Most commonly replaced parts

[Rick-Sr]

We are picking up our new-to-us 2016 Montana 3710 FL in a couple weeks. I’ve never been very faithful at maintaining things and am determined to do a better job with our new full-time home. When I was in manufacturing one of the things we commonly did was develop a criticality list for parts that we need to keep on hand to keep the line running. Based on my reading on different forums and Facebook I’m thinking that might be a wise thing to do here as well.

So here’s my question, I wonder where we might find a list of the most commonly replaced parts on late-model Montana’s? We could then cross reference that with parts that are critical to the safe operation of the rig, and then decide which, if any, of those parts we would want to keep on hand and which we would be willing to wait a few days to have delivered.

Or is that just crazy-talk, given the limited space and weight restrictions we usually have??

[K0LCB]

I believe the only parts I’ve had to replace more than once was tires

[1retired06]

I don't carry much in the way of parts other than a collection of screws, bolts, electrical tape, fuses, etc. We have never been stranded because of a parts failure, and if I need a part, more often than not it is available at a nearby Ace, lowes, Home Depot, a local RV supplier, or 2-3 days from Amazon Prime. In the early days I did carry parts, now I don't. Common problems include plumbing and electrical issues.
Tools, on the other hand, different ballgame:
Compressor, telescopic 10 foot ladder, battery charger, power drill, sabre saw, complete set of sockets and end wrenches, 2 20 ton bottle Jacks, and large assortment of hand tools. Some of them carried in our Truck bed storage box, some in the fiver itself.

[WeBeFulltime]

Duct tape and WD-40!

[mlh]

A few screws some wire and fuses and tools. I carry a tool set from Lowes and a compressor a 4 ton jack and a multi gage.
Lynwood

[DQDick]

Added to what has been suggested so far I carry a torque wrench and supplies to fix roof problems (Eternabond tape and Dicor self leveling lap sealant).

[BuilderBob]

Welcome! Hand tools, screws, nuts & bolts duck tape, Eternabond tape you can fix a lot of things with that and lap sealant. The rest you is learn as you go or ask the question to the forum.

Bob & Carol
Washington St
2017 HC HM352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW CC LB 4x4

Happy Trails

[Eagleback]

Thermistor with the clip if you have a Norcold. fuses, silicone spray, 303 protectant. And if you have a Thetford toilet then a Dometic 310 or 320 toilet that will save you from a flood..

[Troutn]

Originally Posted by Eagleback

Thermistor with the clip if you have a Norcold. fuses, silicone spray, 303 protectant. And if you have a Thetford toilet then a Dometic 310 or 320 toilet that will save you from a flood..

All good replies and input. Most things I have picked up from experience and have served me well later as has been noted in other replies.

[jeffba]

Originally Posted by WeBeFulltime

Duct tape and WD-40!

Gorilla tape

[Rick-Sr]

Lots of really good advice and ideas, guys! Thank you! I’m gonna put together a master list and start putting the tool box together. Thanks, dudes!

[mtlakejim]

I would suggest carrying critical items for systems that would keep you from rolling down the road (IE: a set of bearings and a couple of bolts for the suspension). Other than that some universal hardware and maybe a few commonly failing and unique to the RV parts that would be difficult to replace at a Lowes or Home Depot. I have found a short piece of 2x4 and small piece of plywood handy in a pinch too if you have the room.


As for tools, you can get as crazy as you want (I even carry some of my cordless power tools). But for sure a socket set, a few hand tools and absolutely get a volt/ohm meter!!

[Texan]

Carry a large piece of cardboard folded up in case of needing to get under rv or truck and 1/2'' cordless impact with 6'' extension and deep socket for truck and rv. I carry a 7/8 for truck and 13/16 i believe for rv. As has been said, there is usually an Lowe's,Home Depot, hardware store and in very rare cases Amazon. You can't cover all bases but plenty of suggestions on here to get you started with a stock pile of tools for those unseen emergencies and still leave you wondering how you forgot something.Good Luck.

[Dave W]

A few of the parts failure pieces that I carry -

- Set of wheel bearings and a seal for one wheel
- Propane pigtail
- Hose washers
- Hose repair ends
- Fuses, blade and tubular (if yours has any)
- Spare 120VAC breaker
- Some 12 ga wire
- One of each outside light bulbs
- Selection of screws, nuts and bolts
- Roll of Eternabond tape
- Tube of Dicor and gun
. Lubricants - bearing grease, silicone, lithium dry lube, brake fluid if disc brakes on your 5er

I have a plastic tub which I use to carry these items (and more) plus quite possibly enough tools in a DeWalt tool box to overhaul an engine (gas, not my diesel)


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[The Bone]

I carry a small set of drill bits.
Hacksaw
Hammer 22oz.
most of the rest have been said already

[GAinaMontana]

A pair of 24" slip-jaw pliers come in handy. I carry a torque ratchet wrench, extension and deep well sockets to match the lugs and suspension nuts and bolts. Most of the rest has been mentioned above.

[jeffba]

Adult beverage of your choosing, to help pass the time away while waiting for Roadside Assistance to come. Because you forgot that "one thing to bring".

[captl27]

I feel the most important thing you can bring with you is a knowledge of your rig. For example how to retracted your slides without the use of your switches (hot wire) the controls also the hydraulic leveling system. That way you can get to the place you need to get to or at least to a repair center. The other thing I think you should have is some way of snaking your toilet. In the past 15 years with fifth wheels I have had 3 occasions where the toilet backed up or the outlet clogged both of which a snake would have come in handy. I feel the key to RVing is to understand your systems because even a failure of the awning could keep you from your next planned stop.

[AZ Traveler]

Recommend a credit card and cell phone plus a directory of mobile techs.

[BiggarView]

Some things that you have to wait for are an inconvenience like non critical light bulbs, some you may not want to wait days for parts to arrive.... I can think of one... a spare anode for the water heater. As an ex-Navy storekeeper, you get to appreciate the methodology of keeping only critical failure items that will cripple your plans if they fail, if you can get by without it for a few days, you don't need to carry it. Agree bearings would be a good one to have also. Logic says dicor, eternabond, duct or gorilla tape, bailing wire, WD40 all good items to carry for the inevitable repair, temporary or otherwise.