Furnace and converter adventures

[JRTJH]

I would recommend a BASIC multimeter, a electrical terminal/crimping tool kit, electrical tape, a soldering iron and solder, shrink tubing replacement fuses for all the various sizes and types found in the RV and a good wire cutter/stripper tool. An "extra" that you might consider is a length of multi-strand wire in basic wire gauge sizes. Many parts stores have a "kit" with rolls of multiple size wires for automotive use. RV's use the same wire type.

Those basic tools should be, IMO, part of every "RV tool box".

 

[SerenityNow-KEY]

Thanks Mikelff for this helpful information. Your list of must have tools sounds good. I didn’t expect a circular saw on the list. I have a powerful Dremel with asst. bits I carry to make emergency cuts. It is limited in what it can do as far as cutting but very light in weight compared to my dewalt circular saw. Is there a circsaw model you recommend?I will start pulling my electrical repair tool kit together. I will look at a PMS. I do have a surge protector and actually did already pull together a fuse replacement assortment.

 

[SerenityNow-KEY]

Thanks JRTJH. Appreciate the suggestions and time you took to get back to me. Will add these items to those in Mikelff’s reply. I actually have a soldering iron already so can check that one off the list. Feeling great support from the group. Thanks again.

 

[Mikelff]

Thanks Mikelff for this helpful information. Your list of must have tools sounds good. I didn’t expect a circular saw on the list. I have a powerful Dremel with asst. bits I carry to make emergency cuts. It is limited in what it can do as far as cutting but very light in weight compared to my dewalt circular saw. Is there a circsaw model you recommend?I will start pulling my electrical repair tool kit together. I will look at a PMS. I do have a surge protector and actually did already pull together a fuse replacement assortment.

All my tools are now cordless. When you are on the road, cordless is the only way to go IMO. If your Dewalt is plug in it is much heavier than cordless. One tool I missed was my jig saw with an assortment of blades. I caught a good sale at Home Depot for a package of Ryobi cordless tools using the 18v+ battery system. Same batteries for all the tools. Not top of the line but not the cheapest. Have worked well for me for the last three years or so. I have plug in tools I rarely use anymore. One thing you need is a true water pressure regulator for your water hook up, not just a water pressure restricter. It is usually brass with a pressure gauge and pressure adjustment screw. Get at Amazon. A few vice grips always come in handy. You will add tools to the list as you go along. Happy camping!

 

[wiredgeorge]

Keep in mind that when you buy all these tools, they are like owning an umbrella and carrying it with you every day. It will never rain again and tools are a sacred warding-off of evil electrical gremlins. If you don't use them, you will have no issues and when you get the urge to clear your passthrough storage of all unused stuff, next time out, BINGO... the right tool will be at your home in a storage place. Go outside without that umbrella and BINGO... a downpour.

 

[sourdough]

You need to get some Robertson #2 square drive screw drivers and bits for cordless units. I've got at least one in every tool box on the RV and truck (3) and have several in my shop at home which is near where I park the trailer when I bring it in to work on it.

As far as power tools I've not found lots of urgent needs for construction grade tools when on the road. Most things can be fixed to get by until you get back to home base. I did come across a handy little Black and Decker combo tool (cordless) that has a drill, jig saw and 4" circular saw. I've had to use it a couple of times and it gets the job done - and doesn't take up a ton of space. Kind of on the cheap end but functional. It's a 20V MAX MATRIX combo tool. If you camp in cold weather a heat gun is handy. All manner of wrenches, screwdrivers, bits for the drill, wire cutter/stripper, socket/tool for the water heater drain/anode, spare anode rod. As far as wire I carry about 10 spools of various gauges and common colors used in the RV. Hammer(s), 2-4lb mini sledge - lots of stuff.