Essential Tools for an RV Toolkit
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15077
Printed Date: 19 Jun 2025 at 6:53pm
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Topic: Essential Tools for an RV Toolkit
Posted By: Susan_55
Subject: Essential Tools for an RV Toolkit
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2021 at 1:04pm
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I'm putting together my tool kit for my new-to-me 2014 178 HRE. What are your essential/most used tools? Do you have favorite gadgets for specific uses? ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 HRE 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD V6 on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Washington State |
Replies:
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2021 at 4:29pm
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#1 is multitester to check battery voltage #2 floor jack (2 ton) in case of flat, bottle jacks are too tall to fit when tire is flat #3 appropriate socket for lug nuts on your rpod and ratchet with extension or 4 way lug wrench #4 tool set from Harbor Freight which includes 3/8 and 1/4 inch sockets/ratchets as well as other specialty bits that come in a handy plastic case #5 L.E.D. flashlight(s) #6 plug in tire pump #7 tire pressure gauge #8 set of 3 emergency reflectorized triangles in case of breakdown. this is only a start of some basic essentials.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Susan_55
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2021 at 8:03pm
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Thanks, Jato. This is a great start. I love Harbor Freight, and one of their tool sets was already on my list. What do you think of this? I like that it's a little smaller and lightweight, but the price makes me think it's cheaply built, even though it gets good reviews. https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-compact-trolley-jack-64874.html
------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 HRE 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD V6 on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Washington State |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2021 at 9:19pm
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I am old school in that if it seems to good of a price to be true . . . .anyway your words are resonating . . .yes probably cheaply built but on the other hand hopefully you won't need to use it very often if at all. Also purchased a 2 ton trolly jack from HF 6 years ago and paid $ 89 for it. Pretty nice as it comes in its own plastic case and has been used a lot for changing (summer to snow) tires and rotating them as well. Works well lifting our Explorer and F-150. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2021 at 10:25pm
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I was able to avoid carrying a dedicated jack for the trailer once I found that my Highlanders scissors jack did a great job lifting it. It is one of those jacks with a slot to engage a flange on the rocker panel and it worked perfectly to engage the flanges on the rpod axle that attach the axle to the frame. The point is to take a look at your tow vehicle jack to see if it will also work on your trailer before going to the expense and added weight of a floor jack. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Susan_55
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2021 at 10:58pm
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My tow vehicle is a 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD V6 with a factory tow package. I'll take a look at the jack. Good thought. Thanks! ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 HRE 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD V6 on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Washington State |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2021 at 1:34am
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Multimeter
electric screwdriver and adapter to raise/lower stabilizers 2 or 3 sizes of both screwdrivers Sockets for lug nuts or tire tool Pliers, wire cutters, wire strippers emergency crank for electric tongue jack Small wrench set for "just in case" Air compressor and tire plugging kit I've never needed anything else. But, keep good tires and check the pressure often. ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: 1nana2many
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2021 at 6:08am
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I will add: a couple spare light bulbs for light fixtures if not LED a few of the blade fuses that match the ones in your control panel I would substitute a battery operated drill with charger for an electric one if you intend to boondock A roll of electrical tape and at least a few strips of waterproofing tape like Eternabond A tube of dielectric grease because sometimes the bulb didn’t burn out, the connection is just bad. ------------- The mountains are calling and we must go...O.D., Keith & Jody 2016 RP179= O.D. (Olive Drab) 2008 Coachman Captiva 1993 Jayco 1206 popup 2016 F150 Supercrew |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2021 at 6:10am
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We also carry some shark bites, a couple feet of pex tubing and a little bit of wire/connectors.
in case of any electrical or water problems. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Susan_55
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2021 at 10:09am
Okay, I had to look up shark bites.  The only water problem I've ever had was in my PleasureWay when a feeder line under the sink let go. Luckily I was on my way home so I just let the repair shop be the contortionist on that one. Thanks for all the ideas. Keep 'em coming!------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 HRE 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD V6 on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, Washington State |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2021 at 11:06am
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Scanning what other people have posted (and haven't seen), I also keep a 3/4" socket and a battery-powered drill for the stabilizers. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2021 at 6:28pm
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"Duck Tape" add that to your list. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2021 at 9:53pm
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Better than Duct Tape is Gorilla Tape. It holds better, lasts longer, and is overall a much better product. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |