tool kit
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=6226
Printed Date: 17 Jun 2025 at 6:35pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: tool kit
Posted By: lizpac
Subject: tool kit
Date Posted: 13 May 2015 at 12:45pm
|
I am trying to put together a tool kit for our summer trip across country-never have been a rv person. Any suggestions of what is essential to bring would be great. We are a family of four with 2 dogs! Thank you. Liz ------------- liz |
Replies:
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 13 May 2015 at 4:57pm
|
I've always brought just the basics: Screw drivers, vice grips, multi-tool (e.g., Leatherman, etc.), assorted fuses and fuse puller, zip ties, duct tape. Also, make sure you have a lug wrench that fits the lug nuts on your R-pod. I discovered that they are too deep to use the lug wrench from my tow vehicle, so I purchased one that does fit. With a family of four and two dogs, I'm guessing space is at a premium, but if you do have extra storage space, you may wish to bring along a few other tools, like a multi-meter, socket set, maybe even a cordless drill (which you can use to raise and lower the stabilizers if you have the special socket for them). ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills." 
|
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 13 May 2015 at 7:30pm
|
A cheap 12v air compressor and a lube gun. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 13 May 2015 at 8:00pm
|
I also carry a small floor jack. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: lizpac
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 12:55am
|
Thank you all- we are such newbies and not handy at all! Should be an interesting trip! ------------- liz |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 11:58am
|
A must in your toolbox is a torque wrench. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 12:16pm
|
On our cross-country trip last year I took everything mentioned above plus duct tape, electrical tape, wire connectors, rope, tie downs, jack stand and a lot more... I wonder if there is therapy for overpacking? The only tools I remember using often besides drill for stabilizers was a bottle opener and corkscrew.  I did/do use a rubber mallet for pounding stakes for rdome. I also did use torque wrench to check lugs occasionally. If you can spare the room and the weight go for it. Otherwise, I'd say take the basics and buy or borrow what you might need along the way. fred (an obsessive/compulsive tool guy) ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 12:56pm
|
I have an infrared thermometer that I use to check bearing and brake temps when we stop. They're like $15 on Amazon. ------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: Pooterpod
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 1:09pm
|
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 1:18pm
|
This is handy & now part of my "tool kit": http://smile.amazon.com/Grill-Gauge-GG-1100-NR-Original/dp/B0012GTU3O/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1431623617&sr=1-1&keywords=original+grill+gauge - http://smile.amazon.com/Grill-Gauge-GG-1100-NR-Original/dp/B0012GTU3O/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1431623617&sr=1-1&keywords=original+grill+gauge Regards from another OCD packer
 ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 1:19pm
|
I've yet to decipher which US states have heard of a Robertson screw and which ones haven't... but, you'll want a Robertson screwdriver (red handle / #2) in your toolkit. I also suggest some duct tape, a [3/4" hose plug](http://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/rough-plumbing/pipe-tubing-hoses-fittings-accessories/fittings/garden-hose-fittings/polypropylene-garden-hose-fitting-plug/p-1316935-c-8551.htm), some strong nylon twine and a small (spray) can of white lithium grease.
------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 3:19pm
Square drive to most people south of the border who have heard of it.
------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
|
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 14 May 2015 at 3:31pm
|
I try to keep it small. Socket set (small 3/8 inch drive) Multi Screwdriver, Battery powered impact wrench, 1/2 inch drive Torque wrench with select sockets, hammer (never know when you will have to hit something), small pry bar. I am going to add a couple of breaker bars this year as I needed one last year and had to do with putting a pipe on my rachet and that is not good for them. I also have a 6 inch level.
------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 3:51pm
|
I saw a 12 volt air compressor mentioned, I would add a tire plug kit. As long as a puncture isn't in the sidewall or isn't too big, you should be able to get back on the road w/o removing the tire in about 20 minutes. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 4:01pm
|
Definitely a must!! Have plugged several tires over the years!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: lizpac
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 5:33pm
how and how often do I check these bearings and brake temps? Not even sure what I am looking for here:)
------------- liz |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 5:39pm
I try to check the hubs on my camper whenever I stop for gas or whatever. I just put my hand on or near the hub. They will likely be warm, but if they're too hot to touch, you may have bearings or brakes that are about to seize up. At that point, you probably find a garage or RV place nearby, unless you're prepared to disassemble your hubs/brakes. In 20+ year of pulling campers, that's never happened to me. But it could. And discovering this before they seize up could save you a big headache and lots of money. ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills."
|
Posted By: lizpac
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 5:41pm
I read a post about grounding wires and somebody's r-pod being a bit dangerous is this something to worry about? How does one check for that-they really tell you absolutely nothing at the rv place. They treat me sort of poorly.Our first trial run the fridge didn't work, bathroom door kept swinging open, there was a leak under sink, the water pump didn't work it was kind of a nightmare! One step up from our tent camping days. Luckily they are fixing all these things but it is taking 3 weeks... What if we were on our trip. I am crossing my fingers that all will work out! It is a brand new R-pod Any and all advice is welcome I am feeling like a lone woman in man's territory! Thanks again!! I love that there is a place I can ask questions. Liz-newbie to the r-pod world ------------- liz |
Posted By: lizpac
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 5:45pm
|
thank you!!!
------------- liz |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 6:13pm
Boy, it sounds like they gave you a very poor walk-through when you purchased, or maybe even none at all. Those are all items that should have been discovered before you left the dealership. But don't sweat it too much about what might happen if something goes wrong on a trip. If something like a water pump failed or the fridge stopped working, you can still keep on camping! If you camped in a tent for years, you can handle a few days in a nice camper without those amenities. Bottom line: Relax! Take notes when you go so you remember what to do or not do next time you go camping. And don't be afraid to ask questions! ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills."
|
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 6:16pm
|
Lizpac, sorry to hear your encounters with your dealership have not been as pleasant as they could be. As for electrical problems being potentially dangerous and your question about whether or not you should be concerned, the answers are "Yes" and "Yes". If there's an electrical problem where you're plugging in at the campground, it can be dangerous to you. Suggest you read the recent thread entitled NCVT (meaning Non Contact Voltage Tester). Cheap, simple little device you can use quite easily. Please DO review that thread. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 May 2015 at 9:24pm
|
And see the longer explanation about NCVTs. See the link in my signature, the first item that pops up. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|