tool issue?

[Wagonmaster]

As you know we are in the process of getting ready to go full timing. I am trying to figure out what I might need in the way of tools to take on the road. I don't want to over do it or under do it either. So I thought I would ask the full timing guys what they carry on the road? I will cary an ac and dc compressors and the usual assortment of wrenches and socket set. I was wondering about any special tools. I know I can't turn my tool box into my work shed, it is hard to let go. Janet will probable have some questions for the ladies later on. Thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement, it helps. Jack, Janet & koko

[Parrothead]

Jack, do a search. We had a really good thread on this some months back with a lot of suggestions.
Happy trails..........................

[jrgwdenner]

Well, let's do a refresher. Maybe some of the newbies who have joined the forum will help those of us who are starting this process with some new ideas. We need all the help we can get!

[stiles watson]

I had the same problem. To the regular stuff, I added sharp-shooter shovel, axe, circle saw, dremel kit, box of assorted length Robinson screws, a variety of tapes, i.e., electrical, teflon, duct, reinforced, super tape, and roll of plumber's putty; power drill, rotary tool, machete,and a gorilla folding ladder. One of the handest is a 10-in-1 screw driver by Stanley tools. Also added a sledge hammer, bow saw for tree limbs and an extendable tree trimmer/saw. My compressor is too large to carry, but I do have an inflater. Have jack stands and two 8 ton bottle jacks. Sockets include 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" drive sets, both metric and standard. Basic carpentry tools like tri-square, level, chalk line and a hot glue gun. Have a set of files and a punch and cold chisels set.

After a year, I may re-evaluate what I am carrying and sell, trade, or off-load some of it. Murphy's law says, "What ever you got, you need something else."

[dsprik]

I am watching this closely, also. Machette, Stiles? That's not something specific to Hong Kong, is it??? Sorry... just struck me funny...

[Sweetfire]

I'm camping next to Stiles from now on.

[dsprik]

Just don't make him mad, Dennis...

[Sweetfire]

Yeah, he may take my 5er apart.

[dsprik]

I was thinking of the machete...

[Mac]

I'm not sure I want to camp next to Stiles!

mac

[dsprik]

Actually, Stiles, that gives me an idea... I think that if one just had a sledge hammer and a machete, one could really fix just about anything... even "customer service"... at least you would get their attention.

[Sweetfire]

I don't have much room to talk though. Among all the other stuff I carry there is/are;
1 - 50 amp cord, 2 - 30 amp cords, surge protector, autoformer, assorted power cord plug end converters, an electric chain saw, a 2 ton bottle jack, a Little Giant ladder, a shovel, a rake, a wrench set, a hammer, a hatchet, and a machete (yes Dave, I have one too).

[dsprik]

I guess I need one too, then... Actually I think I have one at my parents house from a long time ago. I'll have to go get it now.

Why do you carry 2, 30 amp cords, Dennis?

[Sweetfire]

Because I have them???? I don't know really. I've seen those harnesses that combine two 30 amp cords into one 50 amp cord, but I don't have one. Guess that's one thing I can leave home.

[FulltimeFollies]

Well I dont have a machette, but I do carry a chain saw. I carry the regular socket set, necessary screwdrivers, battery powered drill, hand saw, complete set of wrenches box/open combo. Necessary assortment of pliers, tape, elec wire, hammer, jack, torque wrench (for the lugs), and just some misc other tools, like test light etc. I carry most of these in the tool box mounted on the bed of the truck and I have room for more if I can figure out what to use em for.

[JH Sechelt]

We were out last weekend and had to use our two 30 amp cords. the power box was by the front of our trailer. 30' from the back. one 25' cord just won't do it. Acually I put a 50 amp end on one of the cords so it could plug into the trailer without an adapter, the other cord just for the above reason.
We have all your basic tools, ladders ,saws, testers, hammer, axes, etc. I also have a 14.4V battery powered 1/2 impact gun. it has adapters for drill bits, screwdriver bits and will work as a hammer drill if needed. I have used it a fair amount.
J & D

[Wagonmaster]

Thanks everyone. I have a good idea of what to take with me now. I have a book of complete rv maintainence and repair. I have read throught it twice and then put a note on the front cover, call a rv repair man. Just kidding. Thanks again Jack

[stiles watson]

About that machete, it is a holdover from backpacking days. It was valuable in the bush. I retained all my backpacking gear. We also have a two man (or man and woman) inflateable canoe.

And no, I don't have any of this in Hong Kong. Can you believe it? I had to go out and buy a back pack over here. With all the walking that HKers do, everyone carries a day pack.

Back to the States, I picked up a little plug in tester to determine if the camp ground wiring is properly done. Polarity makes a difference. I have found several uses for a multitestor, both in the RV and in the TV. Radio Shack had one that would fit in my shirt pocket.

Ok, Ok, so I carry a lot of stuff. It comes from being a do-it-yourselfer since my twenties, first out of necessity and then out of enjoyment, now out of habit.

Oddly enough, in Hong Kong they don't know what it means to be a do-it-yourselfer. Their idea is to call a technician to do everything. They look at me in amazement. "You can do that?" is a typical response. Watson is a Scot name. I find it hard to pay for what I can do myself. Ok, now it is your turn to confess.

[dsprik]

My wife WANTS me to pay for what I tell her I can do myself...

[Sweetfire]

After I get done "FIXING" something it usually costs twice as much to have it work again. Now, if you want a vehicle cut up then I'm your man, I can sure take things apart.