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Topic: Tools needed? (Read 1013 times) previous topic - next topic

Tools needed?

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.

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #3 –
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 selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #4 –
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.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #5 –
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.

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #6 –
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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #7 –
"Wisdom to know which to use where." That one is most important!

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #8 –
zero balance credit card - the most dangerous tool there is...
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
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.

Word!  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
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
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #11 –
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
Mitch Sayer
1990 GV 36'

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #12 –
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!!
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #13 –
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!
Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #14 –
"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.

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #15 –
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

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #16 –
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
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Tools needed?

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
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
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH