Startup Tools and Other Necessities

[chuck5180]

just wonderin what are good tools and extra things to start out with. Pickin up our 2012 cougar 327 res, headin to florida then over to new orleans for a c21 conference. Thanks Chuck

[hankpage]

OK...... most important is a good tire gauge, then a toque wrench. Checking air pressure and lug nuts very important. ....... a bottle jack and wood blocks .... I can go on and on. I probably carry too many tools. (not that I think that is possible) I am sure others will have their priories also. JM2¢, Hank ...... if nothing else a good roll of duct-tape and some wire. ;)

[f6bits]

One of those "101 piece tool kits" sure comes in handy.
http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-CTK170CMP-Mechanics-Tool-170-Piece/dp/B000LWAX2C/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hi_4

[mhs4771]

You don't say if you're new or a seasoned camper, so lets assume new: Chocks for the wheels, and assortment of electrical adapters and heavy duty extension cords, misc water connections, something to help determine if the rig is level. That's a start.

[Charli]

Part of our checklist which keeps growing with each trip as we think of things we should have brought:
Rope; Clothes Pins; Outdoor mat; Tarp; Tire Guage; Torque Wrench; Tool Box; Axe/Hatchet; Picnic Table Cloth; Lawn Chairs; Flashlights/Charger; Extension cords; WD40; Pocket Knife; Levelling boards; Socket Set; Compressor; Jumper Cables; Bar-B-Que/small propane tank; Bar-B-Que utensils; Fire Starters; Garden Hose; Tire Chocks; Bug Spray/Off Candles /Zapper; Torpedo Level; Lantern; Bungie cords/Tiedowns, bottle jack; jack stands;

[reubenray]

Where is the best place to get a good-dependable air gauge? I have several, but they seem to be cheap.

[MILBY]

Like others have told you welcome and you will love your327 we have had ours a year and no real big problems. Others have covered the big stuff to get and you will find out the other things as time goes by.

[f6bits]

Where is the best place to get a good-dependable air gauge? I have several, but they seem to be cheap.

I use a digital one I picked up at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00080QHMM/

Someone mentioned Bug Spray. I have several pest control products I keep on hand: Raid ant killer, and ant traps. It’s no fun dealing with an ant invasion.

[hankpage]

Where is the best place to get a good-dependable air gauge? I have several, but they seem to be cheap.

Most "cheap" gauges don't always read as high as you may need. Just like other things RV related measuring at or near the max may not be very accurate. Another good tool is an infrared thermometer, they make checking tire and hub/brake temps quick and simple.

[JoeofNSB]

Most "cheap" gauges don't always read as high as you may need. Just like other things RV related measuring at or near the max may not be very accurate. Another good tool is an infrared thermometer, they make checking tire and hub/brake temps quick and simple.
Hank, you mentioned an infared thermometer. What's the brand and model you use. I've been looking but not really sure about features and prices. Seem to be a big range of both.

Thanks,

Joe

[Johnnyfry]

Well, fortunately or unfortunately, I carry about every tool invented, including my Dremel tool, cordless drill, 3 socket sets, torque wrench, yada-yada-yada. But that's me.

I think a socket set ( half inch drive), torque wrench, Crescent wrenches, Vise grips, screwdrivers, AC/DC multimeter, electrical tape, duct tape, bottle jack, jumper cable set, fuse set, spare bulbs, hose washers, a few sheet metal screws, tie wraps, tire gauge, crimp tool would be a minimum for me.

If you do not have the tools you are at the mercy of whatever service shop you can find for every little failure.

On your first long trip, keep track of what you need and add as necessary. We don't expect trouble but it sure feels good if you can fix it and be on your way.

John

[SteveC7010]

Well, fortunately or unfortunately, I carry about every tool invented.......

John, you are a man after my own heart!

I also carry most of my tools, and alot of parts. I've been RV'ing since the early 1970's and have slowly accumulated several little plastic shoe boxes full of all kinds of RV flotsam. Specialty screws, cuphooks, window shade mounts, the list is endless.

One little hand tool I consider a basic essential for any RV is the 6-way screwdriver. Comes with a double-ended #2 & #3 phillips bit and a double-ended flat bit. The bit holders are 5/16" and 1/4" nut drivers. I found a double-ended bit with #1 and #2 square drives that fits the holder. This lives in the trailer and with it, I can fit 99.5% of the hardware used in a typical RV. Total investment is about $8.

[placergoldman]

On top of all the tools and tape, screws and things a good First Aid kit is a must...

Tim

[jje1960]

All that is needed is a few rolls of duck tape and a hammer, what else you need? Seriously, I got more stuff than I'll ever use as well, don't regret carrying everything, never know. I did find an awesome toolbox at Walmart, it's a Stanley on wheels, we keep it in the front storage compartment, again, it's full of stuff that I'll probably never use!

[hankpage]

Hank, you mentioned an infared thermometer. What's the brand and model you use. I've been looking but not really sure about features and prices. Seem to be a big range of both.

Thanks,

Joe

Joe, I bought mine many years ago from McMaster Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/#infrared-thermometers/=g7v5zp). It is item "B" on this page. (if the link worked) The price has gone up but then what hasn't? I use it every fuel or pit stop to monitor tire and hub temps and is much more accurate then the back of my hand and sometimes less painful. I also use it to check fridge and freezer temps. Knowing that the brown bottles are right around 34°F is very comforting when you are getting close to your destination after a long trip. :thumbsup: Hank

[michol02]

Camp close to a walmart!! LOL. I always end up there for something.

[Bob Landry]

I carry what I think I need to keep a camping trip far away from home from being ruined, an air compressor, hand tools, tire gauge, torque wrench, socket set, spare propane regulator, spare shore power cord, spare water hose, extra sewer hose for those long reaches, fuses, multi-meter. MANY leveling blocks, Also a 48qt Igloo cooler lives under the bed cover in the back of the truck. It serves multiple uses. For everything else, there's WalMart.

[mapleman3]

I'm just starting to think of what I need...I just bought my TT but I read somewhere that carrying an extra wheel bearing for the trailer is a good idea also.

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[SteveC7010]

I'm just starting to think of what I need...I just bought my TT but I read somewhere that carrying an extra wheel bearing for the trailer is a good idea also.

That is a good idea, but keep a full set on hand including new seals and cotter pins. That way, if you don't use up one for an on the road emergency, you've got your next re-pack and bearing change ready to go.

But the bearing sets aren't much good without a good jack, wood cribbing, tools and grease. Rags-on-a-roll and solvent are good, too.

Mechanic's nitrile gloves are great to have if you're repacking bearings - keeps the mess and cleanup to a minimum.

[allentx1]

We camp locally with our kids, kids friends, family and 2 dogs. So most of what we carry is related to recreation. We have a blow up boat, life jackets for 6, lots of ropes (come in handy for everything from a rope swing to closeline), air pump, cleaning supplies like pine-sol/clorox wipes, walmart bags, fishing poles/tackle, tons of shoes (seems every city kid brings flip flops only so we "loan" out old boots/shoes) and firewood/starters.

[michael]

After reading these posts im thinking about turning my pickup into a service truck, Complete with torches welder tire balancer tire changer.

lol it seems no mater what you pack you dont have the thing you need.

But theres ushally the mcgyver of the camp ground that can fix anything or has every tool sold, Most campers will lend a tool or a hand.

[Badboy]

Most important do not take things that you won't use,remember just take what you are going to need,every thing that you take adds more weight.It all adds up to to much weight.:wave: