Your RV tool kit is the most important thing you’re going to need to keep with your RV at all times. Because face it, you’re going to have repair vital components that require the right tools to get you back on the road. And, by having the right tool for the job will make your repairs and maintenance ten times easier and less stressful.
So, let’s check out what basic tools you’ll need to keep in accessible in your motorhome, camper or van RV tool kit!
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RV Tool Kit – Must Have Tools for RV Maintenance & Repairs
Claw Hammer
One of our must have tools we keep in our RV tool kit is a good old fashion claw hammer. It’s great for loosening, tightening or adjusting items that are out of whack on your RV (carefully, of course!).
You can use hammer to set nails, brads or staples as well as to remove them. It’s also are great for pounding in tent stakes or staking down your awning!
Whether you choose a wood or fiberglass handle and head weight is up to you. Just make sure the grip is comfortable and easy to hold and maneuver.
Multi-Tip Screw Driver Bit Set
A multi-tipped screw driver bit set is a definite must have for your RV tool kit.
Just make sure it includes a Robertson bit head for tightening or loosening the square headed screws that RV manufactures use. Those heads are usually a #2 size.
Also ensure multiple-size Phillips head and flat tipped screw driver bits are included in your RV tool kit.
Adjustable Crescent Wrench
A 10″ adjustable crescent wrench is an invaluable tool for use on multiple sizes of nuts and bolt heads. Keep the adjustment mechanism lubricated with a little silicone and it will always be ready to go.
However, I don’t recommend using it in place of the claw hammer listed as it will damage the adjustment mechanism rendering the tool useless.
Vice Grips
A good medium-size Vise Grip is an essential tool to keep in your RV tool kit. But don’t cheap out on this tool because the jaws will slip leaving you frustrated that you didn’t just get quality vice grips.
Personally, we recommend an actual Vise Grip brand. Use it in conjunction with the crescent wrench listed above. But, paying close attention to not mar the heads of the bolts you use it on.
Tape Measure
Any tape measure brand will suffice. However, as with any of your other must have RV took kit supplies, you so get what you pay for. Skip the Harbor Freight freebie tape measures because trust me, you’re going to sling it across the RV park out of frustration.
That’s why we recommend getting a 25′ tape measure that’s durable and functions smoothly. Remember, this tool will be dropped, ran over, twisted, played with by kids, etc.
Multi-Use Hand Saw
Another must have RV took kit essential is a multi-use hand saw with interchangeable blades. It’s a great tool used to cut wood or light metal.
We use the Kobalt 3 in 1 folding saw because it’s durable, easy to use, and compact for easy storing. It also comes with both wood and metal blades.
Variable Speed Rotary Multi-Tool Kit
A variable speed rotary multi-tool kit can make a tough job much easier. This type of tool can be used to cut plastic, wood, fiber board, metal and a host of other materials. You can purchase numerous, separate attachments for polishing and grinding as well.
A Dremel multi-tool kit can be corded or cordless. Your choice depends on how much money you want to spend.
Oh, and this RV tool kit essential would make a great gift for the new RVer!
Level
If you don’t have a Level Mate Pro, then a non-magnetic, 2′-4′ level is a beneficial tool to keep in your tool bag.
Especially since RV propane-powered refrigerators are very level-sensitive, a small level is a necessity to show if your RV is level or not.
Also, you know your wife is going to complain that the cabinet doors and drawers in your RV won’t stay open when in use.
A small level will also come in handy for hanging pictures on your walls or interior decor. And, when you’re setting up camp, just lay it on the floor or countertop to make sure your RV is level.
Electrical Multi-Meter Test Kit
An electrical multimeter is an excellent tool to keep in your RV tool kit. It’s a great tool to assist in trouble shooting electrical issues in your RV and at your campsite.
A multimeter measures voltage, resistance, continuity and amps of an electrical system. Also, it can tell you if the power pedestal at the campground is wired properly; keeping you and your RV safe from shocks, electrical or electrocution.
✰ PRO TIP ✰ To use a Multimeter, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions or check out this helpful YouTube video by Ratchets and Wrenches:
Eternabond Tape
A roll of Eternabond tape is the mother of all tapes for RVs. This super adhesive tape is waterproof and extremely durable.
You can use Eternabond for emergency repairs on rubber as well as fiberglass. RVers use it for sealing everything from RV roof repairs, temporary fiberglass repair and under-bellies of RVs. It’s also a great tape adhesive to use to seal up your RV chloroplast underbelly.
Eternabond tape holds in all kinds of weather, does not shrink or expand. And, this super adhesive tape will stick to almost anything.
Just be sure you have the tape where you want it placed when applying it because it is very difficult to remove. It cannot be repositioned once applied.
You can also get black Eternabond tape to repair your RV’s underbelly or black RV components.
Tool Box or Tool Bag?
To keep everything organized and all in one place, you’re going to need an appropriately sized tool box or tool bag to keep in your RV or tow vehicle.
I say ‘appropriately sized’ because a tool organizer is not a one-size-fits-all for all RVs. Where and how you stow your RV tool kit will dictate which kind of tool holder you get..
To each their own. How you’ll store your tools will be a personal preference. However, before getting a tool bag versus a tool box, make certain you get all of your tools out to gauge how large or small you want your RV tool kit to be.
For our small Class C motorhome (and even our former 2 fifth wheels, we found that a simple yet functional, multi-pocket tool bag will holds all of our tools and RV repair kit items perfectly.
Other DIY RV repair and maintenance essentials carry in your RV tool kit:
✰ PRO TIP ✰ To help keep your tools and repair supplies dry in your RV tool kit, we highly recommend throwing in a couple desi packs.
Wrapping up our RV tool kit
Your RV tool kit is the most important thing to keep in your motorhome, van or towable camper.
While this list doesn’t have every tool you may need for specific RV maintenance or repair, it does include our most commonly used tools. Being prepared having the right tool for the job will make your RVing experience much more enjoyable and less stressful.
Also, if we don’t have the proper tool or repair gadget for a specific job, we’ll ask our fellow RVers. Most likely someone will have what we need for our RV repair or project.
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Learn more and sign up for the FREE trial.
More great RV maintenance information:
RV Tire Safety and Maintenance
Protect your RV from Salt Air and Sun Damage
How to Maximize Efficiency of Your RV Refrigerator
Our Winnebago View Class C Suspension Upgrades
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Full-timing since June 2018. The two tools I use the most are medical shears, and a flashlight. It seems I need to cut something a few times each day, and with all the nooks and crannies in my trailer, a rechargeable flashlight comes in very handy.
Hey William, thanks for responding and the suggestions. I think we all have our favorites. You’re two are great ideas! Keep on sharing! RV Life is all about sharing ideas to help each other. Safe travels! -Lisa & Dan