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View Full Version : What extras and tools should I have with my new trailer


mpoi
11-04-2014, 04:32 AM
Getting an 29rbk in a couple weeks. Was wondering what else I will need in terms stuff from the parts department.
Some suggestions I've had are;
Hitch lock
Surge suppressor
Water pressure regulator
Extended black water hose and adapter
Pucks for the black water tank
"Lemon wedges" for the grey water tank
Y connector for the water hook up.
Just wondering if there's any other little tidbits I should get before I go for my first trip.
Should I have a full tool box or is there only a few tools I should need for emergencies too.

Hercules1978
11-04-2014, 04:53 AM
My personal suggestions
square head screwdriver bit
Cordless drill
Adapter for stabilizing jacks (if manual) for drill
Extra 12vdc fuses

jtyphoid
11-04-2014, 05:29 AM
If you're the type to change your own tire in case of a flat or when performing maintenance, you'll need some tools to do that:
- hydraulic jack or some other means to raise the tire off the ground
- properly rated jack stands for safety
- torque wrench, extension, and socket for lug nuts
- chocks to keep trailer from moving if not hitched up
- gloves to protect your hands

Edited to add that it's a good idea to practice changing a tire in your driveway to make certain that you have everything you need.

byrdr1
11-04-2014, 05:46 AM
Duct tape & WD40.
if it don't move and should use WD40.
IF it moves and should not use duct tape.

NOW I know you think I am being funny but really I have both in my tool box.
along with assorted screw drivers, adjustable wrench, socket set and a socket to fit the anode rod nut, wire cutter and striper, pliers, wire nuts, assorted screws, nuts&bolts. Plus I carry my electricians tool bag in my truck at all times. and lets not forget my handy dandy electric rechargeable drill and assorted bits and accessories. oh yeah wire ties, what would life be without wire ties of various lengths.
randy

KanTC
11-04-2014, 06:29 AM
"New Owner Checklist" http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9915

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

crash
11-04-2014, 06:51 AM
Dont forget vise grips, hammer,ratchet straps ( in case something comes loose) jumper cables,rags and emergency triangles just in case :D

jsmith948
11-04-2014, 07:43 AM
a poly tarp. Can be used to lie on if you have to get under the trailer or to cover a damaged roof.
.030 mechanics wire - for things that gorilla tape won't hold
various wooden blocks in case you have to jack up the trailer
an ax, shovel and rake
a fireplace poker
a flashlight with extra batteries
a good first-aid kit

Desert185
11-04-2014, 08:00 AM
Sort of a tool....

http://www.flagpolebuddy.com

GmaPaTime
11-04-2014, 09:11 AM
X2 Desert185....

Beer!!!

coop
11-04-2014, 09:41 AM
Don't forget a pair of slip lock pliers and thread sealant tape, at some point a plumbing conection will work loose.

vampress_me
11-04-2014, 01:39 PM
My add-ons would be Calgon for in the black tank, slide out lubricant for where WD-40 doesn't last and drives you nuts (such as the pull-out steps into the camper), and a clear elbow with gate valve for black and grey tank emptying.

sourdough
11-04-2014, 02:17 PM
I would add an L adapter for the fresh water inlet. It takes a lot of strain off the inlet, an extra length of sewer hose (if you camp in developed parks they are set up every which way) and the clear sewer elbow and attachments for connecting the sewer line to the permanent sewer connection. Depending on your fuse panel layout a fuse puller could come in handy if you're fat fingered like I am and they are all placed close to each other. Spare bulbs/LEDs for your overhead lights, spare water heater drain plug (mine blew two while in FL) along with the proper wrench (look at the water heater and get the same kind of plug. Don't replace plastic with brass). Don't forget the cordless drill with associated bits - especially the square drive bit, a #2 I believe. A flashlight is always handy. Have them give you an assortment of square drive screws like they use to keep on hand. I also have a flexible extension for the drill that lets me get to tight places where the drill is too big.

I don't recall you mentioning a equalizer/sway hitch in your other posts. You need to get one. Mine is an Equal I Zer brand 12k hitch with sway control and I'm very happy with it. Look into them because there are all kinds of variations; a good one makes for a much better towing experience.

Desert185
11-04-2014, 02:19 PM
A pancake air compressor from HF (on sale) with spiral hose and appropriate QR fittings for hose end.

A torque wrench with correct size lugnut socket and extension.

A good tire pressure gauge.

Combo indoor/outdoor thermometer.

I like a water pressure regulator for both fresh water and black water flush hoses. Protects from possible over pressure and no cross-contamination moving it from hose to hose.

Lysol handwipes as a further precaution after removing gloves (see cross-contamination, above). Overkill? Perhaps, but would you go directly to the bucket of chicken before washing your hands?

mpoi
11-04-2014, 04:21 PM
Awesome, thanks guys
I've down loaded that list and started adding to it.
Looks like a princess auto shopping list.

theeyres
11-04-2014, 07:35 PM
My answer: forget the last two pages! Just go RVing and enjoy it. One of my great pleasures over the years has been figuring out just what I want for my style of RVing. You will soon begin developing your own list of what you want/need. Nobody else' list will work for you; you will just end up with a whole bunch of stuff you'll never use.

After 50 years of camping in everything imaginable I still find myself excited about some new thing I just can't live without. Just go have fun and see what comes up.

Desert185
11-04-2014, 07:44 PM
Kind of nice to be prepared and have the right tool when "something comes up", though. :)

bsmith0404
11-05-2014, 04:08 AM
for about $100 you can get the two sets listed below. The tool set has most of the tools you would need to do any job while out and about. The storage case has a space in the center where the plier set will fit. Keeps everything nice and neat and doesn't take up much space. I also have a 12 ton bottle jack from Walmart. It comes in a nice storage case and again doesn't take up much space and is easy on the wallet.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-220pc-mts-set-with-case/p-00936220000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-3-pc-pliers-set/p-00945412000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

sourdough
11-05-2014, 11:57 AM
I have to agree with Desert185. There are quite a few things you don't want to leave home without. Trying to take off without being prepared and planning on "learning the hard way" certainly will diminish the fun a first time Rver will have. Being unable to dump your tanks doesn't make it more fun; blowing out your plumbing due to 110psi water isn't fun; something coming loose or breaking without having the bare minimum of tools isn't fun; for me, using local water in FL without a filter isn't "fun"; etc.

outwest
11-05-2014, 01:03 PM
ones Haven't noticed being listed - extra water hose (never know how far you're going to have to reach), leveling blocks (with spare to go under power jack, if needed) and water filter (Amazon has a 5 micron setup that I like http://www.amazon.com/Camco-40631-Premium-Water-Filter/dp/B00523AMBC - be careful to not over tighten inlet/outlet connections when putting together the filter housing; it breaks easily)

edit to add - if you have a hand crank jack, an upgrade to a power jack is something you'll probably enjoy having. And, if you're going to enjoy the outdoors, some bag chairs, a folding table, and an outdoor mat are nice to have.

Williston324
11-05-2014, 01:24 PM
Lots of good suggestions here. I will add - at least two spare 40 amp fuses for the converter. These are the ones that protect it if/when the battery is ever shorted out by incorrectly connecting the terminals. These are the fuses you discover you need at night when the lights start to go dim and all the stores are closed!! Another just nice to have item - cordless leaf blower. I picked up an inexpensive Ryobi and it's great to have around the campsite. Blows all the leaves off my slides (no toppers) in a few seconds or for just cleaning up the site after a windy night.

gearhead
11-06-2014, 02:31 PM
I would add a "Trailer Aid" for changing tires. Check it before you travel to be sure it will lift high enough without some boards under it. Amazon should have them. I have a cheap volt ohm meter that is still in the wrapper in case I have an electrical issue. Lots of electrical adapters....50 amp to 30, 30 to household 110, etc. A Harbor Freight torque wrench with an extension and socket for the trailer and truck.

Barbell
11-07-2014, 06:10 AM
Fold-up ladder. Got ours at CW for around $80. Extra ratcheting tie downs. Extra cardboard boxes folded flat til you need them. Gorilla tape. Swifter refills and microfiber rags for dusting/cleaning.

yolo2rv
11-22-2014, 05:25 PM
beer, cell phone, credit cards, cheque book, lawn chair.

notanlines
11-23-2014, 04:08 AM
I will reiterate a couple items......beer, zip ties, zip ties of varying lengths and a little extra beer for after the times you've fixed something with your spray lube, Gorilla tape and zip ties.:D

Desert185
11-23-2014, 09:05 AM
beer, cell phone, credit cards, cheque book, lawn chair.

Yeah boy, a credit card is the modern day multi tool. :cool:

wilsonseattle
12-04-2014, 02:38 PM
Here is an idea from the school of hard knocks...
Buddy of ours had his trailer stolen, he had a hitch lock but the thieves just took the chains and wrapped them around their hitch and drove away. So wrap the chains around the jack post and secure them with a good lock. I put mine in behind the post so it was very hard to reach with a universal lock remover (ie bolt cutters)

Also consider installing water sensors, you can get them real cheap at Radio Shack. I put them under the kitchen and bathroom sinks so any leaks are quickly detected. I had one under the bathroom sink when it started leaking and we were able to correct the problem before it became a big issue.

Also highly recommend pressure and temperature sensors on all of the wheels, great piece of mind when you’re traveling. You will have to replace the valve stems with metal ones but well worth the price.

Jay Pat
12-05-2014, 10:42 AM
I had a blow out that took out 3 gas lines. I was lucky in that I could cut and splice the lines. Had trouble finding parts. Did get parts in another town.
Don't forget caps incase you don't have enough parts. At least you could get part of your stuff working.

I now carry the parts and tools. Well, I may need more copper tubing.
Also, Gorilla tape to tape any rips in the water membrane about the tire.
Pat