DIY RV Maintenance Is An Important Part Of RVing
Are you getting ready to hit the road and go on your next RV adventure? Before you do, make sure you have all of the necessary DIY RV maintenance tools for a successful trip. Whether it’s seasonal maintenance or emergency repairs on the go, having the right equipment on hand is essential for keeping your RV safe and reliable during your travels.
Make RV travel less stressful with our guide to the top 31 essential tools for DIY RV maintenance and repairs. This list includes basic necessities such as screwdrivers and wrenches, as well as specialized items like channel lock pliers and a telescoping ladder. By equipping yourself with these tools, you can proactively address any issues that arise during your travels without the need to search for supplies.
Why It’s Helpful To Do Your Own Maintenance And RV Repairs
Keeping your RV in good shape means it will last longer and won’t cost a bunch in repairs. A good set of tools is a must-have to look after everything from the roof to the wheels. Regular care stops big, costly problems from happening.
Let’s be real. Things break, and fixing stuff is part of having an RV. But knowing how to fix small stuff yourself can salvage an RV trip from delays or issues and save you cash.
Doing it yourself helps you learn about your RV and doesn’t drain your wallet. But, if something feels too tough, especially with wires, just call an RV pro. No sweat. Your RV will be happy you did.
Helpful Tools To Have On Hand For DIY RV Maintenance And Repairs
Even the best-built RVs will require repairs and maintenance, but with this list, you will have the right tools to tackle issues as they arise.
Hand Tools:
Adjustable Pliers
Having a good selection of different pliers in your RV, including channel locks and vise grips, makes tough to reach or difficult-to-grab RV projects easier.
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IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Groove Joint Pliers, Curved Jaw, 6-Inch (2078506) | 837 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
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CRAFTSMAN Pliers, 8 & 10-Inch, 2-Piece Groove Joint Set (CMHT82547), Red | 9,416 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
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IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP Tools GrooveLock Pliers, V-Jaw, 6-inch (4935351) | 2,162 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
Hammer
A hammer is used in everyday household tasks and projects. Many RV items, such as RV trim, are stapled, and you may also want to consider having a staple gun.
- Mr. Pen 8oz Hammer, Made from High Density Carbon Steel,…
- Ergonomic Non-Slip Soft handle
- Perfect Size, Easy to Carry, convenient for work
- Magnetic Nail starter and Hammer Claw to easily remove nail
- Ideal for woodworking, DIY Projects, Either at Home or Shop
Needle Nose Pliers
Needle nose pliers are one of the most versatile tools to reach very narrow or tough-to-access spaces in your RV. Consider also getting locking needle nose pliers to be able to reach and clamp down on difficult-to-grab items.
- COMFORT AND CONTROL: Multi-zone bi-material grips
- INDUCTION HARDENED: Cutting edges stay sharper longer
- STRENGTH AND DURABILITY: Drop forged steel
- Corrosion-resistant finish
Rubber Mallet
A rubber mallet is helpful for projects while avoiding damage. A rubber mallet can also be used for pounding in outdoor rug stakes.
- Durable rubber mallet hammer head for soft blow strike that…
- Extra strength fiberglass handle with shock absorption design
- Ergonomic non slip rubber grip
- Multi use rubber mallet for flooring, tent stakes, woodworking,…
- Lifetime Warranty – All Edward Tools products come with a…
Screwdrivers Set
You will also need an assortment of screwdrivers, including flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers in various sizes. Many RVs also have a need for a #2 square screwdriver. We have used our #2 square around our fifth wheel more often than all of the other screwdrivers.
- Top quality magnetic screwdriver set, 10 professional grade…
- Premium materials, the screwdriver bar is made of chromium…
- Cushion grip handle for comfort and control,With ergonomic TPR…
- Including 2 kinds of portable key screwdriver(flathead…
- Convenient storage, Each set of screwdrivers is equipped with a…
Telescoping Ladder
You may be wondering why you need an extra ladder when there is already one built into the back of your RV. Having a freestanding ladder is great for times when you need to reach high areas of your RV other than the roof. As a bonus, telescoping ladders fold up to take up less than expected RV storage space.
- ▶Extension and Retraction Design: This telescoping ladder…
- ▶Safe and Compact: The ladder comes with 2 Hooks for secure…
- ▶Portable and Convenient: Weight approximate 36 lbs (16.3Kg),…
- ▶Easy to Operate: For extension, start from the top and extend…
- ▶Multi-purpose Use: This telescoping ladder is perfect for…
Measurement and Leveling Tools:
RV Level
An RV level is a very helpful grab-and-go item to make sure your RV is level in the campsite.
Tire Gauge
It is very important to check your RV tire pressure every travel day. It’s also helpful to visually inspect your tires each time you stop for a travel break. Having the correct tire pressure is helpful for safety and getting the best gas mileage. Staying tire aware can also help to reduce RV tire blowouts.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | |
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AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge 230 PSI Heavy Duty Dual Head Stainless Steel Made for… | 10,919 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
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TireTek Tire Pressure Gauge (160 PSI) for Truck, Semi Truck, ATV, RV & Motorhome – Dual… | 1,609 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 |
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JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge – Professional Accuracy – 200 PSI | 3,707 Reviews | Check Price on Amazon |
Tape Measure
A tape measure is helpful for general RV projects. One of the most important uses of a tape measure is to make sure you have enough room to put out your RV slides at a campsite. It’s helpful to double-check that you have enough room for slides to extend while avoiding power pedestals, the campground water spigot, picnic tables, and other obstacles.
- Measuring range: 0 to 60 inches and 0 to 150 centimeters. There…
- Great Material: Tailor Vinyl tape measure won’t stretch or…
- Operate and Read: Black markings on bright white tape is big…
- Wide Application: Cloth tape measure; body tape measure,sewing…
Power Tools and Accessories:
12-Volt Air Compressor
Having a small air compressor with you makes it easy to air up tires quickly on RV travel days without needing to drive somewhere else for tire air.
Cordless Drill
A cordless drill with a spare rechargeable battery is great for RV projects. If you have manual RV scissor jacks or stabilizing jacks, you can also use your drill to speed up jack extension and retraction.
Small Drill Bit Set
You will also want to have a decent drill bit selection on board in your RV to use with your electric drill.
Lifting and Stabilizing Equipment:
Bottle Jack Recovery Kit with 6-Ton Bottle Jack
When you travel in an RV, it’s important to have all of the needed supplies on hand to be able to change an RV or vehicle tire.
Electrical Tools and Accessories:
Assorted Fuse Set
It’s important to carry an assorted automotive blade fuse set along with you in your RV. It’s possible to blow a fuse preventing you from operating slides or leveling jacks.
- Easy Identification: Made of a high-quality zinc alloy, with a…
- 14 Most Common Standard fuses: 1A/ 2A/ 3A/ 5A/ 7.5A/ 10A/ 15A/…
- Wide Applications: Fits most vehicles like car, truck, marine,…
- All Sizes You Need: The package contains 140pcs car fuse and 2pcs…
- Note: Please use the right amp fuse to protect the vehicle and…
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape is a versatile tape for many general uses due to its stretch and durability.
- Great for use in multiple settings, tape is resistant to solvents…
- Excellent stretch, adhesion and conformability
- 7 mils vinyl thick tape for all-weather durability
- Meets UL and CSA building codes
Multimeter Tool
There may be times in RVing when you have electrical pole issues or other electrical mysteries. It is helpful to have a multimeter to troubleshoot electrical problems around your RV.
Adhesives and Sealants:
Caulking Gun
The exterior caulking on the roof of your RV as well as around parts on the side walls of your RV, crack or separate over time. It is very important to check your roof and other areas where caulk has been applied often. Be sure to touch up or reapply caulking whenever needed to prevent RV water damage.
- Steel half-barrel (also called cradle) frame caulking gun for…
- Thrust ratio of 10:1 for use with low viscosity materials
- Smooth pressure rod requires less force and is quieter than a…
- Rod retracts after each pull of the trigger to help prevent…
- Handle and trigger are padded for comfort
Duct Tape
Duct tape is helpful to have for anything you are doing in life, but especially in RVing. It can be used to seal or temporarily repair torn items, hold items in place while working with them, or repel water as a temporary patch.
- Recommended for temporary household repairs including holding,…
- Works on a variety of surfaces, including wood, vinyl, plastic,…
- Tears easily by hand without curling for quick fixes
- Conforms to uneven surfaces for difficult DIY projects that…
- Strong adhesion with waterproof backing for both indoor and…
Super Glue
Super glue is helpful to hold items in place or in temporary RV repairs.
Thread Seal Tape
Thread seal tape has many uses in RV plumbing. It can be used on the campground water spigot to prevent leaks when connecting your RV water. It can also be helpful when pipe threads have been stripped and you are having a tough time connecting your RV hose.
- ❤Superior Quality: ❤Thread sealant tape is made of teflon,is…
- ❤Multi-Use: ❤Working for both air and water , plastic and…
- ❤Simple & Efficient to Use: ❤simply wrap the tape around the…
- ❤Package Includes: ❤These tapes measuring 1/2 x 520 inches in…
- ❤Standard Grade: ❤Standard quality for home, commercial and…
Fasteners and Ties:
Bungee Cords
Bungee cords can have many uses around your RV. They can be used to group items together and keep things from shifting. Bungee cords are especially helpful for securing items in the back of a truck or in the RV storage bay.
Zip Ties
Zip ties are another item like duck tape that everyone needs no matter what they are doing in life. In your RV, zip ties secure and hold items in place temporarily so you can work on them or organize items.
- 【Zip Ties Packing Including】HAVE ME TD Zip Ties Total:400pcs…
- 【Cable Ties Loop Tensile Strength】Loop tensile strength:…
- 【Black Zip Tie Self-locking Design】HAVE ME TD zip ties…
- 【Multiple purpose Zip Ties】 Perfect Choice for home, office,…
- 【Zip Ties Black】Whenever you need sort out your different…
Multipurpose Tools:
Multi-Tool
This extremely versatile grab-and-go tool can be used on just about anything around your RV.
- 15-IN-1 MULTI-TOOL: Features spring-loaded needle nose pliers,…
- SURVIVAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT: Made from stainless steel that will…
- SLIM DESIGN: Easily accessible and fits compactly in a pocket or…
- CAMPING ACCESSORIES: Great for any hunter, tradesman, and the…
- CONVENIENT SIZE: 4.25″ closed length and 6.5″ open length; 6.4 oz…
Utility Knife or Pocket Knife
Utility or pocket knives have many uses, including breaking down boxes and packaging or as a handy grab-and-go tool.
- Ultra sharpness and double hardness blade, Perfect for hobby, DIY…
- Comes with 2-pack utility knife, retractable design and folding…
- Blade storage design for easy and quick access. Extra 3 blades…
- Extra 10-piece blades included
- Quick-change blade mechanism
Protective Gear:
Leather Gloves and Disposable Gloves
Leather gloves are helpful to protect your hands during RV projects. Disposable gloves are important to have for connecting or disconnecting the RV sewer and when dumping RV tanks.
Lighting:
Headlamp
A headlamp helps you to be able to see in dark spaces during projects while still being able to use your hands versus trying to hold a flashlight. It can also be great for hiking after dark, riding bikes at night, or even just walking around the campground.
- ☀[ Super Bright ] Advanced XPE LED white and red light chips…
- ☀[ 4 Modes & 60°Adjustable ] Our head lamp features 3…
- ☀[ Waterproof & Durable ] Meeting the standard of IPX5…
- ☀[ Lightweight & Compact ] Weights only 2.1 oz each, our…
- ☀[ Great Gift Choice ] Come and order our red headlamp as a…
Wrenches and Sockets
Hex Key Allen Wrench Set
Another helpful wrench set that you will want to have in both standard and metric is a hex key Allen wrench set. This type of wrench is often used in item assembly, such as RV furniture.
- ▲ PREMIUM MATERIAL – Heat treated chrome vanadium steel…
- ▲ PRECISE AND CHAMFERED TIP – Precisely machined and chamfered…
- ▲ CLASSIC L-SHAPED DESIGN – Versatile long / short arm design…
- ▲ STAY ORGANIZED – Comes in a compact and foldable storage…
- ▲ COMPLETE SIZE COVERAGE – Includes 30 different sizes from…
Socket Sets in Standard and Metric
It is helpful to have both standard and metric socket sets in your RV toolbox. It is also important to include a socket to fit your wheel lugnut size. RV trailer wheel lug nuts need to be regularly torqued to specification.
Torque Wrench or Lug Wrench
This wrench is used with the correct size socket to tighten RV trailer wheel lug nuts. Trailer vibration can cause the wheel lug nuts to loosen over time, and checking the torque should be a regular part of your travel day tire checking routine.
- Durable Ratchet Head: Made from Hardened treated Chrome Vanadium…
- Easy Storage: A sturdy plastic storage case is included. Non-Slip…
- Easy to Read: High Contrast & Dual Range Scale. Accurate:…
- Accessories included: 1/2″ Drive 5″ long Extension Bar and 1/2″…
- Simple and Reliable: “Click” sound tells the preset torque…
Storage
Tool Bag
Staying organized in your small space can help you find exactly what you need when you need it. Having a toolbox or bag to keep items neatly stored can be very helpful.
Additional Items Every RVer Should Have To Prevent Damage
Surge Protector
While not classified as tools for RV maintenance or repairs, certain items are crucial for preventing RV issues. Every RV necessitates a surge protector to safeguard sensitive electronics from low power voltage, power surges, and incorrectly grounded power. Although certain RVs are equipped with built-in surge protectors, the majority require a separate one.
Water Pressure Regulator
To safeguard your RV’s plumbing, it’s essential to use a water pressure regulator that prevents surges or excessive pressure levels. Elevated water pressure can harm the pipeline, resulting in leaks or water damage. Therefore, protecting your RV’s plumbing system is as crucial as safeguarding its electrical systems.
Tip To Track RV Maintenance
Did you know there is an easy way to keep track of RV maintenance tasks right within the RV Life Pro membership? RV LIFE Maintenance is a valuable feature of the RV LIFE Pro suite of resources. This tool enables you to schedule and monitor your RV’s maintenance tasks easily.
This tool monitors the maintenance requirements of your RV model by uploading the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules. You can utilize this feature to generate a customized maintenance schedule, categorize crucial documents like warranties, receipts, and invoices, and supervise expenses. Furthermore, this website enables you to oversee fuel consumption and expenses for your generator and RV.
Maintaining and repairing your RV can be made simple with the appropriate tools. The 31 tools listed below are essential for fundamental maintenance and repairs. No matter the scale of the task, whether it be a minor daily fix or a larger-scale project, you won’t be caught off guard by frustrating complications that arise while traveling or at home in your RV.
Product data was last updated on 2023-09-21 at 23:12.
