Buying Your First RV? Must-Have Tools For Your Road Kit

Automotive Articles

Buying your first RV from a dealer like Fretz RV can be exciting and may give you a new feeling of limitless possibilities. Along with the freedom that the RV brings, it also brings some responsibilities. You'll need to have some tools on hand to take care of the specific needs of your RV, but many first-time RV owners are unfamiliar with what those needs actually are. Here are some of the most important things you should have on hand before you hit the road the first time.

Standard Tools

Although RVs are unique in structure and features, they do have some mechanical components in common with traditional vehicles. As a result, you'll want to start building your tool box with these tools:

  • Wrenches: Look for both metric and standard wrench sizes, because you'll never know what type of nut or bolt you're going to face, from the RV components to the campground fixtures.
  • Screwdrivers: It's always a good idea to have several sizes of both Phillips and flat screwdrivers. But that's not all you need. It's also helpful to have a set of computer or electronics screwdrivers. They are very small and can be helpful for dealing with small screws in precision places.
  • Cordless Drill: Cordless drills are a great investment, especially for RVs. Not only can you use them for basic repairs, but they are great for adjusting the stabilizing jacks. Get a drill bit set that works well with both wood and metal, and think about investing in a second battery and a charger.

Adhesives

You'll find adhesives to be a valuable investment in your RV. Whether you're fixing a loose flap of fabric or a door seal that's coming loose, there are all sorts of adhesives to use for these things. High-strength glue is great for holding most anything together. It works on all kinds of surfaces and holds up to heavy demands. Vinyl adhesive is also good to have, because you can patch tears in your vinyl interior and awning using it. Silicone adhesive is another helpful product for weatherproofing and sealing cracks against the rain.

Specialty Tools

Although you may not need them frequently, there are a few specialty tools that can be helpful to have on hand as well. Investing in these items may save you significantly in specialized labor costs.

  • Wire Cutters: A set of durable wire cutters along with a wire stripper and wire nuts will help you handle basic engine and electrical repairs. Since the electrical work on RVs can be expensive, if you have the expertise and tools, it's worth doing some of it on your own.
  • Bubble Level: Small bubble levels come in handy for making sure that your RV is level when you lower the stabilizers. Since an off-balance RV can tip and suffer serious damage, this is an important consideration.
  • Folding Tree Saw: You won't want to cut down just any tree, especially ones that belong to a campground, but as an RV owner, there will certainly be times when you're struggling with a branch or something in the way of your RV. Folding saws are great for this, because they are efficient and they store in a compact manner. Since space is a premium on RVs, this is important.

With some thorough preparations and a well-equipped toolbox, you can set out on your first RV adventure with the confidence that you can face whatever is ahead of you. When you buy that first RV, this is a great place to start for your on-the-road tools. With the tips presented here, you'll have the supplies you need to tackle most of the common RV needs both on the campground and during general maintenance.

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5 June 2015

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