotted, phillips, hex, torx, security star, square). Quality is fine for the price; lets me leave my better Craftsman tools at home. Price? $28 on Amazon, $20 at Home Depot.
Thank you for the tip.
Husky Tool Kit on Amazon
Thanks James. Was just putting my mind to a tool kit for the Ascent so this article was very helpful – as usual.
I’ve started to think about updating the list – since I’ve got a new rig with new quirks. But as of now, that same kit is riding in Lance!
Oh, and sorry if I missed it, but approximately what size is the tool bag you have to hold all these items? Thanks.
Never measured it. But I think it’s the Husky 12 inch tool bag. Just picked it up at the local home center.
I saw your video demo of the black tank emptying time between the 3″ and the macerator pump w/ clean out feature.
What about simply using the camco clear plastic flush 45 w/ hose connection and back flow preventer, approx. $ 20-25.00
I’ve used this and can see thru the fitting and have had what I feel is good success in cleaning out my black tank after emptying it.
I think it might add another demention to your comparison test your already doing.
If you decide to add this to your online video demo it would be appreciated if you you let me know so I can see how this fitting actually works… Thanks !!
I think I did what you’re asking in the next video in that series. I try several other methods for dumping and flushing. You can find that video here.
I have an 1985 Winnebago Chieftain 27, it’s my first RV. The water heater unit uses quite a few of the smallest hex head bolts I’ve ever come across, maybe 1/8 or 3/16? Anyone familiar with this part and know for certain what size it is?
James, thank you for the great article! I’ve ordered several items you suggested to my dedicated onboard tool kit.
Not familiar with those tiny hex bolts. Very strange that they would have been using those back in ’85.
In any case, I’m glad this helped you out!
When we get our new Travato, I’m sure there will be a few modifications to my tool kit. So I will likely be posting an updated video in the future once I’ve settled on my tool choices.
Appreciate the kind words, Van. It’s a little work to make videos and maintain the site, but honestly – it’s fun! If there’s something in particular you want to see, let us know and we’ll try our best to work it in. Cheers!
I saw your post on RV.Net and followed your link to your website where I watched your videos and read your material.
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to put together those helpful hints. Very much appreciated. Keep up the good work.
Kindest regards,
Van Gurley