Tools / Parts to take

Topic: Tools / Parts to take (Read 1426 times) previous topic - next topic

Tools / Parts to take

October 30, 2019, 11:05:06 pm

Was curious as to what suggestions anyone might have as to what tools and parts to keep on board ?
We carry a pretty well stocked tool box including an extensive socket set, most hand tools ranging from basic pliers, vise grips, etc., various sized screwdrivers, to a large hammer

and so on. Also, a full 20 volt cordless tool set, with accompanying bits, and blades.
For parts, have full set of all filters, and belts. Various sizes of rubber hoses, wiring, solderless connectors, fuses, many types of adhesives and tapes. Circuit tester, various bulbs, spare Air Regulator and just added a spare Ride Height Valve.
Any suggestions on additions ? Or maybe something you used the road that might be unusual ?

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #1 – October 31, 2019, 12:42:07 am

Add a D-2 governor to your list, cheap insurance.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #2 – October 31, 2019, 01:42:31 am

A credit card with a empty balance can be a lifesaver ....

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #3 – October 31, 2019, 09:24:35 am

A self re-filling bank account does help.

Personally, if I could, I'd trailer a small machine shop behind me. Stopping short of that, I carry a basic tool kit, monitor all systems and if I suspect a problem carry that part with me.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #4 – October 31, 2019, 11:20:32 am

I would add travel solenoid and 1 if not 2 hwh six pack rebuild kits.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #5 – October 31, 2019, 11:26:48 am

Extra oil, coolant ,and transmission fluid that is in your coach now is always handy too............

The best extra to carry around would be Keith Risch but I don't think I can afford him. He has forgotten more about Foretravel than I will ever know and knows how to fix them too.

Best thing is to keep a calm head and a sense of humor. A few adult beverages for the evening might not hurt either.

Cya down the road................

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #6 – October 31, 2019, 12:33:35 pm

I carry 10 ft of airline hose and a few couplers for brake lines. If I run over something I can patch the line until I get it replaced.

Lots of zip ties of various lengths and an assortment of gear clamps.

A chain wrench. It will fit odd large and odd shapes and you can get some serious leverage on it. A 24 inch 3/4 pipe nipple to help you get that leverage.

36 inch crowbar. Never know when you may have to bend something.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #7 – October 31, 2019, 12:40:27 pm

Like this: 36 inch crowbar. Never know when you may have to bend something.

Old school.

jk

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #8 – October 31, 2019, 02:30:50 pm

Tools you carry should coincide with your skill level,the more you can do yourself,the more tools
You need.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #9 – October 31, 2019, 02:56:29 pm

Along with all my tools and spares, I have a good pair of Dickies coveralls, an old blanket to throw on the ground and a junk cushion off a couch for when I have to work on my knees.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #10 – October 31, 2019, 02:59:54 pm

Stock holder in NAPA helps! Seriously, NAPA has a good assortment of filters, etc for your coach. Usually located in most towns nationwide. We always carried our oil and fuel filters with us, as we used truck stops on the road and they don't always have all the filters needed when you do an engine service. I always changed our fuel filters when we changed oil and oil filters.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #11 – October 31, 2019, 06:27:04 pm

In addition to all that stuff, I carry a complete set of bosch 18 volt tools and chargers including grinder, drill, mutlitool, impact driver, jigsaw, etc.
Vice. Pry bar, duct tape (200 mph tape) sander/polisher. Breaker bar.
Volt meter, soldering iron, solder, and everything to join wires and protect them.
Smart phone! Many uses from lighting up the area, to level, to seeing in spaces you can't get your head into. Recording your part, or how it is installed, what wires connect to it and how... smartphone is a invaluable tool!!
For spares, I am in the process of adding to and thinking of what is needed. On a sailboat, spares are invaluable. You can't order a part in the middle of the ocean. But we are not in that dire need, so, what is needed to get us off the road and into a area where I can receive parts is what I want. Nothing more. Tools and parts should marry that, the ability to get my rig to where I can get parts and service and not be stranded on the highway or road.
I add tools all the time. Just added this week, a wire finder, a pex tool, and a bosch 12v screwdriver.
After reading this thread added a 36" pry bar to my list to buy. Used to have one. Don't know where it is now.....

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #12 – November 01, 2019, 08:06:24 am

I carry a Magic Creeper instead of an old blanket-very useful under the coach and as a kneeling pad.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #13 – November 01, 2019, 09:38:37 am

Quote from: amos.harrison – November 01, 2019, 08:06:24 am

I carry a Magic Creeper instead of an old blanket-very useful under the coach and as a kneeling pad.

What is a magic creeper? Inquiring minds!!
Chris

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #14 – November 01, 2019, 09:40:49 am

Quote from: Chris m lang – November 01, 2019, 09:38:37 am

What is a magic creeper? Inquiring minds!!
Chris

I just Googled it and ordered one from Ebay, looks like a keeper for me.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #15 – November 01, 2019, 11:19:42 am

Looks good

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #16 – November 02, 2019, 01:10:34 am

Some carry a length of rope for various reasons such as if the throttle cable should fail. I might add genset spares might be prudent to keep the dw happy and the a/c systems working.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #17 – November 02, 2019, 08:21:01 am

All good suggestions here.... Especially the one about fitting your skill-level to the tools and tasks. Years ago, I lost a belt just as we were entering Mexico. Walked around a corner, to NAPA, and got a replacement. But putting the belt on with the mythical 36" crowbar was a frustrating knuckle buster. I now also carry a 36" long, 1/2" breaker bar (inserting it into the tensioner for leverage) and spare belts. (Breaker bar is handy for repelling bears and bandits, replacing belts, alternator, etc.) Andy1

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #18 – November 02, 2019, 08:22:50 am

Oh, and converting to LEDs has diminished my need to carry spares of all the damn bulbs needed on this machine.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #19 – November 02, 2019, 08:55:10 am

Ah that magic creeper. We use something similar in the hospital to save nurses backs on moving patients. The two sides slide together like butter.
In looking at the ebay models, not sure its the same thing as the original. Would like to hear from you if it is the same as the amazon original magic creeper. Used to be Ebay was a great place to buy, but now its buyer beware. Most times you do get what you pay for....
Definitely want one of these. My harbor freight creeper is hard to use on the coach even with it raised and blocked. And size and weight differences are lots. Thanks for the idea.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #20 – November 02, 2019, 10:02:35 am

Quote from: John44 – October 31, 2019, 02:30:50 pm

Tools you carry should coincide with your skill level,the more you can do yourself,the more tools
You need.

It is also how much you want to do yourself. I carry much less than I used to. Spare parts that are critical like 2 sets of fuel filters, a fresh water pump, a D2 governor, belts, fuses and a few more things. These you need right now or you can be stuck. Almost anything you can get now in a couple days. My tool set is smaller and lighter too. I leave all the big stuff home, no more sets of giant wrenches. I have a small Bosch drill and impact driver, drill bits, impact bits, 1/4 and 3/8 socket sets and a few 1/2" drive sockets, wiring tools, wire and connectors, lots of screws and fasteners. A small dovetail saw and a couple chisels. A diamond sharpening stone. Some small clamps, glue and rolls of various tape including stretch wrap. I have enough to fix most stuff that have seen in almost 9 years. Anything else - I will call for help. I come prepared to do what I am willing to do and am able to do.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #21 – November 02, 2019, 11:46:52 am

Roger,
Where do you purchase a spare D2?? Is it a specific part number?? How hard is it to replace, by yourself, should you need a repair on the road?? As always, I heed your advice. thanks

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #22 – November 02, 2019, 11:54:13 am

You can get a D2 at NAPA
John

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #23 – November 02, 2019, 12:09:05 pm

Quote from: GleamB – November 02, 2019, 11:46:52 am

Roger,
Where do you purchase a spare D2?? Is it a specific part number?? How hard is it to replace, by yourself, should you need a repair on the road?? As always, I heed your advice. thanks

Usually a 9/16" for the air line and 3/8" wrench or socket for the 2 bolts. I can change one in 3 minutes or less.

Re: Tools / Parts to take

Reply #24 – November 02, 2019, 06:23:27 pm

D2s are pretty common and easy to find. Not hard to replace especially if you get some help from Craneman. Now that I have on I will most likely never need it. But they are small.

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