RV Tool Kit Checklist: FREE Printable Packing List
We created this RV tool kit checklist to ensure our travel tool boxes are suitably stocked. You’ll find a FREE printable version of our RV Tool Kit Checklist at the bottom of this post.
So many RV tips and hacks require a tool or two! We’ve been camping for years, as tent campers we needed certain supplies; when we transitioned to RV camping we needed different types of tools.
Psst we’re compensated…see our disclosures.
What You Need In Your RV Tool Set
This is our comprehensive list but every RV and camping trip is unique so add and subtract from our list to meet your specific travel needs.
Items To Carry In Travel Tool Boxes
- Tool set in carry case
- Hammer
- Rubber mallet
- Cordless drill that is portable and rechargeable It’s a good idea to have a variety of drill bits and to have the ability to screw into wood, metal and plastic with a phillips-head and to be able to countersink using a variable speed drill.
- This is also one of the best purchases if you don’t want to crank a manually operated style stabilizer jack
- Hacksaw
- Pry bar/nail puller
- Torque wrench These are good for tightening truck and trailer nuts and bolts to the proper foot pound torque settings on tires, hitches, suspensions etc. Make sure you have the proper extensions to reach the bolts you need to tighten. A good socket set is an important addition for safe RV travels.
- Level
- Wire brushes
- Inspection mirror with LED lights
Tool Set In Carry Case
Whether your tow vehicle and RV has SAE or Metric sizes, make sure your RV toolkit is compatible with your equipment. Remember, a Chevy or Ford is not necessarily SAE so be sure you know your actual needs.
Performance Tool – 123pc Mechanic’s Tool Set (W1801), Hand Tools – Tool Sets
This is an auto and RV tool set that can be used for basic repairs and maintenance … and … using a kit is one of the best RV organization ideas. We like using a basic tool kit in an easy-to-carry case that keeps things organized in a limited amount of space.
This one is nice because it has essentials like ratchet, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hex keys, and sockets, square drive adapters, 1-inch bits and more.
Inspection Mirror With LED Lights
Using an Inspection mirror with LED lights is the only way to easily see out-of-the-way inspection points.
Inspection MirrorLED LightedTelescoping Up To 24 inches
This telescoping mirror extends up to 24 inches and the 360 degree flexible goosehead makes it easy to inspect leaks, breaks or locate lost tools in dimly lit areas with its two bright white LED lights.
RV Tools Needed For Tires
- Portable air compressor (for inflating tires, air bags for your vehicle if it has them and other inflatable products like air mattresses etc.)
- Spare tire for RV trailer and tow vehicle
- Floor jack
- Digital tire pressure gauge
Digital Tire Gauge
A digital tire gauge quickly provides accurate tire pressure readings which is important for the highest level of safety and gas mileage while traveling.
If you operate at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level, you should maximize the life of your tires.
Floor Jack
Even though a floor jack is heavier and more cumbersome than a typical scissor jack, we think it is worth the weight to carry because it is more stable, easier to use and generally has capacity to handle heavier weights.
Blackhawk B6350 Black/Red Fast Lift Service Jack – 3.5 Ton Capacity
We have used ours on our RV as well as our tow vehicle. It is especially helpful when changing a tire on the side of a busy highway; the floor jack makes for a stable, safer and faster event.
Camping In Remote Areas
You want to be especially prepared with RV tools for flat tires if you are doing any free camping in remote areas that have rough dirt roads and poor cell coverage.
Roadside Emergency Equipment For RV Tool Boxes
Being prepared for a roadside emergency is one of the most important aspects of camping safety for RVers.
- Roadside assistance kit
- Safety cones
- Flares
- Tow strap
- Fire extinguisher
- Jumper cables (or a jump starter if you don’t want to rely on someone to give you a jump with cables)
- Gasoline in a steel can
Roadside Assistance Kit
When you are in a roadside emergency situation you don’t want to be digging through your storage bins for your emergency equipment.
It is really helpful to have a roadside assistance kit with the basic things you need after you have safely pulled off the side of the road.
We like kits because they have the things you need all in one place and are packed for efficiency requiring minimal storage space which is awesome when you are planning simple camping trips.
Top Gear Premium Roadside Assistance Kit (66-piece)
Easy access to things like battery booster cables, warning triangle, reflective safety vest, hand squeeze flashlight, lightsticks, a mini first aid kit, various types of fasteners etc. are important to have readily available in the event of a roadside emergency.
Helpful Camping Apps
If you get into a situation and you need a little extra help, take advantage of the best camping apps that are totally FREE!
They can help you find stores and services you may need during your RV trip.
Lights And Electrical Equipment For RV Camper Tool Kits
- Diagonal wire cutters, crimpers, electrical connectors
- Bulbs for tail light, turn signal
- Voltmeter
- Battery terminal post cleaner
- Solder, soldering iron
- Surge protector This is one of the most important things you can do to prevent electrical problems in your rig. If the shore power at the RV park or campground is delivering power that surges, your electrical system can suffer serious damage if you don’t have a surge protector.
- Proximity tester
- Frequency meter
- Flashlight, spare batteries
- Headlamp, spare batteries
Voltmeter
A voltmeter is an inexpensive yet very valuable item to have in your RV toolbox. A voltmeter allows you to test the condition of your RV batteries before and during your camping trip.
Knowing the remaining charge on your batteries is important; you don’t want to be surprised when your lights go out as a result of your batteries going dead.
A voltmeter can also be used to check the shore power (also known as RV electric hookups and RV power outlet box) at your campsite destination for proper polarity and volts.
If the voltage being supplied is inadequate to meet your AC electrical needs, you could inadvertently drain your RV batteries.
Voltmeters are also able to troubleshoot power problems in your RV, check integrity of its fuses and the continuity within the RV’s electrical system.
Voltmeters & RV Batteries
A voltmeter is a critical piece of equipment to have in your RV tool kit when it comes to your RV’s electrical system … and especially your battery system if you do a lot of off-the-grid boondocking.
Find more information in our How To Choose, Use And Maintain The Best RV Battery post.
Voltmeters are also helpful when you’re using AC outlets when you’re off the grid. Know how to install a power inverter in a camper.
Propane Fuel Equipment For RV Toolkits
- Propane gas meter
- Covers for propane tanks are a great way to keep them protected in the great outdoors and while traveling down the highway
- Propane tank refill adapter
- Torch aka The He-Man Boy Scout Fire Starter Stick
Propane Gas Meter
Having a propane gas meter allows you to monitor the fuel level in the tank without having to actually remove the tank from the RV.
This equipment can also limit the flow of propane if it detects a leak … which is a great safety feature.
These meters are designed to work with 20 – 40 pound tanks which are some of the most convenient portable propane tank sizes for RV camping!
Propane Tank Refill Adapter
Even though most RVs have amazing kitchens, we still prefer to cook our camp stove recipes outdoors.
One drawback with using portable camping stoves is the need for small propane cylinders which can run out of fuel before the weekend is over if you are using it enough.
That problem is eliminated by using a propane tank refill adapter which easily transfers propane from your large RV propane tank to your small propane cylinders used with your camping stove.
We also love the eco-friendliness of reusing and refilling the small cylinder rather than disposing of empty cylinders after a single use.
We find the propane tank refill adapter easy to use; be sure to follow the manufactures instructions for safe operation.
These little gadgets are great camping gifts for guys because they are practical, easy to use, inexpensive and an awesome piece of camping gear he will use over and over again!
At a certain point in time, you might decide your 1lb propane cylinders are getting worn out so you should think about what to do with empty 1lb propane bottles.
How To Transfer Propane Into 1lb Cylinders
If you have never completed a propane tank refill, How To Refill 1 lb Propane Cylinders, Tanks And “Disposable” Small Camping Propane Bottles post has step by step instructions with photos … it is probably easier than you think!
Garden Torch
My husband’s ultimate favorite tool in our RV tool kit is what he calls “The He-Man Boy Scout Fire Starter Stick”. This thing is awesome! He considers it to be one of the items at the top of the list of best propane camping gear!
Why would you ever use kindling to start the campfire on those cool mornings when you have one of these?
When you hear this thing fire up you know the campfire will be roaring in short order and the camp coffee will be percolating soon after.
This torch uses a typical screw-on portable camping stove cylinder and has a self-lighting igniter. You will love it!
Camping Propane Tips
There are so many amazing uses for camping propane, we’ve dedicated an entire series to the subject!
Adhesives And Fasteners For RV Camper Trailer Tool Kits
- Electrical tape, Teflon, double stick and duct tape
- Tie wraps/zip ties
- RV Roof Sealant Tape with roller and/or Self-Leveling Lap Sealant Caulk and caulking gun (these are essential tools to patch a roof tear or holes you deliberately drilled to mount things, like solar panels, and repair damaged seals)
- Rope
- Epoxy putty
- ABS cement
- Bungee cords
- Weather stripping
- Plumber’s Putty
- The normal little things you get at a local auto or hardware store before hitting the open road like coolant and other normal vehicle liquids
Bungee Cords
As you know bungee cords have thousands of uses, especially this pack with assorted types and sizes.
Cartman Bungee Cords Assortment Jar 24 Piece in Jar – Includes 10
We use bungee cords lots of ways when camping, here are a few of our favorites:
- Securing lightweight items in the bed of our truck so they don’t blow out while towing our RV down the highway,
- Keeping tarps secured while protecting our campfire wood from getting wet in a breezy and wet rainstorm and …
- they make great make-shift clotheslines so you can dry your wet clothes before packing them for the trip home.
When it comes to camping tips for RVers and tent campers … packing bungees is critical gear for everyone!
Add These Items To Your Regular RV Checklists
Bungee cords are great for RV tool boxes but they are soooooo important for daily camping needs, we’ve included them on our regular checklist for camping, Ultimate RV And Tent Camping Checklist and you can grab your FREE copy of that checklist too!
Plumber’s Putty
You might be surprised plumber’s putty made our list, but we included it because we found it useful a few times out in the wilderness as a temporary fix to a problem.
Oatey 31166 Hardware Sealers, 14 Oz, Beige
On one camping trip we encountered a rainstorm and had a ceiling vent begin leaking. Plumber’s putty saved the day and kept us dry for the duration of our camping trip.
It proved to be a great temporary fix until we could properly repair the leak once we returned home.
Misc. Supplies For RV Travel Trailer Tool Kits
- Work gloves
- Rags
- Ground cloth
- Scotchbrite pads
- Small assortment nuts, bolts, screws
- Box cutter/utility knife
- Scissors
- Pocket knife
- Replacement anode rod if your rig has one in the water heater
- WD 40
- Set of allen wrenches
- Pocket Multi Tool
- A telescoping ladder gives an RV owner peace of mind when you are addressing specific needs in high areas you can’t reach from your mounted ladder. Check out our picks for the best RV ladders with our VIDEO to help you find the best option for your RV adventures. Whether you have a big rig or a small camper.
Pocket Multi Tool
This Stanley 12 In One Multi Tool is an item that fits in your pocket and fills all the squares for tasks requiring a small tool.
STANLEY Multitool, 12-in-1, Stainless Steel, Black Pouch
Whether it’s around the campsite or in the RV, someone always needs it. It does it all. My husband had one and found that everyone was always borrowing it.
He was tired of trying to figure out who had it during the times he needed it, so he bought one of his own and keeps it in his pocket so he does not have to share it. It’s a great little tool!
Get the Camping For Foodies FREE RV Took Kit Checklist and more!
Just click and let us know where to email your list!
Get More RV Camping Tips
We’ve got tons of information to help you enjoy the most relaxing trips you can have in your recreational vehicle!
Don’t Run Your RV Kitchen Dry!
Check out our VIDEO to see how to make a DIY portable water tank for RV boondocking so you can just connect your water hose to this simple tank and use a gravity feed to refill your fresh water tank!
Tips For Last Minute Camping
No matter how fast we are trying to get out of town on a last minute camping trip, our multi-tool is one of the items on our checklist that is never left at home!
We have helpful articles that cover options if you have limited space and less time for your RV camping trip s. If you practice simple camping you’ll only carry essential gear, and for obvious reasons, you’ll enjoy an easier RV lifestyle.
Plan Your Route With Our FREE Planner
In addition to your tool list, you will love using our FREE Printable Camping Route Planner!
Setting Up Campsites
A new RVer can learn a few things from full-time RVers who have been around the block a few times. Even if you’re traveling to a brand new site, we’ve got tips to make campsite setup quick and simple.
How To Stop Your Awning From Flapping
The best part about having a fully stocked RV Tool Kit is being able to handle those “unexpected” events at the campsite.
Like when our old RV awning tiedown strap kit did not fit the awning on our new-to-us RV … and … we didn’t realize it until we were out for the first time on a trip.
One of our favorite hacks that came from having a fully stocked RV tool box is our awning tiedown project.
Check out “My Husband’s Corner” post Genius RV Awning Tie Down Hack How To DIY VIDEO to get all of the detailed simple step-by-step instructions in addition to the video!
Boondocking Tips
If you are using this checklist in preparation for a boondocking trip, don’t stop with the tools! We have a comprehensive post so you are ready for every aspect of camping in the wild!
Check out our Boondocking: How And Where To Go Dispersed Camping post for more information.
Tips For RV Beginners
Are you an RV newbie who is just starting in your new camper experiences? Check out these RVing Tips For Beginners: Enjoying The Maiden Journey for advice on driving, organizing, trip planning and more!
RV Winter Camping Tips
You will need to stock your RV Tool Kit with a few extra items if you are planning on camping in harsh winter conditions.
So, if you are thinking of doing some RV camping in the winter, don’t hit the road until you check out our Winter RV Camping Tips!
Cool Gifts For RVers
Tools for an RVer’s tool box can make really awesome and practical gifts! Sometimes you want to get a little more creative and fun when it comes to gift-giving.
Our Gift Ideas RV Owners Will Be Crazy About include tons of gifts ideas that are totally unique and loved by RV owners!
Patriotic & Unique Camping Flags
You may need to use a small tool from your RV Tool Kit if you are planning to raise a flag at your campsite (depending on the type of flag you are raising, of course). Flying an American flag is super popular but so are personalized flags and fun spinners.
Check out these Flag Your Camp With Cool Camping Spinners for a little inspiration on how you can express yourself through a campsite flag!
How To Legally Camp In National Forests
If you have been following our blog for any length of time, you know our favorite form of camping is going dispersed “boondocking” in National Forests.
When we do, we require a few extra tools in our RV Tool Kit because we don’t have water, power or sewer hookups. Check out Camping In National Forests to get some helpful tips!
Guide To Camping Generators
If you are remote camping and using a generator for your power source, you will need to add some specific tools to your RV Tool Kit.
Check out these Best Quiet Generators For Camping for help to determine your power and equipment needs with our handy calculator!
Trip Meal Ideas
Don’t head off on your next trip without planning some awesome meals!
If you’re looking for awesome ideas for yummy camping food, you’re in the right place! Here’s our entire camping recipes list.
What do you think?
Leave me a comment, question or suggestion below. I’d love to hear from you so let’s chat.