10 RV toolkit essentials

Whether you’re traveling by RV for fun or work, whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, there will come a time when you’ll need a basic toolkit to help you out of a mishap. Crazy things can happen when you’re on the road! But of course, when you’re traveling via RV, weight and space are always top considerations, so you probably won’t want to spare that space in your rig for a full tool shed of things you’ll seldom need. So it’s important to build a kit that’ll get you the most bang for your buck when it comes to space-and-time-savings.  

That’s why we’ve put together a list of toolkit items to keep you out on the road longer, no matter what you encounter. Stay smart and prepared with these 10 essential RV toolkit items. 

1. Tools

Well, since it’s in the title, obviously, you’ll want to add some basic tools to your RV kit. If you find that you need one thing more than another over time, you can always switch them around: Just keep in mind that you probably don’t need a 50-pound toolkit for every weekend camping trip. Our list is intended to get after the most commonly used items that are easy to stow in a lightweight tool bag in the basement of your RV. 

A pocketknife

You’ll be amazed by how many different uses you find for a good pocketknife, both in and out of your RV. You can use it for cutting heavy-duty tape or zip ties, slicing snacks, or getting into boxes, and it will certainly become a mainstay in your pocket or purse. Make sure to check out the local laws surrounding knives when you travel, because some places (especially airports and concert venues) don’t allow knives at all, while others may have limitations on the length of the blade. 

Screwdrivers - both flat and Phillips head

If you have a screwdriver set that you swear by and love, by all means, allocate space for that puppy, because Lord knows you’ll use it! But if you’re looking for something lightweight that you don’t have to remember to bring with you on every trip, a compact multi-bit screwdriver set that you can easily pack away in your RV when not in use is a great tool. 

Pliers

An assortment of pliers is an RV toolkit must-have: you never know when you’ll need needlenose or other pliers! Considering all of the hookups and connections you’ll have to make and break during your RV road trip, it’s a good idea to have pliers on hand. 

Wrenches

Wrenches are another type of tool that you just never know when it will come in handy and not having them can make or break your experience. A nice set of open-end wrenches won’t set you back much and is easy to store in your RV. 

Cordless drill, bits, and drivers

Cordless drills can be a bit more expensive than some of the other tools on our list, but trust us when we tell you that they are worth the investment. An RV is a home on wheels, and joints that are normally undisturbed in a brick-and-mortar dwelling can bounce loose as you drive. And what do you need to do when things bounce loose? Tighten them up with a drill!

And don’t forget the bits and drivers!

Classic: a hammer

Hammers can be used to help you push stakes into the ground if you’re tent camping, push loose nails back in from jostling in your RV, or serve as a self-defense weapon in a pinch. Almost universally inexpensive, the classic hammer more than earns its spot in your RV toolkit. 

Ratchet wrench and socket set in metric and Imperial sizes

It’s worth it to purchase a ratchet wrench/socket set in both sizes, but remember that you’ll probably find yourself needing an additional or more unusual socket size down the road. In that case, you can ask around at the campsite or grab that specific size ahead of time. 

2. LED flashlights

LED flashlights won’t wear out the batteries as fast as your old flashlights, and they are especially useful when you’re camping out in the woods in the middle of nowhere. You may find magnetic lights are handy for when you’re grilling or working outside in the dark. Or you can also check out the red light option on an LED headlamp as a gentler alternative to the local wildlife and your eyes!

3. Tape measure

Tape measures have endless use, including measuring your campsite and the full length/height/width of your setup to avoid a common camping mishap. They aren’t very large, and they are usually inexpensive, so it’s absolutely worth it to toss a tape measure into your RV toolkit. 

4. Eternabond tape

Putting old-fashioned duct tape to shame, this stuff seals just about anything in a pinch, and will never come off. It’s perfect to use on your RV roof or sides to add an additional layer of protection against leaks or repair small cracks. 

5. Leak repair/plumbing tape

When you need this, the last thing you want is to discover that you were cheap on the purchase and didn’t get something that will work. Plumbing leaks inevitably happen once you’ve traveled in your RV long enough, so don’t waste money on a product that hasn’t proven itself and go for a high-quality plumbing tape that will work. 

6. Zip ties

You’ll be amazed at how often you use zip ties once they’re handy. These hardworking, inexpensive little tools can help you organize connections and hold things in place without fail, often far longer than you expected! A set that includes a variety of lengths is especially handy for the number of different types of jobs you might need a zip tie to do in an RV. 

7. Silicone spray lubricant

You may find that when you’re redrilling loose screws or hammering in jostled nails, you created new squeaks. For those and any other pesky squeaks, you can use silicone spray to stop the noise without attracting dirt. Genius!

8. Dicor self-leveling lap sealant

The roof of your RV should be inspected at least every couple of months to make sure you don’t have leaks or cracks. Nothing can replace the diligence of checking and maintaining the sealant, and this sealant can help you maintain those seals. 

9. Caulk gun

You gotta have the caulk gun to apply the self-leveling lap sealant, and it will probably come in handy when you need to recaulk other areas, like the sinks or showers, down the line. 

10. Digital multimeter

Whether you are checking your RV or generator’s battery health or troubleshooting a potential electrical issue, a digital multimeter can save you so much time and energy. 

Pack a toolkit for your own RV

Interested in traveling and camping in your very own RV? Ready to pack a toolkit that suits just your rig? Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always available to help you choose from the highest quality coaches (and more) built by top manufacturers. Find a location near you today, or shop our online inventory and let our experts help you find the perfect RV to store the perfect RV toolkit and more.