Components of the Essential RV Tool Kit

Beyond a basic hand tool kit, there are some helpful tools and gear that you don’t want to leave home without.

Bottle jack and wheel nut wrench

Towable RVs usually come with neither. A bottle jack is relatively inexpensive and compact — get one rated for the weight. On a larger unit, add a tire changing wheel chock: you put the wedge under a good tire and drive up onto it, rather than jacking the extreme weight of a triple-axle 45-footer.

Tire gauge and portable air compressor

Manoeuvring a big trailer to a gas station air compressor is its own project. Carry your own and you can check and top up wherever you are.

Manual slide-out tool

Slides fail — a dead battery, a broken motor. Learn the manual crank procedure and carry the right wrench; some RVs include a handle, others just have a socket nut.

Multimeter

If you’re electrically inclined, a multimeter troubleshoots a misbehaving appliance and confirms the connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Trailer plugs are often damaged from exposure to the elements.

Spare light bulbs and fuses

Cheap, small, and they turn a trip-ruining problem into a two-minute one.

The right sockets

A hot water heater with a drain plug and anode rod needs a 1 1/16-inch socket, which is not in a basic set.

DIY supplies

Duct tape, rope, string and multipurpose wire.

Awning tape

Unlike duct tape it is clear and strong, for repairs to awning fabric, sidewalls, vehicle seats and boots.

Roof repair tape

Putty sealant on the underside makes a genuinely waterproof temporary fix for roof damage, seams and membrane tears.

Nice to have

• Cordless drill — attachments run manual jacks and handle quick repairs like a vent replacement
• Caulk and a caulking gun — see the caulking guide
• Lubricant — silicone-based, for awnings, steps and jacks
• A compact folding ladder — fits most storage compartments and gets you on the roof