After reading some of the threads here, I've decided that it is time for me to begin assembling the tools that I will need to properly maintain/repair our future coach. I'm sure that I already have most of what I need, but I'm sure that there are quite a few that I don't have. For example, I have a couple of socket sets that go up to about 1" but I suspect that I'll need some bigger ones. What do I need there? I'm already shopping for an accurate air pressure gauge that will go up to 125 pounds. Is that enough? too high? I don't have any air tools. Do I need them, or can I get buy with what I already own?
Unless I find some at quite a bargain, I'm going to hold off on jacks and jack stands until I actually get a coach. We learned the hard way about how much height an inflated tire offers compared to a flat tire. I want to make sure that the jack will fit with a completely flat tire before I buy it.
What else should I be looking for/at while I'm still without a Foretravel? The idea is that a few dollars each month or two will hurt less than buying everything at once, and I can watch for sales. I'm also less likely to forget something important.
Start here:
What TOOLS do YOU choose to leave at HOME? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13305.msg73025#msg73025)
Peter
Try this too:
Tool Box Essentials --What non-tool items won't you leave home without? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10961.msg53222#msg53222)
David, I guess I could be considered a tool nut. When I first bought my first MH in 2007 I carried a 24 ton jack, a huge breaker bar, 3/4" drive socket set and various other BIG tools for the motorhome. After 5 years now I no longer carry any of the above. If there is something wrong that requires the BIG tools, I will call Coachnet to have the rig towed or for them to send a mobile mechanic to me. So far neither has been required. Each of these items weigh too much to carry and not use. I have also eliminated the air tools. Again, too heavy for their usefulness.
I do carry small, lite weight tools that would not be easy to find in rural areas. I found that a wheel/pulley puller came in very handy not too long ago. To make up your list I would refer you to the links Peter listed above, but I don't recommend wasting your money of the heavy air tool or BIG stuff. IMHO
The primary tools I carry and have used include: cell phone, Coach-Net card, computer, Internet access tools, flashlights, rubber mallet, crescent wrenches (6" to 14"), small to medium wrenches and sockets, screw drivers (including square driver for all those FT screws), pliers, wire, electrical connectors and crimpers, multimeter, infrared thermometer, air gauge (with dial readout, extension hose, and two way head), hex wrenches, rags, hand cleaner, ladder, electric drill, Milton air fill tool with gauge, electrical tape, safety stands (H frame to chassis).
The cell phone and Coach-Net card take the place of any big tools. The rest of the tools allow me to fix problems that are within my capabilities to understand and remedy.
Thanks. Looks like I have most of what I need, so I'll make a list of what I don't have and start watching for good sales.
Duct tape for things that move that shouldn't.
WD-40 for things that should move but don't.
RV Caulk for things that leak that shouldn't.
Shoe Goo for sticking things together that don't want to stay together.
Wisdom to know which to use where.
"Wisdom to know which to use where." That one is most important!
zero balance credit card - the most dangerous tool there is...
No it isn't. How about a wallet full of cash that no one but you knows exists....and is not necessary in your plans. Except for the coach.
I used to tell foretravel customers in the 80's "no one in a hundred years will ever know if you bought this motorhome. Please yourself."
Bob
David, along with duct tape some JB Weld is great inexpensive epoxy, It's been around forever. My wife and I where dry camping last month when she noticed wet carpet at the front of the coach. After some wood retainer removal with a combination screw diver with square head bits, I found one of the level sensors on the water tank had cracked where it was hot aired welded years ago. The water was dripping petty darn quick and had about 12'' of head pressure on it. Not wanting to go home since we had just arrived, I tried the JB Weld with some duct tape to hold it in place. It stopped the leak and held the 3 days we were there. Great temp fix!
Respectfully, Mitch Sayer
I can attest to the efficacy of JB Weld. Some Dumbass (no names here) was driving our coach with the steering wheel telescoped all the way down and tried to flash the headlights by lifting up on the turn signal/high-low beam selector. Pulled up a "little" too much and ended up with plastic assembly in hand. Put JB Weld on pieces, duct tape to hold in position until cured, now good as almost new. JB Weld to the rescue of dumbass again!!
Duct tape, bungee straps, credit card...really I have a small battery screw driver and a multi-tip manual screw-driver. If it can't be fixed with that then it needs a professional. The real tool that we all need is the wisdom to know when to ask for professional help!
"The real tool that we all need is the wisdom to know when to ask for professional help!" Very true! The older and stiffer I get the more professional help I ask for. We're having all new windows installed in the house soon. I could have just ordered the windows and done the installation myself and saved a few hundred dollars. I've got all of the necessary tools, and I think I could handle the work. I'm paying the professionals to do it, though, because if I hurt my back I can easily pay the doctor three times what the professionals charge and they will be done in a day or two (even in our 100 degree heat) whereas I would need at least a week to do the same job. Just not worth it.
David- here at Ernie's campground the guys are doing our siding and windows, also. I'd rather do coach work. Tools- the largest tool box you can fit in your bay- cause you will be buying tools as you progress in this rv adventure. Besides, Its always time for a tool run ;D
I find one of the handiest items for working on the coach to be not a tool at all but 1/2 of a sheet of blue styrofoam. When you kneel down on it, its comfortable, when you lay on it under the coach its's warm, dry, clean and cushioned. It stores easily against the top of the bay compartment and weighs nothing. I'll never grub around in the dirt again, it's the first thing I grab. Pretty much everything you work on on the coach is down low.
Chuck
Amen! I have a pair of knee pads that have saved my knees from scores of pain when working down low.
Peter